Canyon Adventure Park at the Canyon Ski Resort just east of Red Deer, AB. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

By Sheldon Spackman

Net Park/Aerial Course/Free Fall/Zipline!

Canyon Adventure Park now open!

Jul 13, 2024 | 6:37 AM

Alberta’s largest non-mountain resort located near Red Deer has opened an exciting new attraction.

Canyon Adventure Park is now open to the public at Canyon Ski Resort and consists of a Net Park – the only one of its kind in Western Canada, along with a Challenge Aerial Course surrounding the Net Park, complete with Climbing Wall and Dual Free Falls.

Canyon Adventure Park/Climbing Wall. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

However, general manager David Martel also notes the out-and-back dual zip lines which open Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Canyon Adventure Park dual zip lines. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

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“These plans have been in the works ever since we put in Alberta’s only alpine coaster (The Canyon Coaster),” he explains. “We wanted to build that four-season resort, and this is just one of the stages in how we’re getting there.”

Canyon Coaster (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

Being a four-season attraction is critical to keeping their facility on the map as a ski resort, adds Martel.

“We do draw a lot of visitors from all over Alberta and the odd time, throughout North America if they’re in visiting family or maybe just on a vacation. But where we’ve seen the real importance is being sustainable as a year-round facility for staffing and just providing those year-round activities.”

Canyon Adventure Park and its free fall jumps from the top of the tower on the right. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

Martel says Canyon Ski Resort has already become a popular summer destination, thanks to some new developments like the Canyon Coaster over the past couple of years.

“Summertime we’re able to provide a very unique product, being we’re situated in between two huge cities. We’re seeing a lot of outside visitors which has had a great benefit to Red Deer. Local restaurants, hotels, campgrounds have all benefitted from the attractions that we’re able to offer.”

Canyon Coaster. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

Martel says the new Adventure Park also means more employment opportunities.

“The Aerial Park requires approximately a dozen staff to operate and that’s seven days a week, so we are creating about two dozen jobs between full-time and part-time staff, as well as our maintenance staff that do the morning inspections and any maintenance required on any of these activities.”

Canyon Adventure Park/Net Park. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

Martel says these new amenities are the result of a partnership with Travel Alberta.

“We did receive a cost-sharing grant with them. The final price tag on that I can’t disclose at this time, but what I can tell you is that Canyon has been continuing to make these improvements of summertime activities for the benefit of offering a full-day package here at the resort.”

Canyon Adventure Park (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

“In 2010 when our family did purchase the resort, we did change the name from Canyon Ski Area to Canyon Ski Resort, with this in mind. We wanted to have Canyon a four-season destination that people can enjoy year-round, whether you ski, snowboard, or just like the summertime. We now have something to offer all seasons of the year.”

Outside of ski season of course, Canyon Ski Resort is open from May long weekend through to Thanksgiving.

“It’s really gave us that boost of operational time which has benefitted both summer and winter,” shares Martel.

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