Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary

About Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary

An oasis of natural space, the Kerry Wood Nature Centre is named in honour of the late E. A. Kerry Wood, naturalist, award-winning author and long-time resident of Red Deer.

The 300 acres around the the Gaetz Lakes have been protected as a federal migratory bird sanctuary from 1924.

What to do at Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary?

Attractions in Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary

1. Learn about the history of Red Deer River and Central Alberta through the Nature Centre’s many exhibits, demonstrations, events and programs.

2. Hike along five kilometres of trails and learn about a variety of habitats. There are viewing decks and a bird-blind.There are two trails named Dr. George and Wishart Trails. The 1 km Dr. George Trail explores the wetland marsh area around the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. The 4 km Wishart Trail traverses the outside edge of the Gaetz Sanctuary with lookout points over East and West Lake.No skiing, pets or cycling are permitted within the protected area.

3. A variety of exhibitions are held at Marjorie Wood Gallery.

4. The centre also conducts/holds Nature Nursery, an un-parented program for 3 to 5-year olds, interpreter-led planetarium programs, birthday parties and many other programs like Nature Savvy Saturdays and Discovery Sundays.

Who all can go and enjoy ? -Everybody

When to go to Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary?

Hours / Time Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary

The Nature Centre

10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Seven days a week.

Statutory Holidays 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

The Kerry Wood Nature Centre is open year-round, closing only on Christmas Day.

Fort Normandeau is open Victoria Day to Labour Day.

Events at Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary – here

How much will it cost?

Admission/Tickets Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary

Free

How to get to Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary?

Location & Directions to Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary

Located at 6300- 45 Avenue , Red Deer, Kerry Wood Nature Centre can be reached from South of Red Deer from Highway 2 by exit 394 for Gaetz Avenue/ON-2A toward Red Deer.

From Gaetz Avenue turn east on 55th Street and then turn north (left) on 45th Avenue (at the Corner Store).The Nature Centre will be on your right.

Approximate GPS coordinates : 52.281976,-113.797854

How long will it take to visit Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary?

Time Required to Visit Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary
1 to 3 hours

What about Amenities, Access & Parking at Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary

Restrooms/ Wash rooms, Gift shops.

The nature centre is wheel chair accessible.

Dr. George trail is wheelchair accessible. Limited wheelchair accessibility in Wishart Trail.

Free parking on site.