Set along the banks of its namesake river in Central Alberta, this active city of 100,000 people serves as a regional hub with cultural venues, museums, and a network of forest trails.
Red Deer sits at the heart of Alberta, halfway between Calgary and Edmonton. You can walk or cycle along 80 kilometers of trails in Waskasoo Park, swim at the Collicutt Centre's leisure pool, or ski at Canyon Ski Resort in winter. Watch performances by the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra at the Polytechnic Arts Centre, catch monthly shows by the Bull Skit Comedy troupe, or explore local wildlife at the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary.
Getting to Red Deer
Red Deer's central location makes it easily accessible from both Calgary and Edmonton, with each city about 150 kilometers away. The Red Deer Regional Airport handles private flights and charter services, while most commercial travelers use the international airports in Calgary or Edmonton. Red Deer Transit runs regular bus routes throughout the city, connecting major neighborhoods and attractions.
Exploring Waskasoo Park
The Waskasoo Park system stretches through Red Deer along the river, with 80 kilometers of multi-use trails. You can bike, walk, or rollerblade in summer, while winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. At the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, you can watch deer, moose, and over 100 bird species from elevated viewing platforms. Visit the Kerry Wood Nature Centre to learn about local plants, animals, and ecosystems through hands-on exhibits.
Arts and Culture Scene
Several venues host performances throughout Red Deer. The Central Alberta Theatre puts on six productions each season, from comedies to dramas. The Bull Skit Comedy troupe performs improv shows on the first Friday of each month. The Red Deer Symphony Orchestra plays classical concerts at the Red Deer Polytechnic Arts Centre from September through May. At the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, you can explore exhibits about the region's past and see work by contemporary Canadian artists.
Sports and Recreation
The Collicutt Centre spans 23,000 square meters with multiple facilities. You can swim laps in the pool, try the water slides, climb the bouldering walls, or run on the indoor track. Canyon Ski Resort, 7.5 kilometers east of the city, has 18 runs ranging from beginner slopes to black diamond trails during winter months. Visit the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame near Highway 2 to try interactive sports simulators and learn about accomplished provincial athletes.
Historical Background
Red Deer grew from a crossing point on the Calgary-Edmonton Trail, where travelers stopped at Fort Normandeau in the 1880s. When the Calgary and Edmonton Railway arrived in 1891, it established the current city location. During the 1950s oil boom, Red Deer expanded beyond its agricultural roots, becoming a regional center for oil and gas services, healthcare, and education.
