It's time for us to take a hike and join The Great Trail for their Great Canadian Hike running October 01-31. The Great Trail, created by Trans Canada Trail and its partners, encompasses over 27,000 km and showcases Canada's natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
They are challenging you to hike, walk, jog, collectively cycle or paddle in Canada's most massive coordinated collective hike. In Red Deer's backyard, we have many trails from the City of Red Deer- Waskasoo Parks to the Blackfalds-Lacombe-Ponoka Trails, each one of them part of The Great Trail.
There is no limit. It is entirely up to you, and with over 100 kilometres of trails in Red Deer alone, the choices are endless. However, we ask that you abide by all local Covid 19 restrictions and limit groups to 10 or less. Here is a list of some of the walks you might want to try as you join The Great Trail and Explore Red Deer's Backyard.
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 various 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 Avenue bridge. This trail follows along next to the river, the trail system and near downtown.
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 Canyon along the beautiful creek valley, all the way to the Westerner grounds via the 3 km of paved Bower Woods Trail.
McKenzie Trails Recreation Area – 2.3 km
The terrain here goes 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.
Blackfalds to Lacombe – 8 km
Paved most of the way, this trail meanders through the Town of Blackfalds, past country roads, along Lacombe lake as it weaves its way through the Lacombe Research Station and into the City. The Abbey Centre in Blackfalds is the only place in Canada where the Great Trail travels indoors.
