ATTRACTIONS:

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

Medicine Hat's historic downtown features restored turn of the century residential, commercial and church buildings, great boutiques, tasty food and quaint gas lighting. Downtown walking tour map is available at Tourism Medicine Hat (527-6422).

MEDICINE HAT CULTURAL CENTRE

This is the hub of a thriving arts community. Housed within the Cultural Centre is the Fibre Arts Studio, Art Studios, Ceramics Studio, Photo Lab, Art Gallery, and the Black Box Theatre. Medicine Hat College's Dance and Music Academies also operate out of this site. A gift shop has excellent local art for sale. Please call ahead if you wish to tour a particular studio.

Contact: 403-529-3882

MEDICINE HAT CLAY INDUSTRIES NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

Open
May 14 - Sept 5th: 9:30 am to 5 pm daily
Winter Season: Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm

713 Medalta Avenue SE
(403) 529-1070

Huge and intriguing machines and a memory-filled atmosphere invite visitors to the historic factory complexes of Medalta Potteries and Hycroft China. Celebrating over a century of ceramics, this historic industrial district offers a dramatic look at the factories that once made Medicine Hat the pottery centre of Canada. Today, visitors can tour this provincial historic site that includes scheduled site tours, children’s programs, and gift shop, making this a must-see destination.

For more info: www.medalta.org

SAAMIS TEPEE

Our most visible landmark THE WORLD'S TALLEST TEPEE! Originally constructed for the Calgary 1988 Olympics, this 20 story high structure is a tribute to Canada's First Nations people. Below the Tepee in scenic Seven Persons Coulee lies an important archaeological site where hundreds of bison were butchered and their meat processed.

THE ESPLANADE ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTRE

The Esplanade on First Street SE is the new home of Medicine Hat's museum, art gallery and archives. Performing arts take place in the 750 seat theatre or in the more intimate Studio Theatre.

For more info: (403) 502-8580.

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CYPRESS HILLS INTERPROVINCIAL PARK

Canada's first interprovincial park straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, just 70 km southeast of Medicine Hat. The forested hills reach 700 m (2000 ft) above the surrounding prairie, making a cool destination on hot summer days. Popular wildlife like turkey, elk and moose can often be observed on the many trails. In Elkwater, a beach, marina, store and gas station provide supplies, and hotels, campgrounds and group campsites offer a range of accommodation. An extensive interpretive program runs guided walks and evening programs during the summer.

Call Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park at 403-893-3777 for more details.

SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER

Medicine Hat is the staging area for exploring the smooth water of the South Saskatchewan River. Whether you want to float for a couple of hours, or embark on a five-day wilderness voyage, you will enjoy this prairie river.

Canoes can be rented by the hour or day (Parks and Outdoor Recreation Department, 403-529-8383), and a guidebook for the river can be purchased from the Police Point Nature Centre (403-529-6225). A 10-passenger voyageur canoe and guide can also be obtained by calling this number.

GRASSLAND WILDLIFE OBSERVATION

Some of North America's most spectacular native grassland lies at Medicine Hat's doorstep. Heading south, visitors frequently see birds that are rarely seen elsewhere, like long-billed curlew, sprague's pipit and ferruginous hawk. Wildflowers carpet the prairie from late April to July, with many species continuing on to freeze-up in October. Spring brings what local birders call "prairie bells", the cheerful mixture of a half dozen bold bird songs, all ringing out together in the early morning. Fall is equally memorable, with tens of thousands of waterfowl staging on local lakes during their southward migration.

For details on the current events or best places to explore, call the Police Point Nature Centre at 403-539-6225.

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Medicine Hat hosts a wide range of festivals each year. The general time of year is given below, but please confirm the dates either on the "Attractions" page of this site, or by calling Tourism Medicine Hat at 403 527-6422.
Folk Music Festival - February
Midget International Hockey Tournament - March
One-Act Play Festival
Spectrum Rainbow Festival - first weekend of June
Medicine Hat JazzFest - Third week of June - seven days of great jazz concerts with local, national and international artists playing a range of styles. The unique venues and enthusiastic volunteers make this a fun event.
Canada Day - July 1 in Kin Coulee
Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede - third week of July; also hosts a Farmer's Market each Saturday morning during the summer and early fall.
Medalta Artists In Residence Open House
Musical Theatre - November

PARKS AND TRAILS

Medicine Hat's excellent open spaces system includes five major parks and over 100 community parks. A network of 92 km of trails wind through the city, connecting many parks with the abundant natural environment along the creeks and river. Trail maps are available at Tourism Medicine Hat

ECHO DALE REGIONAL PARK

Bask on the beach, go for a swim or a paddle, fish for trout, hike under the red cliffs or picnic under the trees in this 160 acre playground. Echo Dale features two beautiful man made lakes in a peaceful river valley setting and 7 km of walking trails

ECHO DALE HISTORIC FARM

Echo Dale Regional Park also offers a historic experience. Take a step back in time at the fully restored Woolfrey House which offers a glimpse of what life was like in the early settler days. The Ajax Mine makes for a great family outing, as visitors can go "underground" to see tools used by the coal miners on this site. And of course, the farm animals are always popular with kids of all ages. A great place for a family visit!

KIN COULEE PARK

Seven Persons Creek meanders through this beautiful multi purpose 100 acre park. Kin Coulee offers natural areas as well as recreational facilities including playgrounds, trails, ball diamonds, picnic facilities, fire pits, toboggan hill plus more. Kin Coulee is home to the Spectrum Sunshine Festival (early June) and Canada Day festivities. Entrance to the park is at the bottom of College Drive .

POLICE POINT PARK

Stroll along the nature trails among ancient cottonwood trees and watch for bald eagles or white-tailed deer in the scenic 400 acre natural reserve. Bordered on three sides by the South Saskatchewan River , this park features 8 km of walking and cycling trails included 3 km of paved, with easy access for wheelchairs. Police Point Park is an excellent area for watching birds and wildlife. Learn more about grassland flora and fauna at the Interpretive Centre on site. Open year round, the center offers many special events for the public. Police Point Park is located on the North side of the river on Police Point Drive .

Contact: 403-529-6225

RIVERSIDE PARK

In the heart of downtown, this park features a fascinating brick mural by the renowned artist James Marshall, depicting the history of the area. Flowers, walkways, CP diesel engine and huge old trees along the river make this a beautiful place for lunch or just to relax.

STRATHCONA ISLAND PARK

Just beneath Medicine Hat's scenic cliffs, on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River , this park is a family favorite. From a water park playground for the kids, to the walking and hiking trails and superb picnic facilities, there is something for everyone!

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