Protected Areas: 0 to 25 km from Red Deer

​Change Distance: [ 0-25 km ]   [ 25-50 km ​​​​]   [ 50-75 km ]   [ 75-100 km ]

The following protected areas are located within 25 km of Red Deer and offer accessible day-use opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation. Please review the Rules & Amenities for all Protected Areas prior to your visit.​

Site Rules
Access & Use:

• Hiking is permitted.
• Day use only.
• Foot access only.
• Open fires are strictly prohibited.

Dogs: Protected areas are among the last remaining places where wildlife can live with minimal disturbance. Dogs can frighten, chase, and potentially harm wildlife. To protect these sensitive habitats, dogs (leashed or unleashed) are not permitted.
Entry Requirements​: Advance permission may be required for access to certain sites.

Amenities & Site Information
Facilities: 

• Bathrooms: Most sites do not have restroom facilities available, with limited exceptions.
• Waste Disposal: Garbage facilities are generally not provided. Please pack out all waste.

Parking: Parking is limited at most sites. In some cases, roadside or ditch parking near the area may be required. Please park safely and responsibly.
Hazards & Safety: Visitors may encounter uneven terrain and tripping hazards. Wildlife may be present; please come prepared and carry appropriate safety equipment, such as bear spray. Livestock may be present intermittently—please leave all gates as you find them.
Boat Launch​: Boat launch access is available at select sites.

​Click on any site name below to learn more. 

1. ​Mitchell Pond (3.0 km from Red Deer)
2. ​​Braithwaite (11.6 km from Red Deer)
3. Cygnet Lake (12.8 km from Red Deer)
4. Mary and Cliff Soper Natural Area (15.8 km from Red Deer)
5. TransCanada Trail (17.2 km from Red Deer)
6. Kuhnen Park (17.6 km from Red Deer)
7. ​Boulder Lake - ACA Fish Stocking (18 km from Red Deer)
8. Fleming Slough (18 km from Red Deer)
9. Schroeder (18.8 km from Red Deer)
10. Radar Hill (19.5 km from Red Deer) ☆
11. Lacombe Lake ​(21.0 km from Red Deer)
12. East Stormwater Pond (23.2 km from Red Deer)
13. Len Thompson Trout Pond (24.1 km from Red Deer)​​

☆ Recommended Sites for Naturalists