I’m a big believer in that location plays a deciding factor into the type of experience you will have at a casino resort and upon learning that the Dakota Dunes Resort resides in Whitecap, Saskatchewan, I knew to expect more of a rural and relaxed experience.

It was in 1879 that Chief Whitecap and his followers settled in their current location 20-minutes aways from present-day Saskatoon and through trade and labour, were able to connect with their nearby communities and establish themselves.

Today, the land is home to a casino, hotel, and 18-hole golf course. So clearly, a lot can change in 150 years!

The history of The Dakota is heavily rooted into this resort so if you’re into that kind of thing and feel like experiencing something a little different, this could be the place for you.

I stayed at the Dakota Dunes Resort for a couple of nights to find out exactly what is on offer here and whether the good things I’d heard about this place were warranted. 

The development of the Dakota Dunes Resort has taken place over many, many years. Indeed, it’s not something that was just built overnight.

To give you a bit of background, it wasn’t until Whitecap signed onto the Framework Agreement on Nations Land Management to self-govern its lands back in 2003 that the plans for a resort-style complex could be drawn up.

Following this, a year later in 2004 the Whitecap Dakota Nation opened what became the first part of the resort – the Dakota Dunes Golf Links.

It wasn’t until 2007 that the Dakota Dunes Casino followed, at a cost of a whopping $66 million!

Now, considering the fact the resort is pretty isolated as locations go, I think the addition of a hotel with luxurious touches such as a rooftop pool and upscale restaurant in 2020 was probably one of the best decisions the board could have made.

Location 

The Dakota Dunes Resort is located at 203 Dakota Dunes Way in the Whitecap area of Saskatchewan, Canada.

The resort is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive away from the city of Saskatoon and Saskatoon International Airport. 

Other cities of interest within the vicinity with international airports include Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg.

Considering that the Whitecap area is pretty isolate, arriving by car is almost certainly your best option, though there is a shuttle bus which departs from Prairieland Park in Saskatoon so if you can make it there, getting to the resort is easy.

Free parking is available for guests and that includes spaces for RV’s – I’ll cover this in more detail later on.

The Dakota Dunes Casino is actually the largest Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) operated Casino in Saskatchewan, clocking in at 84,000 square feet.

The casino floor features a main gaming area that’s split into different sections, a restaurant, and Saskatchewan’s only High Limit Gambling Room.

Despite the casino nearing its 20^th birthday, I thought everything still looked great. There’s little signs of wear and tear in places, as is the case with practically every tourist spot, but ultimately, I think it could pass for a venue half its age.

I really appreciated the subtle nods to the casino’s roots, which included a tribal style carpet and dark wood furniture. Plus, a patterned ceiling with integrated soft lighting really helped to create a relaxing ambience. 

Table Games Section

Unfortunately, the table game selection is where this casino loses points. The selection is limited and I found it to be a little bit of a disappointment to be honest.

The main two things to choose from are poker, with Three Card Poker and Texas Hold’em as variants, and Blackjack, with Bonus Spin Blackjack as a variant. 

Considering I’m a big poker player, the selection could have been much worse for me. But I imagine that if poker isn’t your thing, you might not get as much enjoyment out of this section of the casino.

Speaking of poker, there is also a dedicated poker room here which is open from 5pm. This room usually hosts regular poker tournaments but unfortunately, there weren’t any scheduled during my stay. 

Not all of the live tables were being manned during my visit but as I visited mid-week, the amount of people didn’t really justify it anyway.

Slots

The slot machines take up quite a large proportion of the Dakota Dunes casino floor space but they’re spread out to avoid feeling claustrophobic. 

There are over 600 slots to play here and while this may not compare to the quantity available at some casinos, I found the variety to be really good.

Slot enthusiasts can choose anything from classic, old-favourite style fruit machines to modern fantasy slots and anything in between, so I’m confident there’s something here for everyone.

I did have a flutter on a few of the standard machines, but my interest was piqued by the range of progressive slots on offer. 

Now, progressives aren’t usually my thing, but after seeing SIGA’s exclusive Smoke Signals $1,000,000 Progressive Jackpot slot, I thought it would be rude not to have a go.

While I didn’t quite hit any life changing amounts of money, a few smaller wins encouraged me to try out the Rider Nation progressive jackpot too, though my luck had fully deserted me by this point.

The Circuit

The Circuit is the section of the casino floor which contains all of the electronic gambling machines.

Here, you can choose to play Baccarat, Blackjack or Roulette, with a minimum bet of $2 required on any of the machines.

High Limit Gambling

The high limit room at Dakota Dunes Casino is probably one of the best I’ve visited in a while.

Located on the right-hand side of the casino away from the main floor, the high limit room features four Squeeze EZ Baccarat tables and two Blackjack with a Lucky Lucky Side Bet.

There’s also a private room with EZ Baccarat tables inside as well as a semi-private room featuring Blackjack with Lucky Lucky Side Bet tables. Both rooms can be booked out by private parties by contacting the casino directly.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the resort except the dedicated smoking room inside the casino, so players can either step outside or make use of the smoking room.

Note that the smoking room does contain a full serviced bar, making it a great place to take a break from the tables.

Like I already mentioned, the on-site hotel didn’t open its doors until 2020, so it’s still a fairly new addition.

The hotel aims to provide guests with an authentic Indigenous experience and there are plenty of facilities and features which honour this pledge.

To my surprise, the hotel is exceptionally contemporary. This isn’t a bad thing though as it looks fantastic. 

I think I was just expecting more of a traditional kind of aesthetic, but the hotel has managed to integrate nods to its roots in the décor and furnishings while making itself relevant in todays modern society, and I think that’s a hard thing to get right so it gets a big thumbs up from me.

Dakota Dunes Resort Hotel Rooms

The Dakota Dunes Hotel is home to 155 guest rooms and suites and when booking, you can choose from:

• Two queen bed standard room
• King bed standard room
• King bed standard room with desk
• King bed room with golf view
• King executive suite
• Barrier-free two queen bed room

The standard rooms tend to be around the 350 square foot mark while the executive suite offers 510 square feet of space.

I decided to go for a king size room with a golf view (I’m a sucker for a good view) and I was really happy with my choice. These rooms are situated across the fourth and fifth floor and I was lucky enough to be placed in one on the fifth floor.

The floor to ceiling window in my room let in plenty of natural light and gave way to an unrestricted view across the golf course. A couple of comfy chairs placed in front of the window made for the perfect place to have a morning coffee.

In terms of décor, like everything else inside the hotel building, my room was ultra modern and sleek. The grey wooden floor was complimented by lightwood furniture and leather chairs and little touches such as a patterned ceiling and black skirting boards created a more luxurious feel.

One thing I’d love to mention is how clean my room was. Now I know the hotel isn’t very old, but I was seriously impressed with how well things are holding up. My room was absolutely spotless and as a self-confessed clean freak, this made me feel right at home.

As well as one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping in, the room contained all the usual amenities including a 55-inch TV, desk, coffee maker, safe, mini refrigerator, iron, and hairdryer.

The private bathroom contained a large walk-in shower, an array of premium toiletries, and bathrobes and slippers.

If I have to be picky, the only complaint I have about my room is that there was no bathtub. I love nothing more than a soak in the tub while I’m away on a trip but isn’t exactly a dealbreaker. 

RV Parking

Guests travelling in RVs are welcome to park at the Dakota Dunes Resort however, parking spots are available on a first come, first serve basis and the resort does not accept reservations.

Therefore, I’d recommend calling up beforehand to check if there are any available spaces.

Upon arrival, you will be asked for your license plate, name, contact information, number of visitors, and length of stay. 

Note that RVs are restricted to 15 amp service only.

Food and drink

The selection of places to eat and drink at the Dakota Dunes Resort may be small, but the places on offer are great.

Guests can choose from:

• Moose Woods Home Fire Grill – This is the hotel restaurant which provides a little bit more of an upscale dining experience.
• Sevens Sports Bar – Casual bar with themed food nights and sport showings.
• Deli & Bar – Fast food for when you’re on the go.
• Tim Hortons – Popular coffeehouse chain.

If you feel like a casual bite to eat and drink while you watch the game, the Sevens Sports Bar is the place to be. 

Here you can find over 120 seats and 11 big screens as well as a full menu and, best of all, a vibrant atmosphere. 

The menu here features old-favourite style dishes such as ribs and nachos and there are daily specials on offer too, including Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, and Fish Fridays.

I ate here a couple of times during my stay and am happy to vouch for the chicken tacos and the wings.

Moose Woods Home Fire Grill is the restaurant that resides inside the Dakota Dunes Hotel and which aims to reflect the heritage of the Dakota Territory through its menu.

It promises to use only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and offers dishes such as elk meatballs, wild boar pasta, wild game stew, and a selection of premium cut steaks.

As I was enjoying immersing myself into the culture, I decided to try out the restaurant despite it being a little on the pricey side.

I opted for the wild game stew and it was truly sensational. And thank goodness it was too as it made it much easier when it came to paying the bill.

If you need something while you’re on the go, the Deli offers things like hot dogs and sandwiches at reasonable prices.

Tim Hortons needs little introduction, but the night owls will be glad to hear that this coffeehouse is open 24-hours over the weekend, so grabbing a coffee and a pastry after a long night on the tables on the way back to your room is a complete possibility – I won’t tell if you don’t.

Entertainment

By now, you’ll probably be starting to realise that this place is big on embracing its roots, and this doesn’t stop at the entertainment offerings.

For the Dakota Dunes Resort, it’s all about providing guests with an authentic Indigenous experience and, as such, guests can partake in things such as stargazing and storytelling.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, excursions and the like can be booked directly through the hotel. Some of the excursions and activities offered by the resort include:

• Canoeing
• eBike Rentals
• Mini Tipi Set Up
• Cross Country Skiing
• Kicksledding
• Cultural Dance Lesson

Moving away from the traditional entertainment options and stepping more into the 21^st century, the party animals amongst us will be glad to hear that a live DJ set takes to the casino floor every Friday night from 7pm – 2am.

Lobby Market

Conveniently located in the hotel lobby, the Lobby Market is somewhere where you can purchase snacks like sweets and ice cream, drinks, and any travel essentials you may have forgotten.

The Lobby Market is open 24-hours a day which is extremely handy considering there isn’t another shop for around 50 kilometres.

Wanuskewin Gift Shop

I can never say no to a trinket or two and that’s why I was overjoyed to find out that this place has its very own gift shop. I think it’s only right that such a unique venue with such a compelling history offers guests the choice to take a little piece of it home with them.

Speaking of compelling history, the corridor leading to the gift shop is basically an exhibit which showcases the traditions and values of the Whitecap Dakota Nation. It’s little touches like this which I think make a place unforgettable.

Once inside, the gift shop gives visitors to purchase unique, handcrafted items made by local First Nation artisans which include things like birchbark baskets, paintings, Saskatchewan-made jams, hand painted jewellery, and traditional moss bags.

You can physically see that every piece in there has been made with love and I therefore couldn’t resist picking myself up a beautiful pair of earrings.

Dakota Dunes Golf Links

Dakota Dunes Golf Links is laid throughout natural sand dunes and offers golfers 18 holes to practice on and sharpen their skills.

In 2016, the golf course gained a new clubhouse which is home to a restaurant which offers fantastic views over the golf course and a retail space on the upper level.

Dakota Dunes Golf Links is rated as the best golf course in Saskatchewan, so it’s a must-see for golf enthusiasts.

Pool

The pool at this resort is open daily from 7am – 11pm and is located within the hotel building, residing on the top floor and offering panoramic views over Whitecap and the Dakota Dunes golf course. 

Undoubtedly, the view is what stands out here. Floor to ceiling windows allow for a magical sunrise or sunset swim, which is what exactly what I did. Take my advice – do the same and thank me later!

The ultra-modern style continues up in the pool room where white marble flooring meets grey concrete columns and a glossy white ceiling. There are sun loungers dotted around as well as some comfy chairs by the windows to sit and enjoy the view after your swim.

There is also a hot tub to enjoy, located at the far end of the pool.

Rooftop Lounge

Located just beyond the pool room is a rooftop patio, offering uninterrupted views across the golf course and South Saskatchewan River Valley Basin.

The patio is only small with limited chairs and tables, but this creates an intimate feel.

Spa

Unfortunately, there is no spa and therefore no treatments on offer at Dakota Dune Resort.

I thought this was a bit of a shame considering the fantastic pool and fitness suite. Plus, considering that there’s next to nothing in terms of facilities in the local area, a spa certainly wouldn’t go amiss here. In fact, I think it would really elevate the resort as a whole.

Fitness Centre

The resort’s fitness centre is open 24 hours daily and provides everything you need for a high intensity workout.

Gym goers can choose from treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, exercise bikes, and a whole range of different weights.

Player’s Club Rewards

Player’s Club is the rewards program in place at all seven SIGA casinos. It’s free to join and provides customers with exclusive offers, discounts and rewards.

Signing up is quick and easy to do, all you need to do is visit any SIGA Casino Players Club desk with a form of government-issued photo ID. Remember, you must be 19 to gamble in Saskatchewan, so only those aged 19+ may sign up to the scheme.

Once registered, you’ll receive a Players Club card which you can insert into any of the slot machines and electronic gaming machines or show it to your dealer at any of the live tables before you begin playing to start earning points.

The way it works is as follows:

• Slots – Earn 1 Players Club point for every $1 wagered.
• Electronic Gaming Machines – Players Club point for every $5 wagered.
• Tables – How many Players Club points you earn depends on a combination of your average bet, which game you play, how long you play and the average hand per hour for the game.

For every 1,000 you collect, you $5 cash back which is redeemable at any of the slot machines

The benefits of joining the Players Club don’t just stop at points though; Player Club members are entitled to 10% off dining at the restaurants, access to the Reward Centres to enter member-only draws and promotions, discounts for on-site entertainment events, and free play birthday vouchers.

So, even if you’re only planning on visiting the once, I think signing up to the Players Club reward program is totally worth it.

If you enjoy the feeling of ‘getting away from it all’, I can’t recommend the Dakota Dunes Resort enough.

As a self-confessed history buff, I always appreciate staying somewhere with an interesting background and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the history of The Dakota tribe and how it ties into the opening of the resort – I feel like things like this make you feel more connected to the place and allow for a more intimate experience.

I had a great time in the casino, though I wish there was a little more selection when it came down to the live table games. However, the slot selection was fantastic and the high limit room will really appeal to the high rollers.

The Dakota Dunes Hotel deserves huge praise. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the rooftop pool feels luxurious and offers fantastic views over the land, and the restaurant offers a culinary experience that links directly to the Dakota peoples past. What’s not to like?

All in all, I think the Dakota Dunes Resort provides a great all-round experience and I would return in a heartbeat given the chance.