Categories: Lifestyle

Alberta’s oldest bird sanctuary has over five kilometres of trails to explore year-round

Photo via Amy K. Mitchell/Shutterstock

Since 1924, the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary has been a protected bird sanctuary in Alberta, and now it’s one of the most ecologically important spots in the Red Deer River Valley.

According to the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, thousands of songbirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey visit this sanctuary in Red Deer every year, alongside many other wild animals. The sanctuary has 118 hectares set aside in the area as a home for plants, mammals, birds, and other wildlife.

You’ll also find the Kerry Wood Nature Centre next to the sanctuary, another great destination for environmental education.

All throughout the year, visitors are invited to explore the five kilometers of trails in the area and get immersed in the beautiful nature. If you’re looking to get a taste of the outdoors this fall, this area is definitely one to check out.

What to know before visiting Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary

When is the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary open?

The sanctuary is open year-round, all day, every day. This goes for the grounds surrounding the Nature Centre, as well.

You can find the hours of adjacent buildings and stores within the Nature Centre on the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society ‘s website.

Where is the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary located?

The sanctuary is located in Red Deer, and you’ll find the entrance located at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

What’s the best way to get there?

According to Nature Alberta, for those driving, you’ll be able to head north on 45th Avenue, turn right at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary welcome sign, and park in the Nature Centre parking lot.

Once you’re here, you have the option of entering through the front doors of the Nature Centre and exiting the rear, or taking a path around the north side of the Nature Centre, through the nature playground.

What is there to do in the sanctuary?

The main attractions for this sanctuary are the wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning trails.

Once you’re inside, under the sanctuary sign behind the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, the paths split into three different directions and trails you can take to explore.

The paths on the left and right mark the beginning and end of one big trail: the Wishart Trail. This four-kilometre path goes around the entire perimeter of the sanctuary, taking about an hour to complete. You’ll run through woods, open meadows, wetlands, bridges, boardwalks, and stairs.

There’s also the middle path, or Dr. George Trail, which is the start of a smaller loop that guides you through the inner woods of the sanctuary. This one-kilometre loop branches off to a path that leads to a boardwalk with a bird blind at the end.

Just keep in mind that, according to the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, visitors must remain on trails at all times. In addition, jogging, cycling, rollerblading, scootering, and skiing are not permitted to protect the natural area.

Are pets or dogs allowed in the sanctuary?

Pets, including dogs, are not permitted in the sanctuary due to them potentially disturbing wildlife or negatively impacting the delicate ecosystem.

According to Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, only service dogs are allowed, in accordance with federal regulations.

What does it cost to visit Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary?

The Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary is completely free to visit. For those in the area, it’s a great free activity and spot to check out year-round.

For those still yearning to get a good outdoor experience in before the weather gets too cold, this bird sanctuary will absolutely deliver. Grab your binoculars and get some friends, because this trip is going to be a good one.