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 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 CA $104 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
CA $104
CA $115 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (2,272 reviews)
"Tons of fun things to do on sight, nice dining options and overall the hotel was great!"

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 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 CA $73 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
CA $73
CA $79 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
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! (1,420 reviews)
"The building is definitely showing its age, but it was perfect for what we needed it for! Breakfast included was humble, but suited us just fine."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 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 CA $91 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
CA $91
CA $101 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Red Deer. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"We always enjoy staying here."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 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 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
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
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!
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Red Deer