Calgary 
There are many stops one could make along Highway 2 where it connects Calgary and Edmonton. And each stop is filled with its own hidden gems of local attractions, unique places to shop, dine, and stay, or natural beauty. And while many will opt for a stop in south Red Deer’s Gasoline Alley, the town just south of here will offer reasons to stop and stay for a while.
Credit: Innisfail Historical Village;
Innisfail is part of Red Deer County and is a short drive south of the city. And as with Red Deer, Innisfail is cut down its centre by the Red Deer River. However, unlike the city to the north on the QEII, Innisfail offers a much quieter, more relaxing, and equally enjoyable experience.
This includes time spent on or around the Red Deer River, as well as the many other parks and natural areas that surround Innisfail.
Watersports & Beach Days Around Innisfail
Central Alberta and Red Deer County are home to numerous small lakes, the Red Deer River, and the smaller rivers or creeks that connect to the Red Deer. These areas around Innisfail provide endless summer fun and recreation like boating or paddling, fishing, swimming, and fun off the water like picnics, hiking, or cycling.
- The Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area is a favourite spot for those with motorized boats as the expansive prairie lake has plenty of space for the boats, as well as sports like tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. But as a reservoir, the water levels fluctuate, and the boat launches will be closed if the water levels are too low. Fishing is also permitted from the park’s Dickson Pond, where the water is teeming with rainbow trout.
- Pack a picnic for the reservoir, as there are several day-use area picnic tables near both boat launches on the south and north sides of the lake.
- Take in relaxing recreation along the Red Deer River, where the water is generally lined with canoers, kayakers, or those floating on inflatables. A popular route for a lazy float begins at the Innisfail Bridge and ends at the A-Soo-Wuh-Um Day Use Area in Penhold.
- And for river swimming opportunities, the nearby Red Lodge Provincial Park offers a sandy spot for a beach day on the shores of the much smaller river, which eventually meets with the Red Deer.
Arts, History & Outdoor Fun
Credit: Discovery Wildlife Park
Whether that summer weather is hot and sunny, or cool and rainy, there are indoor and outdoor attractions around Innisfail that offer a look into local culture and history or heritage.
- The summer offers several reasons to make a visit to the Innisfail Historical Village; this living history museum has outdoor trails to follow between historical buildings as well as a picnic and day use area. Plus, there is extra summer programming around which to plan a visit. A few examples of museum summer events include Family Tea in the Village, a Canada Day celebration, and guided tours from costumed interpreters.
- You can watch RCMP police dogs in action at their training centre. From a sheltered bandstand, visitors get a 45-minute glimpse of the fantastic skills on display on an outdoor course.
- At Discovery Wildlife Park, you can meet rescued animals, catch daily shows with bears and wolves, walk with a Timber Wolf, and even stay overnight in cabins or campsites.
- Jungle Farm, 9 km from the town, offers u-pick and farm fun activities.
- There are several family-friendly attractions within the DINOS Centre, a multi-purpose indoor venue. These include various ideas for rainy-day activities, such as mini golf, laser tag, an escape room, and an archaeology museum.
- The Innisfail Town Theatre offers live theatre shows, as well as dinner theatre shows.
The Best Trails Around Innisfail
Within Innisfail, the town’s Napoleon Lake and Centennial Park offer close to 3km of nature trails. The lake is a great place for spring or fall birding, too, with boardwalk trails leading over the lower wetlands. The park also has a playground and picnic amenities. Find more great trails across Red Deer County, too!
- The Raven Ridge Conservation Area, on the west side of the Gleniffer Reservoir, is a great place for birding and wildlife viewing, as well as exercise, as the hike can total up to 8km.
- Olds, about 35km south of Innisfail on the QEII, is home to the local College’s Botanic Garden, where there are easy yet gorgeous trails that wind around the manicured gardens. The gardens also surround a natural wetland setting that attracts all sorts of birds and small critters.
Summer Dining & Drinks
There is a huge variety of local foods to explore around Innisfail and the surrounding parts of Red Deer County. Part of this stems from the numerous local producers in the area who have market booths or farm stores. Plus, there are several places around Innisfail’s 50th Street that offer a cozy spot for drinks or meals. Those market experiences around Innisfail over the summers are also a perfect option for fresh picnic foods.
- Find more picnic ideas from the takeout options like Golden Cottage, D & R Drive-In, Innisfail Pizza & Pasta, or YROC Pizza.
- Grab an array of local drinks from places like Innisfail’s Field & Forge Brewing Co. or on the two-storey patio at Dark Woods Brewpub and Coffee Roasting.
- Innisfail Farmers Market on Thursdays, or the Market on Main on Tuesdays.
- This part of Red Deer County is home to an impressive number of public farm stores with fresh ingredients for all sorts of meals: browse the goods of Garlic Goodness Farm, the Nixon Honey Farm, Edgar Farms, the Jungle Farm, and Eagle Creek Farms.
Innisfail Camping, Hotels, & More
No matter your getaway or summer vacation style, Innisfail and the southern part of Red Deer County surrounding the town have a ton of accommodation options to offer. The private rental options alone offer choices ranging from glamping and cabins to cottages and large homes, with amenities like private hot tubs or pools.
- There are numerous beautiful and well-kept campgrounds around Innisfail, including the Anthony Henday Campground, Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area, Red Lodge Provincial Park, and the Discovery Wildlife Park & Campground.
- There are numerous hotels, inns, and motels on the east side of Innisfail where the town’s 42nd Avenue runs parallel to the QEII (Highway AB-2).
- Get a cozy cabin stay a short drive outside of town with resorts like the Red Lodge Guest Ranch, the Lazy M Lodge, or private rental sites like VRBO and Airbnb.
