Red Deer, Administrative city in central Alberta, Canada
Red Deer sits on both sides of its namesake river at 855 meters (2805 feet) elevation in central Alberta between Calgary and Edmonton. Downtown stands on a rise above the water while residential areas spread in both directions.
The area served as a river crossing for indigenous peoples before a trading post opened in 1882. Railway connection in 1891 brought growth into the regional center it is today.
The name comes from the river, which Cree peoples named after the elk they saw along its banks. Residents today use the riverbank parks for walking and cycling through town.
The city works well as a stop between Calgary and Edmonton drives. Riverbank parks offer walking paths regardless of season, though they can be snow-covered in winter months.
The park trail system follows the river through downtown and connects both banks with several foot bridges. On warm days you can often spot deer and beavers along the riverside paths.
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