The Casino du Lac-Leamy: Sleep, Play, Eat, Repeat

Just a few minutes from Ottawa, the Casino du Lac-Leamy is set in a magnificent and enchanting setting. A gargantuan place where all pleasures come together. Gaming, fine dining, and much more! You’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

From Ottawa to the Casino du Lac-Leamy

I was in Ottawa to run the 10-kilometre race at the Ottawa Tamarack Race Weekend. I arrived by train at Ottawa Station, not having a car. The journey was very good and the taxi was at the door. Since my last visit, the O-Train now takes you directly to downtown Ottawa.

Want to get to and from Ottawa? You can get there very quickly by car or taxi, and if you drink a little too much, there’s no need to take any risks. There is, however, the Hilton du Lac-Leamy right next to the Casino, a great opportunity to get the full experience.

The Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel

Since the aim of our visit was to discover the Casino’s gourmet offerings, we had to get to the restaurant, which for me on this particular evening was Arôme. To do so, we had to wander through the superb grounds of the Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel. You arrive at the hotel’s roundabout. In the Great Hall, magnificent glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly (the same artist who made the sun at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts) adorn the passageway. In short, it’s a dream setting, so beautiful. We’d love to stay.

In the lobby, you’ll find the magnificent Bacchus bar, with its luxurious red leather armchairs where the scents of port and cigars mingle for our own pleasure. The bar overlooks the magnificent Lac de la Carrière. It’s worth noting that Bacchus is one of the only places in Québec province where you can smoke indoors (aficionados enjoy!)

On the first level is the Arôme Grillades et Fruits de Mer restaurant (our experience is a few lines down). Also with a magnificent view over Lac de la Carrière, the atmosphere at the table is magnificent on the terrace when the good weather allows. On the second and third floors below are the spa, fitness centre and indoor and outdoor pools, heated and open all year round.

The hotel has 349 luxurious rooms with plenty of glass, including 121 classic rooms measuring 335 square feet, 140 deluxe rooms measuring 448 square feet and 31 junior suites on floors 1 to 17 measuring 514 square feet. Twenty of these suites have Jacuzzis. The top three floors of the hotel have been specially designed to cater for business guests. It has to be said that the hotel receives a huge number of conferences. From the 18th to the 20th floor, you’ll find 41 executive rooms measuring 448 square feet. Guests on these executive floors have access to the Conrad lounge, which offers breakfast and complementary happy hours.

Looking for the ultimate in luxury? There are also two large presidential suites measuring 1,685 square feet, each with an entrance hall featuring a grand piano, a large living room with a gas fireplace and a private balcony, and a dining room. It’s important to remember that the Hilton Lac-Leamy has been a 5-star hotel with a 4-Diamond rating since it opened, one of the very few in Quebec. So you can’t go wrong with a perfect stay.

Want to live the ultimate luxury? There are also two large presidential suites that are 1685 square feet, each with an entrance hall with grand piano, a large living room with gas fireplace and private balcony, and a dining room.

It is important to remember that the Hilton Lac-Leamy is a 5-star hotel with 4 diamonds since its opening. You will be able to have only one perfect stay.

The meal at the Arôme Seafood and Grill at the Casino du Lac-Leamy

As far as the Arôme restaurant is concerned, the first thing I have to say is that I was invited there by Tourisme Outaouais. When I arrived, I was given a superb welcome. The service was top-notch, even if it wasn’t the most luxurious restaurant in the hotel at the time (there was also the Baccara, now closed). The decor is wood panelled and very warm. I had a view of the terrace and the outside. As this is a restaurant which, as the name suggests, specializes in land and sea, it’s worth venturing onto the menu.

To start the meal, I’m brought pita chips with hummus, something not too heavy to tide me over until the starter. Then, since I wanted to have a light meal (admittedly, I didn’t do so well for the rest of it), I ordered the Caesar salad as a starter. This was absolutely delicious, with its smoked wild boar bacon, warm garlic croutons cooked to perfection and anchovy tapenade, all of which was simply incredibly fresh. They would do better to make it on a pedestal table to enhance the experience.

Next up was the main course, and what a main course it was with the AAA+ Angus beef flank steak with cheese curd mashed potatoes, vegetables of the day, a Jack Daniel’s and pepper sauce. The potatoes were incredibly good and perfectly creamy. A great combination with the vegetables of the day.

I was definitely full when I was offered dessert. But I couldn’t resist the trio of crème brûlées (vanilla, orange and chocolate). I really enjoyed the orange one, which reminded me of an orange Revello Creamsicle and took me back to my childhood for a moment. The chocolate one was a little too sweet for my taste, but still excellent. The dessert bar is also a little out of keeping with the rest of the restaurant. It feels like you’re suddenly in a buffet, and that’s not at all the atmosphere you want in this restaurant, as the service is excellent.

 Up toThe Casino du Lac-Leamy

The Casino team had offered me a few dollars to play, so I made my way to the entrance of the Casino, which was quite majestic and very brightly lit. You arrive in front of Bar 7, which has a multimedia atmosphere wall, interactive activities, a dance floor, music and DJ performances, which immediately sets the mood for the evening. And if you just fancy a drink, there’s an incredible selection of imported beers and cocktails, including some superb martinis just for you.

The state-of-the-art technology in this palace is striking. The casino has been recently renovated and the experience is incredible. Did you know that you can learn certain games with the help of the croupiers? The casino team offers introductory courses in certain table games to familiarize you with them. It’s a really interesting way to feel less lost.

Want to take your experience even further? The Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy offers a variety of shows, each more interesting than the last. You’ll be spoiled for choice.

Discover The Casino du Lac-Leamy through this link!

Thanks to Tourisme Outaouais and the Casino du Lac-Leamy for the invitation. Discover The Ottawa City Guide just right here