The biggest overhaul Casino Rama has seen in years is well under way on its Rama First Nation site near Orillia: rooms renovated since 2025, a ground-floor spa, three new restaurants led by Gateway's Atlas Steak and Fish. The constant is the 5,000-seat Entertainment Centre, still pulling major acts up the 400.
Book it forHeadliner road trips from the GTA, or cottage-country weekends with a casino built in.
Look elsewhere ifYou're relying on transit — Orillia is about a two-hour drive north of Toronto.
Halfway through a makeover
Rama has been open since July 1996, on Rama First Nation land a short drive from Orillia — and right now it is very much a work in progress. The plan, unveiled in November 2024 by operator Gateway Casinos together with OLG and Rama First Nation, touches nearly everything: rooms, a bigger spa and gym, the gaming floor, the restaurants. By May 2025 crews were working their way up the hotel from the second floor, and a brand-new ground-floor spa was already taking guests.
Rooms
289 in total. Specs for the redone rooms haven't been published, so the smart move is to ask, when booking, which floors are finished — it's the difference between old and new.
Spa and pool
Downstairs, the new spa brings saunas and steam rooms. Upstairs, the pool hasn't moved from the third floor. A bigger fitness centre is part of the same plan.
The Entertainment Centre
5,000-plus seats — among the biggest stages at any Canadian casino. Late-2026 bookings announced included Jesse Cook, the Righteous Brothers, Colin James and the Celtic Tenors, with tickets in those announcements at roughly $25–$89.
Casino floor
Gateway doesn't post counts, so we lean on Wikipedia: 192,000 sq ft, about 1,800 slot machines, 50 table games — treat as approximate. CTV reported a refreshed floor with upgraded slots in May 2025. Minimum age, as everywhere in Ontario: 19.
Where to eat
Three openings in about a year. Fall 2024: Chow Lucky Noodle Bar — wok plates, soups, bowls. May 2025: MATCH Eatery and Public House, tucked just inside the main rotunda. November 2025: Atlas Steak and Fish, Gateway's premium steak-and-seafood brand making its Ontario debut; the room is called St. Germain's in honour of George St. Germain, who once served as chief of Rama First Nation. Plus a Tim Hortons.
Nearby
From Toronto, figure two hours up Highway 400 to Orillia. Worth a detour: Couchiching Beach Park (sand and gardens), the Leacock Museum National Historic Site, and Hardwood Ski and Bike in both winter and summer.
Verdict
Ontario's go-to for a show plus a lake. Time your stay for when renovated floors are available, book Atlas for dinner, and get tickets for a headliner — the main reason people make the drive.
Routes to the hotel
Pick your starting point and tap through for turn-by-turn directions to Casino Rama Resort. We only quote a time when a named source has published one.
Drive · Union Station, Toronto
Most people drive. Head up Highway 400; Orillia is about two hours from Toronto by Destination Ontario's count.Per: Destination Ontario
Drive · Orillia
Already in Orillia? The resort is on Rama First Nation land near town; the map shows the last stretch.
Drive · Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
From Pearson there is no published time, so check the live estimate before you set off.
About this resort
What's changing at Casino Rama?
A refurbishment announced in November 2024 covers hotel rooms, a new spa and fitness area, the casino floor and new restaurants — parts opened in 2024 and 2025.
How far is Casino Rama from Toronto?
Roughly two hours' drive north via Highway 400.
What's the capacity of the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre?
More than 5,000 seats.
Verified with: Gateway Casinos; World Casino Directory; Destination Ontario (p.2); CTV News (p.2); Wikipedia; Yogonet; CDC Gaming; Songkick.
Facts verified 23 October 2026 against the publishers above. Rates, fees and hours move — confirm with the hotel before you go. Out-of-date detail? Email us. More: Ontario region · star ranking.