General Information

Location

Medicine Hat is located in southeastern Alberta approximately 293 kilometres (182 miles) southeast of Calgary and 146 kilometres (91 miles) north of the United States border. Medicine Hat is located on the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 3, and the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline. It is approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Canadian Forces Base Suffield.

Climate

As Canada’s sunniest city with more than 2,500 hours of sunshine a year, Medicine Hat has the longest growing season in Alberta (120+ days per year). Summer temperatures average 20C /68F) and winter temperatures are easy to take. Chinook winds can raise temperatures by as much 34C (93F) in one day. January temperatures average -13C (9F).

Language

English is the predominant language of Medicine Hat, although both English and French are official languages and most government services are available in either language.

Metric Conversions

Distance/Speed

1 kilometre (km) = 5/8 mile
50 km/h on road sign = 30 mph

To convert kilometres to miles: 1km x 0.6 = 1 mile

Temperature

Canada uses the Celsius Temperature scale where the freezing point of water = 0C

To convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit: F = (1.8 x c) +32

Weight

1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2lbs

500 grams (g) = 1.1lb

To convert kilograms to pounds: Multiply kg x 2.2 = lbs

To convert grams to ounces: Multiply grams x .035 = ounces

Buying Gas and Other Liquids

3.8 litres = 1 US gallon

1 litre = 1 quart

No Smoking

The Tobacco Reduction Act came into effect on January 1, 2008. As of this date smoking is prohibited in all public places and workplaces in the province. This includes all bars, bingo halls and casinos.

Smoking is not allowed within five meters of a doorway, window or air intake of a public place or workplace.