In the winter of 2019, Red Deer hosted the Canada Winter Games – the largest multi sport event in the nation. We prepared by upgrading our facilities and mobilizing a host of enthusiastic volunteers to ensure the 3,600 athletes, their coaches, their families and their fans experienced the best games ever.
The games have come and gone, but their legacy remains. Red Deer residents and visitors are now able to experience their year-round sporting moments at the same facilities used by some of Canada’s greatest athletes.
Looking to get active? Here are a few places to check out.
Setters Place at Great Chief Park - 4707 Fountain Drive, Red Deer
(403) 309-8411
Setters Place at Great Chief Park features an outdoor synthetic regulation sized sports field lined for football and soccer and has ample outdoor seating. Overlooking the field is a three-story fully accessible pavilion building with views of the Red Deer River and downtown, team change rooms, meeting space and a media/timekeeper area. During the winter a 400m outdoor natural ice speed skating oval constructed on top of the synthetic turf.
Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre - 120 College Circle, Red Deer
Located on the Red Deer Polytechnic campus, The Gary W Harris Canada Games Centre features a state-of-the-art Gymnasium, an Olympic size ice area, fitness centre, running track and squash courts.
River Bend Golf and Recreation Area - 3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deer
(403) 343-6341
The River Bend Golf and Recreation Area is a park within the forested parkland and nestled next to the winding Red Deer River. Here visitors will find the River Bend Golf Course, wooded hiking and biking trails, a playground and picnic area, canoeing and fishing and a boat launch with access to the Red Deer River. In the winter, trails within the River Bend Golf and Recreation Area are groomed for both classic and skate skiing, and other multi-use activities including winter biking, snowshoeing and walking. In 2017 trails were widened, a stadium area and media/ timing cabin were constructed, and the biathlon range was renovated.
Canyon Ski Resort - 38433 Range Rd 264A, Red Deer County
(403) 346-5588
Canyon Ski Resort is Alberta’s largest non-mountain resort with 20 runs & 6 lifts. The facility offers night skiing, snow tubing, ski/snowboard lessons and rentals during the winter season. During the summer season, the public can book Canyon as a unique venue to host an event.
Servus Arena - 4725 43 Street, Red Deer
(403) 309-8411
The new Servus Arena opened in 2018 in downtown Red Deer. Located next to the Pidherney Curling Centre, the Servus Arena is fully accessible and features an NHL size rink, room-temperature seating, a two-lane walking track, a concession, meeting space, plenty of team spaces and designated warm-up areas.
Pidherney Centre - 4725 43 Street, Red Deer
(403) 346-3777
This local curling facility offers Slick’s Lounge, WSP Banquet Room, Boardroom and Exhibition Floor. It has 12 sheets of ice and is open to the public for curling ice and facility rentals.
Collicutt Centre - 3031 30 Ave, Red Deer
(403) 358-7529
There’s lots of fun for the whole family at this state-of-the-art 250,000 square foot fitness and wellness centre, including 290m four-lane running track, 2 indoor soccer pitches, an NHL size ice arena, gymnastics facility, field house as well as 2 climbing walls, bouldering room, and an indoor wave pool with spray park and waterslide.
Bower Ponds Recreation - 4715 Fountain Drive, Red Deer
(403) 318-6298
Bower Ponds is a great place to visit in the winter, featuring ponds for ice skating, tobogganing, walking trails plus a pavilion with a cafe for some tasty hot chocolate and skate rentals. The pavilion boasts large windows surrounding a small rustic fireside room, which allows you quick access to the ice surface in the winter.
