Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

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MEDICINE HAT

Along with many other features, Echo Dale Regional Park is home to many of the city’s amazing mountain biking trails.

Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown is filled with locally owned shops and boutiques that are unique to the city, including Botanicals located on North Railway Street.

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Land Acknowledgment We acknowledge that Southern Alberta is situated on Treaty 7 and Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (blood), Piikani (Peigan), Stoney- Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina (Sarcee) as well as the Cree, Sioux and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples. We acknowledge that the Blackfoot Confederacy never surrendered its land in the signing of Treaty 7 but agreed to share it. We recognize and deeply appreciate Blackfoot peoples’ connec tion to this place. We acknowledge that we, as people living and benefiting on these lands, are accountable to the laws and protocols of the people who have cared for this land. It is our intention to continue learning how to honor this responsibility and relationship. Today, Southern Alberta is home to a diverse population of Indigenous peoples, which now includes Métis Region 3, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples. We recognize the contributions Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this commu nity in particular.

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Medicine Hat Sunshine Trolley

Explore prominent landmarks and sceneries in Canada’s Sunniest City with Medicine Hat’s Sunshine Trolley. Medalta in the Historic Clay District 10-11

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A National Historic Site, converted into an industrial heritage museum, art gallery, and host to international clay artists. Downtown Murals Medicine Hat Mural Fest invites local and national artists to paint the downtown’s historic brick walls. Visit 15 murals located in the downtown area with this tour. Indy Coffee Tour Stops Medicine Hat loves coffee, so much so, we’ve curated a coffee tour featuring four very unique coffee shops in the downtown area. Downtown Bakery Tour Treating yourself doesn’t stop here. We invite you to try over six locally-owned bakeries in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown. Dog-friendly Patios Travelling with your furry best friend? These eateries are guaranteed to please both you and your pup. Golf Experience six of Medicine Hat’s golf courses, surrounded by beautiful scenic views. Biking Whether you seek adventure on the mountain biking trails, or like a leisure ride, Medicine Hat is full of diverse biking trails that suit every level. On the Water The South Saskatchewan River and Seven Persons Creek allows for a full day on the water. Trails With 155 kilometres of trails, we’ve named a few trails you can explore while visiting Canada’s Sunniest City. A Full Day with Family We list over 14 ways you can spend the day with your family. Camping Medicine Hat and southeast Alberta deliver beautiful camping experiences

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Enjoying the story? Don’t stop reading!

Scan this QR code found throughout the Experience Medicine Hat guide to be redirected to the article on our website! Grab a cup of coffee, read through our stories, and plan your next adventure to Canada’s Sunniest City.

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Downtown

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Indigenous Spaces & Places

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Food & Drink

Medicine Hat’s Name Medicine Hat inherited its name from the native word “Saamis” which is loosely translated as “medicine man’s hat.” Several legends tell this story, one of which is beautifully depicted in a sculptured brick mural at City Hall. The legend tells of a winter with great

The Great Spirit told the man to spend the night on a small island (Strathcona Island Park) and “in the morning when the sun lights the cut-banks, go to the base of the great cliffs and there you will find a bag containing medicines and a Saamis (holy bohnet)”. The hat, he was told, was to be worn only in war, and would ensure victory to the wearer. Aided by the magic of his Saamis, the young hunter located the much-needed game, saved his people, and eventually became a great Medicine Man. Thus, the first “medicine hat”; a symbol of leadership, prowess, and mysticism on the western plains, came into existence. The city which was destined

to perpetuate with its name was founded at the location of the ancient legend. In 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway stopped to build a train bridge across the South Saskatchewan River. With the construction, a tent town was born taking the name from the numerous legends. A nearby hill was marked by the name Medicine Hat on a map of the Department of Interior the same year. In the CPR’s search for water, their drills accidentally struck natural gas west of town, heralding the exploration that mapped out one of the largest gas fields in North America, providing Medicine Hat with its moniker “The Gas City”.

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famine and hardship for the Blackfoot nation. The elders of the Council chose a young man to save his tribe from starvation. After many arduous days he made his way to the “breathing hole”, an opening in the ice of the South Saskatchewan River believed to be the place of the Great Spirit. The young hunter made camp and summoned the spirits who appeared in the form of a serpent.

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for you to enjoy. Hotel Listings

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Cover Image Travel Alberta/Chris Amat The Medicine Hat 2022 Experience Guide is produced and printed for free distribution in Canada by Tourism Medicine Hat. Tourism Medicine Hat is managed by the Medicine Hat Destination Marketing Organization under contract through the City of Medicine Hat. Partners of Tourism Medicine Hat provide information for this guide and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of printing. Tourism Medicine Hat assumes no responsibility for any unpredictable errors, changes and/or omissions. Printed in Canada

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Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Select from our many accommodations and review their amenities. FAQ en Francais

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Photo Travel Alberta/Chris Amat

Photo Travel Alberta/Chris Amat

Medicine Hat Sunshine Trolley What’s the best way to view a city? Medicine Hat’s Sunshine Trolley is your history behind each must-see destina tion told by the locals. Once you arrive at each spot, you’re invited to briefly

adventure the area and soak in Medicine Hat’s culture. Experience the vibrant, feel-good atmosphere, and enjoy your trip in the most stress-free way possible! Operates Seasonally

way to explore the most prominent landmarks and sceneries in Canada’s Sunniest City, starting from the Visitor’s Information Centre. Bring your head phones, scan a Trolley Stories QR code, and along the way you can listen to the

Travel stickers available at the Medalta Gift Shop (713 Medalta Ave SE) and Visitor Information Centre (330 Gehring Rd SW).

Get your tickets at: buy.tixx.ca/sunshinetrolley

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Stops Here. The Sunshine Trolley operates during summer months. Check the Tourism Medicine Hat website for schedule and Tixx.ca for tickets.

Pottery Collection (Schlachter Gallery) These pieces represent nearly every factory that ever oper ated in Medicine Hat! Tony Schalchter is a prolific collector of Medicine Hat pottery, and that shows in this incredible collection of over 2,500 pieces. It all began with a nondescript chicken waterer that Tony found on his farm in 1954. Other unique pieces include “The Donkey with a Secret”, “Mini Medalta” and the unsuccessful “Beehive Insulator”. Visit the gallery and see if you can find these pieces hidden away in the gallery! Museum Tours Step back in time by navigating through Medalta’s Old Factory. When this factory began operating over a century ago, a single electric engine ran through each of these rooms, connecting every machine. Now you can walk through these same spaces with our knowledgeable tour providers who will pass on all of the stories we have discovered about the Historic Clay District. Who are James Marshall and Jack Forbes? How many fires tried to burn down Medalta Potteries? How does a kiln work anyway? Find out these answers and more by joining a guided tour at Medalta!

Beehive Kilns at Medalta in the Historic Clay District.

Medalta in the Historic Clay District Imagine a place where you can breathe in traces of our industrial heritage, learn through hands-on activities, be inspired by artistic expression, and experience the heart of community in Medicine Hat.

Beehive Kilns These iconic beehive kilns were used to fire pottery and built using medieval designs, relying on gravity to keep the over head domes together. Think about that for a second… there is no mortar holding these structures together! All around the base of the kilns, you’ll also notice little archways which is where the fire entered the kilns through long gas pipes. The kilns would produce so much heat, they could make a penny evaporate! At Medalta, you can explore empty kilns, as well as one filled with all kinds of Medalta pottery from throughout the ages.

Medalta in the Historic Clay District is that place. Medalta is a National Historic Site that has been converted into an indus trial heritage museum. Far from a static museum, Medalta is a dynamic space that activates community and inspires change. Their entire campus is the result of a dedicated restoration effort supported by the local community and all three levels of government. The result is a stunning context for dynamic experiences. Medalta is a venue for community economic development, educational programming, artistic expression and practice, and heritage preservation. @medalta medalta.org 403.529.1070 713 Medalta Avenue SE

Photo Travel Alberta/John Price

Travel stickers available at the Medalta Gift Shop (713 Medalta Ave SE) and Visitor Information Centre (330 Gehring Rd SW).

Exploring the kilns inside Medalta in the Historic Clay District.

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Historic Downtown

Medicine Hat's 2 St SE is home to historic buildings that have been standing since the 1900s.

Linda Hoang walks past a downtown mural by California artist Fasm.

Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown architecture was primarily influenced by the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883 and subsequent clay and natural gas discoveries. Today, Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown is home to a revived culture of creativity anchored by Medalta in the Historic Clay District’s contemporary ceramic arts center, the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, and numerous studios and arts organizations in the downtown core. Many of those early rail-inspired brick buildings are still standing and occupied by independent retailers, coffee shops, studios, and breweries who have encouraged a new generation of creative expression. Many downtown business owners have invited local and international graffiti and mural artists to turn the exterior sides of their buildings into public artworks. The result is a bright collection of murals that express our local identity and culture.

A Day In Downtown Food Stops And Shops To Visit

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’. 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! Read all about Linda’s Day in the ‘Hat’ on her blog lindahoangblog lindork linda-hoang.com

I’m allllll about cute, small town, small city downtowns. And luckily, there are a lot of those in Alberta! Most recently, 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

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Two people enjoy the natural light and sweet aromas inside Redcliff Bakery.

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Woodman Ave NE Woodman Ave NE Indy Coffee Tour Stops Each with its own personality, the down town coffee sh ps offer exceptional coffee with stories to tell. All within close distance to each other, fully experience Medicine Hat's Historic Downtown with our Indy Coffee Tour! Braemer St SE Public Art Enjoy a meandering walk downtown to explore this free and fully accessible artistic diversity from local to international, and emerging to stablished Artists. Appreciate the details on page 24 Balmoral St SE Yuil St SE it’s a drink, ice cream, or a plant in hand, you’ll have beautiful scenery surrounding you in these warm places. Appreciate the warmth on page 27 Downtown Bakery Tour The tastiest of our tours will bring you to each bakery in the downtown area. All sweet and savoury treats are made in-house, and inside historic buildings along second and third street. Taste the variety on page 28 Dominion St SE James Marshall Murals One of the most prominent artists in the city’s history, enjoy a tour of James Marshall’s beautiful brick murals. Discover more on page 22 Downtown Medicine Hat has outdoor spots to enjoy our 330 days of sunshine! Whether 5 St SE Ross St SE Savour the locations on page 25 Sunniest Spaces Tour Historic Downtown Tour Many downtown Medicine Hat building have been here since the 1900s. Tour the most prominent buildings in the city, and see the inside of some as they’ve been renovated into cafes and restaurants. Find out more on page 16 Downtown Murals Since 2018, local, national and international artists have been invited to paint over vandalized brick walls in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown. Tour the many awe-in spiring and breathtaking downtown murals. See details on page 18

Self-Guided Downtown Tours Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown is ideally suited for wandering with a cold or hot drink in hand. Take in the history and art that makes our downtown so great! The pins on the map indicate points of interest that are referenced in their particular sections found in the column to the right.

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3 Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church In 2019, this Church was officially designated a municipal historical site. It was originally built in 1913, but follow ing a tragic fire, it had been rebuilt in 1931. This commanding architecture has massive ogee arched stained glass windows, with tall towers on each of the front corners. The Church is still used today to serve the Religious and community needs in Medicine Hat. 4 St. Barnabas Anglican Church If you look at the orientation of St. Barnabas Anglican Church, you will notice it does not directly line up with True North. Instead, it is laid out exactly east and west in relation to the sunrise on St. Barnabas Day (a few degrees different). Go ahead, come back on June 11, and see for yourself. 5 Hull Block At 17-years-old, William Roper Hull moved to Canada from England to work on a relative’s farm. Ever ambitious, he and his brother grew a small Calgary butcher shop business into Western Canada’s first systematic beef process ing operation. He built buildings across Alberta, including downtown Medicine Hat’s largest and most significant building, the Hull Block. 6 Cypress Club In the early twentieth century, as US journalists made Medicine Hat the butt of jokes about supplying bad weather, a vote was set to take place regarding a city name change. Those in favour of the city’s name gathered at the Cypress Club and drafted a letter to English author, Rudyard Kipling, asking him to weigh in. His impassioned response arrived in Medicine Hat weeks later, urging the city to “proudly go forward as Medicine Hat – the only city officially recognized as capable of freezing out the United States and giving the continent cold feet.” Thanks to that letter, Medicine Hat was here to stay.

10 Turpin Block Another example of building in optimis tic times can be found in the Turpin Block, which was built in 1905. It is considered to be one of the first build ings designed by architect William T. Williams after his arrival from the United States. What you see of the Turpin Block today is approximately one-third of the full building, which was damaged by fire in 1999. The original building was recre ated at Calgary’s Heritage Park.

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During World War I, this branch took great pride in their staff members’ effort on the battlefield. Sgt JC Matheson was a member of the 10th Battalion and left a heartfelt letter detailing his battalion’s role in the second Battle of Ypres. With bullet holes in his helmet, no food or water, and dying soldiers all around, he pondered, “how I ever came through is a mystery to me.” 8 Monarch Theatre “Can’t we figure out some scheme to make a bunch of coin this year?” asked WB Finlay, one of Medicine Hat’s early businessmen. When the answer to this question was to farm, he exclaimed, “well dammit then, let’s grow wheat!” WB Finlay would eventually focus his entrepreneurial skill on building Medicine Hat’s Monarch Theatre. It stands today as the oldest in Alberta, predating the Fort MacLeod theatre by months. 9 Beveridge Building In the early twentieth century, Hatters were optimistic about their future, thanks to a manufacturing boom centered on natural gas and clay deposits. That optimism led to the construction of several large, remarkable buildings like the Beveridge Building. Furniture was sold here from 1911 1984. Today, it stands with an event space on the third floor, Heritage Events, an eatery on the first and second floor, The Mezz Bar & Eatery, and a speakeasy lounge in the basement, Nineteen 11.

A couple enjoys a coffee outside the Hargrave Sissons Block on a self-guided tour downtown.

Historic Downtown Tour

2 St. John’s Presbyterian Church The first church building downtown, St. John’s also served as the first school house. At a 1901 meeting, a woman named Mrs. Blatchford proposed the

It is little known outside of Medicine Hat, but during World War II, the city was home to Canada’s largest prisoner of war camp, which held 12,000 prisoners, more than the population of the city. 1 Courthouse When the Medicine Hat Courthouse was constructed in 1919-1920, it was the first of its kind design wise, with its Beaux-Arts Classicism style. The two-story building was designated a Provincial Historic Resource and inspired the design of at least two other subse quent provincial courthouses. It is the most elaborate, oldest, and best model of its style to this day.

building of a new church that could be a better representation of a growing congregation. The motion was carried, and the church standing today was officially opened in September 1902.

11 Hargrave-Sissons Block Brothers-in-law James Hargrave and Dan Sissons came to Medicine Hat in 1883 and set up a ranch on Riverside and built a wooden store downtown and a trading post at Fort Carlton on the North Saskatchewan. They often traded goods for livestock and even buffalo bones. Hargrave became known as the “Great Bone King”. 12 Canadian Pacific Railway Station Thanks to early reports that Southern Alberta was unsuitable for agriculture, engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, originally proposed the CPR avoid Southern Alberta altogether (he also designed Canada’s first postage stamp and advocated for worldwide standard time). If it wasn’t for a CPR decision to overturn Sandford’s decision, this Chateau-style station (one of the finest in Canada) would never have been built.

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Madhatter Coffee Roastery, be sure to check out this mural across the street above Motiv. 3 Deer in the City Painted by local artist Wendy Struck, Deer in the City is a fittingly named tribute to the commonly sighted deer who live along the river valley and can be seen throughout Medicine Hat.

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2 Indigenous Woman Two tattoo artists from Calgary, honorboundtattoos and danbirdtat toos, worked together to bring this mural to life. They’ve both recently moved towards mural painting, and this was one of their first pieces. While the majority of the mural is spray-painted, the trees in the background were created with a house-paint roller. Once you’ve grabbed your coffee from

Painted in 2020 by Teanna Church, a message of hope is tucked into a small corner on the upper edges of downtown Medicine Hat. It is worth the walk to see the pretty floral mural carrying the message “no rain, no flowers.” Beautiful in its simplicity and featuring a bouquet of nearly a dozen flowers, this small mural is one of the most inspiring in the city.

Indigenous Silkscreen Artist painted by Young Jarus during Medicine Hat Mural Fest.

Downtown Murals Medicine Hat Mural Fest started in 2018 when Jeff Goring saw more possibilities for the vandalized brick walls in the city, so he invited artists from across Canada to bring colour and new stories through mural paintings. The murals now found on every street in

paintings on a wall. Local artists have the opportunity to paint beside, learn from, and collaborate with the out-of town artists who share the same passion and artistic calling, through murals that give visitors and community members hope, inspiration, and a lovely piece of art to admire. “In life, if you’re interested in large scale paintings, you don’t always have the opportunity to be given a large wall to paint on. To me, this is about showing local artists that they can really do this. Art is an outlet for a lot of people, and it’s a needed outlet,” says Goring. “We

always try to add meaningful murals to the downtown. You can change the look and change the atmosphere just by putting up some quality and positive art.”

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Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown come from local and national artists who’ve painted in France, Mumbai, Ukraine, Spain, Portugal, and many other cities and countries around the world. For the community, this mural festival has become something bigger than

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4 Indigenous Silkscreen Artist As you walk down Fifth Ave, you’ll see a mural of an Indigenous silkscreen artist from Toronto that was painted by Young Jarus. Jarus has been a huge influence for the large scale art scene in Canada. Using only a brush taped to an extended pole, he freehands his entire paintings without using a projector. After spending a few days painting this mural, Jarus left for Vancouver to paint an 11-storey building. His original style is the shaded eyes and long drips. 5 Penny Profit One of the best and most prominent examples of classic graffiti in Medicine Hat, this mural covers the long-standing Penny Profit discount store’s back wall almost entirely. The mural depicts a stylized graffiti artist spraying graffiti on the walls of Canada’s Sunniest City. This mural was a collabo ration between Australia-based artist c4m71 and local artist Will Oskam. 6 Hope and A Future Bright, in both imagery and message, this mural by Medicine Hat artist Sonz1 is an unavoidable message of positivity and optimism. Found on the Southwest wall of The Hat’s Olive Tap in the downtown core, this welcoming message greets every one and reminds us that there is indeed hope and a future for all.

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Local artist Kari Kanvas painted this mural in 2019 with a spray can for the first time. The mural was in commemoration of the lives lost due to those battling with addictions, and she invited over 30 families impacted to paint a butterfly on the mural. More of Kari Kanvas’ paintings can be found inside Moose & Squirrel Bistro and on South Railway Street. 11 Moose & Squirrel Bistro From the front all the way to the back, this outdoor ice cream spot is full of colourful murals that each tell an array of stories from different artists. From the “Hello Gorgeous” painting in large white font on a black brick background, to a mural in honor of the owner’s cat, there are many paintings here that will catch your attention while you cool down with a cold dessert on a warm summer’s day. 12 Growing Hope in Our Community The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter and Station Coffee Company teamed up to promote a feeling of hope with this mural by Sarah Slaughter Art. “Growing Hope in Our Community” is a positive message designed as a reminder that no one should have to endure family violence, and there are those who can help.

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Edmonton, Alberta-based artist Josh Creighton explores the dimensions between composition

North Railway St. Side —The Underpass is a hub of street art con necting Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown to North Railway Street’s eclectic neighbourhood and into the park-like River Flats neighbourhood. This mural features a combination of geometric shapes, intersecting straight lines, and circles. Blues, greens, and greys are reminiscent of the city’s iconic Assiniboia Hotel sign, which can be seen in this mural’s background. The Underpass Interior — Medicine Hat’s downtown tunnel has been transformed into a showcase for dozens of local graffiti artists, sponsored and vetted by the Medicine Hat-based Pop Up Parks organization. As with all art, it starts underground before emerging for This animated mural adds colour to one of Medicine Hat’s most historic streets, North Railway Street. The mural was inspired by the blossoming plants that live inside Botanicals and is painted on the outside of the business’ building. Local artist Christy Vince, Paintergirl, has a lively style, and this mural is the perfect backdrop to any photo that radiates sunshine and warm weather. the world to see. 15 Botanicals

13 Vehicle Underpass One of the most striking murals is also one of the easiest to miss. Mere minutes from the Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park, this bright, colourful mural was led by street artists Doktoer and Jesse Gouchey as an homage to missing and murdered Indigenous women. Across Canada, hundreds of unsolved cases of murdered or missing Indigenous women where the RCMP say there was no foul play. This mural is a reminder that all life has value, and we must not turn a blind eye to injustice. 14 Tunnel Vision South Railway St. Side — In 1988, the Northwest of Medicine Hat. A legacy project of the 1988 Olympics was the Saamis Tepee, which now sits along the Trans-Canada Highway in Medicine Hat. This mural features an artistic silhouette of the Tepee during a bright Medicine Hat summer sunset. This vibrant piece is a combined effort by Will Oskam, Sonz1, and California-based FASM Creative. Winter Olympics were held in Calgary, only 300 kilometres

and complementary colour configurations. 9 Somnium (the Face)

This mural is another excellent example of classic graffiti. Bacon, a Toronto-based artist, is known for his colourful works. His Medicine Hat piece, titled Somnium (the Face), brings life to Medicine Hat’s historic Assiniboia Hotel.

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7 The Yard This family-friendly seasonal patio has an energetic mural painted on the large, brick walls, adding extra personality to the outdoor hangout spot. The graffiti artists came up with the idea to create a futuristic, robot theme with similar colours they’d collaboratively paint with. Conz and Toner finished this mural in a few days. With a fresh drink in hand, your eyes will never bore looking at the artwork around you.

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1 Stations of the Cross In 1995, Marshall was asked by a group of Catholic nuns to depict Jesus’ condemnation, crucifixion, rise and ascension in a series of 17 murals. Soon after beginning, his studio was hit with the flood of 1995, collapsing mural 13. Luckily, it was rebuilt and installed in time for the turn of the millennium. 2 St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church and National Historic Site St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church is one of Medicine Hat’s most visible landmarks. Inside, the ascension of Christ can be found, completing Marshall’s Stations of the Cross. It is the 17th of Marshall’s Stations of the Cross, with the first 16 found a block away. 3 Medicine Hat City Hall Marshall’s first mural shows the Legend of the Saamis, from which the city of Medicine Hat draws its name. According tribesman, his new wife, and wolf dog to save the starving tribe. Following the frozen South Saskatchewan River, the group found Medicine Hat’s river valley. After summoning spirits from an unfrozen hole in the river, a giant serpent emerged and asked for sacrifice in exchange for special powers of hunting prowess. To this day, that hole in the river never freezes. 4 Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park Heron Fountain: When it was decided to beautify this idyllic downtown park, Marshall was asked for input on a water feature. His idea was so well-received, it became a focal point to those who entered the park, the mural of two herons among branches is one of Marshall’s most intricate works. Bandshell: A wonderful summary of Medicine Hat’s heritage. From its importance as a First Nations gathering place to one of Western Canada’s most important early industrial centres, this mural weaves centuries of stories together. to legend, a harsh winter forced Blackfoot elders to send a young

Flood of 1995: This wall represents the tragic flood that hit Medicine Hat in 1995. It also showcases how our incredible community came together to help and support one another. This mural was built to raise funds for those affected by the flood, through commu nity support and an anonymous donor. 5 BATUS Park BATUS Park is a small downtown park where Medicine Hat’s first City Hall stood. Marshall’s mural commemorates the importance of the British military, which operates the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) 30 kilometres from town. The unit has deep roots in Canada’s Sunniest City with ties to Canada’s largest World War II POW Camp.

6 St. John’s Presbyterian Church St John’s is Medicine Hat’s oldest church, standing since 1902. On the outside wall along Second Street, two of Marshall’s murals can be found, depict ing religious themes. One depicts Christ on the cross, while the second shows Christ with a small congregation huddled around a child.

A look at Marshall’s mural, Flood of 1995, located in Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park.

James Marshall Murals Who is James Marshall? Over 40 years ago, James Marshall carved his first brick mural unknowing he would eventually have more than 300 large murals across Canada, a few in the United States, one in Japan, and one in England by 2022. The artist grew up in Medicine Hat

“My mother always said I was drawing on things before I could walk,” says Marshall. He worked with the family business for a decade, and when Marshall went to work with international brick plant IXL Industries, he was introduced to the artistic side of bricks. “That opened some really big doors. I saw what architects were doing at the time and what you could do with bricks,” he says. “I was already playing with

sculpture and pottery, and then I saw all this clay making bricks in a big way.”

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drawing scenes of the World War he’d heard about and witnessed, painting, and creating commercial artwork for his father’s printing business.

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Photo Travel Alberta/Chris Amat

Indy Coffee Tour Stops 1 Madhatter Coffee Roastery

A woman sips a freshly made iced beverage from Station Coffee Company.

3 Station Coffee Company A hip shop with exposed brick walls and an always buzzing espresso machine. The baristas have some impressive creations up their sleeves, including The Root Beer Godfather, a chilled concoc tion made up of local Hell’s Basement Brewery root beer, two shots of espresso, and a little bit of cream. Pro Tip: Ask your barista which lavish baking would pair with your coffee choice. @stationcoffeecompany

4 Inspire Studio, Gallery & Café

This quirky place roasts freshly imported beans from all over the world to perfec tion. Fresh roast beans can be ground and bagged to suit your home brewing machine. The staff will treat you like family and make you feel like you’ve found your second home. Pro Tip: Follow the rich, toasted aromas wafting out onto the street. @MadhatterRoastery @mhroastery mhroastery.com 403.529.2344 513 3r St. SE 2 The Copper Leaf Café Everything at the Copper Leaf Café is local - including the art on the walls. This small café is tucked away in a downtown business building and offers fresh-baked goods, coffee, and their well-known charcuterie boards. Owned by a husband and wife duo, Copper Leaf has something for everyone. Pro Tip: Ask about the Kindness Box, which raises proceeds for children’s mental health initiatives in Medicine Hat. @thecopperleafcafe thecopperleafcafe.com 403.487.5233 104-579 3 St. SE

A bright and roomy gallery which showcases the original artwork of a variety of local artists. You’ll find inspired comfort food like sandwiches, delicious homemade soups, freshly roasted coffee, specialty tea ‘bible’, and in-house made desserts. Pro Tip: Ask about lunch features like the 'Main St. Sandwich' named after historic Second St. @inspirestudioandcafe inspireart.ca

Reka (River) is located on the corner of 2 Street SE and 6 Avenue SE, downtown.

Public Art Public Art adds meaning and unique ness to our community. It humanizes the built environment and invigorates public spaces by providing an intersection between past, present, and future. Medicine Hat’s public art does so in a broad range of media and themes; from contemporary two-story graffiti murals, to sculpted brick monuments, to traditional bronze sculptures. Enjoy a meandering walk downtown to explore this free and fully accessible artistic diversity from local to interna tional, and emerging to established Artists.

@stationcoffeeco stationcoffeeco.ca 403.529.1115 644 2 St. SE

403.548.2233 675 2nd St. SE

4 Reka (River) Located in BATUS Park at the corner of 2 St. SE and 6 Ave. SE. Steel and concrete sculpture by J.R. Cooper & R. MacInnis (2012). 5 North Railway Exchange Found at North Railway St. on the side of MacKenzie Drugs. Painting by YMCA Summer Students (1998). TREX Space This public art gallery hosts local and out-of-town artists. It's located downtown on the corner at #2 516 3 St.

1 Turn Turn Turn (A Resting Place)

Located at Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre at 401-1 St. SE. Aluminum and Concrete sculpture by Blake Senini (2011). 2 Germans from Russia Located at Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre at 401-1 St. SE. Bronze sculpture by Jim Hauser (2011). 3 Day and Night 3 St. SE alley at 5 Avenue SE, Miywasin Friendship Centre. Exterior latex painting by Wendy Struck (2013).

Finished the tour and looking for lunch? Just across Finlay Bridge over the South Saskatchewan River sits the lovely Zucchini Blossom Market & Café . A short drive from downtown, Café Verve on Dunmore Road will share their passion for coffee, tea, fresh-made food, and live music with you. Want to stay downtown? Check out the Hat’s newest café, Country Crumbs Bakery & Café . You’ll find fresh-baked goods, coffee, and a cozy atmosphere.

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Photo Travel Alberta/Chris Amat

Photo Travel Alberta/Chris Amat

Sunniest Spaces Tour 1 The Yard

A couple enjoys the Medicine Hat sunshine inside The Yard, a locally-owned, outdoor family-friendly patio.

3 Avara Garden Centre Steps from Moose & Squirrel Bistro, you’ll feel welcomed with a breath of fresh air and all plants large and small. In this jungle oasis, you can purchase plants that last the season or all-year round. This vibrant green wonderland has everything a plant lover could ask for, and the staff have the expertise to answer all of your questions. Pro Tip: Stop and breathe in the fresh air offered by the plants in the space. @avaragardencentre @avaragardencentre avaralandscaping.com/garden-center 403.879.1948 635 2 St. SE

4 World’s Largest Chess Set and GIANT King Piece In the heart of Medicine Hat, surrounded by historic brick buildings, the World’s Largest Chess Set sits waiting to be played. Friends and families of all ages are invited to bask underneath the sun and enjoy a game of chess, while hearing the sounds of the South Saskatchewan River behind them. Bill Taylor is the visionary of the popular space, which has been in Medicine Hat since August 2005. He worked with expert wood worker Adam Szulski for several years to design a 21-foot-tall, over 4,000 pound, GIANT King Piece and installed it beside the Chess Set on Nov. 4, 2021. “I think these are in a very idyllic oasis in the centre of the city. There’s trees and grass nearby and historic buildings around it,” says Taylor. “Standing on the sidewalk looking towards the river, you can see the historic spires of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. It really is a beautiful, picturesque location.” Pro Tip: Bring your own chess pieces to play on the regular-sized Chess boards, located on the patio tables beside the World’s Largest Chess Set. Beside the Medicine Hat Public Library. 414 1 St SE

This outdoor, family-friendly patio is where local beer is served on tap, cocktails are mixed to amaze, and food trucks stop by to fill the tummies of hungry residents and travelers. There’s no better place to start your tour than being outdoors sitting underneath the shining sun with a drink in hand. Pro Tip: Order the flight of beer with The Hat’s Olive Tap’s oil selection to change the flavour of your beer.

A couple sits near a window inside Madhatter Coffee Roastery enjoying a freshly roasted cup of coffee.

Medicine Hat’s Coffee Culture On a sunny day in Medicine Hat, Karen Keller, along with an international team of travel PRs, rode a bus down a coulee and crossed the South Saskatchewan River on the Trans-Canada Highway. A doing, and they have the passion to make it happen,” says Keller. After the group walked a couple blocks intrigued by the area, Inspire Studio,

@theyarddowntown @theyard_downtown theyard-downtown.com 587.914.9273 619 3 St. SE 2 Moose & Squirrel Bistro

says Keller. “The people who were put in front of us, they all had great knowledge of the city. They each had something to offer in terms of telling some history. The story itself is very cool, but when you put it in front of people, the story really comes to life.”

Just around the corner from The Yard, you’ll find Alberta-made buttermilk ice cream and sorbet in cones, milkshakes, and floats, along with a tapa style menu that has vegan and vegetarian options. Cool off underneath the misters and enjoy the colourful murals that surround you. Pro Tip: Check out the specials based on a new theme each week. @mandsartisanvillage @moose_and_squirrel_bistro mooseandsquirrelartisanvillage.com 651 2 St. SE

Gallery & Café greeted them with sophisticated sweets and a delightful pour over. This café carried the passion and attention to detail in a different way. “There were great personalities behind each café, and it was clear that, at each place we went, people had a lens they

left turn onto the oldest street, First Street, led them to the city's bright downtown, where they were introduced to the first coffee shop on the tour, Madhatter Coffee Roastery . “It was this cute coffee shop in a small city in Alberta, but here’s this team working with communities to ethically harvest and cultivate coffee. It was the perfect small-town viewpoint meets global perspective on the work they’re

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were able to communicate well.” “A lot of our reps live in big cities

— Frankfurt, Sydney, London — and they were all blown away by the quality, care, and charisma from the owners,”

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5 Station Coffee Company The historic brick that surrounds you invites you to explore the history of Medicine Hat. Being near CP Railway, Station Coffee Company specializes in astounding cheesecakes, hearty muffins, and artisan sandwiches. Music plays softly in the background. The echo inside the building brings life to social ization. Treats are complemented by friendly conversations and authentic laughter, while the bright sky shines in between the wooden window sills. On Saturdays, a nice selection of sourdough bread is baked fresh in the morning. Pro Tip: Take an extra minute to appreciate the exterior of this building. @stationcoffeecompany 6 Inspire Studio, Gallery & Café On the outside, the beautiful, historic brick with purple and beige hues invites you inside this sophisticated space. The café is also connected to an art studio and gallery that fills the space with artistic paintings. The large baked goods sit pretty in the display cooler near the front, making it easy to point to a treat or two you’d like to try. This extremely spacious café has a view of the CP Railway with all its large windows. Take in the natural light while you enjoy a freshly-baked dessert. Pro Tip: If you’re searching for a savoury lunch, the meatpies are guaranteed to satisfy. @inspirestudioandcafe inspireart.ca 403.580.1808 669 2 St SE @stationcoffeeco stationcoffeeco.ca 403.529.1115 644 2 St. SE

Photo Travel Alberta/Chris Amat

2 Country Crumbs Bakery & Café This bright and open space is full of natural light and rustic decor. Surrounded by white brick walls and large windows, you’ll immediately smell freshly baked bread when you walk in. A number of sweet and savoury treats will greet you at the front, like scones, Nanaimo bars, deep-fried croissants, and pizza bagels. Take a seat near the vibrant green plants, and enjoy your treat while you soak in the sunshine. Pro Tip: Bakery staff are more than happy to make a beverage that pairs well with your baked treat. @countrycrumbsbakerycafe @countrycrumbscafe countrycrumbsbakerycafe.ca 403.548.3027 417 3 St. SE 3 Madhatter Coffee Roastery This cozy roastery helps you feel relaxed the second you step in and smell the roasting coffee beans. The dim space invites you to indulge in freshly brewed coffee and baked sweets. The variety of treats satisfy gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan taste buds. From Nanaimo bars to whoopie pies, Madhatter Coffee Roastery invites you to savour your dessert one bite at a time. Pro Tip: Take in the summer sun and downtown views on their newly built patio. @madhatterroastery @mhroastery mhroastery.com 403.529.2344 513 3 St. SE

4 Redcliff Bakery The tall brick walls in this bakery encompass colourful, printed furniture that’s been re-purposed by a local business. When you walk in, you immediately see the bakery’s famous cinnamon buns, decorated donuts, dainty macarons, ginormous cookies, and all other glazed and sugared sweets that are sure to fill you with pure happiness. This bakery celebrates the old and invites the new, while you live in the present enjoying your playful sweet treats. Pro Tip: Grab a seat near the front ground-to-ceiling windows.

Redcliff Bakery located at 627 2 St. SE, downtown.

Downtown Bakery Tour Freshly baked, melt-in-your-mouth pastries are found on every block in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown.

1 Sugar Daddy Cheesecakes This grab-and-go bakery welcomes you to order one (or two) of the weekly featured cheesecakes. The black and white decor brings your attention to the fully-decorated desserts. New flavours rotate each week; some they’ve served are confetti bar, dill pickle, banana cream, salted caramel, Rolo Chocolate, Turtles Chocolate, coconut cream, and many more. Order by the slice — the option is yours to taste any flavour your heart desires. Pro Tip: Check out the wall of “Sugar Daddy Cheesecakes” merchandise while you wait for your dessert to be boxed up. @sugardaddycheesecakes 403.977.1990 401 3 St. SE

@bakeryredcliff @redcliffbakery redcliffbakery.com 403.548.6050 627 2 St. SE

From newly opened bakeries to ones that withstand the taste of time, you’re bound to find everything that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

More bakeries can be found throughout Medicine Hat. Drive up Dunmore Road, where you’ll find McBride’s Bakery at 1791 Dunmore Rd. SE. Beside McBride’s, you’ll see Café Verve . There are two other Redcliff Bakery locations, one in Redcliff on 8 3 St. SE, and in the Industrial area at 924 16 St. SW.

A piece of peanut butter espresso cheesecake from Station Coffee Company.

Pictured is confetti bar cheesecake.

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Stops Here. The Sunshine Trolley operates during summer months. Check the Tourism Medicine Hat website for schedule and Tixx.ca for tickets.

The Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre sits decorated with florals and shining underneath the sunshine. This beautiful building can be easily accessed from the Trans-Canada Highway.

Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre Explore. Experience. Enjoy. Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre offers

New For Families! In addition to their galleries, you and your family can explore, learn, and be inspired in the Hands On! Discovery Zone . This activity area encourages children’s curiosity, creativity, and self-expression through exploratory processes, making and playing. Be sure to check it out!

beautiful South Saskatchewan River valley, you can enjoy arts and heritage in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown at Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre. Exhibitions Inside the exhibitions, you can expect beautifully created works of art and great stories of Medicine Hat’s heritage. The museum is where the story is told through interactive displays and artifacts. Access to the exhibitions are always pay what you will — you decide the price of your admission. The space is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 12 until 5 p.m.

Performing Arts Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre is also home to a theatre like no other in the region. This 700-seat, sophisticated auditorium has seen many great performances grace its stage, and it continues to present dozens of shows every year. From country to rap music; musical theatre to dance; orchestra to solo artist, there is sure to be something for you in the line-up. While you wait to take your seat, explore the galleries to see the latest exhibitions or rediscover the history of Medicine Hat in the museum. Visit tixx.ca , Medicine Hat’s one-stop ticketing shop.

a variety of exhibitions, events, and educational programs that exemplify Medicine Hat’s rich and diverse culture. Whether it’s locally curated exhibitions or internationally renowned theatre productions, Esplanade is the perfect starting point to explore Medicine Hat’s, and surrounding area’s, collective stories. After turning on historic First Street from the Trans-Canada Highway and winding your way towards down town, Esplanade stands right across from the city’s beloved Public Library. Experience their galleries, museum, theatre, archives reference services, discovery zone, and more. Along the

@medhatesplanade

esplanade.ca 403.502.8580 401 1 St. SE

Art gallery inside Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre.

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