5 Top Locations in Red Deer

There are so many beautiful Parks in Red Deer. We are so fortunate that we have this amazing trail system and so many green spaces. Here is a list of my favorite parks I like to return to and that always deliver. When scoping for location, I want to make sure that it has nice view, it is some what quite and not to busy, variety of backdrops and different color schemes, easy accessible and what kind of lighting and sun, shade I can play with. Here are my go-to-places.

Maskepetoon Park

I have just recently discovered this hidden gem just by Oriole Park. I have seen my friends Facebook story and had to ask there she was as I though this area would be so perfect for a photoshoot. This location is super easy accessible and it has everything! Nice trails, look out point of the river, stairwell leading to the river front. Lots of amazing areas to capture the perfect image. I usually park at the Makepetoon Park Parking just off Kerry Wood Mdw and then it is short walk to the stairs. Definitely my new favorite spot!

Riverbend

My all time favorite location. Especially in the late afternoon during a fall day, the light is just perfect. Variety of different locations to choose from, evergreens, treed forest area, beautiful river view. It is usually not busy here especially in the fall and parking is just right there, at the boat launch. The fall color are amazing here, red, yellows. 10 out of 10 recommend!

Heritage Ranch

This one doesn't need any introductions. The classic and staple location. When I started with photography, I defaulted to choose this location so often that I know now exactly how the light hits certain areas. The top part by the restaurant is excellent for golden hour, and if you are lucky the local horses will be there to say hi:) The forest by the river at the bottom of the stairs is just amazing and giving the forest vibe. Fish pond and all the trails around it are great too. This is definitely safe location for me as a photographer but it can get quite busy here so you need to find the little pockets of space to avoid the business.

Michael O'Brien Wetland

This is a new location I have discovered while walking our dog. I had a fall photoshoot booked but it was already later in the season so I needed somewhere that still had some fall colors. This was it! Even at the end of October, we still had nice red and yellows and lots of leaves on the ground and even the beautifully golden larches. Bingo! This park is secluded, feels like known to locals only park. Trails, ponds, nice bridge. Super easy parking just off the 55 street by Clearview.

Bower Ponds

This location has it all. Pond, bridge, nice wooded areas and trails and within a short walk a river. Best to shoot here during the fall days, it can get busy here but usually during the golden hour on a fall day, it is not too bad. I love this location, easy for parking and it really has everything. Also the iconic red brick house looks amazing in the background. Give it a try if you haven't.