Historic Downtown
Local Shopping in Medicine Hat's Historic Downtown
The ultimate guide to shop local in Medicine Hat's Historic Downtown.
The ultimate guide to shop local in Medicine Hat's Historic Downtown.
Yoke X Hem is an ode to Medicine Hat (YXH) and fashion (“yoke” and “hem” are alteration lingo, which they offer). This local boutique is high fashion and pays close attention to detail.
Neighbouring Yoke X Hem is Labels, a passionate dedication to men’s fashion. A modern and men’s high fashion spot on third street. You can’t miss Yoke X Hem and Labels on third street with their outdoor walls painted in solid pink, black, and forest green.
It’s the image of comfortability, support, confidence, and acceptance. The women in this store are passionate about finding quality casual or celebratory lingerie and swimwear that’s best for you.
Wild Clover Clothing & Lifestyle
Flowy, fitted, cozy, and classy clothing is folded and hung at Wild Clover. Specializing in women’s wear and accessories, the store welcomes anyone who loves anything about dressing themselves up in what feels best.
Every woman needs a blazer, but not just any blazer. By the C orders in custom made blazers specifically for their store. The material feels light and the cuffs have relatable designs. Don’t let the name fool you, there is more than just blazers worth checking out.
The owner of this pre-loved boutique carefully selects flawless clothing to find a new home for. As you wander through and pick pieces, you’ll wonder if it was previously in a closet. Day to day, event wear, vintage, and modern clothes are found at DYL Fashion.
High-quality and extremely flavourful oils and balsamic sit on the shelves inside this tuscany-themed store. Recipe cards are found throughout the space, and there are mini tasting cups to try the oils and balsamic to fuel inspiration on how to best use the quality condiments.
You don’t have to go far to shop locally inside 7 Rivers Trading Co. With everything created in Alberta, the products on their shelves are made close to home.
Inside Botanicals, you’re surrounded by an artistic boutique of all plants large and small. The natural light in this building is beyond bright and fills you with uplifting energy. And, they’re dog friendly.
Minimalistic and modern, the style is free inside this small shop. Elliot Home + Lifestyle has both men’s and women’s products that simply make life a little better.
A locally-owned business featuring locally-made products right here in Medicine Hat. Also offering craft classes, follow their social media to see if something is happening while you’re in the city.
Turn back in time the moment you step through the door to this used vinyl, CD, cassette and 8-track store. Located in Medicine Hat's Arcade Plaza, Round Again Records has a wide selection at great prices. Nothing feels cooler than adding to the record collection.
In the winter, this small local store sells skis and snow gear, and in the summer, bikes and bike gear. The space also has disc golf goods throughout the year.
Nostalgic, hard-to-find candy, and a very well curated selection of records, cd’s, cassettes, and movies are found inside this funky space. Spend some time in this store, and grab a movie or music, along with a snack or two, for an evening inside.
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Visit 17 scenic views in Medicine Hat!
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.
Find the locations with the digital map!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in city limits, this spot has a beautiful view of the South Saskatchewan River and Trans-Canada Highway.
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.
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.
| 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.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Participants of the River Run have the option of selecting a three, five, 10, or 21.1-kilometre trail. The paved pathways in the event allow for all mobility levels and families of all ages to breathe fresh air and take in the beautiful views.
“The trail is along the South Saskatchewan River, where people run through the trees on the paved path system that borders multiple park areas. It’s absolutely amazing being immersed in nature during this event,” says Helene Nicholson, philanthropy director, YMCA of Medicine Hat.
Those who choose the half marathon will be brought through Lions Park, Strathcona Island Park, Saratoga Park, and Police Point Park pathway systems which all trails bring many trees for shade and stunning coulee views.
Every year, the YMCA hosts this fundraising event with proceeds raised supporting the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, allowing families to attain memberships or register their children for camps when facing financial barriers. The last few years, the River Run has raised up to $10,000 annually for the Strong Kids Campaign.
“To see everyone come together that day and watch people complete a goal that they’ve set for themselves is really amazing. There is so much beauty in everyone coming together, sharing an experience, cheering each other on, and celebrating accomplishments over the three-hour period,” says Nicholson.
“The success of the event is because of the sponsors, planning committee, volunteers, and participants. They all play a crucial role to make sure this event is a great experience for everybody, whether it's the first run or the 38th."
Participation medals are given to everyone who completes the race. Placement medals are awarded to the top three finishers in each run category. A virtual option is also available — participants can choose to run an outdoor trail and use a tracker to send YMCA the route they ran. In 2021 and 2022, the event had participants from Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Calgary participate virtually.
A friendly place to stop.
Our sanidump is open all year, 24/7, and is free! Please no commercial dumping at the Visitor Information Centre.
Note: Water is turned off in October. Please call us to inquire if the water is turned off for the season — 403.527.6422
Our public washrooms are open during business hours.
The Visitor Information Centre is staffed by our travel counsellors during business hours. They are happy to assist with any questions you may have during your travels and/or stay.
Free maps and Experience Guides are printed yearly and offered at the Visitor Information Centre. Printed materials for many Alberta cities are also available.
If you’re arriving after hours, take a Tourism Medicine Hat bag from the front of the building. They have guides and maps.
The Visitor Information Centre is home to a water fill station, which is free for all who stop by during business hours.
We have a fenced, off-leash dog run. Please be courteous and clean up after your animals.
A large playground and picnic area is available for use when stopping.
Overnight parking at the Visitor Information Centre is not offered.
330 Gehring Road SW | tourismmedicinehat.com | 403.527.6422
All souvenirs in our gift shop are made by local Hatters!
Edison Flat
Designed by born and raised Hatter, Cam Hoff, the artistic badges showcase well-loved scenic or cultural spots in and around Medicine Hat.
Medalta Pottery
From vases, to mugs, crockpots, and more, browse authentic and beautiful Medalta-stamped pottery.
Southeast Alberta Colouring Books
All pages are hand-drawn by local artist Leanne Stock, who specializes in cityscapes and landscapes with a slice of life element, portraits, and pet portraits.
White Horse Rider Co.
Find colourful, beaded earrings and more hand-made jewelry by Brenda Merer, who’s Dakota Sioux from Standing Buffalo First Nation.
Open Year-Round
We are located just off the Trans-Canada Highway at 330 Gehring Road SW | 403.527.6422
A winter wonderland snug in the prairies.
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 approximate 45 minute drive, view the prairie landscape, and once you take that turn into the Interprovincial Park, you’re suddenly surrounded by forest and rolling hills.
The gem of a ski hill features a quad chair, t-bar handle tow, and a magic carpet. All the lift’s combined can bring 2,400 skiers and snowboarders to the top of the hills every hour. Then, the outdoor enthusiasts can choose between green, black, and blue level runs to race down. For beginners there’s the Bunny Run and for those wanting to build their skills, ramps and bars are featured on Show Off.
“Being located in Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Hidden Valley is surrounded by picturesque evergreen forests and vistas overlooking the prairies. Our lifts provide incredible views and our runs are unlike any others in the province. We pride ourselves on offering a unique experience that will leave you counting down the minutes to your next visit,” says Bridget Burgess-Ferrari, Communications and Public Engagement, Government of Alberta.
Once lunchtime arrives, the cafeteria is a warm indoor place with burgers, chicken tenders, fries, salads, and wraps. There’s chocolate bars, chips, vegetable and fruit cups for a small snack throughout the day.
Accommodations in Elkwater is a short drive away to remain in the rolling hills. Elkwater Lake Lodge & Resort is a family-friendly spot with a swimming pool and hot tub. Book a cabin or a room and ice-skate the loop, snow shoe or explore the trails, or stay indoors and relax after spending the weekend at Hidden Valley Ski Resort, located just ten minutes from Elkwater.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort offers lessons and rentals. It’s the perfect place for beginners who want to experience the winter activity. Never too crowded, there is space for friends and families of all ages to enjoy the scenery around them.
“Our trails and amenities are diverse, offering something for visitors of all skill and experience levels to enjoy. We believe in creating opportunities for kids to get active and learn to ski from a young age, which is why we do our best to accommodate school groups. We also offer private lessons for kids as young as 2 years old,” says Burgess-Ferrari.
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.
