Nestled between Calgary and Edmonton is Alberta's best-kept secret: Red Deer. This charming city offers a unique mix of rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or go on an adventure, Red Deer has something for everyone.
The city is the perfect site for exploring the fun attractions and stunning landscapes that Alberta is famous for. Between exploring the great outdoors, taking pics of beautiful landmarks, and indulging in mouthwatering culinary delights, we promise that you'll never run out of things to do in Red Deer.
01 Discover the Kerry Wood Nature Center
As Red Deer's nature and heritage site, the Kerry Wood Nature Center is the perfect place for appreciating nature in its raw beauty. This site boasts over three miles of trails in a protected bird preserve, where you can enjoy a long, scenic stroll. You can also engage with interactive exhibits that teach you about Red Deer's local ecology. If you're in the mood for some music, be sure to stop by the Kerry Wood Nature Center's music garden. This gem includes an array of outdoor instruments that you can play.
02 Go on an adventure at Heritage Ranch
Unleash your inner cowgirl or cowboy at Red Deer's Heritage Ranch. This sprawling 217-acre ranch has plenty to offer, from festive activities to scenic trails. One of its most popular activities is guided horseback riding, which lets you explore the unfiltered beauty of the ranch while picking up a new skill. The ranch tracker scavenger hunt game is another fun option for families. When you need to fuel up in between activities, you can also grab a bite to eat at the ranch's gourmet restaurant.
03 Explore the MAG
If you're looking to delve deep into some culture during your visit to Red Deer, you'll definitely want to set aside some time to visit the Museum and Art Gallery (MAG). This museum and art center gives you the opportunity to appreciate the rich culture and history embedded in the city. The museum's historical collections provide an in-depth glimpse into Red Deer's past, while the contemporary local art gallery lets you enjoy the artistic creations of the city's many talented locals. A visit to the MAG will also help provide more context to the sights and sounds of Red Deer.
04 Step back in time at Sunnybrook Farm Museum
Red Deer's rural tradition has a lot of history behind it, and you can explore it in more depth at the Sunnybrook Farm Museum. Known as the city's oldest farm, Sunnybrook provides visitors with an intimate look at rural life in Red Deer going back to the early 19th century. From antique tractor pulls to a log house, the farm museum is full of charming relics. Visitors can also enjoy an authentic pioneer breakfast and even interact with farm animals to get a feel for rural life in Red Deer.
05 Taste local brews
Red Deer is also home to famous local breweries like Troubled Monk. To get a taste of what the locals enjoy, be sure to stop by one of the city's renowned breweries. You can sample a wide array of craft beers and spirits to uncover the richness of the flavor profile in Red Deer. Additionally, all of the city's breweries create their beverages using locally sourced ingredients. This gives you the chance to enjoy a variety of unique flavors that you can only find at Red Deer's local breweries.
06 Join the festivities
To make the most of your visit to Red Deer, be sure to plan your visit around one of the city's many annual events. One of the most well-known events in the city is the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Residents from all over Alberta convene at this event to witness the fun and excitement of the much-anticipated annual rodeo. There are also plenty of festivals that will help give you a feel for the community spirit of Red Deer. Whether you're a music buff or a hardcore foodie, you can choose from a wide array of music, art, and food festivals throughout the city.
07 Dine at Red Deer's best restaurants
If you're looking to take your taste buds on an adventure, Red Deer is the destination for you. The city boasts a wide variety of eateries featuring diverse global cuisines. Thanks to Red Deer's rich rustic tradition, you'll also have the chance to enjoy deliciously fresh farm-to-table meals with various flavor profiles. For the serious food enthusiasts out there, you won't want to miss local favorites like The Granary Kitchen and Boulevard. This top-rated restaurant promises an exceptional dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
08 Honor athletes at Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
Alberta is also known for its longstanding sports culture, which is recognized at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in Red Deer. At this museum, you can learn more about the province's fascinating history of sports. There are many interactive exhibits that you can engage with, such as the Ice & Snow Gallery and the Endless Possibilities Adaptive Sports Gallery. Visitors also have the opportunity to honor the achievements of Alberta's local athletic heroes across various types of sports, such as ice hockey, alpine skiing, curling, and team handball.
09 Shop at local farmers' markets
Red Deer's local farmers' markets prove that healthy and delicious can easily go hand-in-hand. There are numerous community vendors you can visit during your time in the city. These sellers are proud to offer a tasty selection of fresh produce and artisan goods. Not only will you be eating healthier by shopping at farmers' markets, but you'll also be doing your part in supporting the hardworking farmers of Red Deer. The city's farmers' markets also offer a vibrant, fun atmosphere that you can enjoy in the company of friends or family.
10 Wander Downtown Red Deer
The most charming part of the city is downtown Red Deer, where culture and history fuse together seamlessly. There are plenty of places to explore downtown, from unique boutiques to historical buildings. You can also take a break and grab a bite to eat at one of the cozy cafés. Another hallmark of downtown Red Deer is the exquisite Red Deer River, which serves as a picturesque backdrop for the urban landscape. The river is the perfect spot to sit by while you relax with a good book, and it's also the ideal setting for a long walk.
11 Relax at Bower Ponds
If you can't get enough of Red Deer's waterfront views, don't forget to stop by Bower Ponds during your visit. This scenic little corner of the city offers a wide range of activities that you can participate in. If you're the outdoorsy type, you have plenty of options for exploring all that nature has to offer in Bower Ponds. There's also an amphitheater that hosts live concerts for your musical enjoyment. Both visitors and locals enjoy savoring the peace and tranquility of Bower Ponds in the midst of a busy urban area.
12 Visit Fort Normandeau
If you're eager to dive deeper into the history of Red Deer, Fort Normandeau is a key landmark to add to your itinerary. This central historical site marks the birthplace of Red Deer. During the North-West Rebellion of 1885, Fort Normandeau was occupied by the 65th Battalion. It is currently located near the Red Deer Crossing, which runs along the Red Deer River. The fort's museum gives you the opportunity to learn more about the historical significance of Fort Normandeau, while the river provides many recreational activities.
13 Ski at Canyon Ski Resort
The best way to spend your time in Alberta is to take part in what the province is known best for—winter sports. As the province's largest non-mountain ski resort, Canyon Ski Resort offers a scenic backdrop for skiing. The resort is also known for its family-friendly atmosphere and facilities, making it the perfect destination for skiers of all ages. No matter what your skill or experience level is, you're sure to have a good time at Canyon Ski.
14 Savor Caribbean flavors at Chubby Jerk & BBQ Kitchen
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Red Deer by visiting Chubby Jerk & BBQ Kitchen. The Caribbean dishes served at this restaurant will let you dive into tropical cuisine, giving you an escape from the frigid temperatures of Alberta. The cozy, intimate vibe of the restaurant creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and kicking back with friends and family. Because Red Deer offers such a unique culinary experience, be sure to make time to sample as many eateries as you can.
15 Cheer on the Red Deer Rebels
You don't have to spend a lot of time in Canada to see how integral hockey is to their culture. If you want to be a part of the excitement, make sure to pay a visit to Peavey Mart Centrium. Home to the Red Deer Rebels, this arena is a mainstay in the city. You'll have an unforgettable time cheering on the city's favorite WHL team at Peavey Mart Centrium.
Scroll Down
for the Next Article
