Today, Red Deer is Alberta’s third largest city, but it’s still retained its small town charm. Whatever your reason for coming to the region, rest assured that when you get here, you’ll be well taken care of.
Red Deer County is an escape from the pace of city life. The best part is that the campgrounds, fishing, ski areas and golf courses are just a short drive from Alberta’s two largest cities. In addition to the numerous outdoor adventures, the museums, galleries, craft shops and festivals make Red Deer County a favourite among travellers.
Red Deer County’s rolling scenery provides beautiful views of the many rivers, lakes and valleys. Spend the day on a working farm or cruising the slopes of Canyon Ski Resort. Red Deer County has agriculture as its backbone. Visitors are welcomed at many area farms where you can get eggs, honey, vegetables, fruits, meat, preserves and cheese right from the farm gate or at a farmers’ market. Great attractions like U-pick farms, corn mazes, sunflower mazes, greenhouses, antique shops and museums dot the peaceful countryside.
Love a lake? Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, watersports or swimming, there’s a lake in Red Deer County that perfectly suits your purpose. The three major recreational lakes in Red Deer County are Pine Lake, Sylvan Lake and Gleniffer Reservoir.
Then there the golfers… they always love the many courses in Red Deer County that offer – from beginner to championship-level play. Find more adventure in this Insider’s Guide to Red Deer
Facts
• Did you know that the “Shakespeare of Iceland” was an Alberta homesteader? Unable to sleep at night, Stephan G. Stephansson wrote poetry in his native tongue and became famous in his homeland. Today you can visit his original homestead along the Scandinavian Trail.
• Red Deer’s beautiful parks and natural green spaces are well known throughout Alberta with over 100km of easily accessible, paved, walking, hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails connecting park users to beautiful green areas and park attractions. Pack a picnic lunch, stop at one of the many picnic tables or shelters along the way, sip a coffee while the kids play on one of the playgrounds, or just breathe in the sweet clean air and listen to the birds on a peaceful walk.
• The federal Red Deer Migratory Bird Sanctuary, established in 1924, is the oldest of only four in Alberta. Follow the Dr. George path (wheelchair accessible) for a 1km loop with a stop at the bird blind on the west lake or head out for a 4km hike along the edge of the sanctuary. Take your time to stop, look at the flowers, birds and wildlife that make their home in this wild refuge in the middle of the city.
• Heritage Ranch is a great starting point if you’re planning to explore the trail system throughout the river valley and a destination on its own with a network of over 20km of official and informal trails. Located along the river, the area was once used as a quarry but has now been fully reclaimed into an amazing green space with a fishing pond.
• Great West Adventure BMX Park hosts a 335-metre technical track for BMX biking, complete with many obstacles including double and triple jumps, step-ups and more. Local, regional and national championships have been held here and it’s the home of the Red Deer BMX Club.
Red Deer summers are long and comfortable; the winters are freezing, dry, windy.
Getting Here
From Calgary, drive about 90 minutes (147.5 km) north via AB-2.
From Edmonton, drive about an hour and 40 minutes south (154.7 km) via AB-2.
Dream now, travel later. To plan for future adventures here and throughout the West Coast, visit westcoasttraveller.com