Red Deer Vacation Rentals
Discover a variety of rental homes and villas in Red Deer for your upcoming trip, whether it's for leisure or work. Indulge in a more customized stay with private vacation home rentals that offer an array of amenities and home features. With a wide selection of available homes, you can find a vacation home that suits your preferences and budget. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
Types of vacation rentals in Red Deer
Where to stay in Red Deer
Show all homesBooking a vacation rental in Red Deer?
Here are some things to know to support your visit:
Red Deer Overview
Discover the enchanting city of Red Deer, Alberta, where the charm of nature and urban life blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable getaway. Nestled halfway between the vibrant cities of Calgary and Edmonton, Red Deer is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat without straying far from the beaten path.
At the heart of Red Deer's natural beauty is the expansive Waskasoo Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This sprawling green space is a treasure trove of activities, from serene hiking and cycling trails that meander over 110 kilometers to peaceful picnic spots and opportunities for wildlife observation. Delve into the local history at the historic Fort Normandeau, or engage with nature at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, both nestled within the park's lush surroundings.
The city's downtown core is a bustling hub of activity, where pedestrian-friendly streets invite you to explore an eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and cultural venues. The Red Deer Public Market is a must-visit, offering a taste of local life with its fresh produce, unique crafts, and vibrant atmosphere.
Red Deer's cultural scene is equally impressive, with the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery showcasing a blend of regional history and contemporary art. The performing arts thrive here, with the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra and Central Alberta Theatre offering a rich calendar of events to entertain and inspire.
For those who prefer the privacy and comfort of a home away from home, Red Deer boasts a selection of private home rentals that elevate your stay to new heights. Imagine lounging in a secluded backyard with a private swimming pool—a feature that, while not ubiquitous, can be found in select properties for those hot summer days. Many of these homes offer pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring that your furry friends can join in on the adventure.
While Red Deer may not be known for its beaches, the city's waterfront along the Red Deer River offers picturesque trails and spots for a leisurely day by the water. Whether you're seeking a solitary moment of reflection or an active day out, the riverfront provides a scenic backdrop to your activities.
In the winter, the thrill of the slopes awaits at Canyon Ski Resort, just a short drive from the city, where skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can revel in the crisp mountain air. Summer months offer the chance to tee off at one of the many golf courses dotting the landscape, catering to both novices and seasoned golfers.
In Red Deer, every traveler finds their niche, from the lush parklands and vibrant downtown to the cozy and exclusive experience of a private home rental. This is a place where memories are made, where nature's embrace and urban vibrancy exist in perfect harmony. Come and experience the allure of Red Deer, where every visit is as unique as the city itself.
Cultural Attractions in Red Deer
Red Deer, Alberta, is a cultural treasure located in central Alberta, Canada. This city presents a diverse array of arts, history, and local traditions that are sure to engage any culture enthusiast.
Art enthusiasts should not miss the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG). Although it may not be as extensive as some major art museums, it holds a noteworthy collection of both contemporary and historical artworks. The MAG places special emphasis on Central Alberta's heritage and regularly hosts exhibitions and interactive programs that delve into the region's culture.
History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Red Deer. While Fort Normandeau was built later in the 1880s rather than representing the city's earliest beginnings as a trading post (originally called Fort de l'Orme), it still offers reenactments of life from that era. The Sunnybrook Farm Museum provides another look into Red Deer's past by depicting rural life in Central Alberta from 1890 to 1945.
Red Deer also has an active live music scene. While country and folk genres are popular, venues like Ross Street Patio and Bo's Bar & Stage also host performances from local and touring artists across various genres including rock, indie, metal throughout the year.
Experiencing local traditions is best done through community events. Westerner Days Fair & Exposition is Red Deer's largest summer event with live entertainment, thrilling rides and games, and tasty food. During winter months, the Festival of Trees welcomes the holiday season with beautifully decorated trees, special events, and seasonal entertainment.
Walking tours offer another excellent way to immerse oneself in Red Deer’s culture. Heritage Square provides guided tours that explore some of Red Deer’s historic buildings while offering interesting insights into local history.
In summary, with its blend of art galleries, historical sites, live music venues and local customs; Red Deer makes for an ideal destination for those who appreciate cultural activities.
Family friendly activities in Red Deer
Red Deer, Alberta, is a city brimming with child-friendly activities. The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is an excellent starting point, offering interactive exhibits where children can test their sports skills and delve into Canada's sports history.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, which provide walking trails and bird watching opportunities. The centre also hosts exhibits on local wildlife and ecology. Bower Ponds is another outdoor attraction where families can rent paddle boats in the summer or ice skates in the winter.
The Sunnybrook Farm Museum offers children a glimpse into rural life in central Alberta from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Here, children can interact with farm animals, explore pioneer buildings, and engage in hands-on activities.
For indoor entertainment, the Collicutt Centre is a large leisure and wellness centre equipped with water slides, a climbing wall, an indoor track among other facilities that children will find enjoyable.
There are several parks in Red Deer equipped with playgrounds suitable for all ages. One such park is Discovery Canyon Park which features a man-made river perfect for tubing during summer months!
When it comes to dining options, numerous restaurants in Red Deer offer kid-friendly menus making meal times hassle-free.
In summary, Red Deer boasts of numerous attractions both indoors and outdoors that cater to children's interests making it an ideal destination for families.
Outdoor activities in Red Deer
Red Deer, Alberta, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Conveniently located between Calgary and Edmonton, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of central Alberta.
Waskasoo Park is a highlight within the city. Although not quite spanning 100 kilometers itself, it forms part of an extensive trail network that stretches across Red Deer. The park offers a variety of walking, biking and cross-country skiing trails that meander through forests and along the Red Deer River. It also houses attractions such as the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary - a prime location for bird watching.
Sylvan Lake, just outside Red Deer, is a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can partake in boating, fishing or paddleboarding or simply unwind on its sandy beach. During winter months, Sylvan Lake transforms into a center for ice fishing and snowmobiling.
For those who prefer hiking or camping, Crimson Lake Provincial Park is less than an hour's drive from Red Deer. It boasts scenic trails winding through dense forests and around the lake with campsites available for those who wish to sleep under the stars.
Ellis Bird Farm is another must-see destination where visitors can learn about conservation while admiring beautiful gardens filled with local bird species. The farm also offers walking trails and picnic areas.
Red Deer's central location in Alberta provides easy access to Alberta's awe-inspiring landscapes such as Jasper National Park or Banff National Park - both famous for their majestic mountains, turquoise lakes and diverse wildlife.
In summary, whether your interests lie in hiking through lush forests, observing wildlife in its natural habitat or engaging in water sports on crystal-clear lakes - Red Deer presents a broad spectrum of outdoor activities that allow you to immerse yourself in nature.
Weather in Red Deer
Red Deer, Alberta, is characterized by a humid continental climate, with its warm summers and cold winters being a result of its geographical position in the Canadian Prairies. This location leads to a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year.
The summer season, which spans from June to August, is generally the hottest with average high temperatures reaching into the mid-70s Fahrenheit. These months also witness the highest rainfall contributing to an annual precipitation of approximately 18 inches.
Winter in Red Deer, from December through February, is marked by cold and snowy conditions. The average high temperatures typically remain below freezing point and can even drop into negative degrees. The city sees an average snowfall of about 60 inches annually during this period.
Spring and fall serve as transitional seasons in Red Deer with spring temperatures fluctuating between 40s to 60s while fall temperatures vary from high 60s to low 40s. Both these seasons experience moderate levels of rainfall.
The most favorable time for tourists to visit Red Deer is during summer when the weather conditions are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing. However, winter sports enthusiasts may find Red Deer's snowy winters equally attractive for activities such as skiing or snowboarding.
Transportation in Red Deer
Visitors to Red Deer, Alberta, can arrive via air travel through either Calgary International Airport or Edmonton International Airport. Both airports are roughly a 90-minute car ride away from Red Deer. Upon arrival at the airport, travelers have the option to rent a car or use a shuttle service to reach their destination.
For those who prefer traveling by road, Red Deer is conveniently situated on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2), making it easily reachable by car from other regions of Alberta and Canada. Greyhound bus services are also an option for those who would rather not drive.
Once in Red Deer, navigating the city is quite simple. The city boasts an effective public transit system with numerous bus routes running throughout. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber are also readily available for those seeking private transportation.
Cycling enthusiasts will find Red Deer accommodating with its many trails and paths spread across the city. Bike rentals are provided for those without their own bicycles.
In terms of walkability, downtown Red Deer is very pedestrian-friendly with a multitude of shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance from each other. However, to venture into areas outside downtown or visit farther attractions like Kerry Wood Nature Centre or Heritage Ranch, some form of transportation will be required.
To sum up, whether you're arriving by air or land and whether you wish to explore the city by bus, car, bike or on foot; Red Deer provides a variety of options that cater to every traveler's needs.