Grey Eagle Resort & Casino

Stay at a Vegas-style resort and casino that hosts world-class acts such as Diana Ross and Jay Leno and enjoy a getaway that’s right on the doorstep of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, with all of the hiking, skiing, and biking found there. You’re also right next to one of North America’s most dynamic cities.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” says Matt Squires, director of sales and marketing for Grey Eagle Resort & Casino in Calgary, Alberta. Located in the beautiful, rolling foothills of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, this entertainment destination has a state-of-the-art events centre, hotel, and conference facilities. Its casino features 40 live table games, 900 slot machines, a 24/7 poker room and an active, not-for-profit bingo schedule.

Grey Eagle draws a range of guests, about 30 percent of whom are Aboriginal people from B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan. International visitors are increasingly arriving from China, Taiwan, Japan, and Germany. “People are very curious about First Nations history,” says Squires. “We’ve started offering a blessing and smudging services to groups who want to incorporate that.” The resort’s two restaurants and two bars also add Aboriginal touches to their menus, such as cheeses with house-made bannock and saskatoon berry jam. Squires says that Chef Bill Alexander, who is part Iroquois and Mohawk from Ottawa, loves to include game meat on the menu. “His bison meatball sandwich is to die for.”