Alberta's third-largest city sits midway between Calgary and Edmonton along the Red Deer River, with 100+ km of Waskasoo trails, a growing health and education corridor, and established neighbourhoods alongside newer east-side communities.

Parks & Recreation

Waskasoo Park

Bower Ponds

Kerry Wood Nature Centre

Heritage Ranch

Community Guide

The Story Of Red Deer

Red Deer takes its name from the river. The Cree called it Waskasoo Seepee, or Elk River, and early Scottish traders translated it after the red deer of home. A crossing on the Calgary–Edmonton Trail grew into a settlement, and the arrival of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway in 1891 moved the town to where it sits today.

Red Deer became a town in 1901 and a city in 1913. Today it's Alberta's third-largest city and the service centre for the whole region, with the Waskasoo Park trail system running right through it.

Incorporated As Town

1901

Incorporated As City

1913

Public School Division

Red Deer Public Schools

Post-Secondary

Red Deer Polytechnic

Schools

Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School

Red Deer Public Schools

Hunting Hills High School

Red Deer Public Schools

École Secondaire Notre Dame High School

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

St. Joseph High School

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Red Deer has two main school divisions, Red Deer Public and Red Deer Catholic, plus a francophone option. Which school you're in depends on your exact address, so check with the division before you buy.

Red Deer Public Schools Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Health Care

Emergency Department

Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre

3942 50A Avenue, Red Deer

The main hospital for Central Alberta, with a 24/7 emergency department. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Verified October 2026 From Official Sources

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