Discover Alberta’s Heartland: Classic Prairie Towns & Scenic Backroads

Red Deer to Wetaskiwin Circle Tour | North Central Alberta Road Trip

This scenic circle tour from Red Deer to Wetaskiwin is a ride through the real Alberta—where every town has a past, every road tells a story, and the journey feels just as good as the destination. It’s a mix of rural pride, railway heritage, and wide prairie views you won’t soon forget.

What makes this route special? It’s about the towns in between—the ones with grain elevators still standing, main streets frozen in time, and cafés where strangers turn into storytellers.

🏛️ Prairie History Comes Alive
Start in Red Deer, then cruise east into Big Valley, where the historic rail station and wooden grain elevator set the tone for what’s ahead. Stettler and Botha continue the railway narrative, with museums, murals, and welcoming small-town energy.

Further east, Gadsby, Halkirk, and Heisler bring that quiet charm—perfect for scenic stops, peaceful lunches, and photos that capture what Alberta used to look like.

Loop north through Daysland, Bawlf, and Ohaton, then turn toward Camrose, a hub with deep history, strong community roots, and local shops worth exploring. Finish the tour through Gwynne as you arrive in Wetaskiwin, where prairie roots meet a rider-friendly downtown.

☕ Small Stops, Big Welcome
In places like Heisler, Daysland, and Bawlf, it’s not about what’s flashy—it’s about what’s real. Homemade meals, quirky antique shops, local museums, and churches that have stood for over a century.

📸 Pro Tip:
Catch golden hour outside of Big Valley or stop for sunrise shots near Halkirk—the light across the prairie here is something else.

Maps: NC AB R5 & R6
Towns: Red Deer, Big Valley, Stettler, Botha, Gadsby, Halkirk, Heisler, Daysland, Bawlf, Ohaton, Camrose, Gwynne, Wetaskiwin