Red Deer Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Tourism Red Deer
Photo provided by Tourism Red Deer
Photo provided by Dwight Arthur/Tourism Red Deer
Photo provided by Dwight Arthur/Tourism Red Deer
Photo provided by Tourism Red Deer

Walk, cycle, ski or ride horseback along wooded trails, go tubing at Discovery Canyon, golf at top-notch courses and do more with less in Red Deer.

Central Alberta is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada and Red Deer is its main hub. With an average age of under 35 years, Alberta’s third-largest city is young and vibrant with plenty of great activities, historical and natural attractions and experiences to enjoy.

Red Deer gets its name from the river that flows through it. First Nations called it “Elk River,” but British fur traders thought the elk were a kind of European red deer and mistranslated the Cree name to “Red Deer River.” The city began as a river crossing for fur traders travelling between Fort Edmonton and Fort Calgary. Visit Fort Normandeau to the west of town to see the site of the original river crossing and learn about life in the days of the fur traders.

More history can be explored at Sunnybrook Farm Museum and the nearby Icelandic hamlet of Markerville where you can visit Stephansson House,a historic creamery and the home of one of Iceland’s greatest poets,Stephan G. Stephansson.

Red Deer has more than 62 miles (100 kilometres) of scenic trails inside its boundaries and more trails that connect it with neighboring communities. You can enjoy the trails by walking, renting a bike in town or participating in a trail ride at Heritage Ranch. Visit the Kerry Wood Nature Centre to learn about local flora and fauna you’ll see along the trails. Birders will want to check out the nature centre’s bird blind, visit nearby Ellis Bird Farm and make a stop at the Gaetz Lake Sanctuary, Alberta’s oldest federal migratory bird sanctuary.

There are seven golf courses within an hour’s drive of Red Deer as well as some of Alberta’s nicest swimming and boating lakes. Hotels cost less in Red Deer than many of Alberta’s other cities, so it makes a good hub for exploring all the attractions in Central Alberta.

Reach Red Deer by car, bus or plane with three daily flights into Red Deer Regional Airport from Calgary International Airport.

Red Deer Resort & Casino

Red Deer Resort & Casino

4 out of 5
3310 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB
The price is Rp1.211.008 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
Rp1.211.008
Rp1.346.383 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Red Deer. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,267 reviews)
"Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the area. The room was clean."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Red Deer Resort & Casino
Park Hill Inn & Suites

Park Hill Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
4217 50th Avenue, Red Deer, AB
The price is Rp852.970 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
Rp852.970
Rp929.738 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Red Deer. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,419 reviews)
"Good overall. There's a Tim Hortons right across the parking lot which is very convenient"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Park Hill Inn & Suites
Days Inn by Wyndham Red Deer

Days Inn by Wyndham Red Deer

2 out of 5
1000-5001 19th Street, At South end of Red Deer on 19th, Red Deer, AB
The price is Rp1.064.166 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp1.064.166
Rp1.183.139 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Red Deer. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"We always enjoy staying here."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Red Deer
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mira Holdings

Mira Holdings

3.5 out of 5
4311 49 Ave, Red Deer, AB
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Red Deer. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Bower Ponds and Cronquist House are ...
7.4/10 Good! (3 reviews)
"Very great staff"

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2025

Mira Holdings
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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