Casino Hotels

The 1967 world's fair gave Montreal a cluster of pavilions on Île Notre-Dame, out in the St Lawrence. The former French pavilion, with its angled, terraced floors, became the heart of this property.

Inside. Restaurants spread over several levels and a cabaret-style room puts on shows. Slots and tables fill the floor space in between.

Outside. Parkland and river on every side, with the downtown skyline across the water, best seen from the upper floors.

Arriving. Drive over the bridges, or take the Metro to Jean-Drapeau and a short bus ride.

Water, runways and rails all converge on this corner of Richmond: on the bank of the Fraser, minutes from Vancouver International, opposite Bridgeport station on the Canada Line.

Rooms. Standard rooms and suites, with an indoor pool for guests.

Evenings. A theatre stages concerts and comedy. The gaming area occupies the centre of the complex, edged by bars and restaurants, and a small marina floats on the river outside.

Stopovers. Trains reach downtown Vancouver in roughly half an hour.