Top Things to do in Red Deer, Alberta: Our 3-Day Visit

Looking for things to do in Red Deer, Alberta? We’re glad you’re here!

This fall, we decided to spend some time travelling around Alberta in our motorhome, and our first stop after leaving Edmonton was Red Deer.

Honestly, nobody had recommended that we visit Red Deer, but we decided to stop anyway. And we’re so glad we did! The city surprised us in the best way.

In this guide, we’ll share the places we visited, the things we enjoyed doing, and a few tips from our three days exploring Red Deer.

Planning your trip to Red Deer?

These are the resources we personally use and recommend to book flights, find accommodations, and plan your trip with confidence.

• ✈️ Book your flights here.
• 🏨 Find places to stay in Red Deer here.
• 🚗 Rent a car for your trip from Edmonton here or Calgary h ere.
• 🎟️ Explore tours and activities with Viator.
• 🚐 Find unique RV stays with Harves t Hosts.
• 🐾 Travel while caring for pets with TrustedHousesitters.
•🎒 Shop travel essentials on Amazon.

Where is Red Deer, Alberta located?

Red Deer is located in Central Alberta, about halfway between Edmonton and Calgary, along Highway 2. It’s approximately a 90-minute drive from either city, making it an easy stop on an Alberta road trip.

With a population of around 115,000 people, Red Deer has a history closely connected to the railway, which played an important role in the city’s early development.

But one thing that stood out to us was how much nature there is to explore. The city has an extensive network of parks and walking trails, many of them along the Red Deer River.

Best Things To do In Red Deer, Alberta

There are plenty of things to do in Red Deer, and one of the best parts is that many of them are completely free!

During our three days here, we explored several parks, enjoyed some great walks, and visited a few local attractions.

Here are the free and affordable activities we enjoyed and think are worth adding to your Red Deer itinerary.

1. Walk the trails at Three Mile Bend

Three Mile Bend Park was our first stop in Red Deer, and it was such a great surprise!

The park has walking trails along the Red Deer River and is also an off-leash dog area. So, if you’re travelling with your dog, this is definitely a place to consider. Just make sure to follow the park’s posted rules.

View of the Red Deer River from Three Mile Bend Park

We walked a loop of approximately 3 km, which took us about 50 minutes. The trail was well-maintained and easy to follow, with beautiful views of the river along the way.

And one of the highlights of our walk? We spotted a moose! It was amazing to see one, but it’s also a good reminder that wildlife can be present even in parks close to the city. Always keep a safe distance.

We really enjoyed this walk and would recommend it to anyone looking for outdoor things to do in Red Deer, including families with kids.

There are several trails to choose from in the area, so I recommend using AllTrails to find a route that works for you. That’s what we used, and it worked perfectly for us.

2. Explore Mackenzie Trails and the Waskasoo Trail System

One thing we noticed while looking for things to do in Red Deer was the number of green spaces throughout the city. Much of this is thanks to the Waskasoo Trail System, a network of interconnected trails that makes it easy to explore different parks and natural areas.

Our second stop was Mackenzie Trails, where we parked our RV before heading out for another walk.

We followed a route called Waskasoo Pond Ridge on AllTrails, which offered some great views of the Red Deer River.

The walk took us approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and we found it moderately challenging.

If you’re looking for something shorter, you can also explore the trails around Mackenzie Trails Recreation Area, where you’ll find picnic spots and outdoor exercise areas.

If you’re into the outdoors, you must have the AllTrails app. We’ve used it throughout our trip, and the maps are really accurate. You also get helpful info to prepare for what’s ahead on your hikes.

3. Visit Maskepetoon Park

We stopped at Maskepetoon Park one morning for a short walk, and the views were gorgeous!

There’s a well-defined trail with an area where you can stop, read information about the park, and enjoy the surroundings. Farther along, you’ll find stairs leading down to another section of the park.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore beyond the stairs, which we later regretted!

We learned afterward that some of the best views are farther along the trail, so if you have more time than we did, don’t stop where we stopped!

4. Stop at the Red Deer Public Library

One thing we love doing when travelling is visiting places where locals spend their time, and public libraries are always on our list!

This time, we visited the Red Deer Public Library in downtown Red Deer, and what a great find!

The library has four floors and even a café inside. We stopped for a few hours to get some work done, grabbed a coffee, and enjoyed the views from the upper floor through its huge windows.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, read, or get some work done while exploring Red Deer, this is a great option!

5. Visit the Red Deer Museum and Art GAllery

Another place we decided to explore while looking for things to do in Red Deer, Alberta, was the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG), and we’re so glad we did!

The building has two main areas: the art gallery on one side and the museum on the other.

We spent over an hour exploring both.

In the art gallery, we visited an exhibition called Renewal, which featured beautiful, colourful quilts created by different artists. We loved seeing how each artist interpreted the theme of renewal through their work.

We also enjoyed an exhibition by Trudy Golley & Company. It was a great opportunity to discover more about local and regional artists and their work.

Part of the exhibition by Trudy Golley & Company

On the museum side, we learned about Red Deer’s history, Indigenous peoples, the impact of the World Wars on the community, the Spanish flu pandemic, and much more.

It was such an interesting visit, and we highly recommend including it in your Red Deer itinerary!

Admission was free during our visit, although donations were welcome. Before going, check the official Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery website for current exhibitions, admission information, and opening hours.

6. Explore Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lakes Santuary

Do you enjoy birdwatching? If so, you have to visit Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary!

Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary is a federally designated migratory bird sanctuary right in Red Deer, and it’s a wonderful place to explore nature.

We started our visit at Kerry Wood Nature Centre, where the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We had a long conversation about Red Deer’s trails, parks, and attractions, and they shared some great information with us.

One thing we loved was that you could borrow binoculars and a bird identification guide before heading out to explore the sanctuary.

Of course, we borrowed both!

You can borrow binoculars and a bird identification guide before going on a walk.

We walked approximately 4 km along the trails, looking for birds and enjoying the surroundings. And something unexpected happened: a little bird actually landed on Aldo’s fingers when he raised his hand!

It was so cool!

The nature centre also has a small gift shop where you can find some interesting products.

If you enjoy walking, birdwatching, or simply spending time outdoors, we highly recommend adding this stop to your list of things to do in Red Deer.

We walked approximately 4 km along the trails

7. Walk around Bower Ponds

Bower Ponds was another place on our list of things to do in Red Deer, and it didn’t disappoint!

We visited in the late afternoon and enjoyed a short walk around the park as the sun was setting.

There are well-marked walking paths, benches where you can sit and enjoy the views, and plenty of parking spaces.

We walked for approximately 30 minutes and found it easy and enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a short, relaxing walk in Red Deer, Bower Ponds is definitely worth a stop!

before you continue…

If you’re planning your trip to Red Deer, these links might help

• ✈️ Book your flights here.
• 🏨 Find places to stay in Red Deer here.
• 🚗 Rent a car for your trip from Edmonton here or Calgary h ere.
• 🎟️ Explore tours and activities with Viator.
• 🚐 Find unique RV stays with Harves t Hosts.
• 🐾 Travel while caring for pets with TrustedHousesitters.
•🎒 Shop travel essentials on Amazon.

8. Enjoy High Tea at Cronquist Tea House

This is one experience we missed during our visit to Red Deer, but I wanted to include it because it looks like something worth trying!

Located at Bower Ponds, Cronquist House is a historic home that once belonged to the Cronquist family. Today, it’s used for private events and offers a traditional high tea experience.

Unfortunately, we arrived too late and only learned about the high tea experience as we were getting ready to leave.

If we return to Red Deer, this is definitely something I’d love to try!

If you’re interested, I recommend checking the current high tea schedule and reservation requirements before visiting, as availability may vary.

9. Find the Francis the Pig Monument

Looking for something a little different to do in Red Deer?

Not far from the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, you’ll find a monument dedicated to Francis the Pig!

Francis became a local celebrity after escaping in 1990 and spending several months roaming around Red Deer before being captured.

We couldn’t resist stopping to see this unusual monument and learning a little about his story.

Be like Francis! Explore Red Deer!

10. Explore Downtown Red Deer

If you have some extra time during your visit, we recommend taking a walk around downtown Red Deer!

This is actually how we discovered the Red Deer Public Library, which turned out to be such a great find.

You’ll also come across a large arch welcoming you to Downtown Red Deer, a fun spot to stop for a photo.

Take some time to wander around, check out the local shops and businesses, and see what else you can discover.

Our 3-Day Red Deer Itinerary

If you’re planning to spend three days in Red Deer, as we did, we recommend starting at Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

The staff were incredibly helpful during our visit, and we had a great conversation about the city’s parks, trails, and attractions. You can also pick up a map and get recommendations to help you plan your time.

Based on our experience, here’s how we would organize three days exploring Red Deer:

Day 1: Explore Red Deer’s Parks and Trails

Start with a walk at Three Mile Bend Park.
Head to Mackenzie Trails and explore part of the Waskasoo Trail System.
Enjoy the views along the Red Deer River.

Day 2: Discover Downtown Red Deer

Start your morning with a short walk at Maskepetoon Park.
Explore downtown Red Deer and stop at the Public Library.
Visit the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery to learn about the city’s history and discover local art.
Don’t forget to look for the Francis the Pig Monument!

Day 3: Nature and Bower Ponds

Visit Kerry Wood Nature Centre and explore Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary.
Borrow binoculars and enjoy some birdwatching along the trails.
Head to Bower Ponds for an afternoon walk.
If available, consider booking a high tea experience at Cronquist House.

Of course, you can adjust this itinerary depending on the weather, how much time you want to spend walking, and your interests.

Where to Stay in Red Deer (Including RV Options)

If you’re travelling in an RV like us, there are a few options worth considering.

During our visit, we used two apps to find places to spend the night: iOverlander and Harvest Hosts.

Through iOverlander, we found overnight parking at Flying J and Petro-Pass. We also stayed at Mudders Wash through Harvest Hosts.

Mudders Wash was particularly convenient because we could take showers, do laundry, wash our RV, refill our fresh water, and empty our holding tanks in one place.

If you’re travelling around Canada in an RV, we recommend checking out Harvest Hosts, a membership that gives RV travellers access to overnight stays at participating businesses and other host locations.

We also recommend downloading iOverlander to find potential overnight parking spots and useful services along your route.

Important: Always check recent reviews and updated information in iOverlander, and ask for permission before staying overnight. Parking rules and availability can change, and a location listed in the app doesn’t necessarily mean overnight parking is permitted.

Hotels in Red Deer

If you’re visiting Red Deer by car or flying into Alberta, there are also several hotels to consider.

Here are a few accommodation options you can explore:

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Red Deer by IHG
Staybridge Suites Red Deer North by IHG
Comfort Inn & Suites Red Deer North

We haven’t personally stayed at these hotels, so we recommend checking recent guest reviews, prices, and availability before booking.

Tips for Visiting Red Deer, Alberta

If you’re planning a trip and looking for things to do in Red Deer, here are a few tips based on our experience:

Plan ahead: There are plenty of places to explore, especially outdoors. We recommend doing a little research beforehand and choosing the parks, trails, and attractions you’d like to visit.

Our RV parked at MacKenzie Trails, Reed Deer

Dress for the weather: If you’re visiting in fall or winter, bring warm clothes, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. We visited in October, and gloves, a beanie, and a warm jacket were definitely necessary!
Be aware of wildlife: We unexpectedly encountered a moose and mule deer while exploring two different parks in Red Deer. Always pay attention to your surroundings and keep a safe distance from wildlife.

Is Red Deer Worth Visiting?

After spending three days exploring Red Deer, we can confidently say that Red Deer is definitely worth visiting, especially if you love spending time outdoors!

We enjoyed discovering the city’s parks and walking trails, and we were surprised by how much there was to explore.

We would love to return when the weather is a little warmer, complete more trails, and bring our bikes to explore even more of the Waskasoo Trail System.

Conclusion

Our three days in Red Deer showed us that even though it might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning an Alberta road trip, this city has so much to offer, especially if you love spending time outdoors!

If you’re travelling between Edmonton and Calgary and looking for things to do in Red Deer, we highly recommend making a stop.

Who knows? You might be just as surprised as we were!

Ready to book your trip?

Use these trusted resources to book everything in one place.

• ✈️ Book your flights here.
• 🏨 Find places to stay in Red Deer here.
• 🚗 Rent a car for your trip from Edmonton here or Calgary h ere.
• 🎟️ Explore tours and activities with Viator.
• 🚐 Find unique RV stays with Harves t Hosts.
• 🐾 Travel while caring for pets with TrustedHousesitters.
•🎒 Shop travel essentials on Amazon.

And if you’d like to keep exploring Canada, don’t miss these guides:

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