Medicine Hat Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and places to stay in Medicine Hat. Plan your next adventure in Southern Alberta with our ultimate travel guide.


Introduction to Medicine Hat

Nestled in Southern Alberta, Medicine Hat is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As the sunniest city in Canada, with over 330 days of sunshine per year, Medicine Hat offers visitors an ideal year-round destination. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or just a relaxing getaway, you’re sure to find it in Medicine Hat.

List of Places to Visit in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat offers a multitude of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here is a list of must-visit places in Medicine Hat:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Medalta Potteries National Historic Site: Located in the historic clay district, this unique museum showcases the history of the pottery industry in Medicine Hat.
  • Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre: This center is home to several art galleries, a museum, and a 700 seat theatre.
  • Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District: This district offers a unique look at the city’s historic clay and pottery industry.
  • Saamis Tepee: Standing at 65 meters tall, the Saamis Tepee is the world’s tallest tepee and an iconic symbol of Medicine Hat.
  • Historic Downtown: Stroll through the quaint downtown area, filled with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Natural Attractions of Medicine Hat: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pakowki Lake: A popular spot for camping, fishing, and boating.
  • Echo Dale Regional Park: This park offers hiking trails, a beach, and a reservoir for swimming and kayaking.
  • Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park: This park offers camping, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing.
  • Police Point Park: This nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and offers hiking trails, canoeing, and birdwatching.
  • Red Rock Coulee Natural Area: This unique geological formation is home to several hoodoos and is a great spot for hiking and photography.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Medicine Hat

With its scenic natural beauty and numerous parks and trails, Medicine Hat is the perfect destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Medicine Hat:

  • Medicine Hat River Valley: This trail runs along the South Saskatchewan River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  • Coulee Viewpoint: A popular hiking trail with stunning views of the coulees.
  • King’s Park: This park offers a paved trail perfect for a leisurely bike ride or stroll.
  • Echo Dale Regional Park: This park has several hiking and biking trails for all skill levels.

Best Things to Do in Medicine Hat: Activities and Tours

In addition to the above mentioned attractions, Medicine Hat offers a wide range of activities and tours. Here are the best things to do in Medicine Hat:

  • Medalta Pottery Classes: Take a pottery class at one of Canada’s oldest ceramic factories.
  • Golfing: Medicine Hat has several beautiful golf courses, including Paradise Valley Golf Course and Desert Blume Golf Club.
  • Sightseeing Tour: Take a guided tour of the city to learn about the history and culture of Medicine Hat.
  • Craft Beer Tour: Medicine Hat is home to several microbreweries, take a tour and sample some of the best local beer.
  • Horseback Riding: Explore the scenic beauty of Medicine Hat’s countryside on horseback.

Week-Long Itinerary for Medicine Hat

If you are planning a week-long vacation in Medicine Hat, here is a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Historic Downtown and Saamis Tepee
Day 2 Visit Medalta Potteries, then take a hike in Police Point Park
Day 3 Take a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a round of golf
Day 4 Take a pottery class at Medalta Potteries, then visit Echo Dale Regional Park
Day 5 Horseback riding in the countryside, followed by a craft beer tour
Day 6 Visit the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, followed by a hike in Red Rock Coulee Natural Area
Day 7 Day trip to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Food and Drink Scene of Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is known for its unique cuisine and craft beer scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crispy Chicken Burger: A local favorite, this burger is made with crispy fried chicken, lettuce, tomato, and aioli sauce.
  • Alberta Beef: Alberta is known for its high-quality beef, make sure to try a juicy steak during your visit.
  • Bison Burger: For a healthier option, try a bison burger topped with grilled onions and mushrooms.
  • Lemon Pie: A refreshing dessert made with creamy lemon filling and a crumbly crust.
  • Fudge: Medicine Hat is home to several fudge shops, try some of the local flavors like maple or cranberry.

Local Beverages

  • Medicine Hat Brewing Company: This microbrewery offers a variety of craft beers, including a blonde, red, and IPA.
  • Hell’s Basement Brewery: Another popular microbrewery, Hell’s Basement Brewery offers a wide range of beers, including a Belgian wheat and an Irish stout.
  • The Garage Pub & Eatery: This pub has an extensive beer menu, with over 50 different beers from all over the world.
  • Medicine Hat Distillery: This distillery offers a variety of spirits, including vodka, gin, and whiskey.

Where to Stay in Medicine Hat: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Medicine Hat has a wide range of accommodations for all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Medicine Hat:

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites: A great option for families, this hotel has an indoor pool and hot tub.
  • More Than A Room: This cozy guesthouse offers a unique homestay experience.
  • HI Medicine Hat: A great option for budget travelers, this hostel has a variety of dorms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Medicine Hat: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for a unique souvenir to bring back home? Medicine Hat has several local products and souvenirs to choose from, including:

  • Pottery: Medicine Hat has a rich history in pottery, make sure to pick up a piece or two from Medalta Pottery.
  • Fudge: Medicine Hat is home to several fudge shops, pick up a personalized box in one of the many flavors to bring back home.
  • Cattle and Bison Herd Coasters: Perfect for your home bar, pick up a set of coasters designed with Medicine Hat’s cattle and bison herds.
  • Local Beverages: Bring home a bottle of the locally brewed beer from Medicine Hat Brewing Company or Hell’s Basement Brewery.

Local Culture and Customs of Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is known for its cowboy culture and friendly locals. Here are some interesting facts about Medicine Hat’s local customs and culture:

  • Cowboy Culture: Medicine Hat has a rich cowboy history, make sure to check out the annual Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.
  • Friendly Locals: Medicine Hat is known for its friendly locals, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation while exploring the city.
  • Love for Skies: Medicine Hat is known for its clear blue skies and views, which is reflected in its art and architecture.

Best Time to Visit Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the summer months from June to August. The weather is warm and sunny during this time, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Medicine Hat

Do:

  • Do try local cuisine: Medicine Hat is known for its unique cuisine and craft beer scene, so make sure to try some local dishes and beverages.
  • Do be friendly: The locals in Medicine Hat are known for their hospitality, so be friendly and strike up a conversation.
  • Do explore the outdoors: Medicine Hat has a wealth of natural parks and trails to explore, so make sure to explore the great outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter: Medicine Hat is known for its pristine nature, so make sure to dispose of your trash properly.
  • Don’t forget to tip: Tipping is customary in Canada, make sure to tip your servers and service personnel.
  • Don’t break local customs: Make sure to be respectful of local customs and culture, such as removing shoes when entering homes.

Safety and Health

Safety in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it is always recommended to take basic safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping your valuables secure.

Health in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat has several hospitals and medical clinics for emergency or routine medical care. It is also recommended to purchase travel health insurance before your trip to be prepared for any unexpected medical emergencies.

Getting to Medicine Hat: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Medicine Hat

  • Medicine Hat Airport: This small regional airport is served by WestJet and Air Canada.

Bus Stations Near Medicine Hat

  • Greyhound: Greyhound operates a bus station in Medicine Hat, with routes to other cities in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Other Options

  • Driving: Medicine Hat is easily accessible by car, with several highways connecting Medicine Hat to other cities in Alberta.
  • Train: Via Rail operates a train station in nearby Lethbridge, with connections to other major cities in Canada.

How to Get Around in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat has a public transportation system operated by the Medicine Hat Transit. You can also rent a car or hire a taxi to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Medicine Hat: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Medicine Hat is a great starting point for exploring the surrounding areas. Here are some destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Banff National Park: One of Canada’s most popular destinations, Banff National Park is just a few hours’ drive from Medicine Hat.
  • Dinosaur Provincial Park: Home to one of the world’s biggest concentrations of dinosaur fossils, this park is just an hour and a half’s drive from Medicine Hat.
  • Calgary: Alberta’s largest city is just a three-hour drive from Medicine Hat.

Conclusion

Medicine Hat is a hidden gem in Alberta, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and friendly locals. With so much to see and do, a visit to Medicine Hat is a must for any traveler to Southern Alberta.

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