Anyone who’s driven between Calgary and Edmonton knows about Red Deer ’s mouth-watering doughnuts. Alongside its bountiful orchards and craft breweries, Red Deer serves up epic outdoor activities, from cycling rolling green hills to skiing at Canyon Ski Resort.

Things to do

Ski the slopes at Canyon Ski Resort, Red Deer’s premier ski resort with over 30 hectares of skiable terrain, 18 runs and six lifts. You can relish your inner daredevil on the tubing track and get some air on the half pipe, before cozying up by the open fire at the lodge.

In summer, tube down Red Deer River at Discovery Canyon Water Park. Sit back and relax as you float along the gentle rapids and waterways beneath the shade of waterside willows. There’s plenty of sandy beaches to relax on and a cafe to keep you fuelled for a full day of tubing.

Master the art of brewing beer with a tour of Troubled Monk Brewery. See and learn exactly how your favorite beverages are made before joining fellow beer lovers for a tasting in the Taproom. If you prefer cocktails, enjoy the creative concoctions at To The Lost, a hip bar in Downtown Red Deer with live music, vinyl and open mic nights.

Do you consider yourself a sports enthusiast? Don’t miss visiting the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, which showcases the athletic achievements of Alberta. Explore an impressive collection of trophies, signed photographs and equipment before encountering Olympic gold medallists and testing out your own skills in the “Come & Play” interactive center.

Getting around

Red Deer lies on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway and is a 1.5-hour drive north of Calgary and a two-hour drive south of Edmonton. Greyhound buses arrive regularly from both Calgary and Edmonton. Red Deer is compact and walkable, but also has buses and taxis.