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Region known for:
  • Rural ranches
  • Scenic road trips
  • Winding rivers

In Alberta's Central Prairies, thousands of acres grow some of the most relied-upon crops in the world. Between fields of barley and wheat, you’ll discover Canada’s Wild Side in its charming towns. Experience the draws of the rural way of life.

Useful links:

  • Key City: Red Deer
  • Transportation Hub: Edmonton International Airport
  • Don't miss: The craft beer scene, fed by local barley
  • Claim to fame: Seven provincial parks

Trending in the Central Prairies

Central Prairies highlights

A couple get ready to mount and ride their horses while horseback riding at Heritage Ranch near Red Deer

Rustic lifestyles

Authentic ranches offer overnight tours so you can live like a rural Albertan. Break away from bustling cities and dare to try something different, like horseback riding, fruit winery tastings or river fishing.

Provincial park paradise

The Central Prairies are home to seven provincial parks. Each is rife with trails for hiking and biking, greenery and campsites. Get up early for a tie-dye sunrise and birdsong, and you might spot wildlife roaming, too.

Woman stand-up paddleboarding with the sun going down

Breezy water days

Cast your fishing line from a canoe in one of the Central Prairies' many lakes or take a dip on a sunny summer day. Float like a local down the Red Deer River through picturesque prairie and canyons.

A happy family walk with The Jungle Farm barn in background.
A skater spins on the ice at Bower Ponds in Red Deer.
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Couple looking at samples with Employee at the Troubled Monk Brewery
Aerial shot of a floating cabin at Glamp Good in Winfield.
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The cozy interior of a luxury glamping dome at Glamp Good in Alberta.
A smiling child jumps on a trampoline surrounded by climbing structures at Canyon Adventure Park in Red Deer.

Things to do in the Central Prairies

Key cities & towns

Whether down gravel roads or small-town streets, you will stumble upon comfortable stays, delicious dining and friendly Central Prairie locals.

An aerial view of the Red Deer River and natural spaces in Red Deer, Alberta.

Red Deer

If you like to follow your own path, you may end up in this eclectic small city halfway between Calgary and Edmonton with distinguishable charm.

Visit Red Deer
A couple walk in front of the lighthouse at Sylvan Lake in the summertime.

Sylvan Lake

Escape in open spaces, various parks and lakeside recreation. Participate in local events or enjoy the Alberta sun and swim in inviting waters.

Visit Sylvan Lake
A charming small town street with red brick buildings and a colourful sunrise.

Lacombe

Charming Lacombe is filled with rich history and one of the province’s most intact collections of Edwardian architecture. Wander its walkable downtown, explore museums or canoe Lacombe Lake.

Lacombe Regional Tourism
young family visiting the airplane hanger exhibit at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin.

Wetaskiwin

Wetaskiwin is a walkable community with a sweeping network of trails in Central Alberta. The small town has cozy restaurants and shops lining the streets.

Visit Wetaskiwin
The sun sets behind the historic Stettler Steam Train.

Stettler

Proudly nicknamed “The Heart of Alberta,” Stettler is reminiscent of an Old Western film set and a base for nature exploration in surrounding areas.

Destination Stettler

Stories

Two girls watching a cowboy holding a horse in a corral at Warner Stables in Banff National Park.
5 min read Saddle Up for Adventure at Alberta's Most Authentic Ranch Experiences

Satisfy your inner cowgirl or cowboy with these authentic ranch experiences and ranch stays in Alberta.

A pint of beer is poured from a draft tap in a brewery.
5 min read Exploring the Breweries of Red Deer and Central Alberta

Thirsty for a cold pint? Some of Alberta’s best craft breweries are in central Alberta, just a short drive from both major cities, Edmonton and Calgary.

Two people roast marshmallows at Pine Creek Retreat in front of an A-frame cabin.
7 min read Your Guide to Planning a Glamping Getaway in Alberta

Learn how to go glamping, what to pack for a glamping weekend, and what to expect when glamping in Alberta, Canada.

4 min read 4 Amazing Outdoor Activities in Central Alberta

From riding whitewater rapids to hiking through the otherworldly Canadian Badlands, one-of-a-kind outdoor activities await adventurers in central Alberta.

Read all stories

Suggested itineraries

A couple enjoying cocktails in the Vermillion Room at the Banff Springs Hotel
10 days
Explore Alberta in Luxury

A 10-day luxury road trip through Alberta's cities and the Rocky Mountains, with fine dining, storied hotels, art museums and a scenic heli-tour.

3 days
Alberta's Roadside Attractions Starting from Calgary

Hit the road from Calgary for a quirky tour of Alberta's roadside attractions, from a starship to the world's largest dinosaur, golf tee and more.

View all road trips & itineraries

Nearby cities to explore

Couple walking in downtown Red Deer.

Red Deer

Red Deer
A group of buoyancy-aided friends leisurely float down Calgary's Bow River on inner tubes, passing under the iconic Peace Bridge. Lush tree-lined riverbanks create a serene backdrop, with the distant cityscape adding to the carefree summer atmosphere.

Calgary

Calgary
Fireworks over Edmonton

Edmonton

Edmonton