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.

 iHOTEL & Conference Center Red Deer
iHOTEL & Conference Center Red Deer
3.5 out of 5
6500 67 Street, Red Deer, AB
The price is ¥13,122 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥13,122
¥14,588 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
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! (1,444 reviews)
"Quick overnight. Great hotel good breakfast"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

iHOTEL & Conference Center Red Deer
Park Hill Inn & Suites
Park Hill Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
4217 50th Avenue, Red Deer, AB
The price is ¥8,185 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥8,185
¥8,921 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (1,157 reviews)
"Great pric and location.."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 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 ¥12,349 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
¥12,349
¥13,729 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
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! (1,967 reviews)
"They took care of us when we had a booking problem with Expedia. What we didn’t like was the beds they used to have some of the most comfortable mattress don’t know if they changed but they were really hard this time might have to look at a different hotel"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Red Deer Resort & Casino
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 ...
"Very great staff"

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Mira Holdings
The Lioness | Sauna | Steam Shower | Jacuzzi Bath
The Lioness | Sauna | Steam Shower | Jacuzzi Bath
Red Deer
Stay at this vacation home in Red Deer. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Northwood Estates Park and Red Deer Mountain ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Perfect!
"I stayed here for two nights and had an amazing experience! The house is beautiful, modern, and incredibly clean. The spacious jet tub and sauna were such a treat—perfect for relaxing after a long day. The steam shower downstairs is the best shower I’ve ever been in. The location couldn’t be better—close ..."

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

The Lioness | Sauna | Steam Shower | Jacuzzi Bath
Modern new townhouse
Modern new townhouse
Red Deer
Stay at this vacation home in Red Deer. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Galaxy Cinemas Red Deer and City Hall Park ...
"Super host. Place is beautiful. Ideal for large group. Will stay here again."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Modern new townhouse
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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