No. 1Before any plan
Whichever B.C. casino you visit, the entrance is where each guest must show an original photo ID that a government issued. Photos or copies are not accepted. Gaming is for adults 19 and over.
BCLC lists the casino floor as open 24 hours a day, while live tables close from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekday mornings. Restaurants and the theatre keep their own hours, which are noted below. The desk lists prices only where the resort publishes them. For menus, tickets and other details, you may wish to check riverrock.com.
No. 2A dinner-and-show evening
When to go: The Show Theatre has 965 seats and hosts concerts and tribute acts. You may wish to check the events page for the current list.
Getting there: The Canada Line stops at Bridgeport Station, next to the resort. Drivers can use the self-parking in the West lot and confirm its terms with the resort. Further detail is on Canada Line and parking.
Where to eat: Gordon Ramsay Steak has a bar and lounge and an outdoor Marina Terrace. If your show starts at 8 p.m., an early reservation leaves an unhurried margin. You may wish to confirm its dinner hours with the resort when booking. The Chairman's Room Lounge on the third floor is a lighter option.
Budget note: You may also wish to read The Show Theatre before booking.
No. 3A daytime outing
When to go: The Chairman's Room Lounge opens at 7 a.m. and serves breakfast until 11:30 a.m. In the Action Arena, craps runs daily from 11 a.m.
Getting there: Travelling by transit means you need not think about parking. If you drive, the West lot is off River Road, and the resort can confirm its parking terms. The walk from there to the hotel entrance takes about 5 minutes.
Budget note: Daytime visits can stretch longer than planned. It may help to settle on an amount and a time to leave before you arrive.
No. 4An evening with friends at the tables
When to go: The Action Arena offers roulette, craps, $10 baccarat and $5 sic bo. Craps runs until 2 a.m. The main floor offers blackjack, baccarat, roulette and several poker-based table games. There is also a Texas Hold'em poker room, open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. and nonstop from Friday 10 a.m. to Monday 4 a.m.
Getting there: If anyone in the group plans to drink, the Canada Line is the simpler choice. Ordering alcohol in the lounge requires you to be at least 19.
Where to eat: Gordon Ramsay Steak has private dining for groups. The Chairman's Room Buffet is another option. Please confirm which days it runs before planning around it.
Budget note: Each person might set a personal limit and regard that amount as the price of the evening out. Agreeing on a time to leave can also help.
No. 5A stopover near the airport
The Canada Line runs from YVR to Bridgeport in about 7 minutes. By car, the trip takes about 10 minutes. Details are on From YVR airport.
For an overnight stay, the hotel charges a resort fee of $19.99 per room per night plus tax. Overnight valet parking is $33. The pool and fitness centre are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Luggage storage is not published, so you may wish to ask the hotel directly. Please allow a generous margin for the return trip to the airport. Further detail is on Staying at River Rock.
No. 6Keeping the outing in proportion
GameSense Advisors work at every B.C. casino and can help anyone who is experiencing harm from gambling. If gambling stops feeling like entertainment, Gambling Support BC is free and available 24/7 at 1-888-795-6111. Further options are on Support services.