There’s no shortage of fun activities in Sylvan Lake, 24 km west of Red Deer. Walk along the boardwalk and beach, explore the lighthouse and enjoy some great food at restaurants around the city. There are a ton of great mobile food vendors in town for Food Truck Thursdays and buskers at various spots around town. Rent a paddleboard or boat, race go-karts, play mini-golf or try out the new Aqua Splash water obstacle course right on the lake.

The vibrant and lively Town of Blackfalds is only 12 kilometres north of Red Deer. Be sure to visit the recently constructed Abbey Centre with an outdoor aquatic centre, running track, fitness area, field house, and arena. It also includes a massive 2,600 square foot indoor play space for children. There’s also various trails, parks, and an off-leash dog park available, all perfect options to keep active while in Blackfalds.

North of Red Deer on AB 2A is Lacombe, the Mural Capital of Alberta. Visit Ellis Bird Farm and learn about the birds in your own backyard. Get lost in a corn maze and enjoy the animals and adventures at Kraay Family Farm. Go for a hike through JJ Collett natural area. Visit the arboretum, wander the lovely grounds and see Alberta’s only weed garden at the Lacombe Agricultural Research Centre. Spend a day building sandcastles at Aspen Beach Provincial Park.

The town of Innisfail is just 15 minutes south of Red Deer on Highway 2. There’s no shortage of family-friendly things to see including a visit to Discovery Wildlife Park, the RCMP Dog Service Training Centre, the Double Tree Village Museum and the Historical Village. Innisfail has several local galleries, events and many golf courses in and around town.

35 km southwest of Red Deer sits Markerville. It may be a small hamlet, but it packs a lot of history and is a big draw for visitors. Markerville’s most famous resident was Stephan G. Stephansson, whose home is now a Provincial Historical Site located just north of town. Markerville is also home to the Historic Markerville Creamery Museum and the annual Taste Of Markerville event held each summer. Markerville is not far from the Danish Canadian Museum and the Dickson Store Museum in Spruce View.

40 km east of Red Deer, Delburne is located in the scenic Parkland region providing a peaceful rural retreat with plenty of country charm. Explore Delburne’s pioneer past while touring a coal mine exhibit, one room school, and a CN train station. Or head over to Fawn Meadows Golf and Country Club for a round of golf or delicious meal in their fully licensed restaurant.

From Red Deer, the gateway west into the Rocky Mountains is along Highway 11, better known as the David Thompson Highway. This area has numerous hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and photo opportunities. About 85 kilometres west of Red Deer is the town of Rocky Mountain House. The town itself is home to scenic walking trails, the Rocky Museum, and an upbeat downtown area. The Rocky Mountain House Historical Site is just southwest of town, along the North Saskatchewan River. The museum outlines the history of early Métis culture with interpreters and interactive adventures.

The Town of Stettler can be found on Highway 12 about 90 kilometres straight east of Red Deer. Stettler prides itself on being a small town with city style amenities and great attractions. One of the most popular is the Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions, which take visitors on a steam train experience that departs and returns back to Stettler. Other attractions include a historical downtown walking tour, the Stettler Recreation Centre, the P&H Elevator, and the Town and Country Museum.