Indigenous Culture
Indigenous Spaces & Places
Explore Medicine Hat’s Indigenous history with this self-guided tour, made by The Miywasin Friendship Centre and partners.
Explore Medicine Hat’s Indigenous history with this self-guided tour, made by The Miywasin Friendship Centre and partners.
Police Point Park offered sheltered camping with an abundance of firewood available for First Nations, and it was a safe crossing place for the South Saskatchewan River. The chokecherry bushes and buffalo berries were harvested by First Nations for many years. During winter, an ice-free section of the river was referred to as a breathing hole for the water spirits, and the distinctive cottonwood trees had ceremonial uses. Anecdotal sources said Police Point Park was also used historically as a location for tree burials.
The Old Man Buffalo Stone, made by stone sculpture artist Stewart Steinhauer, was inspired by the Manitou Stone. This two-sided sculpture was crafted to be a guardian watching over the buffalo herds.
Explore the area: Police Point Park has an abundance of paved trails that bring beautiful views of the cliffs and South Saskatchewan River. Visit the Nature Centre to learn more about Indigenous history, the ecosystem, and wildlife in the park.
Located in the valley of Seven Persons Creek, this area was once used as a late winter, early spring buffalo meat processing site by early First Nations. The site dates back thousands of years, and archaeologists believe there are over 83 million artifacts buried in the valley. Visitors are reminded that no digging for artifacts is permitted at the Provincial Historic Site.
Explore the area: Follow the paved trail to stroll the natural area, and then head towards the Saamis Tepee — the World’s Tallest Tepee — to see the site from a bird’s eye view.
This space was a Métis community until the mid-2000s. It was designated a Historic Designation in 2020, and a plaque was unveiled in 2021 that shares more information about the space and photos.
Explore the area: Follow the paved trail to the plaque and where the Métis community was once located. Continue on to see cliff-side views. You can also paddle Seven Persons Creek that runs through the park. Find page xx for more details.
Located along the South Saskatchewan River, Strathcona Island Park was home to First Nations and Métis. The remains of some Métis homesteads are on the south side of the spray park and camp kitchen, although obscured now by time and foliage.
Explore the area: Strathcona Island Park also features a waterpark, playground, boat launch, paved trails, and picnic areas.
Thousands of Indigenous peoples have served in the Canadian Military, including all of the conflicts presented on Medicine Hat’s Cenotaph.
In some cases many members of the same family went overseas to serve, sacrificing much. Four Bliss brothers; Pat, Joe, Bill, and Tassie, served in the trenches of the First World War. Tassie was injured, having his forearm amputated, and Bill struggled in his return to civilian life. Bill enlisted in 1915 at the age of 19 with the third CMR. Bill was wounded at Ypres in 1916 by shell in the trenches. He contracted influenza in 1917 and was discharged in 1919 at the age of 23.
Explore the area: This park is located in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown. Nearby is the Miywasin Friendship Centre, where gatherings are often hosted to the public like drum circles and bannock & tea.
Medicine Hat inherited its name from the Blackfoot word “Saamis” which is loosely translated as “medicine man’s hat.”
Several legends tell this story, one of which is beautifully depicted in a sculptured brick mural at City Hall. The legend tells of a winter with great famine and hardship for the Blackfoot nation. The elders of the Council chose a young man to save his tribe from starvation.
After many arduous days he made his way to the “breathing hole”, an opening in the ice of the South Saskatchewan River believed to be the place of the Great Spirit. The young hunter made camp and summoned the spirits who appeared in the form of a serpent.
The Great Spirit told the man to spend the night on the small island (Strathcona Island Park) and “in the morning when the sun lights the cut-banks, go to the base of the great cliffs and there you will find a bag containing medicines and a Saamis (holy bohnet)”. The hat, he was told, was to be worn only in war, and would ensure victory to the wearer.
Aided by the magic of his Saamis, the young hunter located the much-needed game, saved his people, and eventually became a great Medicine Man.
Thus, the first “medicine hat”; a symbol of leadership, prowess, and mysticism on the western plains, came into existence. The city which was destined to perpetuate with its name was founded at the location of the ancient legend.
In 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway stopped to build a train bridge across the South Saskatchewan River. With the construction, a tent town was born taking the name from the numerous legends. A nearby hill was marked by the name Medicine Hat on a map of the Department of Interior the same year. In the CPR’s search for water, their drills accidentally struck natural gas west of town, heralding the exploration that mapped out one of the largest gas fields in North America, providing Medicine Hat with its moniker “The Gas City”.
Canoe, kayak, boat, or float the waterways in Medicine Hat.
Blue skies, a shining sun, and the feeling of the fresh river breeze while floating the South Saskatchewan River is how a day that ends in ‘y’ can be spent. Echo Dale Regional Park, surrounded by huge coulees, is a captivating start to this experiential river float.
Once you slide your boat onto the riverbend and spring to land on the top, a glance to the right can bring a handful of dogs running, walking, and sniffing the green shrubbery. As they enjoy their daily escapade, you’ll begin yours.
Minutes will melt away as you tan underneath the warm sun and visit with those who’ve joined this adventure. Cold water has never felt so refreshing and fresh air so soothing. Laughter fills the space as you notice friendly wildlife flying above and wandering the river banks throughout the day.
The shimmer of City Hall, and the glow of historic brick buildings pull you towards the downtown core. You’ll float underneath Medicine Hat’s Finlay Bridge, built in 1908, and the Railway Bridge, built in 1883.
As you near the end, and after you’ve taken all the photos your camera roll can handle, Strathcona Island Park welcomes you with fire pits and picnic tables to roast your hotdogs, hamburgers, buns, and marshmallows to end your day with good food, good people, and good memories to look back on.
Desert Blume (Heron Crt. SE) to Kin Coulee Park — best for beginners.
For a wild and adventurous day on the waterway, Seven Persons Creek is the place to be. Throughout an approximate three hour paddle, you may cross paths with deer, beavers, moose, blue herons, ducklings, and geese, while surrounded by large coulees and refreshing natural sights. Completely immersed in the quiet space, with only the neighbouring sounds of nature, this in-city creek isn’t far to find. Paddle the rapids and go with the flow on the winding streamline.
Desert Blume to South Saskatchewan River — best for experienced paddlers.
Paddle among the reeds, rapids, and culverts on the narrow and quick waterway. Ducks and geese may fly as you arrive at their floating spot, and kingfishers might happily hop ahead of you to lead the way. Deer, muskrats, and beavers are other wild creatures that have been seen while paddling this creek. Tall bluffs will tower over you, followed by a canopy of trees. There are many hop-off points once you reach the South Saskatchewan River, where you can join hundreds of seagulls and a few fishing blue herons living a life we often don’t think about in Police Point Park. If this is the paddle for you, make sure to scout the route beforehand — water level is always changing, and there is a short portage you need to be ready for.
“Paddling Seven Persons Creek is wild, adventurous, and you get such an adrenaline rush. Whereas, the South Saskatchewan River is very relaxing and calm. With both, you travel through the coulees and see so much wildlife. The two waterways are like no other; it’s honestly so stunning.” - Teresa Humphries, co-owner of Outdoor Xcape Rentals.
watch the South Saskatchewan River reel here
Rent equipment from Outdoor Xcape Rentals
Join the free summer event Great Big Paddle
Discover the Medicine Hat mountain biking scene.
"The Medicine Hat region at first impression seems like a flat desert grassland, what could it offer in terms of fun and exciting riding? The reality is that here lies a mountain bike oasis when you look a little closer.
With the South Saskatchewan river cutting a deep valley through the region it created a blank canvas for trails to be developed. Then to the east of the city lies Cypress Hills provincial park only a short 65km drive away. Rising up in a striking fashion the provincial park is home to steep hills and thick forest.
From the steep coulee banks of the river to the forest trails of the park, locals have been busy cultivating a network of trails in this section of the Canadian Badlands region. I have had a chance in the past to get a quick feel for the riding in these two zones. Although on those visits I never got a chance to experience a fun full day in Medicine Hat mountain biking for myself."
Things to do in Southeast Alberta.
Easy access, large sites, and few people are all draws for Bow Island’s Centennial Park (pictured at top of the page). Found just blocks from the Crowsnest Highway, the campground has two playgrounds, two outdoor cooking areas, a free shower house, beach volleyball, and a well-maintained soccer field.
Most summer Sundays, the park becomes the hub of the community as many families take the opportunity to visit the park to relax. Kids play at the playground while the adults either play a game of soccer or sit in the shade and visit. An added attraction is “Market in the Park” which takes place every Wednesday, from the first week of July until the last week of August.
403.545-2522
bowisland.com
The sun sure burns hot during Southern Albertan summers making swimming pools welcome oases for any wary traveller. The Bow Island Swimming Pool is mere blocks from the Crowsnest Highway near BowIsland’s surprising downtown. It is a crystal clear, cool oasis featuring a shallow kiddie pool, hot tub, diving board and climbing wall. The climbing wall on the edge of the pool is a unique addition that will simultaneously exhaust, challenge and occupy everyone as long as your forearms can bear. It’s equally challenging for a 6 or 36 year-old to reach the top so there’s no excuse to give it a pass. You’re not chicken, are you?
Pinto McBean – the world’s largest and most armed pinto bean – Bow Island’s answer to the world’s largest bottle of catsup (in Illinois, for you long-haul road-trippers). Pinto McBean celebrates the town’s role in Southern Alberta’s agriculture industry, which is a leader in beans and lentils. The fact that agriculture even exists here is a feat of human engineering thanks to an impressive canal system that delivers nearly a billion cubic metres of waters to farmers.Indeed, with the effort put forth to grow crops in this dry, sun soaked land, the world’s largest pinto bean is an apt, wonderful mascot and a deserving point of pride. Don’t miss it.
Red Rock Coulee Natural Area is 324 hectares (800 acres) of badlands, hard sandstone capped hoodoos and large, round, red boulders. Formed in prehistoric seas as layers of sand calcite and iron oxide collected around a nucleus formed by shells, leaves, or bones. These concretions grew larger as the circulating waters deposited more layers. The reddish colour comes from iron oxide. At up to 2.5 metres (8 feet) in diameter, they are among the largest in the world. Along with the exposed rocks, you will also find prairie inhabitants such as deer, coyotes, rabbits, rattlesnakes, and nighthawks.
To reach Red Rock Coulee, drive southwest from Medicine Hat on Highway 3. Just before the village of Seven Persons you will turn south on Highway 887—a secondary highway to Manyberries. Continue south on Highway 887 until you reach Red Rock Coulee, which is open year-round.
Located on the Red Coat Trail, is the Etzikom Museum and the Canadian National Historic Windmill Centre. The Centre features outdoor restored examples of windmills encompassing over 200 years of Canadian wind power (particularly water pumpers). Indoors at the Museum are many hands-on displays in time-period settings, featuring early pioneer life, native artifacts, fossils, petroglyphs, homesteader tools and a historic church.
Open from Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day weekend
Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm and
Sunday noon to 6pm
403.666.3737
foremostalberta.com
Water in Southern Alberta is a scarce resource, and is depended upon for agricultural livelihood of many. The Saint Mary River Irrigation District diverts nearly one billion cubic metres of water every year to farmers, ranchers and municipalities who need it. While water sustains the livelihood of Southern Alberta’s hardworking people, the canal system that diverts all that water also provides recreation opportunities for everyone. 40 Mile Park is set along a reservoir and has become one of Southern Alberta’s most popular boating, fishing, and RVing spots. The sites are big, the boat launch can handle dozens of vehicles, and the reservoir is big enough for everyone to get on the water.
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Cavan Lake is a quiet campground and recreation area a short drive from Medicine Hat. Ideal for the fisherman or anyone looking to setup camp and relax, you can choose from large sites in well-treed loop surrounding a playground and open park. Or alternatively, take a site with a view of the small prairie lake and watch the sun rise with coffee in hand. Cavan Lake provides firewood, non-potable tap water,30 amp service and a boat launch for those looking to catch their dinner. Cavan Lake is a short twenty minute drive from both MedicineHat and the Cypress Hills. For those looking for peace and quiet at what feels like their own private fishing hole, Cavan Lake is ideal.
Sandy Point is the first and only rebuttal needed when the idea of the dull, flat prairie comes up. Yes, Sandy Point is proof that breathtaking landscapes can emerge under your feet. The South Saskatchewan river valley at Sandy Point is the Canadian Badlands at its finest. You approach it after 100 kilometres of rolling Alberta prairie, which is hypnotic and remarkable in its own right. Suddenly ranchers’ fields and virgin prairie drop away as you descend into the valley. Hoodoos stretch East andWest along the river and a bright green trestle bridge comes into view.Along the riverbank is a sleepy little campground, a great place to spend the night. Some even use it as a base or finishing point for canoe trips or fishing, with dozens more miles of badlands hoodoos for your eyes only.
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There are ribbons of blacktop flowing across millions of kilometres of terrain around the world. Novels, poems and love songs have been written about life on the road. The road symbolizes freedom, and adventure. If those novels were written in Southern Alberta, Eagle Butte Road would have been the chapter about solitude and reflection. Cyclists tackle this road to reach Little Plume Church, a small Evangelical church atop a bluff overlooking the surrounding prairie and backed by the CypressHills. It’s a slow grind to reach Little Plume, but the reward is a near constant downhill returning home, to Medicine Hat. Eagle Butte. LittlePlume. Medicine Hat. If those don’t sound like names from Zane Grey’s pen, then nothing does. But they’re real, and they’re here for you.
Starting the descent and hitting the drop offs, laying down some crazy lines on the “Last Grizzly”, getting to grips with some cross country adventure through montane forest high above the prairies…this is Mountain Biking in the Cypress Hills. Over 50km of trails with 240 meters of elevation gain from Elkwater you can bet there will be some challenging moments to get the rewards of the downhill trails. If this is not your thing then take an easier trail and explore some of the viewpoints like Horseshoe Canyon which looks out over the vast prairies or down to Montana Sweetgrass hills from “Head of the Mountain”. An early start and late close to the biking season means you can get on the trails typically from May to October.
Wake up to the morning sunshine and bird song in secluded settings.Feel like you are the only ones around for miles. Get a taste of adventure in the comfort of a cabin. There are over half a dozenCypress Hills Backcountry and Front Country Cabins situated around the Provincial Park. Some you can drive to, some you have to walk to, some have the most basic of amenities and some are pretty much fully equipped. No need to bring your RV or a tent just your sleeping bags, food, water and a little adventurous spirit. Then explore your surroundings in one of the most unique natural settings in Alberta.
The night sky tells an ancient story and in a few places you can see the details of that story more clearly than others. Cypress Hills ProvincialPark is a Dark Sky Preserve where this story can be seen loud and clear.Watch as the day fades and the darkness comes alive with the light of night. Look in the Galaxy and search for shooting stars or see if you can recognize constellations or the planets in our own solar system.Maybe you will be treated to the dancing of the Northern Lights…the night sky comes alive in the Cypress Hills. October to May gives the best viewing although for the night owls the summer can still be a treat.
Redcliff once rivalled Medicine Hat as Western Canada’s manufacturing hub, however between 1913-1915 fires, a cyclone and various other problems, caused many industries to close down. Dominion Glass was one of the surviving operations until it closed its doors in 1989. The factory still dominates Redcliff’s skyline and sits a mere two blocks away from the Redcliff Campground. The campground is nestled in green space between the towns famous Greenhouses where you can buy fresh produce, and the recreation hub of the town including the Baseball Diamonds, Tennis Courts, and Aquatic Centre. Situated only two blocks from downtown, few places can compete with the Redcliff Campground for convenience and price.
Redcliff Riverview Golf Club tracks the South Saskatchewan River and delivers on the promise made by its name. The river views are indeed some of the badlands’ best. Perched on cliffs overlooking the river, even experienced golfers may need another practice swing before sending theirCalloway over a rugged, hoodoo-filled coulee. Although stunning, the view doesn’t necessarily make things easier as the river below your feet can draw the eye towards the horizon. And depending on the time of year, you may be staring down storm clouds looming over a hundred kilometres away. Yes, Canada’s badlands landscape can certainly play tricks on you. Keep your cool, admire the view, take a breath, and swing for the fairway.
Interwoven into the hoodoos and rugged, dusty cliffs of the SouthSaskatchewan River are the Redcliff mountain bike trails. In fact, it is these cliffs – many red from oxidization – from which the town of Redcliff gets its name. The trails here may be Southern Alberta’s answer to Moab.They are built and maintained by a group of volunteers and national trail building experts and are free for all to ride. There are multiple access points in Redcliff to the Green, Blue & Black runs. This is badlands mountain biking terrain at its finest. For trail head details see www.trailforks.com.
Riding the gentle edge of the South Saskatchewan River’s northern slope, Burnside is a short green run that connects to Redcliff’s rugged terrain and series of blue and black runs. Don’t get complacent though, you’re still in the Canadian badlands! Cactus can be found off the well maintained trail and foreshadowing of what’s to come in the way of rock features are fun ways to warm up and are easily to by-pass should the rest of your party not be as keen. It’s a wide, flowy trail that runs in both directions so even if Redcliff isn’t the ultimate destination, there’s plenty of room for a quick there-and-back. Round-trip is about 11 kilometres, making it an easy way to get a quick run in.
Echo Dale Regional Park is one of Medicine Hat’s most popular family destinations. Situated in the South Saskatchewan River valley with badlands views, two reservoirs provide swimming or water sport activities, including stand-up paddle board, kayak or paddleboat rentals.The swimming is served by a cafeteria offering ice cream, snacks and even burgers and fries. Echo Dale Farm is a well-preserved early pioneer settlement complete with a wooden house, barn, blacksmith shop, and former entry to an early-era coal mine. Together, the grounds provide a glimpse into early pioneer life on the prairies. Easily accessible by foot or bike from Gas City Campground or by car via the well-travelled Holsom Road, Echo Dale Regional Park is a family favourite.
Perched high above the South Saskatchewan River, just minutes by foot from one of the best views of Medicine Hat’s river valley is Gas City Campground. It is also the starting point for a path that tracks the bench above the South SaskatchewanRiver to Echo Dale Regional Park, an easy walk for any family looking to spend a day together. The unique campground name comes from Medicine Hat’s long tradition of referring to itself as the Gas City, owing to early twentieth century discovery of natural gas that literally fuelled the city’s early economic boom.English author Rudyard Kipling famously wrote that Medicine Hat had ‘all hell for a basement,’ when discussing the city’s enormous potential. The fully treed,97-site, full-service campground is only minutes from the Trans-Canada Highway.
35 kilometers / 22 miles
A must-see attraction for anyone interested in rural history, this museum portrays various aspects of pioneer life. They have many artifacts and buildings including an old schoolhouse, church, and lumber store. Be sure to check out Irvine’s 20 Milepost Days held annually on September long weekend. This event features all kinds of events, including a parade, rodeo, gymkhana, bench show, and much more.
403.834.3923
158 kilometers / 98 miles
Discover and experience a unique landscape of haunting formations and rich fossil resources at Dinosaur Provincial Park. You will be amazed when the gently rolling prairie grasslands suddenly drop off, plunging the visitor into a remarkable world of hoodoos, pinnacles, coulees, and buttes.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site situated along the Red Deer River just 90 minutes west of Medicine Hat, the Park is the largest area of badlands in Canada and one of the richest sites in the world for late Cretaceous fossils.
Take the Trans-Canada Highway west to Brooks, then go north on Highway 873, east on Highway 544 to PR 130 at Patricia. Follow the big blue Provincial Park signs along the way.
To book tours and learn more
403.378.4344
dinosaurpark.ca
For campground reservations:
Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca
1.877.537.2757
Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, skating, crokicurl, and disc golf.
Police Point Park and Elkwater in the Cypress Hills are your winter cross-country ski spots. Cypress Hills offers rentals, while Police Point Park is not offering them at the moment.
Connect with the Nordic Ski Club for lessons
Follow the many natural and forested trails through Elkwater in the Cypress Hills for a snowshoe adventure. Find trails in Medicine Hat at Police Point Park.
Kin Coulee Park is a favourite. The hill is lit up into the evening and always perfect on a snow day. Elkwater in the Cypress Hills builds a snow luge each year.
Find many community rinks around Medicine Hat. Check out Kiwanis Central Park for a small skating rink amongst 100+ year old Cottonwood trees. Or head out to the Skating Trail in Elkwater and glide through the forest.
Reach out to the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre for skate loop updates
All the things you need to play crokicurl are in Strathcona Island Park. Head out for a round or two for winter fun.
If you haven’t played disc golf in the winter, you really need to, and if you haven't played disc golf at all, then you really, really need to. Find great courses in Medicine Hat, at Kiwanis Central Park, Leinweber Park, Gilwell Park, Kin Coulee Park, and Medicine Hat College Campus.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort is a winter wonderland snug in the prairies, approximately 45 minutes outside of Medicine Hat in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. With tall, snow-kissed lodgepole pine and aspen trees and rolling hills that act as mini mountains, this oasis is a must-see in the winter.
Ice fish at three locations in Cypress Hills, Elkwater Lake (pike and perch), Reesor Lake (rainbow trout), and Spruce Coulee Reservoir (brook trout). Please check the thickness of the ice before fishing to ensure safe play.
Camp in the winter with campgrounds and backcountry huts in Elkwater and Spruce Coulee. The sites are reservations only. Call ahead to book and to check road conditions for access.
Experience a good, old-fashioned family Christmas tradition by cutting down your own tree from December 1-24. Permits are required and available at albertaparks.ca. Call Cypress Hills Visitor Centre with any questions or need for additional information.
| Photos by The Connection/Our Village Creative
Make Medicine Hat your basecamp to outdoor experiences.
Sleep under the stars with campgrounds, cabins, and RV parks a short drive from the city. Whether it be rustic backcountry or comfort camping, Southern Alberta offers beautiful scenery, relaxing spaces, and full day adventures.
Wake up to the morning sunshine and bird song in this beautiful tree-filled setting. There are 12 secluded campgrounds spread across the Alberta side of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park that allow you to enjoy the rolling hills and calm outdoors, with options for full hook-ups or completely disconnected.
Book a campsite in Elkwater, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Experience the peaceful atmosphere inside this regional park that’s surrounded by the familiar Southeast Alberta coulees. There are 10 unserviced campsites located near family activities.
Book a campsite in Echo Dale Regional Park
Perched high above the South Saskatchewan River, just minutes by foot from one of the best views of Medicine Hat’s river valley, is Gas City Campground. It is also the starting point for a path that tracks the bench above the South Saskatchewan River to Echo Dale Regional Park, an approximately two-hour bike ride for any family looking to spend a day together. Check out the newly-installed cabins if you’re looking for a comfy, indoor experience.
Book a campsite at Gas City Campground
40 Mile Park is set along a reservoir and has become one of Southern Alberta’s most popular boating, fishing, and RVing spots. The sites are big, the boat launch can handle dozens of vehicles, and the reservoir is big enough for everyone to get on the water.
Book a campsite at 40 Mile Park
The South Saskatchewan River valley at Sandy Point Park is the Canadian Badlands at its finest. You approach it after 100-kilometres of rolling Alberta prairie, which is hypnotic and remarkable in its own right. As you descend into the valley, you’ll see the riverbank is a little campground — a great place to spend the night.
Book a campsite at Sandy Point Park
For those looking for peace and quiet at what feels like their own private fishing hole, Cavan Lake is the place to be. Ideal for the fisherman or anyone looking to set up camp and relax, you can choose from large sites in a well-treed loop surrounding a playground and open park.
Book a campsite at Cavan Lake Recreational Campground
A remarkable setting for a stress-free stay, Redcliff Municipal Campground is two blocks from the town’s downtown, offering the opportunity to restock supplies. For convenience and price, few places can compete with this campground.
Book a campsite at Redcliff Municipal Campground
Check out the other three campgrounds in the city. Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course & Campground, Ross Creek RV Park, and Wildrose Campground.
The Cypress Hills gently rise 600 metres above the surrounding prairie landscape of Southeastern Alberta.
Having the landscape be so diverse in the Alberta side of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, the trails, campsites, and wildlife bring an added level of experience for adventurers in the area. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with friends and family, find which spots are perfect for you!
When on the trails, make sure to bring plenty of water, bug spray, and bear spray.
Lakeview Trail
Bringing a complete view of Elkwater Lake, this flat pathway is paved and is the only wheelchair friendly trail in Elkwater, Alberta.
Firerock Trails
Near Firerock Campground, these family-friendly trails are encompassed in the forested rolling hills.
Horseshoe Canyon Trail
A slightly more adventurous trail with an incline to the viewpoint, this hike is approximately 2-3 hours with a family.
“The trail system never ends here — it’s a looped system, so you can hike as many trails as you’d like during one trip. You can start simple on the trails, and gradually get more and more difficult, while still being very close to the town site.” - Mike Ractliffe, Medicine Hat local.
Spruce Coulee Trail System
Going from Reesor Lake Viewpoint to Battle Creek Campground, this trail is about 25-kilometres one way.
Mystery Trail
A longer trail with more of an incline, this hike is close to the townsite.
Beaver Creek
Reach the viewpoint at the top, and then loop down on Horseshoe Canyon Trail, or another trail that connects downwards.
Spring Creek
A nice trail system that includes equestrian riding.
“While hiking, mountain biking, or equestrian riding, the biggest thing you’re going to find is the diversity of terrain. It feels like you’re in a mountain environment — you’d never know you’re in the middle of the prairies.” - Mike Ractliffe, Medicine Hat local.
Spruce Coulee Campground (walk in tenting only site)
Cypress Hills is one of those places where, because of the environment and climate and diversity in the campgrounds, trails, and wildlife, it’s the perfect place to develop your camping skills and enjoy time spent with friends and family.
“You can find walk-in tent sites, which are next to a lake with minimal cell service. They’re nice, quiet, and secluded. A complete escapism. And then there’s the sharing with friends and family-style, full-service campgrounds, with playgrounds, amenities, and washrooms.” - Mike Ractliffe, Medicine Hat local.
