City Parks
Passion Fuels Medicine Hat Mountain Biking Trails Growth
Much like most communities have experienced in recent years, Medicine Hat is seeing an explosion in cycling.
Much like most communities have experienced in recent years, Medicine Hat is seeing an explosion in cycling.
For the past four years in a row I have traveled east for a visit to ride the Medicine Hat mountain biking trails. Much like most communities have experienced in recent years, Medicine Hat is seeing an explosion in cycling. Thankfully this wave of momentum and its energy has been captured by the local municipal government, Alberta Parks and the local bike club 670 Collective.
The local parks, grasslands, forests and hills have provided the blank canvas for this captured energy to be shaped into an explosion of new trail development. For my visit this fall I was going to check out the new family friendly trails at Echo Dale Regional Park. I would also visit the forested flow and technical trails at Hidden Valley Ski Hill within Cypress Hills Provincial Park at nearby Elkwater.
Echo Dale Regional Park is the largest municipal park in the region just west of the city. It is a terrific destination with expansive views, lake, washroom facilities and camping all along the South Saskatchewan River. A great part of the park is you can leave your car at the hotel and ride here from anywhere in Medicine Hat thanks to the 190+ kilometre long Heritage Trail Network.
Time to turn the energy up and get your flow on because the new trails here on the slopes of the Hidden Valley Ski Hill are dialed for fun. Located within the Alberta side of the Cypress Hills Provincial Park, only a 35 minute drive from Medicine Hat, this zone is bringing the big mountain MTB feel to the Prairie riding scene. Mountain bike trails only started in the park in 2017 but have expanded quickly with almost 14km of new trail being added in 2021.
Take advantage of Alberta’s longest golf season.
As Canada’s Sunniest City, courses get greener sooner and often remain open right into October. It’s no more than 20 minutes from one golf course to the next.
Nestled in a suburban area, with a surprising ecological twist on the fourth hole, Connaught Golf Club offers five different teeing areas, ranging in distances from 5,400 yards up to 6,950 yards.
From the beautifully laid out holes, to the waterfowl that inhabit the area, to the surrounding bluffs, you’ll want to take as many shots with your camera as with your sticks.
This 18-hole beauty makes you think before you drive, and look twice before you putt. The course and its 6,800 yards of challenge are guarded by fescue grasses, massive bunkers, and quick-rolling, undulating greens.
Playing to a top distance of 6,700 yards, this golf course offers wide, majestic tree-lined fairways, and large greens. It perches high above the South Saskatchewan River, affording players great views of the waterway and the city skyline.
An ultimate destination for a fun golf experience in Medicine Hat. Along with a scenic 18-hole Par3 track, you can also golf, year-round, with the leading-edge Toptracer Range. Paradise Valley is perfect for small groups, fun tournaments, and corporate functions.
With magnificent views from high above the South Saskatchewan River, this par-71, 18-hole track offers wide fairways, and large, smooth-rolling greens to help players of all abilities card the best round ever.
bowislandgolf.ca | 403.545.2718
elkwatergolf.ca | 403.893.2167
A story about two artists living in the coulees.
Whether you want to relax, or indulge in an activity, our parks are the place to be.
Eric Dyck will travel to Medicine Hat to colour the sidewalks with chalk during mental health event.
From childhood sketches, to attending college as an adult, and now traveling from province to province, and city to city to create art in public, Eric Dyck will make his fifth appearance in Medicine Hat. This year, it’s for the Paint the City Positive initiative led by Canadian Mental Health Association.
On Saturday, April 30, 2022, Dyck will colour the sidewalks at the Visitor Information Centre (330 Gehring Rd. SW) and community members of all ages are invited to add art to this small section of the city with the Alberta-based artist.
“I’m really happy to be getting out and making art in front of people again. It’s my process; it’s how I hear stories and how I learn. It’s also important to me to let art happen, mistakes and all, in front of people so they see this isn’t a magical fairy dust talent people have. It’s a skill you work at, and that means there’s opportunity for others to learn and pick up this skill, too,” says Dyck.
When Dyck was young, finding mentors and classes wasn’t as accessible, so now he prioritizes including artists of all ages to join and learn from him during these events.
“As soon as people, especially children, see someone working on the pavement making something, they want to get in there too, and it’s really important to me to have free art materials available for the community when I’m making art in that city,” says Dyck.
There will be free chalk available to the community at the Visitor Information Centre throughout the week, and also on the day of Paint the City Positive. Dyck is no stranger to art events, and the Southeast Alberta-based artist has created art in places as far as the east coast. He once drove along Highway 3 and set up his drawing table at farmers markets to showcase his art and share his knowledge.
“I really enjoy chalking in Medicine Hat, because there are colourful stories of history that jump out at me that a lot of the locals either forgot about or didn’t actually know,” says Dyck. “Creativity, and creative people, has been built right into Medicine Hat from the beginning, and I think that has to do with the clay and ceramic history. There’s threads that seem to connect to Medicine Hat, and it’s always been a creative hub in that way.”
Dyck says the surrounding nature and animals have sparked inspiration during past events he’s attended in the city. He says there’s certainly no shortage of special critters in Medicine Hat, and last time he chalked, pronghorns were the topic of discussion. The full-time artist of over 20 years says comics and cartoons are his way of storytelling.
“Drawing comics and telling stories with pictures has always been for me,” says Dyck. “I primarily make non-fiction comic strips and cartoons now. Lots of my comics have focused on Southern Alberta for the last nine years since I’ve moved back to the province.”
For those who want to learn and see more of Dyck’s art, he will be at the Visitor Information Centre on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
“I just know that, weather permitting, I am looking forward to safely being out in public, making pictures, and being able to share stories with Medicine Hat again,” says the artist.
Plan your summer visit in Canada's Sunniest City.
Nothing feels better than being prepared before a trip, so we’ve put together this list to save you time researching! Here are things to know when spending a full weekend in Medicine Hat during the summer months!
Plan your trip around a weekend festival
If you enjoy living like the locals while traveling, attending one of the festivals is the best way to do so. Be sure to check Tourism Medicine Hat’s Events Calendar to see what’s happening during your trip.
Meet the locals and experience Indigenous culture
Medicine Hat's name comes from an Indigenous story, and there is more to tell and learn with these Indigenous gatherings.
Whether you’re in a kayak, canoe, or lounging on a floaty, our waterways are an inviting place to enjoy the outdoors during an afternoon on the weekend. Rent some gear with Outdoor Xcape Rentals.
Order some popcorn, a cool beverage, and watch a “Mavs” game underneath the summer sun when you’re in the city.
Pack a picnic with food and beverages grown and made in Southeast Alberta
Indulge in fresh produce, homemade recipes, and quality Alberta beef in a beautiful city park. Find the full list of greenhouses here.
Drive to a day trip destination
From 10 minutes to an hour and a half drive, choose your adventure in Southeast Alberta.
You can find live music in at least one eatery on the weekend
Follow the sound along streets and avenues to find live music in the heart of the city.
Embark on a self-guided downtown tour
Each spot with a different personality, take in the bakeries, cafes, murals, art, and the history behind the heart of the city.
There are three adventurous mountain bike areas in and around Medicine Hat
From green forest, to dry desert, and adventurous coulees, you can experience each spot with must-ride mountain bike trails in one weekend in and around Canada’s Sunniest City.
Experience 'Only in Medicine Hat' Dining
Flavour is paired with a notable experience outside of a typical dining room.
These extraordinary and cozy bed & breakfasts bring a beautiful Southern Alberta experience.
Plan to shop locally on Friday or Saturday
Sundays and Mondays are usually the days for our local business owners to rest. Plan to browse our local small shops on a Friday or Saturday, to have the full Medicine Hat shopping experience.
Pack for hot, hot weather
If a cactus can naturally survive along our coulees, you know it’s hot. Definitely pack for desert weather — bring extra items in case the clouds come to say hello, but for the most part, there’s a reason we’re Canada's Sunniest City with an average of 330 days of sunshine.
Eight craft beer stops from Medicine Hat to the Crowsnest Pass.
Adventuring the open roads through Southeast Alberta, you’ll start this tour surrounded by beautiful coulees and bluffs, with a welcoming blue sky and sunshine. Canada’s Sunniest City, Medicine Hat, offers three unique breweries — all with dog-friendly patios. They each tell a different story of the city’s history with their brewery names and locations, while serving a wide array of tasty beer. Onwards toward The Rockies, you’ll visit five more breweries along the way and sip a variety of refreshing home-made brews. From IPA’s, Blondes, Lagers and Stout, to Scotch, Citrus and Pale Ales, and food menus that elevate each drink, you'll savour the flavour of authentic Alberta-made beer, using Alberta-grown hops, one brewery at a time.
Hell’s Basement Brewery
#102, 552-18 Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta
403.487.0489
hellsbasement.com
Medicine Hat Brewing Company
1366 Brier Park Drive NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta
403.525.1260
medicinehatbrewingcompany.ca
Travois Ale Works
612 3 Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta
587.289.1000
travoisbeer.com
Spectrum Ale Works
3500 9 Avenue N, Lethbridge, Alberta
brewing@spectrumaleworks.com
spectrumaleworks.com
Stronghold Brewing Company
230 24 Street, Fort Macleod, Alberta
403.635.9381
strongholdbrewing.ca
Oldman River Brewing Ltd.
101 Breckenridge Avenue, Lundbreck, Alberta
403.751.0017
oldmanriverbrewing.com
The Pass Beer Company
10801 20 Avenue Blairmore, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
403.753.1100
passbeer.ca
A list of must-stay Bed & Breakfasts near Medicine Hat's Historic Downtown.
Spacious and bright house within walking distance of DT, YMCA, library, and groceries. Bus stop is across the street.
This cozy home away from home is centrally located in town, walking distance from a grocery store, convenience store, parks and trails, swimming pool, restaurants and historic downtown.
Make some memories at this unique and family-friendly place. Unwind with a book and a glass of wine in the loft library, or stay connected with a full workspace.
Enjoy a modern experience at this freshly renovated walkout basement suite.
Keep it cozy at this peaceful and centrally located suite. Close to downtown and located kitty-corner to the Medicine Hat outdoor pool!
House located downtown only a couple blocks from the middle of downtown which boasts many great stores and restaurants great for the family or a night out.
Lower level of a bungalow, with warm LED lighting and comfortably decorated. Queen size beds in rooms.
Get comfortable and enjoy plenty of extra room at this spacious place. Large kitchen with plenty of room to cook and dine.
Your family will be close to everything when you stay at this centrally located place.
Modern upgrades to this historic building. Feel safe and secure as you use your personal code to unlock your own entry into a New York inspired suite.
Enjoy an executive New York style 1 bedroom suite in the heart of historic downtown. You are steps away from restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, shopping and the trail system along the scenic South Saskatchewan river.
Cozy 1 bedroom suite downtown with a private hot tub. Located between 2nd and 3rd street you'll be just steps away from downtown shops, banking, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, and the beautiful South Saskatchewan River.
Welcome to the Riverside Retreat! A cozy 1940's home near the heart of the city. Our neighborhood is within walking distance to some of Medicine Hat's cutest shops, and the perfect central location to experience all Medicine Hat has to offer.
Whether you're traveling for business, passing through, or spending time in the city, our charming 100 year old character home, can be your home away from home.
Keep it simple at this peaceful and cozy fully updated 1953 bungalow.
This suite has a full sized kitchen and laundry machines. There is also Wifi and a smart TV with Telus Optik.
Just minutes away from Medicine Hat, take it easy at this newly renovated cozy, unique and tranquil getaway.
Experience the country at Guesthouse 71, located just 10kms off of Highway 3. You can enjoy the peacefulness of the country while being just a short drive to the city of Medicine Hat.
Welcome to our guest suite country escape with beautiful views. Enjoy peaceful country living, 5 minutes from Medicine Hat's shopping, restaurants, and coffee shops.
A peaceful, calm place to breathe, amazing dark sky for star gazing, out in nature, quiet and relaxing. Nestled in the Cypress Hills, 10 minutes from Elkwater. Make sure to have a look at the stars at night!.
Experience tiny living at its finest only 5 minutes from Medicine Hat's coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping.
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