Medicine Hat | Canada's Alberta

Experience the endless beauty of the South Saskatchewan River Valley.

Stumble upon small-town charm and energy among the city streets. Medicine Hat is a hub for cultural attractions and outdoor adventures in southeast Alberta. A peaceful river runs through this sun-soaked city, surrounded by scenic, wide-open spaces.

Stroll or bike through over 150 km (93 mi) of trails on your way to local festivals, cafes, breweries and sparkling lakes.

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Transportation Hub: YYC Calgary International Airport
Must see: Medalta in the Historic Clay District
Population: 67,909
Nearby City: Calgary - 293 km (182.1 mi)

Memorable heritage sites

Admire Manitoba maple and white spruce trees in the historic Saratoga Park and visit the Esplanade to absorb Alberta’s southeastern architectural roots.

Local art and cuisine

Wander through a collection of murals by international and local graffiti artists or stop in at one of Medicine Hat’s microbreweries for snacks and craft beverages.

Inspiring natural marvels

Escape into the peaceful Prairies for numerous outdoor activities. Walk or bike down maintained trails and watch the wildlife of the grasslands and rolling hills.

Welcome to Medicine Hat

Situated in southeast Alberta, Medicine Hat is a hub for cultural attractions and outdoor adventures. The South Saskatchewan River runs through the city and wide-open spaces surround it, boasting breathtaking scenery.

Stroll or bike through over 150 km (93 mi) of trails weaving through the rolling prairies and coulees in one of Canada’s sunniest locations. From local art and music festivals to nearby campgrounds and lakes, there are gems for all types of adventurers to discover.

A young couple looking at pottery inside the historic Medalta in the Historic Clay District building near Medicine Hat. — Learn about the history of Medicine Hat’s clay industry.

Woman posing for a photo on old train tracks near Medalta in the Historic Clay District in Medicine Hat. — Take a picture with Medalta’s old train tracks in the Historic Clay District.

Things to do

Take in the dramatic landscapes and fascinating culture of Medicine Hat. Explore untouched wilderness and historic sites.

Event

Tongue on the Post Festival

Feel the beat at Western Canada’s first winter folk festival. Hosted at Medalta every year, a community hub, art gallery and museum.

Saamis Tepee

Walk through the world’s largest tepee to learn about Indigenous history. The structure is as tall as a 20-story building and bears stories of the Blackfoot confederacy, the Plains Cree way of life and more.

Strathcona Island Park

Feel refreshed alongside the South Saskatchewan River. Bring the family for a day in one of the city’s 200 park areas or launch your boat into the river’s cool waters.

City Art Murals

Take yourself on a self-guided tour of the city’s art-covered walls. The collection of eye-catching public art brightens Medicine Hat’s downtown core.

A couple walks through the historic brick-making factory in Medalta in the Historic Clay District.

Medalta Historic Clay District

Try your hand at pottery or browse the Medalta contemporary museum. The building has been standing for over a century and hosts cultural events, tours and more.

Places to eat

Dish up on an array of unique local cuisines and treat yourself to fresh ingredients sourced from Alberta’s Prairies.

Grit Distillery

Sip hand-crafted beverages at Medicine Hat’s only distillery. Pair one-of-a-kind drinks with a diverse brunch menu for a positive start to the day.

Redcliff Bakery & Eatery

Savour freshly made baking and quality bread. For over 25 years, this bakery has created cinnamon buns, donuts and other homemade desserts for the community.

The Yard

Find an assortment of local foods, food trucks and Albertan craft drinks. Take a seat at the seasonal patio downtown and relax in a friendly atmosphere.

Swirls

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of high-quality ice cream. This family establishment offers new flavours every season along with old favourites.

A young woman in a car on a road trip

Places to stay

From comfortable rooms to rustic log cabins, Medicine Hat has numerous accommodation options.

Medicine Hat Lodge Resort, Casino & Spa

Enjoy a stay at southern Alberta’s only 4-star resort and Medicine Hat’s largest hotel entertainment complex. Explore multiple dining options, a serene spa and more.

Elkwater Lake Lodge and Resort

Take part in year-round recreation at this resort under an hour’s drive from Medicine Hat. Pick between modern condos or pleasant cabins for your ideal stay.

Clarion Pointe

Settle into this charming hotel, conveniently located for outdoor recreation. Kin Coulee Park, Windmill Garden Centre and more are within close distance of your door.

Featured Itineraries

3 Days

Journey Along the Highway 3 Ale Trail

Craft beer meets stunning prairie landscapes along the Highway 3 Ale Trail. Discover innovative breweries in this charming pocket of Southern Alberta.

A couple walks along the rocks at Lundbreck Falls, located near the Crowsnest Pass.

7 Days

Experience Southern Alberta

Discover what southern Alberta has to offer, like the landscape of the Canadian Badlands, towering mountains and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visitors on a plant walk with Matricia Bauer

13 Days

Alberta Indigenous and Cultural Experiences

Embark on an epic tour to learn more about Alberta’s rich Indigenous history and culture. Explore natural wonders, historic sites and educational centres - one urban hub at a time.

11 Days

Landscapes and Cultural Discovery

Immerse yourself in a culturally-infused journey punctuated with remarkable landscapes, historic sites and natural wonders.

Featured Stories

Woman sitting on bench in front of Medicine Hat sign

5 min read

Best Ways to Spend Winter in Medicine Hat

Visitors have the best of both worlds when exploring Medicine Hat in winter. This Southern Alberta city offers year-round patio weather and easy access to the mountains.

3 min read

Ten Reasons to Visit the Medicine Hat Area This Summer

Medicine Hat has it all: a lively craft beer and coffee trail, a vibrant arts scene and beautiful parks perfect for exploring.

Dogs in a sidecar on Whyte Avenue at night.

3 min read

Pooches on Patios: Alberta’s Restaurants Embrace Trend of Dining with Your Dog

You’ll find several dog-friendly patios at restaurants, bars and breweries across Alberta. Many of them dole out little extras to pamper your pooch, too.

6 min read

The Five Best Road Cycling Routes in Alberta

Learn about the best road cycling routes in Alberta, from the Canadian Rockies to the Badlands, including some off-the-beaten-path adventures.