Here are a few ways we can enjoy the outdoors this weekend as we navigate through our socially distanced world.
Take a walk, with over 100kms of trails for our walking leisure in Red Deer alone from Heritage Ranch to Bower Ponds, Capstone to Mackenzie Trails or maybe Gaetz lakes Sanctuary; the list is endless.
Go to Lacombe hike the Great Trail from Lacombe to Blackfalds or to the JJ Collett Natural Area, over 18 km of maintained trails that wind through a mosaic of shrublands, aspen groves, wetlands and grassy meadows located near the hamlet of Morningside. Maybe head to Blackfalds and check out the Kuhnen Natural Area 65 acres of forested land offering lookout points over the river valley and a trail that leads down to the water.
If you are in the Town of Innisfail, they have a paved and natural trails system linking the entire town with a 20km trail network, including the Napoleon lake trail. You can head down to Markerville's 1.1 km loop along the river or head to the hamlet of Springbrook with both paved and gravel paths on the south side of the community as well as a trail along airport drive.
Sylvan Lake is always pretty with its lakeside trails, the boardwalk and Jarvis Bay Provincial Park Campground Trail 5.8 km with lovely lake views.
If you haven't been to Stettler, why not take a drive and check out their scenic walking paths around town? You can even go on a self-guided historical walking tour or wander around their beautiful parks, the kids will love playing at their train Park, or maybe they can live the life of a pirate at the Pirate Park.
Hiking in the West country is always an adventure, and places like Crescent Falls Provincial Park offer stunning views of Crescent Falls or perhaps head to Crimson Lake with over 10 kms of trails near Rocky Mountain House.
Prepare your garden for planting, and places like Parklands Nurseries & Garden Centre or Peavey Mart are there to help. Nothing could be better than getting rid of last year's growth and debris to make room for all the new greenery.
The golf courses are now open, so why not book a tee time at places like The Nursery Golf & Country Club, nothing better than 18 holes and a lot of fresh air. Did you know they have the longest hole in Canada, hole #11, a par 6, at 782 yards?
Are you ready for biking season? If not, it's time to get your bikes out, tires pumped and back out on the trails, from Red Deer to Lacombe, Gull Lake to Bentley, Sylvan Lake and Beyond; anytime is bike time.
Patio season is open and although we can't eat indoors, outdoors is the next best thing, so check out some of our great patios like Bo's Bar and Stage, Little Red Barn or perhaps Cilantro and Chive.
If your looking for a trail ride, look no further Ram Rides, South Ram outfitters offers trail rides from their home ranch near Caroline; give them a call, and they will be happy to set something up.
For you, history buffs, why not head downtown for a self-guided walking tour of our Ghosts of Red Deer. This collection of life-size bronze art statues initiated by the Downtown Business Association helps tell the stories of some of our more interesting characters that called Red Deer home. While exploring, pop into some local shops and eateries like Cake & Doe and pick up some delicious treats like their Chocolate Lover Cookie Doe, so good.
Get out this weekend, and make sure you check out our new Tourism Red Deer weather cam. We don't want to be unprepared as we explore Red Deer's backyard.
To find the latest updates regarding Alberta's Enhanced Public Health Measures, please CLICK HERE.
