Walking Tour

Ghosts of the Past: Bronze Sculptures

Join us for a 1 hour guided historical walking tour in downtown Red Deer. All tours start at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery. Please pre-register.

Have you seen the ghosts of Red Deer? This renowned bronze public art collection was initiated by the Downtown Business Association and helps tell some of the stories of Red Deer’s past.

The ghosts represent people, folklore and past ways of life. Most sculptures are symbols of times past, of community spirit or service that made Red Deer a better place to live.

The ghosts were created by local and provincial artists and these sculptures are part of the City of Red Deer’s public art collection for all to enjoy throughout the downtown core. It is one of the largest life-size bronze sculpture collections in Canada.

Doris Forbes and Mickey the beaver sitting on a table with a glass milk bottle. Red Deer, Alberta. Between 1939-1948. Photo courtesy of the City of Red Deer Archives, E3096.

Walking Tour

Red Deer Revealed: Downtown Buildings

Join us for a 1 hour guided historical walking tour in downtown Red Deer. All tours start at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery. Please pre-register.

What was Red Deer like over 100 years ago?

Ross Street has been a destination for visitors since the arrival of the railway in the 1890’s. Downtown was lined with hotels, cafes, entertainment and businesses and city parks for locals and visitors to Central Alberta. For decades, Little Gaetz Avenue was the place to shop in Red Deer. Learn about the people and places that shaped Red Deer and enjoy the public art along the way.

Ross Street (50 Street) Red Deer, Alberta. Dated October 23, 1916. Photo courtesy of the City of Red Deer Archives, P12841.

Walking Tour

Red Deer’s Oldest Neighbourhood: Parkvale

Join us for a 1 hour guided historical walking tour in downtown Red Deer. All tours start at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery. Please pre-register.

The Parkvale district is one of Red Deer’s oldest residential areas, developed in 1905 for the working-class. Take a stroll through the area to see some of the earliest homes built and learn who occupied them and what their role was in developing our community.

Learn about Edward Barrett, former Mayor and businessman, as you stroll through Barrett Park. Visit the ghost sculpture of Mickey the Beaver in Coronation Park as well as view a few homes in the Waskasoo neighborhood. You will learn about the McIntosh residence and the Manning Residence as you loop back towards the museum.

Dedication of the Pioneers Lodge (4324 46A Avenue) July 16, 1958. Photo courtesy of the City of Red Deer Archives, N10030.