Central Alberta 
Make the most of your summer in Red Deer and Red Deer County or see what the area has to offer for a family trip!
All summer, you can find festivals and events, county attractions open for summer, and an array of free outdoor recreation.
1. Events and Festivals
1. Westerner Days Fair & Exposition
This is one of the area’s biggest summer fairs, happening over five days in July. Red Deer’s Westerner Days offer live music and other free entertainment, midway rides, nightly Pony Chuckwagon Races, and a variety of food to try.
When: July 20 -24, 2022
Where: Westerner Park – 4847A 19 St, Red Deer
How much: General Admission (12 – 59): $18.00
Senior (60+): $12.00
Child (6 – 11): $12.00 Under 5: Free
2. Red Deer Centrefest Street Performers’ Festival
Red Deer’s Street Performers’ Festival returns for 2022, with limited details released so far. It will be similar to previous years in which Centrefest focused on buskers and performance art out in the summer sun along with games, activities, and food.
When: Sept 3 – 4, 2022
Where: Downtown Red Deer
How much: “pay what you will” to performers
3. Catch Live Music all Summer on Ross Street
The public outdoor patio on Ross Street in downtown Red Deer is a stage for live and free performances all summer, Wednesday to Friday. The patio can fit up to 75 people and is on the main downtown street where you can find tons of local dining options for the evening shows.
When: Wednesday to Friday, summer and early fall
Where: Ross Street public patio, Red Deer
How much: Free
4. Daines Ranche Pro Rodeo
This three-day event west of Red Deer kicks off on June 17th with a rodeo parade and continues with all the classic rodeo events. Some extras include a cabaret show, camping, dances, and plenty of food.
When: June 17-19, 2022
Where: 28420 Township Rd 362, Penhold
How much: $10-$60 per person or per family
5. Canada Day at Bower Ponds
The entire day will be filled with family fun to celebrate Canada! Expect live music, cultural food booths, kids’ activities, and finale fireworks display over Bowers Pond.
When: July 1, 2022
Where: Bower Ponds, Red Deer
How much: free
II. Summer Attractions
1. See it all from Above with Air-ristocrat Balloon Rides
You can get the best of any views in central Alberta with Air-ristocrat. They offer a variety of flights which can hold up to four guests. They also offer a more romantic ride in the Sweethearts Package.
When: May-October
Where: garytheballoonguy@gmail.com
403-302-7167
How much: $295 per person
2. Ride The Canyon Coaster
Red Deer’s Canyon Ski Resort now have details for us on their anticipated Coaster, set to open for summer 2022. You can now see the course details, specifically the route your cart will take down the ski 1300m track at up to 49km/hour! Canyon plans to run the Coaster from June 25th to September, and to remain open on statutory holidays.
When: Summer
Where: Canyon Ski Resort
How much: $25
3. Indulge in Bower Ponds Recreation
Bower Ponds Recreation
Your entire family can kill a few hours, or an entire day, with Bower Ponds Recreation. Bower is between the historic Cronquist House and the Red Deer River and offers a variety of water rentals to enjoy in the scenic pond: paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, water balls (clear, inflatable spheres that give you a unique chance to “walk” on water), or Surrey bikes (tandem side-by-side bikes with a canopy).
When: Summer Season
Where:4715 Fountain Drive, Red Deer
How much: rentals $8-$35
4. Shop around the Summer Markets
You can find indoor and outdoor markets all around Red Deer County this summer; take a stroll through the city markets, Bowden, or Innisfail to find a variety of local vendors and producer booths.
- Bowden Place Market
- Downtown Red Deer Market
- Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market
- Innisfail Market on Main, and Farmers’ Market
5. Visit Sylvan Lake
The Sylvan Lake area has tons of free fun like swimming and beach picnics, opportunities for water sport rentals, local dining to try, and plenty of other reasons to visit this summer. The town also features a few events over the summer like Jazz at the Lake Festival and 1913 Days, and a Friday market.
6. Bowden Sunmaze
Bowden SunMaze & Eagle Creek Farms
You can expect to visit the Sunmaze by early August. By then they will be open for u-pick of their flowers (both annuals and perennials) and vegetables. Edible u-pick items include carrots, beets, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, peas, beans, and potatoes.
When: August 2022
Where: 34531 RR14, Bowden
Red Deer County
How much: $7-$11 per person
7. Historic Fort Normandeau
Enjoy a day of learning, outdoor recreation, and history with the Fort Normandeau site. You can tour the grounds and Stopping House to find recreated scenes from history with live actors. You can end your day with a picnic on the grounds with use of their picnic tables and firepits.
When: May-October
Where: 28054 B Township Road 382, Red Deer
8. Discovery Canyon
Introduce kids and little ones to the excitement of river floating with Red Deer’s Discovery Canyon. The area is free to attend, and offers sandy or grassy beach areas, and a small wading area which opens to a lazy river. You can walk your tube the short path up to the entry point and float your way down back to the beach. Parents are also able to walk next to little ones as they float down the lazy river.
When: Now Open, Summer season
Where: 3800 River Bend Dr., Red Deer
How much: free admission, $5 per tube rental
9. Explore Innisfail
RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre
Take a stroll through time at the Innisfail Historical Village this summer and keep an eye on their Facebook page for events happening throughout until September. There are 18 buildings to explore over 2-acres of land, and a great display of antique vehicles.
Visit Discovery Wildlife Park, home to animals that cannot be returned to the wild. You can see monkeys, bears, tigers, jaguars, wolves, raccoons, squirrels and more!
RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre has public demonstrations which are conducted every Wednesday afternoon between Victoria Day and Labour Day.
10. Sip and Taste at DNA Gardens
There are many reasons to stop at the DNA Gardens in Elnora this summer, including plenty of food and beverage. The season ramps up in June with the farm now open 7-days a week, and many weekly events planned. These events continue on into July, August, and September. You can find beer and wine tastings, pancake breakfasts, tours, and more.
When: June-September
Where:35344 Range Rd. 230, Elnora
How much: $5-$20 per person
11. U-pick Strawberries at the Jungle Farm
July marks the beginning of strawberry picking season with the Jungle Farm! You can get kids out to enjoy a true farm-to-table experience with something as sweet as the strawberries. The Farm also hosts events throughout the summer and offer pumpkin picking later in the fall.
When: mid-July 2022
Where:28120 Township Rd 362, Red Deer
For museums and year-round places to visit, see here.
III. Outdoor Activities
1. Natural Swimming Areas & Beaches
You can choose between a few different places for a swim on a hot day in Red Deer this summer: Sylvan Lake, Buffalo, and Gull all offer large sandy beaches and are all suitable for swimming. There are also small beaches along the Red Deer River perfect for a warm day on the sand.
2. Red Deer River Floating
Just as you can easily launch a canoe or kayak into the Red Deer River, you can also launch inflatables. It is advised to bring paddles on your lazy floatie to ensure you can reach the jump-off points, and steer around possible rocks. Popular floating spots include those along the eastern border of Red Deer County from the Content Bridge all the way to Mackenzie Crossing Campground.
4. Camping
For a county that stretches wide, east to west, there are many places you can camp that offer huge variety in terms of central Alberta scenery. The western areas are the start to the foothills, while the eastern parts of Red Deer mark the start of the badlands. You can also find camping close to towns or the city of Red Deer.
- Red Lodge PP
- Glennifer Reservoir PRA
- Trenville Park Campground
- Red Deer Lions Campground
- Westerner Campground
How much: $28-$51 per night
5. Equestrian Trail Rides
Take off into the more remote parts of Red Deer County on horseback this summer with the experienced ranchers in the area. These trail rides range from thrilling outdoor excursions, to calmer rides better for a date night.
6. Tour the City/County by Canoe or Kayak
Red Deer River Adventures
The City of Red Deer maintains seven boat launches from west to east. The Red Deer River cuts through the centre of the city, so you can begin on the west side at Fort Normandeau and finish on the east side at Riverbend Golf & Recreation Area. For a longer ride through much of Red Deer County, there is a west launch at A-Soo-Wuh-Um, and an east launch at Joffre Bridge. And between the start/end points, you can create a variety of different lengths of trips.
If you want a guided tour, then take a trip with Red Deer River Adventures.
7. Touring Kerry Wood Nature Centre
The Kerry Wood Nature Centre, on the northeast side of Red Deer, is also part of the Gaetz Lakes Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Between these two sites are 5km of trail intended for walking and wildlife viewing. The Nature Centre has an Interpretive Centre where you can learn all about the wildlife before you set out to see ducks, foxes, squirrels, owls, or maybe even deer or moose.
When: year-round
Where:6300 45 Ave, Red Deer
How much: free
8. Cool off at the Pools & Spray Parks
The City of Red Deer
There are several spray parks you can find around Red Deer: perfect places to get in a quick cool-down with young kids. The City of Red Deer is also opening the outdoor pool for summer. Watch for the city’s Pop-up Spray Parks all summer, as well, in a variety of community locations.
9. Visit the Ellis Bird Farm
Credit: Ellis Bird Farm Ltd.
The Ellis Bird Farm in the northern area of Red Deer County is a great way to show kids around the farm and nature trails. The farm also has several events scheduled for summer 2022 like Bluebird Trail Tours, planting workshops, and their annual Bug Jamboree!
When: May-December 2022
Where: 39502 Range Road 26-0, Lacombe
How much: free/by donation
10. Hike Around Dry Island Buffalo Jump
There are two main trails in the Provincial Park which head at Township Road 344A. You can either hike a 7 or 9km trail to get these incredible views of the badlands and the Red Deer River. Plan for about 2-3hours per hike and pack a picnic; the PP has picnic sites overlooking the river.
Where: Township Road 344 via Highway 21
How much: free
More Things to Do in Red Deer:
- Fall: 15 Fabulous Fall Activities in and Around Red Deer
- Winter: 25 Things to Do in Red Deer During Winter
- Christmas & Holiday Activities: Lights, Santa, Concerts & Theatre
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