Top 5 Winter Trails in Red Deer | January 24, 2022
Getting outside in the winter has its challenges. Some days you just want to stay in your warm house, however winter walking has many benefits. The fresh air, exercise, and sunlight can greatly improve your mood and help you shake those January blues.In Red Deer, we have big blue skies, lots of sunshine, and more than 23 km of maintained winter trails for plenty of winter-walking options.
Here are the Top 5 Winter Trails to Explore Red Deer’s Backyard:
1. Heritage Ranch has great trails and beautiful views of Mitchell Pond and the Red Deer River. The terrain features rolling hills, tree-lined paths, and stairs that lead you to the river valley. They are for multipurpose use, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter walking, fat biking, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides. Cleats for the ice and snow are recommended when walking in this natural winter setting, as the trail conditions can vary.
2. Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary is a unique place where nature and wildlife truly come first. Located at Kerry Wood Nature Centre, it is a beautiful trail to explore in the winter. It is set on almost 122 hectares of land within the city of Red Deer and is one area where winter walkers and snowshoers love to explore. As a protected federal migratory bird sanctuary, skiing, jogging, cycling, and pets are not allowed. Which in turn provides a more peaceful setting with ample opportunities to observe wildlife. The Kerry Wood Nature Centre also provides snowshoe rentals.
3. Three Mile Bend Recreation Area is a 55-hectare natural area, located next to the Red Deer River near 76th Street and Riverside Drive. This is also an off-leash dog area with a mix of open areas and tree-lined paths allowing both people and pets to stretch their legs freely in nature.
4. McKenzie Trail Recreation Area is a frozen oasis in the winter and features some of the oldest trees in Waskasoo Park. They not only keep it plowed for winter walking but if you need to warm up, you will find fire pits for that outdoor weenie or marshmallow roast along the way.
5. Riverbend Loop - Starting at Discovery Canyon next to Riverbend golf course. The trail loop tracks around the course and is surrounded by wooded trails and views of the beautiful Red Deer River. This is an excellent loop for bird watchers and nature lovers.
Cleats for the ice and snow are recommended when winter walking as the trail conditions can vary. Find more winter trails on the Waskasoo Trails Winter Trails & Facilities Map.
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