Photo Credit: Travel Alberta / Colin Way @colinwayphoto
Thaw yourself from the winter hibernation and embrace the season’s beauty with our 48-hour spring itinerary. Spring in Red Deer is a time of renewal, with fresh blooms, longer days, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Day One: Outdoor Adventures and Local Flavours
Start your day with a refreshing nature walk at Kerry Wood Nature Centre where the trails through Gaetz Lake Sanctuary offer the perfect opportunity to spot wildlife and take in the fresh spring air. This peaceful setting is a must-see during your Red Deer spring getaway.
Where to Eat: Breakfast
After you walk, fuel up with a tasty breakfast to start your day right.
- Hash Breakfast Eatery: A retro and upscale breakfast diner, focusing on fresh local ingredients and offering a fresh perspective on brunch with a commitment to sustainable sourcing.
- Hiy Steaks: Located within the Red Deer Resort & Casino, Hiy Steaks offers a cozy spot to enjoy breakfast or brunch, with a menu that ranges from light, fresh bites to hearty, flavour-packed mains.
What to Do: Explore Downtown Red Deer
Stroll through City Hall Park, a serene spot perfect for enjoying the first blooms of spring. It’s an ideal place for a post-breakfast walk or quiet moment on a bench with a book!
Local Tip: The Red Deer Public Library is right beside the City Hall Park if you are looking for a new read!
Afterward, explore Downtown Red Deer’s unique boutiques and stores, or grab a latte from Cafe Millennium.
While you’re in the area, take a stroll on the Downtown Red Deer’s Mural Self-Guided Tour, featuring over 35 stunning murals.
Where to Eat: Lunch
For lunch, head to Capstone:
- Bo’s Sandwich Club: Enjoy a delicious, freshly made sandwich with unique flavour combinations.
- Booyah Bagels: Grab a freshly baked bagel with a variety of bagel sandwich and cream cheese filling options.
Enjoy your lunch on the patio at Troubled Monk, pairing with one of their locally brewed craft beers, or take it to go for a riverside picnic.
What to Do: Roam the Trails
Explore Waskasoo Park’s 110km of multi-use trails by bike or scooter. Red Deer’s expansive trail system offers plenty of room to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the region, whether you’re an avid cyclist or just out for a leisurely ride.
Where to Eat: Dinner
- Cilantro & Chive: Try their famous Burger on a Caesar —a fully loaded Caesar cocktail topped with an actual burger.
- Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse: Enjoy an authentic, all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue experience.
What to Do: Live Entertainment
Finish your evening with some live entertainment in Red Deer:
- Central Alberta Theatre: Featuring fantastic live performances, showcasing a variety of productions throughout the year. Check out their schedule for upcoming shows.
- Bo’s Bar and Stage: Head to this popular venue for live music, offering a diverse range of performance from local bands and artists. Be sure to check their schedule for upcoming events.
Where to Stay:
Relax and recharge at one of the region’s numerous hotels. Visit our Stay page for a full list of the best hotels to stay at during your visit.
Day 2: Exploring Local Markets and Ranch Life
Where to Eat Breakfast:
Start your second day with breakfast at local favourite, Glenn’s Family Restaurant and Gift Shop, where you can choose from over 240 varieties of tea.
What to Do: Pick up Local Fresh Produce
- Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market (open year-round, Friday-Sunday) for local produce, handmade goods, and unique artisan finds.
Local Tip: While you’re there grab a coffee from Birdy Coffee Co. or a horchata from Taco Monster for a mid-morning pick-me-up!
- Red Deer Farmers’ Market at Red Deer Polytechnic (seasonal, starting May 16) for fresh fruit, vegetables, and baked treats.
Where to Eat: Lunch
Fuel up for your afternoon adventure with a delicious meal at Shackehilicous Food Truck (seasonal, opening May 2026), located just 5 minutes south of Red Deer, a laid-back, family-friendly spot to eat, relax and make memories.
Or a grab a locally sourced, handcrafted pizza from Tomato Static, and enjoy a picnic outdoors, or at nearby Red Hart Brewing!
What to Do: Entertainment Hub
Spend the afternoon at an entertainment hub like Boardwalk Entertainment Centre or Gameland Laser Tag & Vrcade, where there’s something for everyone—from arcade games and mini-golf to go-karts and VR adventures.
- Feel the rush at Boardwalk Raceway as you race around the go-kart track and put your driving skills to the test.
- Step into the action at Gameland, where multiple players can battle, explore, or solve challenges together in an immersive virtual reality arena.
Where to Eat: Dinner
Celebrate patio season with a dinner on Ross Street Patio (weather permitting), a popular spot for enjoying dinner with a lively atmosphere. Enjoy fresh flavours at:
- 53 on Ross: Known for its creative, seasonally inspired dishes that highlight local ingredients.
- Taco Loft: Serving up bold and authentic tacos made with fresh, quality ingredients.
What to Do: Fireside & Fresh Market Finds
Cap off your Red Deer getaway with a cozy fire at:
Bring along your market finds for a snack or treat by the fire.
Before starting a fire, be sure there is no active fire ban and follow all City of Red Deer firewood regulations for park use.
Plan your Spring Getaway in Red Deer
It’s the perfect time for a spring adventure in Red Deer —packed with nature, food, and fun.