Medicine Hat Pairs Well: Where to eat, drink, and visit
Medicine Hat Pairs Well is a celebration of the delicious food and drink in Canada's sunniest city.
Medicine Hat Pairs Well is a celebration of the delicious food and drink in Canada's sunniest city.
It's signature menu items that chefs and owners have personally selected and paired together for locals and visitors to try, for the first time or maybe the twentieth.
Along with choosing menu items that pair well together, they also chose another local business that pairs well with them and their customers.
Guests can grab a meal and then head to an art studio, or dine around and be introduced to a local service-based business.
This May, local businesses are spreading local love throughout Medicine Hat Pairs Well.
Cup of Coffee or Cappuccino pairs well with Chocolate Truffles.
Annegret’s Fine European Chocolates pairs well with local business, Boylan Imaging.
It all pairs well together.
Wedge Caesar Salad pairs well with Custom Designed Pasta and d'Carlo Homemade Cheesecake with Caramel Topping and Limoncello Apperitif. Or, Italian Creme Soda Blood Orange pairs well with Pistachio Pasta.
d’Carlo Pasta House pairs well with local business, Hat News and Specialty Market.
Birria Tacos pairs well with Consommé. Or, Bistek Ranchero Platillo pairs well with Fresh Tortillas and House-Made Salsas.
El Super Taco pairs well with local business, Benchmark Geomatics.
Smoke and Silk Meatballs pairs well with the Midnight Bramble Old Fashioned.
Mike's Meats Smoked Trout pairs well with Savasana Cocktail or Mocktail.
Hometown Culinary pairs well with local business, Yoga Revolution.
Steak Sandwich pairs well with Any Wine.
LOCAL Public Eatery pairs well with local business, Labels.
Char-grilled Bulgogi Burger pairs well with the Golden Girl German Pilsner MHBC.
Medicine Hat Brewing Company pairs well with local business, Chisholm Lighting Contractors Ltd.
Iced Strawberry Matcha pairs well with the Falafel Wrap.
MT Nest Cafe & Market pairs well with local business, Botanicals.
Stop in to try what pairs well.
Deli Counter Sandwich pairs well with Medicine Hat Brewing Company Twin City Lager. Or, the “Tin Is In" pairs well with "their story: charming & white".
note: comfort food + drink pairs well with local business, Art Room on 2nd.
Dirty Sodaz pairs well with Locally-Made Cookies.
Stop in to try what pairs well.
Madri Spanish Lager pairs well with Breaded Shrimp. Or, Granville Island Brockton IPA pairs well with Bone‑In Dry Ribs.
Rossco's Wing House pairs well with local business, Dynamic Industrial Solutions.
Coconut Shrimp pairs well with the Banana Flambéed Pie
Rustic Kitchen + Bar pairs well with local business, Boylan Imaging.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta pairs well with Smoked Sausage Rigatoni Pasta.
Nitro Coffee pairs well with a Slice of Cheesecake.
Station Coffee Company pairs well with local business, DYL Thrift.
Country Crumbs Shortcake pairs well with Swirls Sundae to make the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae.
Swirls Ice Cream pairs well with local business, Country Crumbs Bakery & Cafe.
Smoked Duck Ramen pairs well with Takoyaki.
Takumi Japanese Restaurant pairs well with local business, Heights Liquor Store.
Zesty Tulfi Tea pairs well with Mullein Herb for an immune boosting blended tea.
Teas R Me pairs well with local business, Country Crumbs Bakery & Cafe.
Untidy Jose Sandwich pairs well with the Guava Lime Blonde.
Travois Ale Works pairs well with local business, Fortress of Cheese.
Doner Kebab Wrap pairs well with Medicine Hat Brewing Company Blood Orange. Or, Nicoise Salad pairs well with the Strawberry Rhubarb Ginger Brew.
Rambo Melt pairs well with the Mushroom Soup.
The Hat’s Olive Tap pairs well with local business, Country Crumbs Bakery & Cafe.
Pizza Crescent Rolls pair well with Brownies.
The She Shed Bakery pairs well with local business, Teas R Me.
Snickers Old Fashioned pairs well with Sticky Pork Belly.
BBQ Platter pairs well with the Blueberry Whisky Sour.
The Yard Patio & Eatery pairs well with local business, Gravity Sports.
The Kombucha, Pre & Probiotic Soda, Water Kefir, and Kombucha Gummies all pair well together.
Soup Du Jour pairs well with ZB’s Housemade Hummus and Grilled Bread (add veggies if you're feeling virtuous or sub veggies if you're gluten free). Or, Cafe Americano pairs well with the Outrageous Brownie (GF always).
Zucchini Blossom Market & Cafe pairs well with local business, Fortress of Cheese.
A free hot air balloon festival in Southern Alberta.
Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival is a free, family-friendly event happening in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Up to 35 balloons will float above the city from May 21-24, 2026!
Please Note: All flights are weather dependant. Follow @RiseUpYXH on Instagram and Facebook for updates and locations for each scheduled take-off, before and during the festival. Balloon rides are not available for 2026.
6am Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
6pm Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
6am Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
6pm Fight: Launch location is Kin Coulee Park
Dusk (8:30ish) Balloon Glow Neon Theme: Located in Kin Coulee Park, sponsored by CF Industries
6am Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
6pm Fight: Launch location is Kin Coulee Park
Community Day: Located at the Medicine Hat College
Dusk (8:30ish) Balloon Glow Neon Theme: Located in Kin Coulee Park
6am Flight: Location to be announced prior to flight on social media pages.
The Sunrise & Skylines VIP Experience is available on two exclusive nights; each paired with evening and morning festival transportation.
All stays include:
✔ One-night hotel accommodation (based on double occupancy)
✔ Evening & morning VIP Sunshine Trolley transportation
✔ Curated goodies onboard the Sunshine Trolley
✔ Front row access to RISE UP festival moments
From a Southern Alberta ski hill to the Olympic Winter Games.
CBC News reported on the story about how Olympic Skier Amy Fraser started her skill-building at Hidden Valley Ski Resort, with coach Peter Roberts and the local ski club.
Collin Gallant writes, " Now, flying up above the edge of a halfpipe, she credits weekends at the local hill [Hidden Valley Ski Resort] learning fundamentals — and the camaraderie of a club — for keeping her in the sport."
Peter Roberts, who founded the local ski club and coached Fraser said, “If you can ski Elkwater, you can ski anywhere in Canada. She [Fraser] had that innate talent that I knew she was going to make something of herself."
photos sourced from CBC News article
Traveling can be overstimulating, and Medicine Hat has sensory-inclusive arts & culture.
Travel Alberta recently wrote about Medicine Hat being a spot to travel for sensory-friendly experiences.
Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre is part museum, art gallery and music venue, with sensory-friendliness built in at multiple levels. The Esplanade worked with nonprofit KultureCity to train their team about diverse sensory needs, create a visual walkthrough of the space, offer sensory bags and more.
Red Rock Coulee: These gargantuan, reddish sandstone rocks were formed in prehistoric seas. You might just spot fossilized shells, plants, or bones on their surface. Plus, wildlife may make an appearance (white-tailed jack rabbits, mule deer, lizards and more).
Cypress Hills Provincial Park: Enjoy a sandy beach, paddling on Elkwater Lake, signing out a nature exploration pack at the visitor centre, or watching mountain bikers enjoy the trails.
Medalta in the Historic Clay District: This National Historic Site explores the rich history of pottery and the clay industry and its impact on Medicine Hat. Explore the museum and gift shop or even register for a 1-day immersive clay experience.
In Medicine Hat and beyond, learn more about places to visit for neurodivergent travellers here!
Local chefs have curated menus sourcing ingredients from Southern Alberta. From classic dishes, to adding a unique take on a familiar recipe, dine locally in Medicine Hat during your visit.
This Holiday season, sip your way through Medicine Hat with two festive trails happening this December!
Eggnog Bingo is a delicious and festive way to visit local eateries and try their take on Eggnog! It’s lattes, cocktails, cookies, and more. Bring your fully stamped Eggnog Bingo card to any participating location and enter for the chance to win a gift basket valued at $200.
Find stamp cards at any participating location, and drop off your stamp card once it’s completed at any participating location. Event is on until December 12, 2025.
Participating Locations:
Hometown Culinary | Casa Amigos Cantina | Grit City Distillery | note: comfort food & drink | Travois Ale Works | Station Coffee Company | Kookie Bites | MT Nest Cafe & Market
Nosh is hosting the fourth annual Hot Chocolate Fest YXH and you can try six hot chocolate creations from s’more to smoked honey, and salted caramel. The tasty trail brings you to a handful of local, independant coffee shops in the city, and each local spot is serving up a creative mug of hot cocoa.
You can vote on the best cup using the hashtag #hotchocolatefestyxh. Event is on until December 19, 2025.
Participating Locations:
Homestead Market | MT Nest Cafe & Market | Nosh. | Poolhouse Cafe & Roastery | Station Coffee Company | The Hat’s Olive Tap
Imported this summer from Arlington, Texas, the newest Sunshine Trolley has hit the street!
Tourism Medicine Hat has acquired its third Sunshine Trolley, announced on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Mo Cranker, Manager of Transportation and Operations, says after purchasing a second Sunshine Trolley in 2022 from Newfoundland, the organization has continued to see a rise in demand for public tours and private bookings.
The organization hosted 62 Guided City Tours and saw a ridership average of 90 per cent from May to October, with visitors from Italy, Switzerland, Scotland, England, Belgium, Australia, Austria, France, Mexico, Ireland, nine Canadian provinces, and more than a dozen states.
“For locals, it allows them to view their home city through the eyes of a visitor, and for visitors it’s a unique way to experience the sights and history that Medicine Hat has to offer,” says Cranker.
The newest Sunshine Trolley was imported from Arlington, Texas, and arrived in Medicine Hat on August 12, 2025. It seats 35 people, nine more than the second trolley, sports a wheelchair lift, and has space for two wheelchair seats.
When the first Sunshine Trolley was brought to Medicine Hat from Drumheller in 2019, the tours were originally offered as a hop on, hop off ride.
The tours shifted to a 90-minute Guided City Tour in 2023, and are guided by local Hatters who have lived in Medicine Hat for many years. The Sunshine Trolley stops at important landmarks and beautiful viewpoints, with the guides sharing in-depth history and stories.
Specialty tours like Ice Cream Crawl, Blooms & Brunch, Cocktails & Constellations, Holly Jolly Twinkle Trolley, and more often sell out throughout the year.
“Everytime we launch a new tour, there’s positive reception and ticket sales reflect that. This year we launched six Blooms & Brunch tours, and they sold out with little promotion,” says Cranker.
“The Sunshine Trolleys are a great way to do a lot in a short amount of time. In some tours, we stop at three or four different places, and along the way visitors get to see some landmarks and the beauty that the city has to offer.”
Cranker says 70 per cent of riders are local and 30 per cent are visiting from another city or country.
“For locals, they have the chance to explore their own city or connect with a local business they’ve been meaning to check out or haven’t heard of before.”
Having another Trolley on the road will allow Tourism Medicine hat to run more tours and accommodate larger groups to take part in a public tour or private booking, “this will be especially helpful with school groups with larger classes and a handful of parental volunteers.”
Tourism Medicine Hat hosted 90 bookings from school classes during 2025, with an estimated 2,500 riders from those groups. Tourism Medicine Hat receives $1,500 from both Sunrise Rotary and Saamis Rotary in support of the School Ride Program.
During the Guided City Tours and the Holly Jolly Twinkle Tours, kids 12 and under ride for free thanks to the donation from the Medicine Hat Mavericks.
After thorough research, Cranker found the newest Trolley in Arlington, Texas.
A High River company towed the Trolley to Dynamic Industrial Solutions, a local heavy-duty truck repair/welding company, where the engine was hoisted up and taken out.
The engine was then rebuilt by a local diesel mechanic who specializes in rebuilds, and brought back to Dynamic Industrial Solutions to be put back in.
The new unit is a 2011 Supreme Trolley, three years newer then the Supreme Trolley purchased out of Clarke’s Beach, Newfoundland in 2022.
Community members will see the new trolley being driven empty over the next few weeks. Tourism Medicine Hat will continue breaking in the vehicle’s new engine and training drivers on the new equipment found in the bus.
Find more information about the Sunshine Trolleys here
Find Sunshine Trolley Tour tickets here
Privately book the Sunshine Trolley here
Follow the Sunshine Trolley on Facebook
Follow the Sunshine Trolley on Instagram
Markets, concerts, movies, and more!
Find local artists and creators this Holiday season, catch a film in Canada's oldest, surviving, purpose-built movie theatre, enjoy a Christmas concert, and take in the Holiday spirit in Medicine Hat with the events below.
Holly Jolly Twinkle Trolley Tour
Various dates & times
Tour Medicine Hat’s brightest Christmas lights on the Sunshine Trolley this December, with time to hop off, capture photos, and take in all the beautiful bright lights.
Meet at 330 Gehring Road SW
Comedy Night with Scott Belford
December 12 at 8p.m.
Visit Elements Restaurant & Lounge for another night of laughs with their monthly Comedy show with Calgary-based comedian, Scott Belford! Reservations are highly recommended, call 403-502-8184.
1051 Ross Glen Dr SE
December 13
Enjoy a festive morning of hands-on play, art invitations, making reindeer food, feeding the “reindeer” goats from Leisure Way Mini Farm, hot cocoa, live Christmas music with Rob Hudec, and a visit from Santa and Buddy the Elf.
101 6 St SE
Christmas Pics with The Grinch
December 13
Visit All Dogs Great & Small to get photos of your pets with The Grinch with Tori Lee Photography. All donations will go towards the Medicine Hat SPCA.
1887 6 Ave SW
Co-op Kids Club Holiday Party - Medicine Hat
December 13
13th Ave Co-op is hosting Santa photos (free with donation to the Santa Claus Fund), ornament crafting, cookies decorating, and a hot chocolate bar.
3030 13 Ave SE
December 13 at 10a.m.
Three local bakers, The Sweetness Bake Shop, "Sour"dough Bread Co., and Cake Popped by Taylor will bring sweet and savoury treats for the first ever Bake Sale at Botanicals, with a special appearance by Pink Paper Boutique.
505A North Railway Street
December 13
Police Point Park is crafting a North American Badger inside the Nature Centre. The craft is for ages 14 and up. Please plan to stay for the full two hours, as this craft does take some time to complete.
1001 Police Point Dr NE
December 14
This year The Esplanade is thrilled to welcome Medicine Hat Community Orchestra who are going to play holiday favourites, new twists on classic songs, and enough holiday cheer to send you off into the season with a smile.
401 1 St SE
Love Actually at The Monarch Theatre
December 19
Watch a Holiday classic at Canada's oldest, surviving, purpose built theatre. Cost of admission is $5 cash, and choose 2 items from concession for $5 as well.
609 2nd Street SE
Casa Amigos: Snakes & The Riot Annual Holiday Bash
December 19
Party with Casa Amigos and Snakes and the Riot. Arrive early to grab a spot since limited reservations are being taken.
480 3rd St SE
Winter Solstice: 108 Sun Salutations
December 20
As the Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year and the symbolic return of the light, Yoga Revolution invites you into one of their most powerful annual rituals: 108 Sun Salutations, a moving meditation of release, renewal, and intention.
617 2 St SE
It's a Wonderful Life at The Monarch Theatre
December 20
Join the historic Monarch Theatre for It’s a Wonderful Life, a heartwarming film that reminds viewers what truly matters this season. Cost of admission is $5 cash, and any two items from concession is $5 as well.
609 2nd Street SE
The Grinch, The Monarch Theatre's 114th Birthday Celebration
December 21
Join The Monarch for a special birthday screening of The Grinch, a fun and festive afternoon perfect for families, kids, and holiday lovers of all ages. Cost is $5 cash for admission, and $5 for any two items at concession.
609 2nd Street SE
December 22-23
Bring your pup for a festive photo with Swift Current Santa in our cozy Grinchmas setup, where snow will be falling. This event is in support of the Medicine Hat SPCA at ReBark by True North.
#4-1355 Brier Park Cres NW
December 15
Create a personalized coir doormat for the Christmas season. Choose from a variety of stencils to make a design, and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate while crafting at ReBark by True North.
#4-1355 Brier Park Cres NW
December 21, from 3:15-3:45p.m.
Cozy up four days before Christmas on one of Medicine Hat’s oldest streets and take in the outdoor Holiday concert with family and friends. Performers Lanco and Tiera Kennedy will be playing Christmas tunes live for the community at Queen & North Railway St. East of the CPKC Station.
December 24
Join the Medicine Hat Lodge for a cozy and delicious Christmas Eve Buffet filled with all your favourite holiday dishes and desserts. From classic turkey stuffing and savoury sides to sweet festive treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
1051 Ross Glen Drive SE
December 27 from 7p.m.
Christmas break event for the family at Eagle Butte Observatory. Be sure to reserve your seat today!
December 29
Gather with Miller's Haunted Tours for a cozy night of Christmas folklore and friendly ghost stories—the kind that spark wonder, curiosity, and a touch of winter magic, not fear. They'll explore heart-tugging tales of kind spirits, holiday mysteries, and gentle hauntings from in and around Medicine Hat, Redcliff, Dunmore, and Desert Blume.
628 2 St SE
Find more events and add your event at TourismMedicineHat.com/events
Dine flavours of Southern Alberta in Medicine Hat.
Savour Alberta’s South: Farm to Fork is a regional Southern Alberta culinary festival celebrating the partnerships between local eateries and local farmers, ranchers, and producers. The Farm to Fork culinary festival is in Medicine Hat from November 1-21. Find your next farm to fork dish, prepared by the locals, using ingredients grown by the locals!
Ground Sirloin Taco Wrap, made with 4oz sirloin from Mike's Meats.
Smoked Pork Tenderloin Carbonara, made with smoky pork tenderloin from Reg's Homestyle Meats & Deli.
Fig & Olive Charcuterie & Grazing Co.
On Friday, Nov. 7, enter on Instagram for the chance to win a Farm to Fork Charcuterie board from Fig & Olive.
BRUNCH: Red Eye Burger, made with beef from Sunrise Ranching Co.
DINNER: Burger, made with beef from Sunrise Ranching Co.
DRINK: "Or, Whatever" made with Grit City Distillery Vodka and Lucky's Speed Sauce
Various dishes feature local producers like, beans from Viterra, beef from Benchmark Beef Angus Cattle, cured meats & bacon from Premuim Sausage, garlic from JB Farms, mustard from Luco Farms, vegetables & chilis from Local Greenhouses in Redcliff and Medicine Hat, ice cream from Camp Handcrafted Ice Cream, coffee from Poolhouse Café & Roastery.
Note: Burger, made with beef and pork mix patty from Deluxe Meat & Seafood and haskap sauce from Desert Springs Farm.
The Clubhouse at Paradise Valley
DINNER & LUNCH: AA Alberta Beef Steak Salad, made with vegetables from Big Marble Farms, microgreens from Microgrins, and beef from Prepak Meats.
DRINK: Grit City Eggnog Paralyzer, made with Grit City Vodka and Grit City Coffee Liquor.
1-inch-thick T-bone steak from Deluxe Meat and Seafood, sourced from local 4-H beef, pavé potatoes and balsamic-glazed carrots from Ruben’s Veggies, and cherry tomatoes on the vine from Westland Fresh Produce.
Various sushi dishes made with cucumbers from local greenhouses, and chicken from local Southern Alberta farms.
Roast Beef Caramelized Onions Havarti and Chicken & Roasted Red Pepper sandwiches served on house made fococcia bread.
Baking is made with local eggs from Baker's Farm.
Homestead Market features over 60 Alberta vendors from creative and culinary worlds. Find local ingredients at this market to bring home and make your very own Farm to Fork dish.
Sandwiches made with vegetables from Jamco Growers, and meat from Weiss Ranch Bulls.
Red Wine–Braised Alberta Beef Short Rib, made with tender Alberta short rib from Mike's Meats.
The full drink menu features the beans roasted in-house at Poolhouse Cafe & Roastery.
Lemon Dill Chickpea Salad, made with farm fresh chickpeas and greenhouse vegetables.
Zucchini Blossom Market & Cafe
Salads, sandwiches, and soups all features vegetables from various farms and greenhouses in Medicine Hat.
Made by Medicine Hat Brewing Company, and served inside the taproom. Order an Auggie on tap, or an Auggie Mojito for a mocktail.
Made by Big Marble Farms using fresh cucumbers from the greenhouse, and sold at Poolhouse Café & Roastery.
The full drink menu uses the liquor distilled at Grit City Distillery in Medicine Hat.
Serving Medicine Hat Brewing Company beer on tap.
Your Preference Kombucha distills kombucha, water kefir, and kombucha gummies in Medicine Hat. The drink can be purchased at Homestead Market.
Serving rotating local beer on tap from the Highway 3 Ale Trail.
Tru Me Whole Health is made and canned in Medicine Hat at Travois Ale Works.
DRINK: Hibiscus Ginger Mead" and Green Tea Mead made with Alberta honey.
DINNER: Steak Sandwich, 6oz sirloin made with French onion sourdough from Serotonin Sweets.
Medicine Hat branded chocolate bars, with handmade chocolate made by the owner Annegret herself, using her very own recipe.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry ice cream or milkshake, using locally grown strawberries from Desert Springs Farm. has been a hit since day one!
Haskap Berry Sundae, made with real Southern Alberta haskap berries from Desert Springs Farm.
Homesteader Restaurant & Lounge
Ralph's Texas Bar & Steakhouse
The Clubhouse at Connaught Golf Course
Find more details about the regional culinary festival here.
.JPG)
