Explore Outdoors
Southern Alberta Snow Day
Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, skating, crokicurl, and disc golf.
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.
Medicine Hat has developed our taste for liquid refreshment.
The name is inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s famous quote from the 1800s about Medicine Hat having, “all Hell for a basement”, due to the abundance of natural gas found under the City. Framed beer bottle labels line the walls, a cupboard of board games invites a friendly game, and the many taps serve beer, vodka seltzers, and their non-alcoholic drink, Heck-of-a-Root Beer. For a snack, local small bites are available from Medicine Hat Meat Traders.
#102 552 18 St. SW
A tiki-style small batch craft distillery, producing a variety of vodka, gin, rums, absinthe, and whiskeys; using traditional botanicals and locally sourced ingredients. Next door is the Tasting Room, where a trivia game is often hosted, and outdoors is the Patio Playground. Pair a creative cocktail with a savoury meal, and visit on a Friday to try an extravagant feature fishbowl.
680 South Railway St.
In 1912, the Medicine Hat Brewing Company began serving old fashioned lager, ale, and stout to our City’s early, thirsty residents. When the Temperance Movement picked up, this popular brewery was forced to close. Over a century later, the Medicine Hat Brewing Company name was dusted off and again serves pristine and tasteful house-brewed beer with an impressive food menu, completely curated by the chef himself.
1366 Brier Park Dr. NW
Indulge in everything beer — slushies, cocktails, canned, bottled, and on tap. Revolutionary American and traditional European ales with a twist are brewed in small batches inside the historic building in downtown Medicine Hat. Try their nachos of the month or another chef-curated dish on their menu. Check their events webpage to join a Name that Tune Bingo, Trivia Night, or Taproom Dinner Series.
612 3 St. SE
Find fermented beverages filled with healthy probiotics, vitamins, and minerals from this nano-brewery in Medicine Hat. With community collaborations, try olive oil infused kombucha from The Hat’s Olive Tap, and exclusive flavours at Nosh. Your Preference Kombucha also makes water kefir and kombucha gummies and are found at Station Coffee Company.
Indulge in the Medicine Hat food scene.
Jj Kitchen
After attending farmers’ markets in Medicine Hat, Jane and Brian opened their downtown eatery in 2022. The rotating lunch menu keeps dishes fresh, and everything, including the kimchi and baked goods, is made by Chef Jane.
“We hope people come in and enjoy the Korean food and culture shared in this space. When people finish their plate, it makes us so happy. We want to introduce a lot of different types of Korean food to the community.”
— Jane and Brian, owners of Jj Kitchen.
635 3 St. SE
d'Carlo Pasta House
Reserve a date night inside this romantic pasta house. The owner and chef cooks every dish with detail and passion, inside an Italian inspired patio atmosphere. With each hand-made noodle comes sauce, flavour, and provokes an extra appetite for pasta.
501A 4 Ave. SW
Takumi Japanese Restaurant
Chef Kim specializes in steaming ramen, fresh sushi, and so much more. Over 27 years, he’s cooked in Seoul, San Francisco, Tokyo, and, in 2012, he opened his restaurant in Medicine Hat.
“Our local community is filled with people who have warm hearts, and being able to communicate with them through food as a chef is something I’m very grateful for.” — Chef Kim.
23 8 St. NW
Casa Amigos Cantina
With paintings inspired by Mexican culture throughout, the vivid colour palette welcomes you inside this bustling spot for live entertainment. With a flavourful food menu that features a salsa flight, and an exciting drink menu that features a tequila flight, you won’t have to book any flights for an authentic feel for Mexico.
1-480 3 St. SE
The Whiskey District
On the third floor of the Badlands View building, this eatery is found just off the Trans-Canada Highway. Bask on the raised patio, with its one-of-its-kind view of the Saamis Tepee and of people traveling by.
12 Gehring Rd. SW
Ralph’s Texas Bar & Steakhouse
Located in the prairies, an authentic country-feel steakhouse is a must, and the owners of Ralph’s partner with local producers to serve 100%, Alberta-raised steak. Have an evening dinner in the steakhouse, and then join the bar where a dance floor is featured.
1249 Trans-Canada Way SE
Sabai Infusion Restaurant
Authentic Thai cuisine is served on a bed of rice or noodles at this beautiful downtown eatery. From curry bowls to pad thai, your tastebuds will come alive with each and every bite of a perfectly saucy and seasoned dish.
638 2 St. SE
Rosewood Bistro
A 50s inspired BIstro located on one of Medcicine Hat’s most historic streets, across from the CP Railway Station. Rosewood Bistro partners with their neighbour, Douglas Meats, year-round to serve cheesy, beef burgers, loaded steak stir frys, and other exquisite dishes that are hearty with locally-raised ingredients.
| The Rosewood Burger — between two fresh burger buns, is a local beef patty from Douglas Meats, chickpea-floured dusted onions, pickles, tomatoes, aioli, greens, with an option to add cheese and/or bacon.
403 N Railway St. SE
Redwood Steakhouse & Bar
This refined local restaurant is located inside the Medicine Hat Lodge, and specializes in premium-cooked steaks, scallops, crab, salmon, ribeye, sirloin, and lobster tail. Redwood always serves an exquisite dinner experience.
1051 Ross Glen Dr. SE
The Mexican Hat
The Mexican Hat’s brick walls invite you into this colourful, small space with big food portions. The menu is full of authentic Mexican cuisine, from a salsa bar, to enchiladas, tacos, and burritos.
70 8 St. NW
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My name is Linda Hoang, and I’m a Canadian blogger and social media strategist based in Edmonton, Alberta.
As an ethical blogger, content creator and social media influencer, I primarily write and photograph travel, lifestyle, and food. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of great Medicine Hat experiences and I know if you replicate them, you’ll have a great time too!
I got to explore Downtown Medicine Hat in southern Alberta, and truly think it is such a cute (and actually fairly large) small city downtown that should be on your list to visit!
Gas lamps line the streets with big, beautiful floral pots hanging from its posts. There’s endless, charming, old brick buildings, many with new murals on their side walls, or in their alleyways. There’s historic buildings, including one of the oldest, still in-service movie theatres in Canada, pop-up parks, a growing number of boutique stores, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. And downtown is also home to several parks along with the city’s art gallery, museum, and public library. Medicine Hat’s downtown is a mix of old and new. It’s lively, full of culture. And it’s super walkable!
Which is how I explored downtown Medicine Hat this July 2020 with my dear friends Jack and Nicole, who are locals to ‘The Hat’ (what the locals call the city).
We spent a full Saturday walking all over downtown, visiting shops, taking in arts and culture, soaking up the sun (Medicine Hat is considered one of the sunniest cities in the country) and of course—eating!
We are currently offering our specialty guided tours.
Join a specialty tour this spring, from Cocktails & Constellations, to Sunshine Café & Market Tour, and Walking History on Saratoga Trail. These curated tours highlight many local businesses and passionate people in Medicine Hat, giving you a unique to Medicine Hat experience.
Hop on Medicine Hat’s Sunshine Trolley for an in-depth and personal guided tour of Medicine Hat from a long-time ‘Hatter’. See the most prominent landmarks in Canada’s Sunniest City, from the World’s Tallest Saamis Tepee, to National Historic Site Medalta in the Historic Clay District, and Alberta’s oldest brick residence Ewart-Duggan house. Learn the history of neighbourhoods and streets along the way, with an invite to hop off and briefly explore the prominent areas.
All tours for 2025 will be guided!
Children 12 and under ride free
Pick-up for the Sunshine Trolleys is at the Visitor Information Centre, 330 Gehring Rd. SW.
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The newest Sunshine Trolley is accessible and can assist those with wheelchairs, walkers, and any other mobility needs for getting in and out of the Sunshine Trolley. Please book a wheelchair-specific seat on our ticket booking site. If no seat is available that means we have sold out for that ride.
Anyone booking a wheelchair seat is asked to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure easy boarding.
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Weddings, Brewery Tours, private sightseeing tours and so much more!
The Sunshine Trolley can be booked privately and is a great way to experience Medicine Hat.
Click here to send us a message and we will get back to you with information.
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For updates and information, follow @sunshine.trolleys on Facebook and Instagram.
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A 2008 Supreme Trolley purchased from a vintage vehicle collector in Newfoundland. The newer Trolley is propelled by a 5.9L diesel Cummins engine that was newly-built in 2019, by Cummins in South Carolina. Tourism Medicine Hat purchased this unit in 2022.
Being a hop, skip and a jump away from ‘The Greenhouse Capital of the Prairies’ has fantastic perks.
Self serve huts offering a variety of eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, radishes, lettuce, garlic, eggplant, beans, peas and goat milk soaps can be found at multiple locations across the city. Ruben’s has recently expanded across Southern Alberta to Lethbridge, Calgary and Okotoks.
3158 Dunmore Rd SE and 2360 Division Ave. N, Medicine Hat | 703 Broadway Ave. W, Redcliff
Westland’s always rotating selection of products can be purchased right at their greenhouse. Keep an eye on their social media to find out what’s newly stocked, since they often switch it up with different varieties of kale, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, herbs, peppers and more.
22 - 6 St. NW, Redcliff
Alongside fresh, crisp vegetables, you'll find sauces and salsas made fresh with the garden-grown ingredients.
860 Broadway W., Redcliff
Recently changing their name from RedHat Growers, Big Marble Farms is hands down the largest grower in the Cypress County area, with 1.5 million square feet of greenhouses. They are also the only grower on this list that runs year round, supplying much of Canada with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants and lettuce. Their greenhouse is not open to the public, however, they supply Sobey’s and Safeway across Canada.
If you head to Redcliff and can’t find the specific greenhouse you are looking for, not to fret! Just keep an eye out, you will most likely drive past many more open to peruse.
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