Lifestyles in Canada

---

CASINO DU LAC-LEAMY: MUCH MORE THAN A HOME OF ‘LADY LUCK’ • Habeeb Salloum

"Why would one come to Hull for a vacation? Among our numerous other tourist attractions, just to visit our well-known Casino du Lac-Leamy is reason enough." The young lady from Hull, twin city of Ottawa, Canada’s capital, seemed peeved when, after urging me to visit her city, I asked, "Why would one want to visit Hull?"

Her remark left an impression on my mind and now, a few years later, I was driving across the Ottawa River on my way to this Casino - the most popular attraction in the Ottawa region. Turning, I could see before me, across a huge parking lot with 3,800 free parking spots, the majestic entrance to the Casino. Soon I was stepping through this dazzling gateway into a world of glitter and allurement, especially for those who want to have an affair with ‘Lady Luck’.

The way the interior was designed captured my imagination. The thousands of tropical plants were artfully designed to fit amidst reflecting pools, walls of glass and natural cherry wood and waterfalls. For a first time customer, the decor alone is worth a visit.
The Casino, only 4 km (2.5 mi) from Canada’s Parliament Buildings, is nestled in a fantastic setting on the shores of Lac-Leamy and is surrounded by fountains, trees and the adjoining ultra-modern five-star Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel. A world-class urban resort, it is much more than a dazzling gaming centre, it is a must for anyone travelling to Canada’s National Capital Region. With its almost tropical forest setting, fine dining places like the highly coveted Five-Diamond rating Le Baccara Restaurant, a world-class theatre, a polite and friendly staff and glittering gaming machines enshrouded in a lively and spectacular aura, the Casino has earned its rightful place among the world’s most outstanding entertainment destinations.

Inaugurated as Casino du Hull when it opened its doors in 1996, it was renamed Casino du Lac-Leamy in 2002. In these few years of existence, it has become a world-wide attraction, drawing some three million visitors from the four corners of the globe. Adding to its allurement is its promotion and supports for community affairs. From among these, the Casino sponsors, during Ottawa’s famous Winterlude celebrations, some of the world’s master ice carvers who in Ottawa’s cold winter demonstrate their skill, creativity and endurance in creating works of art from ice and snow.

Designated with the attached Hilton Hotel as a non-smoking area - there are smoking rooms for smokers - the Casino has much to offer. Inside its wall are performance and reception halls and a Convention Centre with ultra-modern tele-electronic facilities, 2,590 gaming spaces, 1,870 slot machines and 64 gaming tables offering baccara, blackjack, roulette as well as other casino games, bingo fun, electronic horse racing and numerous other activities all which give travellers a wide selection of things to see and do.

After visitors have played to their hearts’ content in a truly exhilarating atmosphere and feel the urge to eat and drink, there are four world-class restaurants and two cozy bars from which to choose - all top class. From among the Casino’s other major attributes are artists’ exhibits and the 1,002 seat Le Théâtre du Casino which opened its doors in 2001. An elegant ultra-modern theatre, it features exciting programs of romance, Latin rhythms and jazz melodies and is, today, one of the most innovative venues in Canada. Internationally renowned, it offers state-of-the-art performances and can accommodate full-scale revues as well as spectacular solo renditions. Stars such as Bill Cosby, Gino Vannelli and Chubby Checker, Hellmut Lotti and numerous others have performed on its stage.

After enjoying the pleasures of the Casino, that evening, as we waited for the dancers and singers of the musical, ‘Flame’, a famous North American production, I thought of the Casino and its many attributes. Travellers entering into this enchanted gamblers’ paradise of dancing waters and lush greenery can, besides seeking their fortune aided by ‘Lady Luck’, stay in a luxury abode, dine in some of the best restaurants in North America, then relax and enjoy, in the Casino’s theatre, some of the best entertainment in Canada.

An all-round Tourist Shangri-la where one can combine business with pleasure, Casino du Lac-Leamy is a siren, not only for gamblers, but for all travellers. Situated in the heart of the National Capital Region, it adds a measure of excitement to tourist activities, making Canada’s capital and environs a favourite wayfarer’s destination.
IF YOU GO
1) The Casino is open seven days a week from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 A.M. and admission, parking and coat check are free.
2) Game winnings are paid out in full and are non-taxable.
3) The Casino is easily accessible by bus or car and has a marina that can accommodate 20 pleasure crafts.
For Further Information, Contact:
Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1, boulevard du Casino, Hull, Québec, Canada J8Y 6W3. Tel: (819) 772-2100 or toll free 1 800 665-2274: Fax: (819) 772-3704. Web site: http://www.casino-du-lac-leamy.com
© Habeeb Salloum December 2003
habeeb.salloum@sympatico.ca
Morocco
Dubai
Casino Du Lac Leamy

More Lifestyles

Home

© Hackwriters 2000-2003 all rights reserved