The warm weather is finally here, the trees are in full bloom, the smell of flowers is in the air and you feel great; your energy levels have increased and you are ready to go outdoors and explore!The City of Red Deer has an intricate trail system, with some incredible views. Whether you are an avid runner, just starting out, or maybe you enjoy going for long walks and want to switch up your scenery, there’s a Red Deer trail system for you. The trails can be beginner (flatter trails with small hills, easy to access and stroller friendly) to intermediate levels, (steeper hills, or long staircases, not ideal for strollers). If you stop by Kerrywood Interpretive Centre, you can pick up a map of all the trails here in Red Deer.
Here are 6 Of Our Favourite Red Deer Trails:
1. Riverbend/Discovery Canyon
Located just north east of the city, this trail is complete with a great playground close to the parking lot and it’s close enough to Discovery Canyon waterpark, which is perfect for a nice summer day. The Riverbend golf course offers a beautiful 5 km gravel loop that parallels the river. These are also groomed cross country skiing trails in the winter. This trails a nice easy walk/run. Chances are you will see moose, deer, squirrels and rabbits on this trail.
Parking Coordinates: 52.316000, -113.785061
2. Kerrywood Nature Centre
This trail offers beautiful scenery; it’s the hidden gem of our city. Once you get there you feel like you have left the city completely. The facility at the parking lot has flush toilets and a great interpretive centre. It is also home of the Harmony Garden and Imagination Groove for kids. There are also signs out with some free binoculars if you enjoy bird watching. This trail has a 1km paved loop which is stroller friendly, or a 5km shale trail. The 5km trail has stairs and some hills. On the far side of the pond is a beautiful lookout that makes the walk worth it. This is a bird sanctuary so there is no animals or running allowed, so as not to disturb the wildlife. If you’re lucky you might spot a moose, fox, or a beaver.
Parking Lot: 52.284935, -113.794814
3. Mackenzie Trail
Mackenzie Trail is home of the big hill, but don’t worry you do have options. You can choose to do a leisurely walk around the duck pond, or follow the trail across the entrance road to go all the way to 67th and loop back. If you choose the second option you will have the chance to do the hill… but don’t worry, what goes up must come down!!! Makenzie trail is fully paved and divided for safe enjoyment. It includes several spots for picnics, 2 small playgrounds and a boat launch. There are vault toilets at the parking lot for your convenience.
Parking Lot: 52.294986, -113.791939
4. Heritage Ranch
This trail offers several options for length and types of trails. Heritage offers double lane paved trail that can lead you all the way to Bower Ponds as well as some great one track trails through the trees. There are 2 playgrounds close to parking, a stocked fishing pond and a great set of stairs with 159 steps. You can follow up your run/walk with great food at Westlake Grill and feed some horses in their paddock. The public toilets at the Ranch can be found at the Ranch Centre beside the lookout.
Parking Lot: 52.261247, -113.851308
5. Maskepetoon
This trails starts out on pavement, it leads to a set of stairs then turns to gravel. There are no hills, but you will get a view of the river, and possibly wildlife. Parking is next to an outdoor workout park.
Parking Lot: 52.276037, -113.850473
6. 2oth Ave Trail
To access this trail park at the Tim Hortons located in Timberlands. Follow the trail east to the pedestrian crossing, cross HWY 11. You will come a paved flat path, which will lead you all the way to 19th street, with several chances to cut up to 30th Ave. This trail parallels a famers field to the east.
Parking: 52.274166, -113.749665
These are just a few of our favourite trails throughout Red Deer. Hope you enjoy exploring them as much as we do.
Happy Trailing!