The large coulees and ridges surrounding Medicine Hat offer clear, beautiful views of the South Saskatchewan River and surrounding natural areas filled with trees, intriguing woodlands, and interesting wildlife.

Scenic Views is a new resource that helps explorers find 17 of the best views in Canada’s Sunniest City. Whether you walk, bike, or drive to your desired location, the gentle charm of the native grasslands, rolling hills, and riparian areas invite you to indulge in favoured activities like bird watching, photography, or simply being in the moment to just breathe.

Along with maps and signage, Scenic Views has web-based guides highlighting special features of each spot, where you learn more about the value and economic benefits of maintaining natural areas within the city. With this information, you can be more aware of nature around you while you adventure.

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Find the locations with the digital map!

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1. Police Point Park

This park encompasses the history of local Indigenous peoples and the North West Mounted Police.  Visitors can experience the natural beauty of the old cottonwood trees, Silver Sagebrush, and the new pollinator garden. Visit the Interpretive Program at the Nature Centre to learn more.

2. Jeffries

You can view almost all of the city, including Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown and St. Patrick’s Church in Riverside. There are natural hillside slopes and the cliffs above the river are bordered by native riparian forests. On a clear day, views can extend as far as Ross Creek Coulee and even Cypress Hills Interprovincial Provincial Park.

3. McCutcheon

At this Scenic View, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the large trees in the Riverside community. After soaking in the beautiful view of the entire downtown and more, you can take the stairs to experience Finlay Bridge and other key locations in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown up close.

4. North West Riverside

Have a clear view of the sunshine bouncing off the South Saskatchewan River and brightening up the city waterfront. Here you will have a very close view of the riparian landscape including native plants, cottonwood forests, and beaver lodges.

5. Mr. Burnside

Many mountain bikers enjoy this area as it extends along the South Saskatchewan River to trails leading to Redcliff. At Mr. Burnside, you can enjoy panoramic views of Gas City Campground, Echo Dale Regional Park, and riparian cottonwoods bordering the river.

6. Echo Dale to Campground

Surrounded by nature, you can walk a paved path or bike on dirt trails to see a variety of flowering plants like Needle and Thread Grass, Purple Prairie Clover, Silver Sagebrush, and Chokecherry shrubs.  This area presents views of Echo Dale Regional Park, the South Saskatchewan River, and the Redcliff hills.

7. Echo Dale Regional Park

Here there are park amenities, like a lake for swimming, fishing pond, boat launch, historic farm, Ajax Coal Mine, and multi-use trails. Across the river, unique views of massive hillsides of striated coal seams and red cliffs invite mountain bikers to ride the many challenging trails that connect with Mr. Burnside.

8. Swift River

Shoreline birds, pelicans, turkey vultures, raptors, beavers, bald eagles, and blue heron nests can be spotted at various viewpoints along the South Saskatchewan River. Kayakers, canoers, paddle boarders, and river floaters might wave a hello as they pass by.  Various boat launches are found along this stretch to cruise the river.

9. Saamis Tepee

This site is home to the Saamis Tepee and the Saamis Archaeological Site, which dates back thousands of years. When exploring, you will see a coulee dip that features Seven Persons Creek, native grasslands, wildflowers, and paved paths. Follow these pathways from the top of the coulee and immerse yourself in untouched nature rich in Indigenous history.

10. Ross Creek Coulee

This native grassland area gives you views of endless coulees while you walk or bike the lengthy trails. The sunshine gives the scenery a softness that reflects a painting. This open space views the CP Railway mainline, where you can often spot long trains traveling through the prairies.

11. Scholten Hill 

This spot showcases a breathtaking view of Medalta in the Historic Clay District and IXL Industries Brick Plant. Many historical facts on the nearby WWII German Prisoner of War camp are detailed within the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede grounds.  This view also entices you one to explore Police Point Park and Strathcona Island Park, and highlights fascinating formations in the cliffs towards Veinerville.

12. Saratoga Park

Within Saratoga Park is a paved multi-use trail that has many other trails attached to it, leading walkers and bikers through a nature-filled adventure near Seven Persons Creek, Ogilvie Flour Mill, and through the Métis settlement that once thrived in this area. Nearby is an off leash dog park next to a memorial arboretum.

13. River Bend

Walking the trails will immerse you in a cottonwood riparian forest full of native flowering shrubs along the river, and confluence of the Seven Persons and Ross Creeks. Nearby are park amenities such as a water park, playground, picnicking, and fire pits, as well as a boat launch for enjoying the river.

14. South East Hill

This east facing hillside, showcases views of Saamis Tepee, Seven Persons Creek, Ross Creek Coulee, Kingsway Ave, and South Railway Street, including the CP Railway Station in the River Flats. This viewpoint is a wonderful central location within the heart of Medicine Hat.

15. Connaught Pond

This riparian coulee reservoir has native dryland and wetland plants, shrubs, and wildflowers. On site is a South East Alberta Watershed Alliance riparian restoration project and various places to fish. There is also a dock for paddling access. Wildlife species like Caspian Terns and Yellow-headed Blackbirds can also be seen.

16. Ranchlands‍

Stand above the South Saskatchewan River and face an endless landscape of bluffs, ponds, and trees. Conservation and Education interpretive programs are available on www.grasslands-naturalists.org.

17. Gas City Campground

Located in city limits, this spot has a beautiful view of the South Saskatchewan River and Trans-Canada Highway.

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Scenic Views Project

Scenic Views is a partnership between the Society of Grasslands Naturalists, the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, and Tourism Medicine Hat. The Scenic Views map and locations are available at www.grasslands-naturalists.org.

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Three ways you can be a sustainable explorer in your city:

When invasive weeds aren’t kept under control, the seeds can spread into natural areas, which can choke out native plants and stop the natural growth of greenery. Examples of invasive weeds are Russian Olive, Baby’s Breath, and Downy Brome.

Leave no trash by properly disposing of items in the garbage or recycling bins. Consider bringing a trash bag with you to help clean up along the way. Bags for pet waste are also important when keeping natural areas clean and smelling fresh. This also prevents attracting wild animals like coyotes. 

Keep nature healthy by staying on designated trails to minimize disturbances and soil erosion, which causes the establishment and spread of invasive weeds and lost biodiversity. 

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| While exploring the Scenic Views, you can relish in the beauty and fresh air, reminding yourself that as long as you take care of our environment, it will be here for you to enjoy.