Events & Festivals
Winter with Family in Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat is Canada’s Sunniest City year-round!
Medicine Hat is Canada’s Sunniest City year-round!
To save time and stress of cleaning up a mess in your own home, book a class with Baking with Candice. On her website, you can find pre-planned classes to join in on, or you can book a private class, both are friendly for all ages.
There are three breweries in Medicine Hat that all speak to the city’s history. Medicine Hat Brewing Company was a name originally founded in 1912, Hell’s Basement is inspired by a quote, about Medicine Hat, from Rudyard Kipling in 1910, and Travois Ale Works is a micro-brewery located in a historic building in downtown Medicine Hat.
Some like to sit near the fireplace, others near a coffee machine. There is something beautiful about watching the snowfall while inside a coffee shop. There are five spots downtown, all in close proximity to one another. Your hearts will be buzzing with all the creative choices from each menu.
Luke Fandrich, Editing Luke, spent countless hours searching for archives and interviewing people to complete Clay, Creativity, and the Comeback, a documentary about Medalta in the Historic Clay District. The local cinematic film brings a strong connection to Medicine Hat’s history and the people who built its culture over the years.
Spend a full weekend in Elkwater, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Book a cabin or a room at the Elkwater Lake Lodge & Resort, ice-skate the rink, snow shoe the trails, stay indoors with a jacuzzi, or spend a day at Hidden Valley Ski Resort, located just ten minutes from Elkwater. There are many ways to enjoy this cozy winter getaway with family and friends.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort is a winter wonderland snug in the prairies, approximately 45 minutes outside of Medicine Hat. 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. On the drive, view the prairie landscape, and once you take that right turn into the Interprovincial Park, you’re suddenly surrounded by forest and rolling hills.
Grab a group, a kit, and head to one of many locations in and around Medicine Hat to ice-fish — Rattlesnake, Elkwater, Spruce Coulee, Reesor Lake, Michelle Lake, Cavan Lake, Newell Lake, and 40 Mile Reservoir.
Your favourite summer activity, but make it winter. There are over a handful of indoor golf studios, along with Paradise Valley's outdoor Golfuture Range.
Hundreds of families race down on sleds throughout the season, on the largest toboggan hill in Medicine Hat. Never too crowded, the space is open every day from dusk until dawn. Bundle up and bring hot chocolate, there’s never a dull moment on the Kin Coulee Park toboggan hill.
This family-friendly park has many ways to enjoy the outdoors, and the ice-skating rink is especially beautiful on a winter’s day. The snow-filled trees, icy blue sky, and the sun beaming brings a magical essence to the outdoor space.
This plant boutique goes the extra mile to make sure plants find the perfect home. This winter season, you can book a private event of up to 14 people (minimum six) to decorate your very own potted plant. If you’d like to host the workshop in your home, the team at Botanicals can come to you.
Tap into your creativity with a pottery class at Medalta in the Historic Clay District. The National Historic Site holds history from the early 1900s. The pottery classes are a great way to escape the cold, and you get to bring home a new memory with the pottery you make.
Medicine Hat’s largest entertainment studio, the 12,000 square foot of space has axe throwing, with glow-throw nights, a golf simulator, laser tag, human sized pool table, and smaller pool tables. This space is an alcohol-free zone, perfect for families of all ages to spend time together.
This beautiful park is a nice escape into nature. Nestled north of the city, beside the South Saskatchewan River, this space is a breath of fresh air, and a well-needed one during the winter.
The 190+ kilometre trail system can be explored year-round. On those sunny, under -20 days during winter, the trails are a pleasant reason to leave home and find some fresh air and beautiful views.
On those milder winter days, the outdoors is inviting. Three parks in Medicine Hat have disc golf baskets. A friendly game is always a nice way to soak in the sunshine during the winter months.
ADD YOUR WINTER FAMILY ACTIVITY HERE
pictures by Our Creative Village and The Connection
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An entertaining production.
Beautiful and colourful musicals with elaborate set pieces take the stage at Crescent Heights High School (CHHS). Director and drama teacher at CHHS Jennifer Davies says the shows are beyond what anyone would anticipate for a junior show. With strong soloists, talented dancers, dedicated cast members, and a tremendous team who put together the set, audience members are guaranteed to have an exciting time during the show.
“It is an absolutely stunning show. The costumes are so colourful, and we have really huge set pieces and elaborate costumes and dancing,” says Davies.
The production is perfect for families, the tickets are $18 per seat, the show is only one hour long with an intermission, and there is a concession with snacks and drinks for $1, but Davies says the biggest thing is, everyone will be thoroughly entertained.
“I can’t emphasize enough how elaborate and beautiful the show is. It’s not projections on a screen, there are very detailed set pieces.The students are very talented and full of energy. The singing is beautiful — there are really strong soloists. They’re all purely talented,” says the director.
The Grades 7, 8, and 9 students have rehearsed for eight weeks with very experienced teachers and volunteer community members who have years of experience doing musicals. Jennifer Davies herself has taught for 27 years. There will be 25 volunteers behind the curtains during the performance to help make it all happen.
“This is a really great family show from Disney,” says Davies.
Medicine Hat’s CHHS has one of the largest drama programs in North America for a public school, due to the number of drama classes offered, the scale of the productions, the number of audience members who attend, and the number of students accepted to universities with scholarships and how many find success professionally.
The students in the theatre arts program at CHHS, Grades 10,11, and 12, present a production the first two weeks in February, “the students are really skillful singers and dancers. As soon as that show is done, it’s the Rotary competition and then it's the competitive dance season.”
This is the second year Davies and her team have presented a junior production, because of how dedicated and talented the junior high students are.
Jennifer Davies has helped grow the drama program to where it is today in her years of working at CHHS. The productions are rehearsed and hosted at the school inside its 300-seat theatre.
In February 2023, the theatre arts program will present a musical that features the music of The Go Go’s.
A full list during Medicine Hat's most festive months.
Twinkle Tours
Medicine Hat residents bring their best when it comes to decorating their homes during the Holiday season. Prairie Sprinter offers tours on the north and south sides of the city, as well as private bookings. Stay on the lookout for curated twinkle tour itineraries, as many local community members will piece together a list.
Park Meadows
Festive lights will again bring colour to Park Meadows in December. The community is welcome to visit and explore with hopes they’ll make a donation that will go towards both the Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub and the upgrades and upkeep of the annual light display. Lights are turned on from 5-10p.m. each evening.
Towne Square
Take a stroll underneath the canopy at Towne Square, located at 603 1 St. SE, and experience almost all the colours of the rainbow. This tunnel of vibrancy is the perfect spot to soak in the Holiday spirit.
Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown
Festive-shaped lights, like trees and stars, are installed around downtown Medicine Hat, and they light up as the sun sets. There is a large Pine Tree in BATUS Park that shines blue in the evening as well, with a bright, silver star on the top.
Everyone is welcome at this free, family-friendly event. Dallas Smith and MacKenzie Porter are performing at this annual Holiday event.
Book a Workshop at Botanicals
Botanicals is a plant boutique that goes the extra mile to make sure plants find the perfect home. This Holiday season, you can book a private event of up to 14 people (minimum six) to decorate a Grinch Tree. If you’d like to host the workshop in your home, the team at Botanicals can come to you. Visit their website for pricing and options.
Book a Twinkle Tour with Prairie Sprinter
Tour the festive lights throughout Medicine Hat on a private tour with Prairie Sprinter. Yourself and up to 23 guests will drive around the city for 90 minutes, sight seeing all the best decorated houses. Book here to hold your spot.
Book a Class at Baking with Candice
To save time and stress cleaning up a mess in your own home, booking a class is always a nice choice. On the website, you can find pre-planned classes to join in on, or you can book a private class for all ages.
Cut Down a Christmas Tree
Still haven’t found that perfect tree or want to find a friend for your current one? Country Mouse Farm and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park have pine trees available to cut down. Bundle up and have a smooth Griswald Christmas this year. Find more information about both with our Holiday Festivities in Medicine Hat article.
Creative Freedom Art Hub
A pick and paint art studio, with many different shapes of ceramics and pottery to choose from. Book a class on their website, or freely create in their paint studio.
Have a night in with The Copper Leaf Cafe’s charcuterie board and Grit City Distillery’s spiced eggnog rum, with classic Holiday movies, games, or music.
Catering to almost all allergies and preferences.
Listen to live music almost every weekend at this bustling spot in downtown Medicine Hat. 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.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
Reserve a date night inside this romantic pasta house, and be sure to call a week in advance. Offering a ‘build your own pasta’ menu, the owner and chef cooks every dish with detail and passion, inside the Italian inspired patio atmosphere.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
Jj Kitchen Korean Food opened in 2022, after owners Jane and Brian attended Medicine Hat Farmers’ Markets for two years and were encouraged to open a storefront eatery. A weekly rotating manu is featured, with ready-to-take-home kimchi and baked goods.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
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, where live music is often hosted.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
This refined restaurant is located in the Medicine Hat Lodge, where a casino and spa is featured. After a day visiting Medicine Hat, indulge in perfectly seared steaks and premium-cooked scallops, crab, salmon, ribeye, sirloin, and lobster tail.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
For the last 20 years, Chef Chris has created a menu at Rustic Kitchen + Bar that features Albertan ranchers and greenhouses. He drives two hours for his elk to meet the owners of North Fork Ranch, and over two hours to Ewenique Farms to pick up his lamb. To complement the mains, seasonal vegetables are sourced from the greenhouses in Redcliff. Along with the farm to fork produce, absolutely everything on the menu is made from scratch.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
Chef for 37 years, Sammy opened Sammy's Kitchen + Bar in downtown Medicine Hat in late 2022. Learning from the best of chefs throughout her years in Korea, while cooking for the Korean Embassy, India, and Calgary, Sammy has developed her culinary skill and now serves the Medicine Hat community fine dining cuisine.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
Chef SeHo specializes in steaming ramen, fresh sushi, and so much more that will have your curious taste buds ordering a feast. Over 27 years, he’s cooked in Seoul, San Francisco, Tokyo, and, in 2012, he opened his restaurant in Medicine Hat.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
On the south side of the city, this restaurant brings comfort while you treat yourself to mouthwatering, family recipes from Northern Thailand. The menu displays a wide array of authentic, skillful, and exceptional cuisine that’s bound to pique your interest.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
The Clubhouse at Paradise Valley
Owner and Chef Sourav has managed kitchens and curated menus in India, Toronto, and Banff National Park. He also competed on the Food Network Canada television show, Fire Masters, with his episode airing in May 2023. From splendid appetizers, light meals, fresh salads and sandwiches, and premium entrees, The Clubhouse at Paradise Valley satisfies cravings for tasteful food, and is great to indulge before or after a game of golf at Paradise Valley.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
You’ll find over 75 quality oils and balsamics inside this exquisite, Tuscany-themed taphouse. Owner Carmen has a passion for creating wholesome and nutritious dishes, with sustainability at top of mind. There is a list of creamy soups, pressed sandwiches, and fresh salads made with Alberta-farm chickpeas, locally-grown produce, and the high-quality oils and balsamics featured in the taproom.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
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.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
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 on the Highway.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
Tracy’s Place the Chocolate Shop
Nearby Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, this Betty Boop-themed diner will bring you back in time while you enjoy a classic breakfast. Pancakes, waffles, omelettes, and french toast can be ordered from the large menu, along with burgers, salads made fresh to order, and home-made soup.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
A dimly lit restaurant with gold chandeliers that reflect beautiful patterns on the walls. Authentic Thai cuisine is served on a bed of rice or noodles. From curry bowls to pad thai, your tastebuds will come alive with each and every bite of a perfectly saucy and seasoned dish.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
Annegret’s Fine European Chocolates
Owner Annegret mixes and molds silky chocolate using her very own recipe year-round, and in the summer she adds 10 gelato flavours to the mix. Everything is made in-house and from scratch, by Annegret herself.
Dairy-Free Available | Seasonal
Serving annual and seasonal flavours handcrafted in-house, you can order by the scoop with a waffle cone, or fill up on a pint. One dollar from every pint is donated to camps across the province.
Dairy-Free Available | Year-Round
Alberta-made ice cream from Foothills Creamery is served at this convenience store. Order a classic scoop with a cone, or add it to your slushie. If you browse around, you just might spot some hard-to-find snacks and candy.
Dairy-Free Available | Year-Round
A classic ice cream spot since 1984, Swirls is a place where you park and stroll up to the window and order. With 75 flavours to choose from, you’re sure to find a nostalgic favourite or the excitement to try a new one.
Dairy-Free Available | Seasonal
This vibrant café roasts freshly-imported beans from all over the world to perfection, using a roaster from the ‘80s. The beans can be ground and bagged to suit your home brewing machine, or sit inside and enjoy a cup. Let yesterday’s frets and today’s concerns ease away into gentle waters at Poolhouse Café & Roastery.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
A hip shop with exposed brick walls and an always buzzing espresso machine. The baristas have some impressive creations up their sleeves, including The Root Beer Godfather, a chilled concoction made up of local Hell’s Basement Brewery’s root beer, two shots of espresso, and a little bit of cream.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
As you walk towards the baked goods, admire the local art gallery on the walls. Time is taken to steep tea, blend lattes, brew coffee, layer sandwiches, simmer soups, and bake treats at this modern café.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
A fresh pastry, hot coffee, and a pop of colour is the specialty at this market and café. A spot with a full lunch menu, and where you can find sweet macarons.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
Zucchini Blossom Market & Café
For two decades, this market and café has prepared bright-coloured meals that feature Southeast Alberta-grown ingredients, and is located in one of Medicine Hat’s most historic neighbourhoods.
Options Available: Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Dairy Free
There are two routes to paddle Seven Persons Creek.
“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.
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.
| To shorten this route, you can start at Kin Coulee Park, 104 South Kin Coulee Rd. SE.
A mountain bike festival in the rolling hills.
Over the years, there has been massive mountain bike trail development in three areas in and around Medicine Hat: Echo Dale Regional Park, Redcliff, and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Each scenic spot offers an extraordinary experience with coulee, forest, or red rock backdrops, and they’re all within 45 minutes of each other.
Medicine Hat’s 670 Collective Mountain Bike Club hosts Battle Creek Showdown in Elkwater, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, where the event sees over 200 riders from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia, from children to adults.
“A lot of people say it’s their favourite race of the year. It’s a fun event for everybody — for people doing their first race or for really experienced racers and riders who want to push themselves and their limits,” says event organizer Michelle LeBlanc.
People race the thrilling and challenging trails in Elkwater at this one-day event. Afterwards, riders indulge in a dinner that’s catered by a local business. In the past, Mike’s Meats and Camp Cookhouse have fed the hungry crowd. Mountain bike enthusiast Ginette Brinkman sets up a table that features her mountain bike-inspired pottery exclusive to Battle Creek Showdown.
The mountain bike trails in Elkwater live among aspen and lodgepole pine forest. With a handful of camping areas nearby, friends and families often make the trip a full week or weekend adventure.
“I love the few days prior when we see all the cars and trucks pulling in with bikes on the back. To think people are coming from all over the place to come to our little gem in the prairies to ride their bikes is really cool,” says LeBlanc.
670 Collective feels fortunate to have a space like Elkwater that can house a large number of people, with trails, accommodations, and things to do.
“Elkwater is this hidden gem and oasis in the middle of the prairies that has all the facilities we need to organize something like this,” says LeBlanc. “It’s the perfect place. Many come a week prior and make it a part of their summer holidays.”
The first time LeBlanc rode in Redcliff, she couldn’t believe her eyes. She says the area is so unique and diverse and the trails live among the coulees and cactus and along the South Saskatchewan River valley.
“All the trails in each area blend so well with nature. It’s not intrusive at all — it feels very connected to the environment.”
September events in Medicine Hat.
September has arrived in Medicine Hat. Trees are changing colour, and we're holding onto summer for a little while longer until the first official day of fall on September 22.
Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede
2055 21 Ave. SE
Saturdays from 9a.m. - 1p.m. until October 4.
Free Event
Visitor Information Centre
330 Gehring Road SW
Saturdays at 11:30a.m. until September 27.
Tickets required, walk ons available.
First Street, Downtown Medicine Hat
401 1 Street SE
September 13
Free Event
A Taste of The Whiskey District & The Fall Equinox
The Whiskey District
12 Gehring Road SW
Sunday, September 14
Tickets required.
Visitor Information Centre
330 Gehring Road SW
September 16 and October 14
Tickets required.
Walking History on the Saratoga Trail
Visitor Information Centre
330 Gehring Road SW
September 21
Tickets required.
A Taste of d'Carlo & The Hunter's Supermoon
Visitor Information Centre
330 Gehring Road SW
October 5
Tickets required.
Poolhouse Café & Roastery
550 3 Street SE
October 15
Tickets required.
Grit City Distillery
690 S Railway Street
Tickets required.
From a big to small city.
“What I've discovered is when you find the place where you belong, and doing what you're meant to be doing, everything suddenly falls into place so naturally that it feels easy." - JoLynn Parenteau.
JoLynn Parenteau moved herself and her dog from Northern to Southern Alberta on faith to be closer to family, with the idea to take a step back and build the life she wanted. In Canada’s Sunniest City, she quickly caught on that her time in the coulees, coffee shops, breweries, and at sports games would bring a natural balance to her life she’d been searching for, especially in finding the reconnection to her culture as a French, Métis, and Cree woman.
Within a month of living in Medicine Hat, Parenteau attended a board game night at Medicine Hat Brewing Company, and the people at her table eagerly adopted her into their friend group. From there, she accepted a position with the brewery and her willingness to experience everything about the city continued.
With a background in broadcasting radio and television, Parenteau had hoped she would somehow break into the music industry. In 2020, Parenteau started work at the Miywasin Friendship Centre, an Indigenous service centre for Medicine Hat and area.
Originally, it was to support and provide families with financial support during difficult times. But as everything in her life, the role grew into something greater. She discovered that sometimes she might be the only face someone sees in a two week period, and people really opened up to her. She listened and recognized there was an opportunity to build a family liaison role and really connect folks who are isolated to more support in the community.
Her dreams of being a singer at the age of 18 came to fruition. The drum and singer group perform at events around the city, including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. A team member makes hand drums with raw materials, and they’ve all learned to make their own drums and rattles, and find their own voices.
Parenteau writes about Indigenous people, places, language, and traditions, in a column with the Medicine Hat News. After two years of writing, Parenteau feels it’s time to encapsulate each article in a book: an anthology to preserve the true stories of historic and modern-day Indigenous life.
“Those connections to culture really are soul-uplifting for all of us, and it’s so important through all heritages,” says Parenteau. “Everyone is so multi-faceted. There’s never one single layer to a person. That’s what I enjoy discovering about people.”
Along with writing, Paranteau has been invited to speak at events across Canada acknowledging Indigenous homelessness, and in 2022 she launched the 90-minute financial budgeting course “Métis Money Moves”. Since then it has grown to a 10-hour, four class instruction.
Parenteau quickly identified that the move she made years prior had led her to experiences she is grateful to have on a daily basis. From walking the trails with her husband, who she met in Medicine Hat and recently married in Forty Mile Lake, to learning to golf, and basking in the sun on the downtown patios, Parenteau lives a balanced life.
The adventurer has a list of places she wants to go again and has yet to explore, like Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park/Aisinai’pi, Red Rock Coulee, and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. There are eateries and live music she has yet to try and experience. Parenteau knows, one day, it’ll all be endured with her husband, her dog, and friends by her side.
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Métis Michif for ‘it’s been nice talking to you’: ni mii-yeuyh-tayn aen kii ki-too-ti-taan
Métis Michif for 'hello, how are you everyone?': Tanishi kiiyawow
Métis Michif for 'my name is JoLynn': JoLynn dishinikashon
Thank you | Kinanaskomitin | Hiy Hiy | Maarsii
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