Events & Festivals
Summer Weekends in Medicine Hat
Plan your summer visit in Canada's Sunniest City.
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.
Seven craft beer stops from Medicine Hat to the Crowsnest Pass.
Take the ultimate road trip to seven craft beer stops from Medicine Hat to the South Canadian Rockies. Find the perfect pour straight from the tap, with hops harvested by friendly farmers, and kegs crafted by community brewers on the Highway 3 Ale Trail.
The extensive available farmland through-out Alberta brings quality hops for micro-breweries in the region, adding a piece of homeland into each brew.
Adventure the open roads through Southern-Alberta, and start this tour surrounded by beautiful coulees and bluffs in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. As you drive towards the South Canadian Rockies, the landscape slowly changes from coulees, to rolling hills, and then the Rocky Mountains.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Spring in Canada's Sunniest City.
With 190+ kilometres of connected pathways, you’ll be led to many beautiful viewpoints of breathtaking bluffs, historic landmarks, and waterways like South Saskatchewan River and Seven Persons Creek. Watch out for the wildlife. Deer are always roaming the land. Please keep a safe distance and do not feed the wildlife.
Your plants are ready to thrive as spring arrives, and there are stores to invite greenery into your space. From succulents, to trees, shrubs, and flowering and non-flowering plants, you will find so many green and colourful friends to place on your shelf or plant in your yard.
Find a plant shop in Medicine Hat
The local owners of our coffee shops are always finding new and creative ways to introduce to us the most unique and delicious beverages. Whether it’s hot, cold, caffeinated, or decaf, a refreshing drink is always nearby.
Find a coffee shop in Medicine Hat
Through Medicine Hat Mural Fest, local and national artists have painted beautiful artwork on the brick buildings. All located in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, you can enjoy the sunshine while you admire the talent that’s showcased from one end to the other in the heart of Medicine Hat.
Medicine Hat has workshops throughout the city, from pottery to plants, and painting. These spaces encourage creativity and are hosted by local business owners who are passionate about the topic. Find classes through Cosmic Clay Studio, Botanicals, Creative Freedom Art Hub, Phanilla, and Top Notch Custom Kreations.
Explore Medicine Hat's National Historic Site, and see old machinery, learn about the workers who produced the clay that was transported throughout Canada, and step inside a historic Beehive Kiln. Medalta offers guided and self guided tours, pottery workshops and classes (must pre-book) and hosts events throughout the year.
Find more details about Medalta
Canada's oldest, surviving, purpose-built movie theatre is in Medicine Hat, and they host multiple movies monthly. Movies are $5 cash, and then the concession is any two items for $5 cash. Watch a movie inside this historic site located in downtown Medicine Hat.
If you're looking for an event or festival to attend, from live music, craft workshops, local artisan markets, and more. Check out the Events Calendar for more things to do in Medicine Hat.
Carmen Bonilla and her family have lived in Medicine Hat since 2013 and love spending time outdoors, especially when spring and summer invite the warm sunshine to the city. She, her husband, four children, and dog love exploring a new park or trail when the weather warms. Strathcona Island Park is their favourite spot. They once spotted frogs during their visit, and going to the pond to scope them out is now a must! Before they start their adventure, McBride’s Bakery is always their first stop to indulge in freshly-baked sweet treats!
Warmly welcome colourful flowers and lively plants into your yard, garden, and home.
You’re surrounded by an artistic boutique of all plants large and small in this space. The natural light in this building is beyond bright and will fill you with uplifting energy. AND, they’re dog friendly. The staff are experts, so never be afraid to ask a question about the greenery. This store is open year-round.
Local Tip: Enjoy brunch or dinner at Hometown, a local restaurant with a chef-curated menu!
This giant greenhouse has rows and rows of flowers, trees, shrubs, and succulents featured both indoors and outdoors. From pots, to yard decor, you’re bound to fall in love with something that will fit perfectly in your space. After you wander around, head into John’s Butterfly House and observe hundreds of beautiful butterflies in their natural habitat. This garden centre is closed in the winter.
Local Tip: You can’t miss this location. Look for the giant windmill outside of the building!
This location can be easily biked to from Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown. Pedal across historic Finlay Bridge, arrive at Fresh Flowers & Gifts, and be welcomed with a selection of plants, pots, and artwork from local artists. Here, you will also find extravagant bouquets of flowers. This plant and flower shop is open year-round.
Local Tip: Head to Zucchini Blossom Market and Cafe for freshly baked treats, prepared meals, and brewed beverages!
More plant shops can be found around the city. Blondie’s Gift and Garden Center has a large greenhouse full of plants, botanicals, and accessories. Tilted Tulip a flower shop boutique that specializes in hand-tied bouquets to pre-order. Suntaira Growers Inc. is located near the greenhouse hub in Redcliff. The perfect day trip from Medicine Hat.
Healing herself, her ancestors, and those who watch her Jingle Dance.
“Once I hear the downbeat of the drum, the song takes over me. I feel close to my ancestors, like my spirit is floating." - Josie Saddleback
At an Indigenous market in summer 2021, Josie Saddleback was drawn to a beautiful jingle dress full of reds, turquoises, oranges, and yellows, with pockets that could hold her medicine and crystals. When the dress fit like a glove, she knew jingle dancing found her. She practiced consistently, purchased her second dress the following December, and now jingle dances in Medicine Hat and across Alberta.
“I feel very grounded and proud of who I am when I dance. It doesn’t matter if one or 100 people are there; it’s the same feeling every time," she says.
The jingle dress is a prayer of medicine dance to help afflicted people, and Saddleback feels she's completed her purpose as a Nehiyah Cree woman when she dances in hers. A part of her heals, and she passes on the healing energy onto those watching through the grounds she dances on.
“Once I hear the downbeat of the drum, the song takes over me. I feel close to my ancestors, like my spirit is floating. I’m carrying their spirits with me, their presence, and I’m keeping their memories and cultural teachings alive, and making them proud," she says.
Saddleback, whose Cree name is "White Bear Woman," has jingle danced in Medicine Hat and beyond since 2021. She's danced in front of the 215-foot-tall Saamis Tepee and underneath the sunshine in Kin Coulee Park, and in front of students at local schools.
The dancer is also an artist and owns Saddleback Stones. She drives the prairie roads in the summer and stays in the city to attend markets and sell her handmade rings, earrings, necklaces, and keychains.
“The markets are so welcoming. I feel at home, doing what I love, and creating art while making friends at the same time.”
When she was younger, Saddleback and her family would attend ceremonies, feasts, round dances, tea dances, sun dances and powwows, and she spoke fluently in Cree language to the friends and families she was surrounded by growing up.
In her teenage years, she and her family took part and danced for History in the Hills in Elkwater, where tipi’s were set up with cultural teachings for those who wanted to learn more about Indigenous culture.
“At the end of the day, my siblings and I would dance powwow for the students and teachers. Afterwards we had a huge round dance in this beautiful open land. It was amazing seeing everyone come together like that," says Saddleback.
The artist was also featured for the Medicine Hat News’ Miywasin Moment for making orange ribbons for Every Child Matters and became connected to the Miywasin Friendship Centre. Through her dances and presentations at local schools, she's made special connections and listened to students' stories.
“This has become my home over the last 16 years, and I love the friends and family I’ve made along the way,” says Saddleback.
Local chainsaw artist gives old trees new life.
“It’s such a euphoric feeling. It feels so unreal to think that the sculpture came from me." - Marina Cole
On her way out of a Taekwondo class, Marina Cole noticed a wooden dragon sculpture that stole her attention for an hour. Fascinated and inspired by the art piece that was made in Japan and brought to Canada, Cole picked up her first chainsaw on April 9, 2016.
She now has pieces across Medicine Hat and has participated in international competitions, where she’s carved for 10 to 12 hours a day in Alaska, Australia, Montana, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Alberta.
“I always wanted to be an artist. Growing up as a kid, I was trying to be an artist in ways that almost felt forced. When I picked up that chainsaw, nothing has ever felt so natural,” says Cole. “It’s such a euphoric feeling. It feels so unreal to think that the sculpture came from me. I truly have to tell myself that it has been created by me when I step away and look at it.”
It’s also the wood that fascinates Cole, how it can quickly be transformed into an object that tells a story and brings emotion. She also enjoys being outside and connecting to nature when she’s creating. Her inspiration grows when she’s surrounded by artists who share the same passion as her at competitions, and from those she creates artwork for.
Recently, during a competition that showcased over 20 artists, Cole was one of three women that attended, and she placed fourth in the event.
“My biggest advice to anyone would be to do what your heart desires. I don’t know where I would be now as an artist if I hadn’t picked up that chainsaw.”
190+ kilometres of paved-trails to explore the entire city of Medicine Hat.
Medicine Hat has 190+ kilometres of trails that lead you around the coulees, up and down the hills, throughout the trees, and along the South Saskatchewan River. The trails connect neighbourhoods in Medicine Hat, so whether you’re taking a stroll, biking, rollerblading, or skateboarding, you’re able to explore the city solely on the paved trails.
Atop a northside coulee in the neighbourhood of Crescent Heights, there is a trail that brings panoramic views of Medicine Hat — its Historic Downtown and the other natural scenes in the city. In the far distance, you will see the rolling hills in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
Police Point Park is located on the north side of the city and is known for its Northwest Mounted Police and Indigenous histories. While you walk the paved loop, enjoy the view of old cottonwood trees — some being 200 to 300 years old.
Connected to the main trail in Police Point Park, this off-leash dog trail has a beautiful view of the South Saskatchewan River — it’s seriously right beside you. Pet some puppies along the way, or bring your own for some fresh air, and watch the bright sunlight reflect off the water and onto the trees.
This paved trail features the South Saskatchewan River, Historic Finlay Bridge, and Historic Railway Bridge. If you find yourself in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, this trail is only a few blocks away. A starting point could be behind the Medicine Hat Public Library.
Between Kin Coulee Park and Strathcona Island Park, this paved trail makes for a nice, long outing and the perfect bike ride. It connects with so many other trails; the whole experience is in your hands.
Downhill from Saamis Tepee, this Indigenous space dates back thousands of years ago. Nature surrounds you as you walk around and hear the calming sounds of Seven Persons Creek. Go through the tunnel underneath Trans-Canada Highway, and you’re in Kin Coulee Park.
This quiet paved trail will lead you in and shortly after, you’ll be met by a fork in the road. You can’t go wrong, either way you’ll have a clear view of the coulees and little hamlet, Veinerville. The left turn will take you towards Scholten Hill, with a view of the city. Turn right, you’ll become lost in the prairies with the train tracks beside you.
This beautiful park invites you in with a sunshine glow and the most breathtaking view of coulees and bluffs. This park has paved, unpaved, and mountain biking trails, and an off-leash dog trail.
The TransCanada Trail is a part of The Great Trail in Canada. The entire length is 27,000 kilometres and connects the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. The Strathcona Island Park Pavilion, found in Strathcona Island Park, lists the individuals who played a crucial role in making the trail happen.
The TransCanada Trail in Medicine Hat passes many great spots in the city. It begins or ends in the Ross Glen neighbourhood or near Trans-Canada Highway. For a leisure stroll or bike ride, you can start this trail in two spots.
Strathcona Island Park: A trail that features playgrounds, wildlife, and up-close views of the South Saskatchewan River. Deer often roam and relax with their families in this space, so be sure to keep any four-legged pets on a leash.
Riverside: Connected to Police Point West Trail, become encompassed in trees, leaves, and feel the warmth of the shaded sunlight while you explore this tunnel of nature. In the open peeks, you’ll have a shiny view of City Hall, and if you look up at Finlay Bridge, you’ll be enlightened to know the truss bridge was built in 1908.
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trails in the summer reel | trails in the fall reel
