Great Blue Heron Casino

Ownership and Operation

The Great Blue Heron Casino is situated on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, which holds ownership of both the land and the building. This ownership structure makes the casino a vital source of revenue and employment for the First Nation community. The facility's operation is managed through a partnership known as the Great Blue Heron Gaming Company, which includes Casinos Austria, the Steiner Family, and Sonco Gaming. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is responsible for the management of the slot machines within the casino. Table games are managed by the Baagwating Community Association, a non-profit charitable organization formed by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Revenues and profits are distributed among these operational partners and are also directed to various charitable causes as outlined in contractual sharing arrangements.

History and Expansion

The casino first opened its doors to the public in 1997, featuring a 650-seat bingo hall and a selection of table games. The initial facility underwent significant renovations in 1999 and 2000 to expand and improve its offerings. A landmark expansion project was announced on January 9, 2018, with the goal of adding a hotel and substantially enlarging the casino. This major renovation faced several delays, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but was ultimately completed and announced on November 1, 2021. The expansion added a modern 100-room hotel to the property and increased the casino's floor space by 20,000 square feet. This development transformed the site from a standalone casino into a comprehensive resort destination, catering to overnight guests and larger events.

Gaming Floor and Offerings

The casino floor spans approximately 25,000 square feet, not including the 20,000 square foot addition from the 2021 renovation, offering a wide array of gaming options for adults aged 19 and over. The slot machine room features 545 machines with various themes. Table game enthusiasts can choose from 60 tables offering a variety of games. Popular table games include Blackjack, Roulette, Spanish 21, Mini Baccarat, Let it Ride Poker, Texas Hold Em Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker and Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker. The property has introduced new lower table limits, including $15 Blackjack and $10 limits on several poker variant games, making table play more accessible. The original bingo hall, which was part of the 1997 opening, closed in 1999 and is no longer in operation on the premises. The casino frequently runs promotional events with substantial prize pools. For example, a Power Draw Surge promotion was scheduled for Saturdays from September 5 to 26, 2026, offering a total prize share of $180,000. Another promotion for new Great Canadian Rewards members offers a chance to win up to $10,000 in slot play through a digital U-Spin wheel. The table below outlines the minimum bet limits for a selection of the casino's major table games as promoted.

All promotional prizes have no cash value, are non-transferable, and must be used within their specified time frames. For example, the new member slot play offer must be used within 30 days. To participate in gaming, guests must be 19 years of age or older and must not be self-excluded or trespassed. All guests must present valid original photo identification, as no pictures or photocopies are accepted. The casino offers electronic table games which are ideal for beginners or players looking for a new way to enjoy their favourite table. These games allow players to play at their own pace from the comfort of one seat with all the excitement of a live table.

Hotel and Amenities

The Great Blue Heron Hotel, opened in 2021, is a 100-room, smoke-free property located steps from the casino. The hotel offers a tranquil rural retreat on Scugog Island. Room amenities typically include air conditioning, blackout curtains, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, and spacious bathrooms. The hotel provides several facilities for guests, including a 24-hour fitness centre, a 24-hour business centre, and complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas. Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. The property offers free on-site parking for all guests. The hotel does not have a swimming pool and does not permit pets on the premises. Guest reviews often praise the spacious and clean rooms with plush king-sized beds but note that the in-room lighting can be low for reading or working. The hotel's location directly adjacent to the casino allows guests to access gaming and entertainment without leaving the property grounds. The property's design incorporates a signature red, blue, and cream colour roof, and First Nation themes are carried throughout the facility's interior art and decor, reflecting the ownership and cultural context of the location.

• 100 modern, smoke-free guest rooms.
• 24-hour fitness and business centres.
• Free on-site parking and Wi-Fi in public areas.
• Check-in at 4:00 PM, check-out at 11:00 AM.
• Pet-friendly policy: No pets allowed.
• Pool availability: No swimming pool on site.
• Complimentary lobby coffee available during morning hours.
• Safety deposit boxes available through the 24-hour reception.

Dining and Entertainment

The property hosts several dining options catering to different tastes and occasions. Water's Edge Restaurant and Bar offers an à la carte menu and themed buffet experiences, and can also accommodate private events for up to 75 guests. The Great Canadian Buffet is another dining option, with promotional member prices and specific evening hours. For quicker options, Quickbites provides a variety of sandwiches, baked goods, and soft drinks. The casino floor also features two bars for guests to enjoy beverages. A major entertainment highlight is The Nest, a versatile event venue that opened as part of the expansion. This modern space can host nearly 800 guests for a diverse range of events. The Nest is designed for live performances, concerts, corporate conferences, galas, fundraisers, and wedding receptions. The casino itself regularly hosts special events and promotions, such as themed parties and slot machine tournaments with large prize pools. Specific events have included a Masquerade theme from September 27 to October 31, 2026, and concerts scheduled for dates like November 14, 2026, and January 23, 2027. The property also hosts draws and winner announcements, such as one for a $1 million winner promoted in 2026.

Event and Meeting Facilities

Beyond The Nest, the Great Blue Heron Casino offers a comprehensive suite of spaces for business and social functions. The hotel contains dedicated meeting rooms equipped with high-definition televisions, suitable for corporate meetings, presentations, and intimate gatherings. Water's Edge Restaurant and Bar also serves as a venue for medium-sized celebrations with its banquet setup. The property actively markets itself for a wide variety of events, including photo shoots and television commercials. Event coordination and booking inquiries for banquet halls and meeting rooms are directed to a dedicated sales email address. The flexibility and modern technical infrastructure of these spaces make the destination a hub for events in the Port Perry region. The Nest features a soaring open ceiling grid that allows for technical setup for productions, alongside a fully stocked bar for event refreshments. The venue's adaptable layout offers tailored seating arrangements to suit different event types and sizes.

• The Nest: 12,637 sq ft, capacity up to 800, open ceiling grid.
• Hotel Meeting Rooms: Equipped with HD TVs for corporate functions.
• Water's Edge Restaurant: Banquet space for up to 75 guests.
• Versatile configurations for conferences, galas, and private parties.
• Availability for fundraisers, photo shoots, and TV commercials.
• Contact for bookings: [email protected].

Guest Experience and Rewards

The casino operates under the Great Canadian Rewards loyalty program, which allows members to earn perks and access exclusive offers across multiple Great Canadian Entertainment destinations. New members aged 19 or older can sign up online or at the Guest Services desk and are eligible for a welcome offer, such as a chance to win up to $10,000 in slot play through a digital wheel spin. All prizes from promotions have no cash value, are non-transferable, and must be used within specific time frames. Guest reviews frequently highlight the spacious and clean modern rooms, the peaceful natural setting, and the accommodating 24-hour reception staff. Some common guest notes mention limited in-room lighting for reading, the absence of in-room coffee makers, and that dining relies on the casino's restaurants, which can experience wait times. The property offers specific celebration packages, such as an exclusive package advertised for October 28, 2026, which included a hotel stay, $50 in slot play, and other amenities for a price of $235. The Great Canadian Rewards program unlocks instant perks and members-only experiences, and use of a rewards card is required to participate in promotions like the U-Spin wheel. The full terms and conditions for all offers are available at Guest Services or on the Great Canadian website. Members can insert their rewards card into any slot machine at a Great Canadian destination to activate offers and participate in the loyalty program benefits designed to enhance the guest experience.

Location and Accessibility

The casino and hotel are located on Scugog Island, just east of the community of Port Perry, Ontario, and northeast of Toronto. The setting provides a scenic backdrop near Lake Scugog, offering a rural escape that is still within reasonable driving distance of the Greater Toronto Area. The property is about 73.5 kilometres from Toronto Island Airport and is also accessible from other regional airports in Oshawa and Peterborough. Nearby attractions for guests include the Toronto Zoo, Oshawa Centre, and Pickering Town Centre. The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Admission requires valid, original government-issued photo identification proving the guest is 19 years of age or older, with no photocopies accepted. Acceptable forms of ID include an Ontario driver's licence, a Canadian passport, a Canadian citizenship card, a valid driver's licence from another province or country, or any other valid provincial health card. The area is considered a business district of Port Perry, with the town of Whitby located about 32 kilometres away. For those seeking a tranquil rural retreat while visiting the Port Perry region, the hotel's setting on Scugog Island provides a distinct alternative to urban accommodations.

Questions about Great Blue Heron Casino

Who owns the Great Blue Heron Casino?

The Great Blue Heron Casino is owned by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, which owns both the building and the land on which it is built. The casino operation is managed by the Great Blue Heron Gaming Company, a partnership of Casinos Austria, the Steiner Family, and Sonco Gaming. Table games are specifically managed by the Baagwating Community Association, a First Nation charitable organization. This structure makes the facility a key economic enterprise for the First Nation community, providing revenue and employment.

What games are available at the casino?

The casino features 545 slot machines with various themes and 60 table games. Table game offerings include Blackjack, Roulette, Spanish 21, Mini Baccarat, Let it Ride Poker, Texas Hold Em Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker and Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker. The property has introduced new lower table limits, such as $15 Blackjack and $10 limits on several poker-style games. The original bingo hall, part of the 1997 opening, closed in 1999 and is no longer on the premises.

Does the Great Blue Heron have a hotel?

Yes, the Great Blue Heron Hotel is a 100-room property that opened in November 2021 as part of a major expansion. The smoke-free hotel offers modern rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre, a business centre, and free parking and Wi-Fi. Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The hotel does not have a swimming pool and does not allow pets, and guest rooms feature amenities like safes and satellite TV but lack in-room coffee makers.

What are the dining options at the casino?

Dining options include Water's Edge Restaurant and Bar, which offers an à la carte menu and themed buffets, and can host private events. The Great Canadian Buffet is another option with promotional pricing for members and specific evening hours. For lighter fare, Quickbites serves sandwiches, baked goods, and soft drinks. There are also two bars located on the casino floor for beverages, and the hotel relies on these adjacent casino facilities for guest dining.

Can I host an event or wedding at the Great Blue Heron?

Yes, the property has extensive event facilities. The primary venue is The Nest, a space with a capacity of up to 800 guests, suitable for concerts, weddings, and corporate events. The hotel also has meeting rooms with HD TVs, and Water's Edge Restaurant can host banquets for up to 75 people. The venue is marketed for a wide range of events, including fundraisers, galas, and photo shoots, with inquiries directed to a dedicated sales email address.

Where is the Great Blue Heron Casino located?

The Great Blue Heron Casino is located on Scugog Island, just east of the community of Port Perry, Ontario, and northeast of Toronto. The property sits in a scenic rural backdrop near Lake Scugog. It is owned by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, a fact reflected in the facility's First Nation themed art and its signature red, blue, and cream colour roof. The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for adults aged 19 and over.

Sources and further reading

• Great Blue Heron Casino (Wikipedia)
• Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel (greatcanadian.com)
• Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel (greatcanadian.com)
• Great Blue Heron Hotel, Port Perry (trivago.ca)
• HOTEL GREAT BLUE HERON | ⋆⋆⋆⋆ | PORT PERRY, CANADA ... (great-blue-heron-hotel.ontariocahotel.com)
• Great Blue Heron Hotel C$ 70 (C̶$̶ ̶2̶4̶9̶). Port Perry Hotel Deals & ... (ca.kayak.com)

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