Red Deer’s extensive hiking trails span over 110 kilometers, seamlessly connecting with the Trans Canada Trail system. The Trans Canada Trail, also known as “The Great Trail,” is a network of trails that spans across Canada, linking various communities and regions. In Red Deer, Waskasoo Park offers pathways and trails integrates with the Trans Canada Trail, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a seamless experience while hiking, biking, or walking through the area.
This connection enhances the recreational opportunities available in Red Deer and promotes outdoor activities in a scenic environment. Here, we’ll explore all the opportunities along the Red Deer River, stunning nature trails, and much more.
Best Red Deer Hiking Trails
Waskasoo Park
Waskasoo Park is a network of Red Deer hiking trails. Depending on what you prefer, it offers plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, and hiking. This area is home to over 110 kilometeres of natural and paved paths that wind along rivers, through woodlands, and past serene ponds.
The park offers well-maintained, accessible paths suitable for all fitness levels. It’s a fantastic chance to spot migratory birds and other wildlife, as well as relax by the water.
Here, we’ll cover 10 walking, hiking, and biking routes through the Waskasoo Park in Red Deer, Alberta.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, Alberta’s oldest federal migratory bird sanctuary. This peaceful natural area features nearly 122 hectares (300 acres) of protected land right within Red Deer’s city limits. Known for its rich biodiversity and tranquil setting, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.
There are five kilometeres of scenic trails that wind through aspen forests and wetlands, along with bird blinds and viewing decks that showcase a wide variety of habitats.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre, located on the edge of the sanctuary, serves as the hub of Red Deer’s Waskasoo Trail System. The centre offers a wide range of programming, including nature history exhibits, special events, school and youth group programs, day camps, nature sleepovers, and an incredibly natural playground.
The centre’s programs are designed to connect people of all ages with the natural world and encourage explorations of the many beautiful spaces in and around Red Deer.
Please note: To protect the sanctuary’s sensitive environment, pets, skiing, jogging and cycling are not permitted within the sanctuary.
With 55 hectares of natural area, Three Mile Bend is a scenic retreat just minutes from the heart of Red Deer. This beautiful green space follows the curves of the Red Deer River, offering stunning views and a peaceful escape into nature.
A network of looping trails winds through the area, making it a favourite spot for walkers, hikers, and cyclists. The designated off-leash area also makes it especially popular with dog owners looking to let their pups run free.
Beyond the trails, the site features canoeing ponds, a canoe/kayak boardwalk, and picnic areas—ideal for a relaxed afternoon outdoors or a quick nature break during a busy day.
River Bend is more than a simple golf course. It offers a full-fledged adventure through the nature areas for walking, biking, and hiking. You can find some top Red Deer hiking trails right here, alongside golf greens and others weaving through wooded areas.
The main trail offers constant access to the river, plus stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. And if you happen to have some bird seed in hand, you might just have a Snow White moment — one more reason to visit!
Discovery Canyon, a free river-fed attraction is also located at River Bend golf & Recreation Area
Tucked into a quiet residential area just south of downtown, Barrett Park is a hidden gem that feels like a secluded escape right in the city. With lush greenery, rolling hills, and a small creek, it’s a peaceful spot perfect for a nature walk, a quiet picnic, or just some time to unwind.
The Waskasoo Trail runs through the park, connecting it to the larger Red Deer trail network. You’ll find gravel paths and paved walkways that are ideal for walking, biking, or simply enjoying the scenery. In the winter, the park transforms into a quiet wonderland, and cross-country ski trails are groomed through the area for an entirely different way to explore the space.
Heritage Ranch is a picturesque destination for hiking and biking, offering trails that range from easy to moderately challenging. Nestled along the Red Deer River, the area provides a scenic backdrop of forests, open meadows, and river views — perfect for a peaceful walk or a more invigorating ride. With some slight elevation gain, the trails offer just enough variety to keep things interesting, though it’s worth noting that some sections include stairways.
A short 10–15-minute walk from the ranch leads you to Mitchell Pond, a stocked trout pond that’s perfect for a family-friendly outing. This area features vast grassy spaces for kids to run and play, a small playground, a day-use picnic shelter, and public washrooms — all conveniently located within 100 feet of the pond. Fishing is permitted at Mitchell Pond, but all Alberta sportfishing regulations must be followed.
Bower Ponds is one of Red Deer’s most loved outdoor destinations — and for good reason. This multi-season park offers year-round fun, from paddle boating and picnicking in the summer to skating and snowshoeing in the winter. It’s a fantastic spot for families, couples, and anyone looking to soak up some natural beauty without leaving the city.
The park features nearly two kilometres of paved trail looping around the interconnected ponds, ideal for walking, biking, or just enjoying the views. These trails also branch off toward Great West Adventure Park – BMX and Lions Campground to the north and Heritage Ranch to the south. Thanks to the Waskasoo Park Trail System, visitors can access Bower Ponds and connect to the entire city with ease.
Kin Kanyon is a family-friendly gem in the heart of Red Deer’s trail system. With picnic tables, fire pits, a playground, a water spray park, and paved paths winding through shaded, wooded areas, it’s the perfect spot to turn a short stroll into a full day of outdoor fun. The well-maintained trails make it easy for families with kids to enjoy the natural setting, and the park connects seamlessly to the larger Waskasoo Trail System for extended adventures.
Follow the trail north from Kin Kanyon and you’ll arrive at Rotary Park, another popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Here, you’ll find plenty of picnic tables, fire pits for outdoor cooking, and washroom facilities. A highlight of Rotary Park is Piper “Mountain,” a switchback climb that rewards you with a view of Downtown Red Deer from the top.
McKenzie Trails offers peaceful walking and biking paths through lush, natural surroundings.
These scenic trail wind around a small lake and through shaded woodlands, creating a quiet retreat perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying nature. Located in the same parking area as the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, the McKenzie Trails Recreation Area features picnic tables, fire pits, and river access — making it an ideal spot for a restful afternoon.
You’ll also find some of the oldest trees in the Waskasoo Park system here, adding to the beauty and serenity of the area.
Maskepetoon Park is an ecological gem tucked away in Red Deer’s west end, offering a peaceful oasis for walkers and cyclists alike.
With gentle terrain and a scenic trail network that winds through forests and marshlands, this riverside park is perfect for those looking to enjoy nature. Breathtaking views, diverse native wildlife, and quiet surroundings make it a favourite for locals year-round.
Designated as a City pollinator park, Maskepetoon protects important habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and even hummingbirds — making it as vital as it is beautiful.
Visitors can access the park via Kerry Wood Drive or Oak Drive, with parking available where the two roads meet, just north of the Red Deer Golf and Country Club.
For those who love to go walking and are looking for a short, easy, and picturesque walk, Michael O’Brien Wetlands in Clearview North would be a perfect choice. It is a short walking loop surrounded by ponds, paved trails, little bridges, and various plant life.
The colours are outstanding, green with dense willows and cattails dominating the shorelines. If you’re a bird watcher, look no further, the ponds and vegetation attract many of our lovely, feathered friends, notably ducks, grebes and songbirds.
If you have the time to check out Michener Hill just down the road for some magnificent sunsets over the city, you won’t be disappointed!
Popular Loops – Under 10 Kilometers
- Ranch Loop – 7.5 km
Starting at Heritage Ranch and back via Bower Ponds and Taylor Bridge, the riverside setting provides a beautiful introduction to Waskasoo Park and a variety of leisure opportunities.
- Chief Loop – 10 km
Starting at Great Chief Park and back via Gaetz Ave Bridge and Heritage Ranch the Chief Loop appeals to sports teams, families and groups with its range of activities, trails and connecting ponds.
- Lions Loop – 5.5 km
Lions Campground and back via Bower Ponds, Taylor Bridge and 48 Ave Bridge is located next to the river and trail system and near downtown.
- North Bank Trail – 9 km
From Heritage Ranch to the end of the trail north of Three Mile Bend provides trails along the river that offer abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Devonian Trail – 5 km
From Gaetz Park (confluence Waskasoo Creek and Red Deer River) to the top of Kin Kanyon, hiking and biking trails meander thru Rotary Park and Kin Kanyon along the beautiful creek valley, all the way to the Westerner grounds via the 3 km of paved Bower Woods Trail
- River Bend Golf & Recreation Area – 4 km
This championship course is surrounded by wooded hiking trails and offers scenic canoeing and fishing in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
- Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary – 5 km
The Gaetz Lake Sanctuary is set aside as a refuge for native plants, animals and birds. Trails, viewing decks and a bird-blind introduce you to a variety of habitats. No bikes or dogs allowed.
- McKenzie Trails Recreation Area – 2.3 km
Terrain from meadow to spruce forest, paved hiking trails and a canoe launch complete this oasis. The main pond near the picnic shelter and playground area is home to dozens of Canada geese that raise their families on the islands and stay all summer.
- Maskepetoon Park – 3 km
Maskepetoon Park is a 30-hectare parcel of land within the Waskasoo Park system located along the city’s western boundary. No bikes.
Visit the Top Red Deer Hiking Trails
Explore the breathtaking Red Deer hiking trails that offer a range of outdoor activities for all skill levels.
For a comprehensive trail map click here: https://www.reddeer.ca/recreation-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/year-round-activities/trail-map/
Plan your next family trip and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature in Red Deer.
