Parq Casino for New Westminster First-Timers
This page covers Parq Casino in Vancouver for someone whose first casino trips start in New Westminster. It covers where Parq is, how it differs from Starlight, the door rule, and parking and SkyTrain.
Where Parq Is and What It Offers
Parq Casino sits at 39 Smithe Street in Vancouver. The resort around it carries the name Parq Vancouver. From central New Westminster it is 16.6 km away in a straight line. This distance runs straight from one map point to the other, not along any road. Among the nine Metro Vancouver casinos in this guide, it is seventh by that measure.
Like Starlight, the casino at Parq is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Its poker room on Level 3 is also open 24/7. Starlight's seven-table poker room runs 24 hours only on Friday and Saturday. The games at Parq are slots, baccarat, poker, blackjack, roulette, electronic touch machines and Stadium Gaming. Parq does not publish slot or table counts, so a count beside Starlight's 54 live tables is not possible.
Two differences stand out on arrival. Parking at Parq is paid, pay-by-plate, where Starlight's parkade and outdoor lots are free. ID is shown at the door whatever your age, and there is no specific dress code. Two SkyTrain stations sit within about 850 m.
Before You Walk Into Parq
- The door rule is simple: you must be 19 or older, and everyone shows government-issued photo ID. Security scans it, and for people who are let in, the system saves no personal information.
- Poker at Parq happens in a room on Level 3, open 24/7. Parq does not publish how many poker tables it has.
- Encore Rewards is Parq's loyalty program, a membership card that collects points as you visit. You sign up at Guest Services on Level 2.
- Restaurants and bars at Parq include Honey Salt, The Victor, D/6 Lounge and KOI Noodle Bar, among others.
- Two hotels share the resort: the JW Marriott and The Douglas.
Getting There and Getting Home
Parking at Parq is on-property self-parking, open 24 hours and paid by plate. On non-event days it costs $5 per hour before 5PM, up to $20 between 5AM and 5PM. From 5PM to midnight it is $20 flat Sunday to Thursday, and $25 on Friday and Saturday. Midnight to 5AM costs $15, and a full 24 hours costs $55. Event days run $25 to $35.
SkyTrain is the other choice. Stadium-Chinatown Station on the Expo Line is 850 m away, and Yaletown-Roundhouse Station on the Canada Line is 800 m away. Plan the way home before you leave, especially for a late night. Never drive after drinking.
Is there a dress code at Parq?
Parq has no specific dress code. Your ID matters more at the door, since everyone shows it, whatever their age.
Is parking at Parq free?
It is not free for everyone. Parking is pay-by-plate, and it is free only for Encore Rewards members who have earned at least 15 points. Everyone else pays the hourly or flat rate, which reaches $55 for 24 hours on non-event days.