It is supposed to be a hot dry summer this year in Central Alberta, although it might sound lovely to some, not everyone has (or wants) air conditioning to stay cool. Don’t worry we have got you covered! Here is a list of ideas that will help make this a cool one, summer that is.
One of the best ways to shake off the summer heat is to visit a spray park or pool, and Central Alberta has many options to keep you cool as a cucumber. In Red Deer, you will find Kin Kanyon Spray Fountain, Blue Grass Sod Farms Central Spray and Play and the outdoor pool at the Red Deer Recreation Centre. Red Deer is also home to a handful of indoor pools, a fun activity suited for all ages and offers that much-needed break from the summer sun.
Not far from Red Deer, in the town of Blackfalds, is the McKay Ranch Outdoor Aquatics Centre located at the Abbey Centre, or cool down at Tayles Water Spray Park. A little farther north you can splash the heat away at the Lacombe Spray Park, so much fun for the kids (or kids at heart). Back to the south, you will find another great spot at the Penhold Splash Park.
Discovery Canyon located within the River Bend Golf and Recreation Area is the quintessential hot-weather-hangout here in Red Deer. Cool down on a hot summer’s day in this unique outdoor water play area. It features natural river-fed water pools, tube run, beach-like wading area, playground, picnic tables, concession, washrooms and showers. Admission is free, however, this facility is to be used at your own risk, as no lifeguards are on duty. Typically, open from June to September, however this year they have plans of reopening on July 1st, watch for their announcement!
Paddleboats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent at Bower Ponds Recreation, a great activity and a lot of fun cruising the ponds. Swimming is not permitted here, but locals will tell you the fountains offer a refreshing spray if you paddle close enough.
Sylvan Lake is a water lover paradise and Sun Sport Recreation can help with their great selection of motorboats, kayaks, paddleboats and board rentals. They even have Seadoos, with the wind in your hair and the spray at your feet it is one fun way to get your chill on.
Keep cool and float away on the Red Deer River, plan a day trip rafting downstream to some favourite launch points. There are plenty of places to start and end your journey, find locations and floating distances on the Red Deer County River Map.
Have you thought about giving standup paddle boarding a try? We might not be able to catch big ocean waves here in Central Alberta, but this could be the next best thing. Mountain Surf Co offers various packages, rentals and lessons and best of all, almost anyone can enjoy these boards. They can even take you on a River Run down the Red Deer River, just make sure you have previous experience or a lesson before this adventure.
How about rising up with Air-ristocrat Balloon Rides for a refreshing view of Red Deer’s magnificent scenery. The temperatures can vary on a balloon ride from hot under the flame to chilly air at higher altitudes.
Maybe you just need to get out of the sun and take a break from the heat, then what better time to visit some of our great indoor attractions? The Red Deer Museum & Art Gallery always has beautiful exhibits and artwork displayed and be sure to check out their activities calendar. Nothing like a little friendly competition to stomp out the heat, head over to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and show off your cool athletic skills in full air-conditioning.
After a day of splish-splashing, you will want to keep the cooling effects going with a scoop or two of everyone’s favourite, ice cream! Places like Ross Street Ice Cream Co in Downtown Red Deer serve up some great options. Bower Ponds Recreation can be found slinging scoops at their Kiosk by the ponds or maybe take a country drive (with the A/C blasting or windows down), to the Creamery at Historic Markerville.
Perhaps an ice-cold beer under the shade of a patio umbrella sounds like the ideal place to be? Then craft breweries like Troubled Monk or Red Hart Brewing have you covered in more ways than one.
Not a beer drinker? Then the sound of a blender will be sweet music to your ears, at Las Palmeras they whirl up some of the best Margaritas, Pina Coladas and Chi Chis around, mock or the real deal. Why not experience the best of both worlds and order up one of their refreshing Beergaritas, whichever you choose you are in for a real cool treat.
These are just a few ways to keep cool this summer as you #ExploreRedDeersBackyard, share your favourite things to do to cool off in Central Alberta and be sure to tag us @TourismRedDeer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter #getoutofthegrey and #experiencethecolours
