Vacation rentals in Red Deer

Located halfway between Edmonton and Calgary along the Red Deer River, Red Deer is the third-largest city in Alberta. The former agricultural city is now an economic hub for the energy industry. Its compact historic downtown is dotted with public art sculptures and lined with 19th-century red-brick and stone buildings that today house boutiques, breweries, and art galleries. Red Deer is also home to the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra and the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery.

Just outside town, central Alberta’s stately evergreen forests and serene mountain lakes begin, and you can use Red Deer as an urban base for outdoor recreation activities. After a day of skiing or snowboarding at the local resort, hiking sections of the Trans Canada Trail, or sailing on Gull Lake, head back to town to dine and brewery-hop.

Central Alberta’s temperate climate is marked by four distinct seasons and higher rainfall than other parts of the province. If you plan to enjoy the many outdoor activities here, summer may be the best time to search out a vacation rental in Red Deer. Temperatures during this time are warm, but not too hot or humid, though sunny days will be interspersed with heavy rainstorms in June, July, and August, so make sure to pack both sunscreen and rain gear. During the spring and autumn seasons, expect cool temperatures and some rain. Winters in Red Deer are extremely cold and snowy, so come prepared with waterproof boots and a warm coat. This is also a great time to lace up your skates and take a lap on the ice at the Bower Ponds or Lonsdale outdoor rink.

Kerry Wood Nature Centre

Located along the southern bank of the Red Deer River to the north of town, the Kerry Wood Nature Centre’s environmental education programs are designed for all ages. Explore the exhibits in the Interpretive Centre, then meander around the serene Gaetz Lakes Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Harmony Garden, where you’ll find large wooden and metal instruments to play. From the centre, you can enter the Waskasoo Park Trail System, which leads along the river and the greenways that wind through the city.

Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery

The Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery’s collection focuses on the history of Red Deer, from the Blackfoot, Plains Cree, and Stoney First Nations who have long made their home here to the 20th-century businesses. Much of the art on display was created by local artists. Check the museum’s website for its exhibit schedule and all-ages events.

Bower Ponds

Minutes from downtown, the Bower Ponds flanking the Red Deer River are surrounded by green space and paved trails. In the summer, you can rent a paddle boat or kayak to explore the narrow, curving ponds. You can also walk on water by renting a water ball — a large inflatable sphere that allows a person inside. During the winter, locals come here to zip across the ice on skates or play impromptu hockey games.