Casino du Lac-Leamy

History and Development

The Casino du Lac-Leamy opened its doors on March 24, 1996, in the former city of Hull, now part of Gatineau. Its establishment was part of a provincial strategy by the Quebec government to create a network of casinos to raise public funds. The location was strategically chosen near the Ontario border, directly across the Ottawa River from Canada's capital. During the early 1990s, the city of Ottawa had also explored plans to build a casino, but these were blocked by the Government of Ontario. This regulatory decision effectively positioned the new Hull casino as the primary gaming destination for the entire National Capital Region, serving both the Outaouais and Eastern Ontario. The casino was originally named the Casino de Hull but was later rebranded to Casino du Lac-Leamy, taking its name from the adjacent Leamy Lake to the east of the property.

The complex was built on a distinctive site overlooking what was once a quarry for the International Portland Cement Company. This excavated area was later transformed into Lac de la Carrière, a man-made lake that now features a large fountain, a prominent summer landmark visible throughout the old Hull sector. The development represented a significant investment in the local economy, with initial reports in 1995 projecting the creation of about 1,000 jobs. Its success in attracting over two and a half million visitors annually confirmed its role as a major regional draw, often outpacing other Ottawa-area attractions in attendance during its early years. In 2016, the casino attracted more than two and a half million visitors.

Gaming and Facilities

The casino offers a comprehensive gaming experience spread across a large, American-style floor with European design influences. The primary gaming area contains more than 1,800 slot machines, providing a wide variety of electronic gaming options for visitors. Table game enthusiasts have access to more than 65 traditional tables featuring popular games such as blackjack, baccarat, craps, and multiple variants of roulette, including American and European styles. The casino also operates a dedicated poker room offering Texas Hold'em, where notable events like large progressive jackpot payouts have occurred. For example, one memorable hand saw a player with quad kings lose to a king-high straight flush, triggering a major bad-beat jackpot distribution that paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars to multiple players.

Beyond the main casino floor, the complex houses several other entertainment and hospitality facilities. Attached to the casino is the five-star Hilton Lac-Leamy hotel, which offers 349 rooms and suites for guests seeking overnight accommodations. The property features multiple bars and restaurants catering to different tastes and occasions, from casual dining to more formal experiences. A nightclub and a sportsbook lounge are also available on-site, providing evening entertainment and sports betting options for adults. The entire Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy complex is designed to be accessible, welcoming guests with limited mobility and offering virtual tours online to help plan visits. The casino's diverse facilities support its role as a full-service destination for adult leisure in the region.

Théâtre du Casino

The Théâtre du Casino is a 1,100-seat performance hall that has become one of the main music and entertainment venues in the Outaouais region. It is the largest theatre in the area, renowned for its design that maintains a sense of intimacy and proximity between the audience and the stage despite its capacity. The venue hosts a diverse annual program that includes large-scale concerts, comedy shows, theatrical productions, and tribute performances. Its calendar is consistently filled with events, featuring both international artists and popular tribute acts that appeal to a broad audience. The theatre's integration within the larger casino and hotel complex makes it a convenient destination for a full evening of dining, gaming, and entertainment.

The theatre's programming is managed to offer variety throughout the year. Regular weekly shows, such as the 'Elton Songs' tribute performance, provide consistent entertainment options for locals and tourists. The venue also books major touring acts and hosts special events, with schedules planned well into the future, including confirmed shows for 2026. Tickets for performances are available through standard outlets like Ticketmaster and the venue's own box office, with options for VIP packages and special seating. The theatre's call centre can be reached for information at 819-772-6222, extension 1. As a primary venue for the region's entertainment, the Théâtre du Casino significantly contributes to the casino's identity as a full-service entertainment destination beyond its gaming operations.

• Samourai MMA Chapitre 22 (Mixed martial arts event) - November 6, 2026
• Flashback to the 80's Rock (Concert tribute) - November 20, 2026
• Celebrating Celine (Tribute show) - November 21, 2026
• Elton Songs (Weekly tribute performance) - Various dates

Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy

One of the casino's most famous and popular annual events is Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, an international fireworks competition held over several nights during the summer. The event transforms the shoreline of Lac Leamy and Lac de la Carrière into a spectacular pyromusical theatre, where competing nations launch elaborate fireworks displays synchronized to original soundtracks. Each participating country presents a unique show, with themes and music designed to tell a story or represent their culture, creating a different experience every night. The event draws large crowds from across the National Capital Region and beyond, solidifying the casino's role as a community event organizer. The competition involves professional pyrotechnic teams from around the world, represented in Canada by organizations like Fireworks Spectaculars Canada.

A notable winning performance was 'Reignite: A Symphony in the Sky,' a grand tribute to Canada set to an original soundtrack composed by Gatineau artists Mathieu Donais and Julien Boivin Provost. Other countries like Japan, Australia, and Mexico have also been recognized for outstanding performances that transport the audience. The event encourages audience participation, allowing spectators to vote for their favourite show and listen to the official live soundtracks online to relive the moments. The Grands Feux is supported by a team of volunteers known as Les Grands Passionnés, who help create the magic and festive atmosphere. The event also offers promotional opportunities, such as a Fireworks 2026 Passport that attendees can win by participating. To facilitate access, a transportation partnership with Groupe Loyal provides a 15 percent discount on rides for attendees who use the promo code GRANDSFEUX.

• Reignite: A Symphony in the Sky (Winning tribute to Canada)
• Japan (Recognized for an outstanding performance)
• Australia (Recognized for an outstanding performance)
• Mexico (Recognized for an outstanding performance)

Economic and Social Role

The Casino du Lac-Leamy plays a significant economic role in the Gatineau-Ottawa corridor. As a government-operated entity under Loto-Québec, its profits are directed back into provincial coffers, contributing to public services in Quebec. It is a major employer in the Outaouais, supporting a workforce of more than 1,400 people in various roles, from hospitality and service to security and management. The casino's operations stimulate ancillary economic activity for local suppliers, transportation services, and nearby businesses. Its location just five minutes from Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa makes it easily accessible to a large population base. In 2016, the casino provided the government with CA$244,679,000 in profit.

Socially, the complex functions as a key entertainment hub for the capital region. By offering gaming, a luxury hotel, fine dining, and a premier theatre, it provides a varied destination for adult leisure. The casino's management emphasizes professional service and high-quality experiences in its venues, aiming to provide a unique multisensory experience for all guests. While it is a venue for adult gaming, its broader offerings in concerts, fireworks, and dining make it a social gathering place for a wide range of non-gaming activities as well. The annual Grands Feux festival, in particular, is a major community event that attracts families and visitors, highlighting the casino's involvement in public cultural programming.

Visitor Information and Location

The Casino du Lac-Leamy is located at 1 Boulevard du Casino in Gatineau, Quebec, with a postal code of J8Y 6W3. Its scenic setting is on a rocky precipice between two bodies of water: Lac Leamy to the east and the man-made Lac de la Carrière to the west. The prominent fountain in Lac de la Carrière is a notable local landmark during the warmer months. The complex's proximity to downtown Ottawa, just across the Portage Bridge, makes it a convenient destination for residents of Ontario and visitors to the national capital. The attached Hilton Lac-Leamy hotel offers direct indoor access to the casino, restaurants, and theatre, providing a connected experience for overnight guests.

For visitors planning a trip, the casino operates an official website with detailed information on gaming, hotel reservations, theatre schedules, and restaurant bookings. The property is accessible for guests with limited mobility, and virtual tours of both the casino and hotel are available online to help with planning. The theatre box office and a general call centre can provide specific information on show times and tickets. The casino's enduring popularity is evidenced by its consistent visitor numbers, maintaining its status as a flagship entertainment destination in Eastern Canada.

Questions about Casino du Lac-Leamy

When did the Casino du Lac-Leamy open?

The Casino du Lac-Leamy first opened to the public on March 24, 1996. It was originally known as the Casino de Hull when it launched in the former city of Hull, which is now part of Gatineau. The opening was part of a provincial initiative by the Quebec government to establish casinos as a source of public revenue. The casino was later rebranded with its current name, which it takes from the adjacent Leamy Lake.

How many slot machines and gaming tables does the casino have?

The casino floor features over 1,800 slot machines and more than 65 gaming tables. The table games include roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, and Texas hold 'em poker. The gaming area is complemented by several bars and restaurants within the complex. In total, the American-style grand casino offers 1,756 gaming spots.

Is there a hotel connected to the Casino du Lac-Leamy?

Yes, the five-star Hilton Lac-Leamy hotel is directly attached to the casino complex. This upscale hotel offers 349 rooms and suites, providing convenient accommodations for guests. The hotel is situated by Leamy Lake and is just a five-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, making it a popular choice for both leisure and business travellers visiting the National Capital Region. Guests have direct indoor access to the casino, restaurants, and the Théâtre du Casino.

What are the Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy?

Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy is an annual international fireworks competition held during the summer on the shores of Lac Leamy. It features pyromusical displays where competing countries launch fireworks synchronized to original soundtracks. The event includes shows from nations like Japan, Australia, and Mexico, and has featured winning performances like 'Reignite: A Symphony in the Sky,' a tribute to Canada. It is a major festival that draws large crowds and includes volunteer opportunities, audience voting, and transportation discounts.

Who operates the Casino du Lac-Leamy and where is it located?

The Casino du Lac-Leamy is operated by Société des casinos du Québec, a subsidiary of Loto-Québec. It is located in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, at 1 Boulevard du Casino. The casino is built on a site overlooking Lac de la Carrière and is adjacent to Leamy Lake. It serves the nearby city of Ottawa and the broader Eastern Ontario region.

What kind of shows are held at the Théâtre du Casino?

The Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy hosts a diverse range of performances, including major concerts, comedy, theatre, and large-scale shows. This 1,100-seat venue is the largest theatre in the Outaouais region and has become one of its main music venues. Its programming features everything from intimate events to grand productions, such as tribute concerts. Specific upcoming events for 2026 include Samourai MMA Chapitre 22, a Flashback to the 80's Rock show, and a Celebrating Celine tribute performance.

Sources and further reading

• Casino du Lac-Leamy (Wikipedia)
• Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy | Home and Features | Loto-Québec (casinos.lotoquebec.com)
• Home • Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy (feux.qc.ca)
• Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy | Gatineau (gestev.com)
• Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy | Home and Features | Loto-Québec (casinos.lotoquebec.com)
• Home • Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy (feux.qc.ca)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-09.