Red Deer, Alberta’s third largest city, is a leader when it comes to outdoor enjoyment for its nearly 100,000 residents. No matter what a summer recreation enthusiast’s age, preferred activities, or fitness level, there is something for everyone in Red Deer. Here are five top-notch attractions that are guaranteed to provide hours of summertime fun.

Heritage Ranch

People who enjoy getting up close and personal with their equine friends will love Heritage Ranch. Visitors have the choice of trail and carriage rides. When not taking in the scenery from horseback or relaxing in a carriage, there is much to do here. Mitchell Pond, stocked with trout, is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the ranch. For the kids, there are grassy areas and a playground nearby. A picnic shelter and public restrooms a short distance from the pond make Heritage Ranch a perfect place to spend the day.

River Bend Golf and Recreation Area

This scenic spot has something for everyone. Golfers can test their skills at the 18-hole, par 72 course as well as a smaller Mini-Links course, pitching and putting greens, a spacious driving range, and the Teaching Centre. A golf shop, banquet facilities, and an attractive restaurant complete with patio dining round out the experience. However, a person need not be a golfer to delight in the Recreation Area. It’s a perfect spot for canoeing or boating along the Red Deer River, and lovely hiking trails meander through the woods.

Outdoor Fitness Gyms

Ten facilities offer an incomparable exercise experience. Twelve fitness machines designed to provide a comprehensive workout are found at each location. More than 60 area doctors partnered with Alberta Health Services to achieve a lofty goal: to enhance awareness of the role exercise plays in disease and injury prevention and to foster an active lifestyle. These gyms, free and available to the public around the clock, are an innovative way to keep Red Deer residents healthy and full of vitality.

Activities and Team Sports

Team sports enthusiasts can choose from more than 150 fields. Whether participants are highly skilled athletes, youngsters playing for enjoyment, or anyone in between, there is a field or diamond that meets their needs. Larger, more carefully maintained sites may be booked and are more suitable for series and serious competitions. For a friendly game, a number of diamonds and fields are free and almost always available. No matter what a team’s game–baseball, cricket, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, slo-pitch, football, tennis, soccer, softball, rugby, field lacrosse, pickleball, or quidditch (yes, quidditch: a game inspired by the Harry Potter novels)–Red Deer has a perfect field, diamond, or court.

Recreation Centre Outdoor Pool

This spacious pool has amenities that appeal to serious swimmers and relaxed bathers alike. One and three metre diving boards and a five-metre diving platform, lane ropes, back stroke flags, and training equipment enhance the accomplished water enthusiast’s experience. A slide and three sprays in the zero depth pool are tailor-made for young children’s fun, and pool toys add to the enjoyment (even if people forget theirs at home). Plentiful chairs and loungers surround the pool, and there are also some tables and benches. For those who prefer to stay out of the sun, trees keep some areas shady at different times of the day. In addition to public swimming, the pool is available for lane swimming, water workouts, parties, team events, or meetings. A hot tub and steam room round out the amenities of the Recreation Centre pool.

Red Deer is truly a summer athlete’s dream location. Alair Homes is proud to be part of this beautiful, health-conscious community.