Float Down the South Saskatchewan River
What else would you do in Canada’s sunniest and second hottest city!? Grab a raft and some friends and head down the South Saskatchewan River. Enter the River in Redcliff or Echo dale and take a float down to Strathcona Park on a four hour trek. Relax and enjoy as you get to experience the Canadian badlands up close.
Mountain Bike in Elkwater, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
On the out skirts of town, Elkwater is the perfect place to spend the day outside with friends and family. With the highest elevation in Canada east of the Rockies, it’s got great elevation change. Bike through the park’s trail system and explore the new additions courtesy of the local 670 Collective Mountain Bike trail crew.
Camp in Elkwater
Grab a campsite in Cypress Hills, and take a load off. A variety of rentals are available including stand up paddle boards, mountain bikes, canoes, and kayaks are available. Hike or bike through the park’s trail system, fish the lakes, and visit the interpretive center, where you’ll learn about our incredible population of Courgars! Finish up with dinner at Camp Cookhouse restaurant or 12-34 Cafe after a full day of activities.
Fish the lakes, creeks, river and reservoirs
You can catch Pike, Walleye, Goldeye, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout on the fly, all within a short drive of town, or even in town. The Crowsnest Pass is about three hours southwest, and it boasts amazing trout country.
Roam Downtown
Grab a coffee from one of the many downtown cafes (Station, Heartwood Cafe, Mad Hatter Roastery and Inspire) and soak in Medicine Hat’s artistic culture along the designated Art Walk, or Historic Walking Tour. Pop into Valhalla Pure Outfitters along the way before continuing on to play a game of chess with the Worlds Largest Chess Set on 1st Street! Then grab dinner at one of the great restaurants downtown, and do it all within a block of the river. After dinner, grab a movie at the Monarch Theatre. It opened its doors in 1911, and is the oldest still-operating movie theatre in Western-Canada, and one of the oldest in the world.
Bike the Oasis of the Prairies
Enjoy the evening strolling through the trail systems of Medicine Hat, through the mesmerizing scenery showcasing the area’s landscape of coulees and riverside beauty. Or, borrow a bike for free at the Visitor’s Center and explore more than 100 kilometers of paved hiking and biking trails linking five major parks in addition to the city’s municipal parks that dot the South Saskatchewan River. Kin Coulee, Strathcona Island, Lions, Police Point, Echodale and Riverside Veteran’s Memorial park are all great areas to have a picnic or explore the surrounding trails.
Take a Drive to Red Rock Coulee
Visit Mars! Okay, maybe not Mars but the closest thing you’ll get to it. Large, red spherical boulders of hard sandstone can be seen throughout a vast area of 800 acres. This is another perfect place to explore the unique landscape and witness an unforgettable prairie sunset. Deer, coyotes, rabbits, rattlesnakes and nighthawks are often seen inhabiting the area adding to your memorable experience.
Visit the Historic Medalta Clay District
Clay products were one of Medicine Hat’s earliest and most successful industries. This National Historic Site is a century old innovative industrial museum, education centre, art gallery, contemporary ceramic studio and host for local events, a staple in Medicine Hat’s historical culture. Open year round for you to view the restored original kilns and artifacts at Medalta Potteries followed by a tour of the nearby Medicine Hat Brick & Tile building in the summer will be sure to spark your interest - history buff or not!
Peruse the Local Farmers Markets
The highly anticipated local markets are a great way to support small businesses, enjoy homemade products and thrive on fresh produce. Take part in these community events Saturday mornings at the Cypress Centre or Thursday evenings for the Market at Medalta.
Support the Hat’s Local Sports Teams
Medicine Hat offers a variety of sports teams. From the Western Hockey League Medicine Hat Tigers, The Western Major Baseball League Medicine Hat Mavericks and the Medicine Hat College Rattler varsity teams- volleyball, golf, soccer and basketball. Enjoy a night out with family and friends and take in the thrill of the game.