St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino – A unique resort in the heart of the Canadian Rockies

Location and General Information

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino is located in a scenic setting between the Purcell and Kootenay Rocky mountain ranges in the province of British Columbia, Canada. The resort is only 9 km from the town of Cranbrook, making it easily accessible for travelers. The address of the resort is 7777 Mission Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E5, Canada.

The Canadyan Rockies International Airport is located approximately 5 km from the resort, providing easy accessibility for guests arriving by air. The hotel has a prime location in a valley surrounded by mountains, creating stunning views and an atmosphere of total immersion in nature.

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Unique history and cultural heritage

One of the most amazing features of St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino is its rich history and unique transformation. The building that now houses part of the resort was formerly a residential school for the Native peoples of Canada, built in 1910 and opened in 1912. The Kootenay Indian Residential School operated until 1970.

After the school closed, the building remained abandoned for about 20 years until the Ktunaxa Indigenous Peoples decided to convert it into a resort in 1992. As Elder Mary Paul said, “Since it was at St. Eugene Mission School that the Kootenai Indians had their culture taken from them, it is in this building that it must be returned.”

Today, St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino is the only project in Canada where a former indigenous residential school has been transformed into an economic engine and resort for future generations. The resort is wholly owned by four Canadian bands of the Ktunaxa people and the Shuswap Indian Band, becoming a symbol of transformation and rebirth.

Accommodation

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino offers 125 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, which are distributed between the historic Mission building and the more modern Lodge building:

• Rooms in thehistoric Mission Building – located in the original brick former schoolhouse. These rooms combine historic architecture with modern comfort. The thick red brick walls and high ceilings create a special atmosphere.
• Rooms in the Lodge building are more modern rooms with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, golf course and mountains.

All rooms are equipped with quality linens and modern amenities to maximize guest comfort. Depending on the room type, guests can choose between one large King-size bed or two Queen-size beds.

World-class golf course

One of the resort’s main attractions is its spectacular 18-hole golf course designed by renowned architect Les Furber. The championship golf course is spread over more than 300 acres of picturesque meadows and offers:

• Par 72 with a length of:
  • 7,007 yards from the black tees
  • 6,453 yards from the blue tees
  • 5,852 yards from the white tees
  • 5,388 yards from the green tees
• Unlimited access to the driving range
• Full service mid-route (you tee it up three times in 18 holes)
• 19th hole restaurant and bar open from early morning to late evening
• New golf carts with USB connectors and GPS system for distance measuring
• GPS access via smartphone to course layout and tips for players
• Golf lessons for individual players or groups from PGA-certified professionals
• Ability to organize tournaments and group bookings

Most notably, each of the 18 holes on the course has a Ktunaxa language name, meaning and translation, allowing players to experience indigenous culture while playing.

The golf season at St. Eugene runs from April through October, making it an ideal destination for warm season golfers. It is worth noting the unique opportunity to play golf with dogs – as part of the “Dog Days of Summer” program, guests can take their pets on the course during play on certain days and hours.

Casino of the Rockies

After a day spent on the golf course or exploring the surrounding area, guests can enjoy an evening at Casino of the Rockies. The 19,000 square foot casino offers:

• 210 slot machines, including electronic roulette, electronic baccarat, and electronic blackjack
• Four types of table games
• Full-service lottery center
• Off-track betting (horse racing betting)
• Full service restaurant and bar
• Live entertainment programs

The casino underwent a complete renovation in July 2019, making it even more attractive to visitors.

Restaurants & Dining

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino offers several dining options to satisfy the tastes of any guest:

• Numa Restaurant is the resort’s main restaurant, serving Canadian cuisine with a special focus on local ingredients.
• The 19th Hole Bar & Grill – Located adjacent to the golf course,The 19th Hole Bar & Grill offers a casual atmosphere for food and drinks after a round of golf or throughout the day.
• Restaurant & Bar at Casino of the Rockies – offers a diverse menu and beverage options for casino patrons.

All restaurants utilize fresh, quality ingredients and offer a variety of options for guests with different food preferences.

Additional amenities and entertainment

In addition to golf and the casino, St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino offers a variety of recreational and relaxation amenities:

• Outdoor pool
• Fitness center with locker rooms and lockers
• Spa services including massage and grooming treatments
• Skiing (winter)
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Billiards
• Picnic areas
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort
• Free parking
• Tours and presentations on local Ktunaxa culture

Cultural Experience

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino is proud of its Native American heritage and offers guests a unique opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Ktunaxa people. Visitors can:

• Participate in tours of the former boarding school
• Attend presentations about Ktunaxa history and culture
• Learn the meaning of the names of the holes on the golf course, each representing a word in the Ktunaxa language
• Explore the various cultural exhibits on the resort grounds

The resort symbolizes transformation and rebirth, providing an example of how a difficult history can be recognized and transformed into positive experiences and economic development for Indigenous peoples.

Surroundings and Attractions

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino is located in one of Canada’s most scenic regions, the East Kootenay. Guests of the resort can explore:

• The majestic Rocky Mountains and Purcell Range
• The St. Mary’s River, which runs adjacent to the resort
• Hoodoos natural formations along the river
• The town of Cranbrook and its attractions
• National Parks and Reserves nearby
• Ski resorts in the winter season

The perfect place for special events

St. Eugene Resort is also a popular destination for weddings, conferences and corporate events. The resort offers:

• A variety of banquet halls and event spaces
• Event planning and catering services
• Picturesque locations for photo shoots
• Packages for honeymooners and event attendees
• Ability to accommodate large groups

Best time to visit

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino is open year-round, but different seasons offer different opportunities:

• Spring and summer (May-September) are the perfect time to play golf, swim in the pool and enjoy nature. You’ll get the most out of your stay at the resort during this time of year.
• Fall (September-October) – stunning fall scenery and still good golf conditions.
• Winter (November-March) – opportunities for winter sports such as skiing, as well as the Casino of the Rockies atmosphere and a cozy hotel stay.

How to get there

• By plane: The nearest airport is the Canadyan Rockies International Airport (YXC), located 5 km from the resort. From the airport, you can take a cab or use the resort’s shuttle service.
• By car: St. Eugene Resort is located approximately 9 km from the center of Cranbrook. The resort is easily accessible from major highways and offers free parking for guests.

Conclusions & Recommendations

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino is a unique blend of history, culture and modern comfort. It’s more than just a vacation destination – it’s an opportunity to touch the history of Canada’s indigenous peoples, enjoy the natural beauty of British Columbia, and receive top-notch service.

The resort is especially recommended for:

• Golf enthusiasts who want to play a championship course with breathtaking views
• Those interested in the history and culture of Canada’s indigenous peoples
• Travelers looking for unique accommodations with a rich history
• Gambling enthusiasts who will appreciate Casino of the Rockies
• Couples planning a wedding in a scenic location
• Corporate clients looking for a conference and event venue

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino is more than just a vacation destination, it is an experience that combines history, culture, natural beauty and modern amenities, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a special vacation destination in Canada.