Calgary 
There are many exciting options for exploring Central Alberta on the Red Deer River.
Credit: Red Deer Tourism
On the west side of the river, the waters are much faster and offer thrill seekers some great whitewater rapids.
Canoeing or kayaking through the Badlands offers a much more relaxing but just as scenic way to travel the Red Deer River.
And if you’re looking for an activity on the Red Deer River which offers an even calmer ride and experience, you can take a lazy float!
Know before you Go:
Always check the weather and river flow before you head out on any Alberta river. The Red Deer County area is known for its intense summer thunderstorms, which can roll in quickly.
Visit the Alberta River Basin: Advisories & Warnings webpage to check water flow rates/warnings and your weather app’s radar to stay current on storm activity.
Follow Transport Canada’s requirements for human-powered watercraft and AdventureSmart guidelines.
Respect all signage for private property and the park signs while floating or stopping along the shores.
Lazy Floating on the Red Deer River:
First off, what is a ‘lazy float?’ These are shorter rides down the river through the calmer sections with the flow of water guiding the watercraft downstream. Lazy floating is possible on many of Alberta’s rivers and requires little equipment. You always want to plan with your route (launch and take-out points), snacks, sun protection, paddles, lifejackets and safety kit (buoyant heaving line, whistle, etc.).
Your watercraft could be:
- A SUP, canoe, or kayak
- Inflatable rafts or kayaks
- Inflatable tubes
Route options:
The Long Route will take you on a full-day adventure through Red Deer.
Begin at Fort Normandeau and sail your way to the opposite side of the city. The last stop is the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. Pack a lunch for this 10.2km/4-5 hour float.
If you launch from Fort Normandeau, you can get off earlier for a 6.4km/2.5-3 hour float. Your take-out point is the Bower Pond.
You can start at Bower Ponds as well and continue on the water until the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. This is the shortest float at 4.8km.
More Ways to See the Red Deer River:
The scenery on the shores of the Red Deer River drastically changes as you travel west to east. The activities below, as well as the lazy float trip, enable you to see it all from the Rockies to the Badlands.
- Mukwah Rafting Tours and Hunter Valley Adventures offer whitewater rafting, sightseeing raft rides, and camping.
- Canoeing/Kayaking the Red Deer River is popular east of the city of Red Deer. This stretch travels through the tall and rocky badlands and offers great wildlife viewing and birdwatching. You can select shorter sections of the river, like Content Bridge to Trenville Park, Trenville Park to the Tolman Bridge campground, or Morrin Bridge to Newcastle Park in Drumheller, for a day trip or multi-day trips up to Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Credit: Govt. of Alberta
- Plan a shoreline hike! Stretch your legs after the float and explore the Bower Ponds area or the trails around the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.
Fort Normandeau & the Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Besides being your first and last point on the river for a day of floating, these areas are major city attractions.
Fort Normandeau is the west side boat launch on the river. It is also a historic fort and a living history museum. You can travel through time via the authentic fort buildings and speak with the onsite actors. The Kerry Wood Nature Centre is also part of the Gaetz Lake Sanctuary. Together, they offer an interpretive centre and trails, a natural playground, and a Nature Store.
Planning your Trip – Lazy River Float on Red Deer River within the City of Red Deer
What: The Red Deer River flows from the Rockies to Rocky Mountain House, through Red Deer, and into the Badlands towards Drumheller. Lazy floating is easy to do through the city of Red Deer, with a boat launch and parking on the west at Fort Normandeau, and the same is true in the east at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. Over 10km of the river flows through Red Deer.
Locations: Fort Normandeau – 28054 45 Ave
Bower Ponds – 4715 Fountain Dr
Kerry Wood Nature Centre – 6300 45 Ave
Credit: Red Deer County
Cost: free
Best time to go: June-September on fair weather days, subject to Alberta River Basin: Advisories & Warnings
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