Red Deer

Travel 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 traveling 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 center’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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$76 nightly
The price is $83 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$83 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Red Deer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,304 reviews)
"10/10 Outstanding!! Restaurants are too notch! Service is outstanding!!"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Red Deer Resort & Casino
Park Hill Inn & Suites

Park Hill Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
4217 50th Avenue, Red Deer, AB
$53 nightly
The price is $57 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$57 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Red Deer. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,436 reviews)
"It was an amazing stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Park Hill Inn & Suites
Baymont by Wyndham Red Deer

Baymont by Wyndham Red Deer

2.5 out of 5
4311 49 Ave, Red Deer, AB
$61 nightly
The price is $67 total per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
$67 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Red Deer. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Will return"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Baymont 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 WiFi, 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 Apr 17, 2025

Mira Holdings
The Distillery | Sleeps 10 Guests | BBQ and Patio!

The Distillery | Sleeps 10 Guests | BBQ and Patio!

Red Deer
Stay at this vacation home in Red Deer. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions St. Mary's Parish and Bower Place are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
Nice place to stay
"Stayed one night with some friends. Checked all the boxes. We would stay again."

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2025

The Distillery | Sleeps 10 Guests | BBQ and Patio!
Nineteen55 4BR Parkside Home in Central Red Deer

Nineteen55 4BR Parkside Home in Central Red Deer

Red Deer
Stay at this vacation home in Red Deer. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions St. Mary's Parish and Bower Place are located ...
Nineteen55 4BR Parkside Home in Central 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.

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