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Trail note · 15 November 2026
Off the Henday in winter: the last three kilometres
The drive from the airport or Calgary is all freeway until the very end, and the end is where people miss turns. Here's the last stretch, slowly.
Entry 01 · The exit
62 Avenue NW, then Winterburn
Our route calculation from both the airport and Calgary runs along Anthony Henday Drive and leaves it at 62 Avenue NW, then turns onto Winterburn Road NW for the final kilometre. On a dark January evening the exit signs come up quickly after a long, straight run, so we'd move to the right lane well before it, and keep the route open on your phone. If you miss it, don't improvise across lanes; take the next exit and let the map re-route you.
Entry 02 · The lots
Where to leave the car
Three free lots surround the casino, and valet is complimentary from 9:30 am to 3:00 am (Players Club page). In deep cold, valet is the sensible choice with luggage or kids. If you self-park, note the entrance you're nearest: Embers and the coat check are at the north entrance; the main entrance leads to the Players Club desk, the box office and The Venue.
Entry 03 · Inside
Coats, bags and the route to the hotel
The coat check at the north entrance is complimentary. With a show ticket, remember that every bag is searched at The Venue and that big items aren't allowed in, so drop them in the room first. Under-18s can walk indoors to the rinks and restaurants with an adult, but not through the gaming areas, so ask staff for the non-gaming route if you have kids.
Entry 04 · Leaving
The morning after
Scrape early: a car that sat overnight in an open lot at minus 25 needs ten minutes. Tap 25 serves breakfast from 5 am on weekdays, which helps an early start. And if the night ended later than planned, don't drive tired; extend the stay. Edmonton is 24 minutes away, but the QEII to Calgary is three and a half hours.
The voyageur's log · a room request