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.

Park Hill Inn & Suites
Park Hill Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
4217 50th Avenue, Red Deer, AB
The price is ¥9,424 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
¥9,424
¥10,272 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
includes taxes & 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! (1,206 reviews)
"Comfortable bed! Great location as we were accessing hospital services across the street. Staff wonderful. Lovely breakfast. Will stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Park Hill Inn & Suites
Red Deer Resort & Casino
Red Deer Resort & Casino
4 out of 5
3310 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB
The price is ¥11,327 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
¥11,327
¥12,594 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & 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! (2,012 reviews)
"Good hotel overall. Pool and hot tub was great. Little upset i wanted to pay cash for the room but deposit on credit card, was told when i checked in i wasn't allowed to pay cash had to be credit but then when i checked out after i already put it on my card i can pay cash. Was told breakfast was ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Red Deer Resort & Casino
 iHOTEL & Conference Center Red Deer
iHOTEL & Conference Center Red Deer
3.5 out of 5
6500 67 Street, Red Deer, AB
The price is ¥13,232 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥13,232
¥14,711 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star luxury hotel in Red Deer. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,459 reviews)
"Nice place for a weekend stay."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

iHOTEL & Conference Center 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 ...
6/10 (2 reviews)
"Very great staff"

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Mira Holdings
Bohemian | Cozy 2-Bedroom | Ideal Family Retreat!
Bohemian | Cozy 2-Bedroom | Ideal Family Retreat!
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)
It was nice
"You cannot control the heat in your unit. It was really cold when we arrived but after contacting our host, they had the heat turned up. There are also electric fireplaces that give off heat.The beds were very comfortable!"

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

Bohemian | Cozy 2-Bedroom | Ideal Family Retreat!
Spacious 4-bedroom townhome in charming Red Deer with WiFi, AC
Spacious 4-bedroom townhome in charming Red Deer with WiFi, AC
Red Deer
Stay at this vacation home in Red Deer. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Northwood Estates Park and Hazlett Lake are located ...
Spacious 4-bedroom townhome in charming Red Deer with WiFi, AC
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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