Explore Outdoors
Paddle the Waterways in Medicine Hat
Canoe, kayak, boat, or float the waterways in Medicine Hat.
Canoe, kayak, boat, or float the waterways in Medicine Hat.
Blue skies, a shining sun, and the feeling of the fresh river breeze while floating the South Saskatchewan River is how a day that ends in ‘y’ can be spent. Echo Dale Regional Park, surrounded by huge coulees, is a captivating start to this experiential river float.
Once you slide your boat onto the riverbend and spring to land on the top, a glance to the right can bring a handful of dogs running, walking, and sniffing the green shrubbery. As they enjoy their daily escapade, you’ll begin yours.
Minutes will melt away as you tan underneath the warm sun and visit with those who’ve joined this adventure. Cold water has never felt so refreshing and fresh air so soothing. Laughter fills the space as you notice friendly wildlife flying above and wandering the river banks throughout the day.
The shimmer of City Hall, and the glow of historic brick buildings pull you towards the downtown core. You’ll float underneath Medicine Hat’s Finlay Bridge, built in 1908, and the Railway Bridge, built in 1883.
As you near the end, and after you’ve taken all the photos your camera roll can handle, Strathcona Island Park welcomes you with fire pits and picnic tables to roast your hotdogs, hamburgers, buns, and marshmallows to end your day with good food, good people, and good memories to look back on.
Desert Blume (Heron Crt. SE) to Kin Coulee Park — best for beginners.
For a wild and adventurous day on the waterway, Seven Persons Creek is the place to be. Throughout an approximate three hour paddle, you may cross paths with deer, beavers, moose, blue herons, ducklings, and geese, while surrounded by large coulees and refreshing natural sights. Completely immersed in the quiet space, with only the neighbouring sounds of nature, this in-city creek isn’t far to find. Paddle the rapids and go with the flow on the winding streamline.
Desert Blume to South Saskatchewan River — best for experienced paddlers.
Paddle among the reeds, rapids, and culverts on the narrow and quick waterway. Ducks and geese may fly as you arrive at their floating spot, and kingfishers might happily hop ahead of you to lead the way. Deer, muskrats, and beavers are other wild creatures that have been seen while paddling this creek. Tall bluffs will tower over you, followed by a canopy of trees. There are many hop-off points once you reach the South Saskatchewan River, where you can join hundreds of seagulls and a few fishing blue herons living a life we often don’t think about in Police Point Park. If this is the paddle for you, make sure to scout the route beforehand — water level is always changing, and there is a short portage you need to be ready for.
“Paddling Seven Persons Creek is wild, adventurous, and you get such an adrenaline rush. Whereas, the South Saskatchewan River is very relaxing and calm. With both, you travel through the coulees and see so much wildlife. The two waterways are like no other; it’s honestly so stunning.” - Teresa Humphries, Medicine Hat local.
Outdoor Xcape Rentals
Floating Island, Stand-Up Paddle Board, Single Person Kayak, Two Person Tandem Kayak. Book online at outdoorxcaperentals.ca.
Yoga You4ia Paddle
Owner of Yoga You4ia Salli Siewert offers stand up paddle board rentals and private paddle board yoga classes. Beautiful outdoor locations include Echo Dale Regional Park, Rattlesnake Lake, and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Groups of up to 12 people can rent both the paddle boards or a private paddle board yoga class.
To book, call or text: 587.289.3500.
“An activity like this brings people fully into the moment, connecting movement, water, and nature in a fun and empowering way. It’s less about perfection and more about balance, presence, and enjoying the experience.”
watch the South Saskatchewan River reel here
Join the free summer event Great Big Paddle
Discover the Medicine Hat mountain biking scene.
"The Medicine Hat region at first impression seems like a flat desert grassland, what could it offer in terms of fun and exciting riding? The reality is that here lies a mountain bike oasis when you look a little closer.
With the South Saskatchewan river cutting a deep valley through the region it created a blank canvas for trails to be developed. Then to the east of the city lies Cypress Hills Provincial Park only a short 65km drive away. Rising up in a striking fashion the provincial park is home to steep hills and thick forest.
From the steep coulee banks of the river to the forest trails of the park, locals have been busy cultivating a network of trails in this section of the Canadian Badlands region. I have had a chance in the past to get a quick feel for the riding in these two zones. Although on those visits I never got a chance to experience a fun full day in Medicine Hat mountain biking for myself."
Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, skating, crokicurl, and disc golf.
Police Point Park and Elkwater in the Cypress Hills are your winter cross-country ski spots. Cypress Hills offers rentals, while Police Point Park is not offering them at the moment.
Connect with the Nordic Ski Club for lessons
Follow the many natural and forested trails through Elkwater in the Cypress Hills for a snowshoe adventure. Find trails in Medicine Hat at Police Point Park.
Kin Coulee Park is a community favourite. The hill is lit up into the evening and always perfect on a snow day. Elkwater in the Cypress Hills builds a snow luge each year.
Find many community indoor and outdoor rinks around Medicine Hat. Check out Kiwanis Central Park for a small skating rink amongst 100+ year old Cottonwood trees.
Reach out to the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre for skate loop updates
All the things you need to play crokicurl are in Strathcona Island Park. Head out for a round or two for winter fun.
On a milder winter day, find five great courses in Medicine Hat, at Kiwanis Central Park, Leinweber Park, Gilwell Park, Kin Coulee Park, and Medicine Hat College Campus.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort is a winter wonderland snug in the prairies, approximately 45 minutes outside of Medicine Hat in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. 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.
Ice fish at three locations in Cypress Hills, Elkwater Lake (pike and perch), Reesor Lake (rainbow trout), and Spruce Coulee Reservoir (brook trout). Please check the thickness of the ice before fishing to ensure safe play.
Camp in the winter with campgrounds and backcountry huts in Elkwater and Spruce Coulee. The sites are reservations only. Call ahead to book and to check road conditions for access.
Experience a good, old-fashioned family Christmas tradition by cutting down your own tree from December 1-24. Permits are required and available at albertaparks.ca. Call Cypress Hills Visitor Centre with any questions or need for additional information.
| Photos by The Connection/Our Village Creative
Make Medicine Hat your basecamp to outdoor experiences.
Sleep under the stars with campgrounds, cabins, and RV parks a short drive from the city. Whether it be rustic backcountry or comfort camping, Southern Alberta offers beautiful scenery, relaxing spaces, and full day adventures.
Wake up to the morning sunshine and bird song in this beautiful tree-filled setting. There are 12 secluded campgrounds spread across the Alberta side of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park that allow you to enjoy the rolling hills and calm outdoors, with options for full hook-ups or completely disconnected.
Book a campsite in Elkwater, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Experience the peaceful atmosphere inside this regional park that’s surrounded by the familiar Southeast Alberta coulees. There are 10 unserviced campsites located near family activities.
Book a campsite in Echo Dale Regional Park
Perched high above the South Saskatchewan River, just minutes by foot from one of the best views of Medicine Hat’s river valley, is Gas City Campground. It is also the starting point for a path that tracks the bench above the South Saskatchewan River to Echo Dale Regional Park, an approximately two-hour bike ride for any family looking to spend a day together. Check out the newly-installed cabins if you’re looking for a comfy, indoor experience.
Book a campsite at Gas City Campground
40 Mile Park is set along a reservoir and has become one of Southern Alberta’s most popular boating, fishing, and RVing spots. The sites are big, the boat launch can handle dozens of vehicles, and the reservoir is big enough for everyone to get on the water.
Book a campsite at 40 Mile Park
The South Saskatchewan River valley at Sandy Point Park is the Canadian Badlands at its finest. You approach it after 100-kilometres of rolling Alberta prairie, which is hypnotic and remarkable in its own right. As you descend into the valley, you’ll see the riverbank is a little campground — a great place to spend the night.
Book a campsite at Sandy Point Park
For those looking for peace and quiet at what feels like their own private fishing hole, Cavan Lake is the place to be. Ideal for the fisherman or anyone looking to set up camp and relax, you can choose from large sites in a well-treed loop surrounding a playground and open park.
Book a campsite at Cavan Lake Recreational Campground
A remarkable setting for a stress-free stay, Redcliff Municipal Campground is two blocks from the town’s downtown, offering the opportunity to restock supplies. For convenience and price, few places can compete with this campground.
Book a campsite at Redcliff Municipal Campground
Check out the other three campgrounds in the city. Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course & Campground, Ross Creek RV Park, and Wildrose Campground.
The Cypress Hills gently rise 600 metres above the surrounding prairie landscape of Southeastern Alberta, making it the highest point between Newfoundland & Labrador and the Canadian Rockies.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or with friends and family, find which spots are perfect for you.
When on the trails, make sure to bring plenty of water, bug spray, and bear spray (there are no bears in the area but carrying bear spray is a good hiking practice).
Lakeview Trail
Bringing a complete view of Elkwater Lake, this flat pathway is paved and is the only wheelchair friendly trail in Elkwater, Alberta.
Firerock Trails
Near Firerock Campground, these family-friendly trails are encompassed in the forested rolling hills.
Horseshoe Canyon Trail
A slightly more adventurous trail with an incline to the viewpoint, this hike is approximately 2-3 hours with a family.
“The trail system never ends here. It’s a looped system, so you can hike as many trails as you’d like during one trip. You can start simple on the trails, and gradually get more and more difficult, while still being very close to the town site.” - Mike Ractliffe, Medicine Hat local.
Spruce Coulee Trail System
Going from Reesor Lake Viewpoint to Battle Creek Campground, this trail is about 25-kilometres one way.
Mystery Trail
A longer trail with more of an incline, this hike is close to the townsite.
Beaver Creek
Reach the viewpoint at the top, and then loop down on Horseshoe Canyon Trail, or another trail that connects downwards.
Spring Creek
A nice trail system that includes equestrian riding.
“While hiking, mountain biking, or equestrian riding, the biggest thing you’re going to find is the diversity of terrain. It feels like you’re in a mountain environment. You’d never know you’re in the middle of the prairies.” - Mike Ractliffe, Medicine Hat local.
Spruce Coulee Campground (walk in tenting only site)
Cypress Hills is one of those places where, because of the environment and climate and diversity in the campgrounds, trails, and wildlife, it’s the perfect place to develop your camping skills and enjoy time spent with friends and family.
“You can find walk-in tent sites, which are next to a lake with minimal cell service. They’re nice, quiet, and secluded. A complete escapism. And then there’s the sharing with friends and family-style, full-service campgrounds, with playgrounds, amenities, and washrooms.” - Mike Ractliffe, Medicine Hat local.
Find more specific information and book your campsite here.
Elkwater Lake
Elkwater Lake brings beautiful views of the rolling hills and open sky. It is located on the beach, where paddlers can float and swim the body of water. It’s an easy spot to hop off when you’re hungry, and hop back on when you’re ready for more. Swirls Ice Cream is located on a beach for a nice, cold sweet treat.
There are motorized boats who also use the lake, so be sure to wear a bright lifejacket and always sit up on your paddle board to increase visibility.
Elkwater is a busier space, used for beach lounging, swimming, boating, and paddling.
Spruce Coulee
Spruce Coulee is snug in the forest, with views of lodgepole pine and aspen trees and wildlife.
It’s a great spot for beginner paddlers, and is narrower than Elkwater Lake. Because the space is enclosed by forest, it brings protection from the wind.
This body of water is closed to motorized boats, so you will only see other paddlers and fisherpeople. Even when it gets busy, you can usually find your own corner where it’s just you, the water, the trees, and the hills.
Swimming is not recommended in this lake.
Safety Tips & Tricks
Always wear a bright lifejacket.
Bring a whistle for emergencies.
Wear sun protection. Cypress Hills feels cooler than Medicine Hat, but the sun rays are still strong.
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Put a phone in a waterproof case with a lanyard, so it’s always accessible and safe.
Paddling Rentals are available at the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre.
Call 403.893.3833 for more information.
“My favourite part about paddling Cypress Hills is the peace you feel. I have a three year old now, and this past summer we paddled together. Being able to share that with him and watch him be so excited about how nice it is out here is so amazing,” says Jen Maheux, Cypress Hills local and co-host of the Outdoor Mama Podcast. “One day we watched a mama duck feed her babies; Cypress Hills is a really special place.”
Brewed, distilled, made, and canned in Medicine Hat.
Step inside this new speakeasy lounge in Medicine Hat, using the secret password to enter. Find a full drink menu from specialty highballs to extravagant cocktails, and a food menu with delicious shareables and made-from-scratch flatbreads, with Grit City’s liquor highlighted throughout the menu. Spot the telephone door, and step into the prohibition era, where every spirit has a story.
680 South Railway St.
Medicine Hat Brewing Company originally served lager, ale, and stout in 1912, but when the Temperance Movement picked up this popular brewery was forced to close. Over a century later, the name was dusted off by the Vancuren family. The dining room honours the name’s historic charm, the impressive food menu sources local Southern Alberta ingredients, and with over 20 beers on tap this local spot focuses on flavour from the food to the brews.
1366 Brier Park Dr. NW
Indulge in everything beer: slushies, cocktails, on tap, and canned. Revolutionary American and traditional European ales with a twist are brewed in small batches inside the historic building in downtown Medicine Hat. Serving a chef curated menu, Travois Ale Works often hosts lively events, like Name that Tune, Bingo, Trivia Night, and their Taproom Dinner Series.
612 3 St. SE
Find fermented beverages filled with healthy probiotics, vitamins, and minerals from this nano-brewery in Medicine Hat. With community collaborations, try olive oil infused kombucha from The Hat’s Olive Tap, and exclusive flavours at Nosh. Your Preference Kombucha also makes water kefir and kombucha gummies.
Sparkling hop water, made with local hops by Medicine Hat Brewing Company.
Sparkling cucumber water, made with local cucumbers by Big Marble Farms.
Carbonated BCAAs and Electrolytes by Tru Me Whole Health.
Kombucha and Water Kefir distilled by Your Preference Kombucha is alcohol free.
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My name is Linda Hoang, and I’m a Canadian blogger and social media strategist based in Edmonton, Alberta.
As an ethical blogger, content creator and social media influencer, I primarily write and photograph travel, lifestyle, and food. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of great Medicine Hat experiences and I know if you replicate them, you’ll have a great time too!
I got to explore Downtown Medicine Hat in southern Alberta, and truly think it is such a cute (and actually fairly large) small city downtown that should be on your list to visit!
Gas lamps line the streets with big, beautiful floral pots hanging from its posts. There’s endless, charming, old brick buildings, many with new murals on their side walls, or in their alleyways. There’s historic buildings, including one of the oldest, still in-service movie theatres in Canada, pop-up parks, a growing number of boutique stores, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. And downtown is also home to several parks along with the city’s art gallery, museum, and public library. Medicine Hat’s downtown is a mix of old and new. It’s lively, full of culture. And it’s super walkable!
Which is how I explored downtown Medicine Hat this July 2020 with my dear friends Jack and Nicole, who are locals to ‘The Hat’ (what the locals call the city).
We spent a full Saturday walking all over downtown, visiting shops, taking in arts and culture, soaking up the sun (Medicine Hat is considered one of the sunniest cities in the country) and of course—eating!
Tour Canada's sunniest city in Southern Alberta
From guided city tours, to observatory and dinner tours, cafe & market tour, art tours, and more, board the Sunshine Trolley and experience Medicine Hat at local spots.
Hop on Medicine Hat’s Sunshine Trolley for an in-depth and personal guided tour of Medicine Hat from a long-time ‘Hatter’. See the most prominent landmarks in Canada’s Sunniest City, from the World’s Tallest Saamis Tepee, to National Historic Site Medalta in the Historic Clay District, and Alberta’s oldest brick residence Ewart-Duggan house. Learn the history of neighbourhoods and streets along the way, with an invite to hop off and briefly explore the prominent areas.
*Children 12 and under ride free thanks to the Medicine Hat Mavericks! *Pick-up for the Sunshine Trolleys is at the Visitor Information Centre, 330 Gehring Rd. SW.
Both Sunshine Trolleys are accessible and can assist those with wheelchairs, walkers, and any other mobility needs for getting in and out of the Sunshine Trolley. Please book a wheelchair-specific seat on our ticket booking site. If no seat is available that means we have sold out for that ride.
Anyone booking a wheelchair seat is asked to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure easy boarding.
Weddings, reunions, private sightseeing tours and so much more. The Sunshine Trolley can be booked privately and is a great way to experience Medicine Hat.
For updates and information, follow @sunshine.trolleys on Facebook and Instagram.
A 2008 Supreme Trolley purchased from a vintage vehicle collector in Newfoundland. Thus Trolley is propelled by a 5.9L diesel Cummins engine that was newly-built in 2019, by Cummins in South Carolina. Tourism Medicine Hat purchased this unit in 2022.
A 2011 Supreme Trolley purchased out of Arlington, Texas. This larger Trolley was put on a flatbed truck and transported from Arlington to Medicine Hat in 2025. It needed a full engine rebuild when it arrived, and hit the road in November of 2025.
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