Located halfway between Edmonton and Calgary in the heart of Central Alberta, Red Deer boasts the perfect blend of big-city convenience and small-town feel. Almost 92,000 people call Red Deer home, and with all the amenities that can be found right here in Red Deer, it’s easy to see why. Below are reasons why you might like to Red Deer home too.

Recreation

Red Deer’s recreation activities and centres are sure to keep you busy. With the Collicutt Centre in the south, the Recreation Centre in the downtown core, and the newly revitalized G.H. Dawe Centre in the north, you’re able to enjoy swimming, ice skating, and indoor sports and activities no matter where you live in the community. To top it off, the Collicutt and the Dawe both feature waterslides, while the Recreation Centre is home to Red Deer’s only outdoor pool. If you’re looking for other types of recreation in the city, look no further than Westerner Park, which plays host to hockey games, concerts, tradeshows, and other events – including the annual Westerner Days Fair and Exposition.

Parks and Trails

If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, Red Deer’s parks and trails will no doubt make you feel right at home. Let your dog(s) run free at two off-leash dog parks. Explore Bower Ponds in a paddleboat during the summer and on skates during the winter. Take a romantic carriage ride at Heritage Ranch. Go bird-watching at Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. In the winter, hit the slopes at Canyon Ski Resort. In the summer, hit the links at one of Red Deer’s premium golf courses. At any time of the year, hit over 100 kilometers of trail on foot, on bike, or on snowshoes. In every corner of the city, you’ll find green space to explore every season of the year.

Tourist Attractions

Red Deer’s central location makes it close to a variety of tourist attractions. Only 15 minutes away, you’ll find the sandy beaches of Sylvan Lake. A bit closer to home, just outside the city, is the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, an interactive museum that celebrates Alberta’s sports history. Historic Fort Normandeau, located in Red Deer’s beautiful river valley, is also a must-see, with its interpretative centre, events, and live performances. And, in the fall, you’ll want to take in the Lacombe Corn Maze; only a 20 minute drive from Red Deer, the maze changes every year and features activities that are fun for all ages.

Culture

It’s no wonder Red Deer was named Canada’s Cultural Capital by Canadian Heritage in 2003: Red Deer has a vibrant arts and culture community rivalling that of other larger centres. Whether you enjoy the theatre, art galleries, museums, live music, street festivals, public art, or the symphony, you’ll find all that – and more – to satisfy your love of the arts right here in Red Deer.

Shopping

As the hub of commerce for Central Alberta, Red Deer has plenty of places for you to shop all over the city. Parkland Mall in the north and Bower Place Mall in the south are just two of these options. You’ll also find an eclectic mix of locally owned shops in downtown Red Deer, farmers’ markets throughout the summer, and big box stores in Southpointe Common. More importantly, many of Red Deer’s community neighbourhoods offer shopping centres, making it easy for you to shop close to home.

Schools

Red Deer’s education system offers an array of options from kindergarten right up to college. Not only are there over 20 public schools and 14 Catholic schools in the Red Deer area, the city also has 12 alternative schools, a Francophone school, a number of private schools, and a college that offers over 80 programs – providing ample choice for you and your family.

Work

With a trade area of approximately 200,000 people, Red Deer’s economy is always growing – and so is its job market. Many of Alberta’s largest corporations call Red Deer home, and there’s work to be found in all sectors, including the oil field servicing, manufacturing, retail, petrochemical processing, financial, and public sectors.

Worship

Though Red Deer is a predominately Christian community, people of many different faiths will find a place to worship in and around the city. There are almost 50 churches and places of worship in Red Deer, including Catholic, Baptist, United, Lutheran, and Mormon churches.

Truly, Red Deer is a delight to discover – but don’t take our word for it. Come for a visit and discover for yourself why Red Deer is the perfect place to live, work, and play.