The Parq Vancouver casino is a short drive from Kitsilano and reopened alongside British Columbia’s other casinos on Canada Day. The occasion marked a welcome milestone in the province’s progress against the pandemic, with 70% of the populace required to have had at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine to hit Step 3 in the recovery plan. As it went, almost 80% of Left Coasters had hit the mark by July 1st, and an end was brought to BC’s longest ever (469 days) state of emergency.
As we continue to ease our way out of the pandemic, with ongoing precautions and easy access to vaccinations, it’s natural to want to let off some steam. The last 18 months have very much been about sweatpants and routine, so the opportunity to dress up and do something different is very welcome. What’s on offer at the Parq Vancouver complex?
Intriguing restaurant options
Sin City these days is as much a foodie destination as it is for gambling. When your competition is chefs like Gordon Ramsay, José Andrés and Giada de Laurentiis you have to be an ace to survive. Vegas veterans, husband and wife team Kim Canteenwalla and Elizabeth Blau helm 8 restaurants within the Parq complex. Honey Salt is Canadian-born Kim’s Vegas flagship, brought north. Expect farm to table cooking with a big focus on local ingredients. Want to cheer on the Canucks but couldn’t get tickets for Rogers Arena? BC Kitchen has burgers, beers and 15 TVs for game and fight nights. For celebrating, Lotus Bar has a large champagne and wine offering, and for commiserating, there’s a selection of whisky that could cheer up the most devastated sports fan.
Table – Blackjack But No Poker?
Well, no poker for now. The Parq Vancouver Casino is currently building a state of the art poker room on the second floor, which will offer Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Pai Gow poker (amongst others) across 8 tables on a 24/7 basis. For now, the Koi Salon has baccarat, blackjack and roulette in a stunning setting. There are 4 open air balconies that offer stunning city views if you’re taking a break from the action, and the in-salon Noodle Bar has soups and rice dishes to sustain players over the evening.
State of the Art Slots
Among the extensive slot offerings at the Parq, players will find titles like Dragon Link and 88 Fortunes — which indicates a certain modern quality to the gaming at the facility. Dragon Link is the foundation of a full series of digital slot games across the web, and 88 Fortunes is prominently featured among the slots on Foxy Games, where virtually every selection represents the cutting edge of slot arcades. Slots at Parq Vancouver Casino are split over floors 2 and 3, with the 3rd floor hosting the higher jackpot slots salon.
Food for the Soul
While it’s close enough that we perhaps wouldn’t expect Kitsilano residents to stay at the Parq’s JW Marriott hotel, (although, who’s to say? Staycations have been very popular over the last period of travel disruption) the daytime facilities might prove equally exciting for locals as the evening entertainment options. Spa by JW Marriott offers massages, cosmetic and aesthetic treatments 17 floors up in the Vancouver skyline. The Aqua Lounge has a yoga space and a hydrotherapy tub on the rooftop above. Locals can buy day passes at special rates including access to the Aqua Lounge, a spa steam room and fitness center; the latter meaning Aqua Lounge’s chaise lounges may be very welcoming.
So is the Parq Vancouver complex worth a night out? It certainly could be. If you’re looking for an excuse to get glammed up, it’s a pretty good one. It’s certainly nice for everyone in Kitsilano to have the option again.
Last modified: November 14, 2021
