Red Deer, city in southern Alberta, Canada, on the Red Deer River. It is a commercial, service, distribution, and processing center. Red Deer is located in an agricultural, petroleum, and natural gas producing region. Additional manufactures include wood products, vehicles, and metal products. Tourism is an important sector of the economy.
Principal attractions include the Red Deer and District Museum; the Red Deer Arts Centre, which is designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson and located at the community college; and St. Mary's Church, which is an early work of Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal. The city is also home to Waskasoo Park, which houses the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, a federal migratory bird sanctuary. Historical exhibits include the Fort Normandeau Interpretive Centre, named after a fort that Canadian forces constructed during the 1885 uprising led by Louis Riel. Canyon Ski Area and Sylvan Lake are nearby. Among the city's annual events are Western Days, held in July, and the International Air Show, held in August.
