Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

tourismmedicinehat.com

Land Acknowledgement At Tourism Medicine Hat we acknowledge that Southern Alberta is situated on traditional lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (blood), Pikani (Peigan), Stoney-Nakoda, and Tsuut`ina (Sarcee) as well as the Cree, Sioux and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples. This region includes Metis Region 3. We are here, right now. We live on and benefit from these lands, and hold ourselves accountable to the laws, protocols and relationships of the people who have cared for this land. We seek to continue opening space for mindful dialogue and learning with those we partner with, work with and those we host in Southeastern Alberta. We will strive to learn continually, and in doing so we recognize that we will make mistakes. We commit to owning those mistakes, taking responsibility for them and learning from them. Tourism Medicine Hat is committed to action and justice and as a shared endeavour, we aim to create a healthier, equitable, and just future.

Keeping it cool During the last ice age, coulees were formed due to massive water erosion. Melting glaciers broke through bedrock, leaving a place people now call home. Medicine Hat’s culture is rooted in the coulees. It’s offered essential resources for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Trail running, paddling, mountain biking, and camping in the coulees bring an elevated level of adventure. The clay discovered in the cliffs in the early 20th century fostered creative passions that grow year after year. The landscape shaped the lifestyle. And the sunshine gifts a strong energy across the community. Known as Canada’s sunniest city with 330 days of sunshine, follow the sun to the coulees to Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

Table of Contents

Indigenous Spaces & Places 9 Medicine Hat's Name 8 Stories Behind the Land 10 Indigenous Gatherings 12 Saamis Tepee 14

Food & Beverage Keeping it Fresh Plated & Created Chef Shane Chartrand Ice Cream Crawl Cafė & Market Tour

21 20 22 24 26 27 28 30 32

Events & Festivals 33 Songwriters, Stages, and Sunshine 34 Festivals, Family, and Friends 36 Grand Slam of Curling 38 Special Olympics 39 Sporting Events 40 Local Performances 41 Golf in the Coulees 42 Trail Running Events 44

Only in Medicine Hat Dining

Brewing & Distilling Highway 3 Ale Trail

Sunshine Trolleys

16 Medalta in the

Saratoga Trail

Historic Clay District

18

Cover Image: Victor Aerden

The 2026 Experience Medicine Hat 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 for free distribution

6

Fun Day with Family

62 64 65 66 68

Toonie Tours

Explore with Linda Hoang

Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre

Southeast Alberta

83 84

4 Destinations, 4 Landscapes

Disc Golf

Biking

45 46 47 48 49 91

Medicine Hat

Redcliff

Cypress Hills

Mountain Bike Races Canadian Enduro League

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park Winter in Elkwater Summer in Elkwater

86 88 89 90

Paddling

City Parks & Trails

69 70 72 74 76

City Parks

Echo Dale Regional Park

Trails

Scenic Views

Camping

92

Sunshine Stays 94 Accommodation Directory 95 Hotel Listings 97

Self-Guided Downtown Tours Historic Downtown

51 52 53 54 56 58 60

Waterways

77 78 79 80 81 82

Indy Coffee Tour

Seven Persons Creek

Downtown Murals Tour

Ride the South Saskatchewan

Bakery Tour

Go With the Flow The Great Bigs

Historic Downtown Tour James Marshall Murals

Visitor Information Centre 98

A Family Getaway in the Hills

.com

7

@TourismMedicineHat

Medicine Hat's Name The Story Behind The Great Spirit told the man to

Medicine Hat inherited its name from the Blackfoot 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 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.

In 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) 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”.

spend the night on the 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 bonnet)”. He was told the hat was to be only worn 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 was founded at the location of the ancient legend.

8

INDIGENOUS SPACES & PLACES

Stories Behind the Land

SAAMIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Explore Medicine Hat’s Indigenous history with this self-guided tour, made by the Miywasin Friendship Centre and partners. SARATOGA PARK This space was a Métis community until the mid-2000s. It was recognized a Historic Designation in 2020, and a plaque was unveiled in 2021 that shares more information about the space and photos. Explore the area: Follow the paved trail to the plaque and find where the Métis community was once located. Continue on to see cliff-side views. You can also paddle Seven Persons Creek that runs through the park. Find page 78 for more details. RIVERSIDE VETERANS’ MEMORIAL PARK INDIGENOUS MILITARY SERVICE Thousands of Indigenous peoples have served in the Canadian Military, including all of the conflicts presented on Medicine Hat’s Cenotaph. In some cases many members of the same family went overseas to serve, sacrificing much. Four Bliss brothers; Pat, Joe, Bill, and Tassie, served in the trenches of the First World War. Tassie was injured, having his forearm amputated, and Bill struggled in his return to civilian life. Bill enlisted in 1915 at the age of 19 with the third CMR. Bill was wounded at Ypres in 1916 by shell in the trenches. He contracted influenza in 1917 and was discharged in 1919 at the age of 23. Explore the area: This park is located in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown. Nearby is the Miywasin Friendship Centre , where gatherings are often hosted to the public like drum circles and bannock & tea.

Located in the valley of Seven Persons Creek, this area was once used as a late winter, early spring buffalo meat processing site by early First Nations. The site dates back thousands of years, and archaeologists believe there are over 83 million artifacts buried in the valley. Visitors are reminded that no digging for artifacts is permitted at the Provincial Historic Site. Explore the area: Follow the paved trail to stroll the natural area, and then head towards the Saamis Tepee — the World’s Tallest Tepee — to see the site from a bird’s eye view. POLICE POINT PARK Police Point Park offered sheltered camping with an abundance of firewood available for First Nations, and it was a safe crossing place for the South Saskatchewan River. The chokecherry bushes and buffalo berries were harvested by First Nations for many years. During winter, an ice-free section of the river was referred to as a breathing hole for the water spirits, and the distinctive cottonwood trees had ceremonial uses. Anecdotal sources said Police Point Park was also used historically as a location for tree burials. Explore the area: Police Point Park has an abundance of paved trails that bring beautiful views of the cliffs and South Saskatchewan River. Visit the Nature Centre to learn more about Indigenous history, the ecosystem, and wildlife in the park. STRATHCONA ISLAND PARK Located along the South Saskatchewan River, Strathcona Island Park was home to First Nations and Métis. The remains of some Métis homesteads are on the south side of the spray park and camp kitchen, although obscured now by time and foliage. Explore the area: Strathcona Island Park also features a waterpark, playground, boat launch, paved trails, and picnic areas.

Saratoga Park

Saamis Archaeological Site

Strathcona Island Park

Indigenous Spaces & Places

10

The Old Man Buffalo Stone, made by stone sculpture artist Stewart Steinhauer, was inspired by the Manitou Stone. This two-sided sculpture was crafted to be a guardian watching over the buffalo herds can be found in Police Point Park.

Police Point Park

Police Point Park

.com

Indigenous Spaces & Places

11

@TourismMedicineHat

Indigenous Gatherings

The Heritage Gather

MIYWASIN DAYS SEPTEMBER 19-20, 2026

SHARING STORIES WITH BRENDA MERCER VARIOUS DATES Join Dakota Sioux artist and storyteller Brenda Mercer in learning about the land, medicine plants, and Indigenous peoples who lived and gathered on these lands for hundreds of years. Discover new ways of knowing and connecting through personal stories and crafting at the World’s Tallest Saamis Tepee. INDIAN RELAY RACING AUGUST 15-16, 2026 At the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, riders race around the track and switch horses every lap. Organized in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and experts, the essence of Indian Relay Racing is respected and preserved during this event.

The Miywasin Demonstration Powwow is a vibrant and inclusive celebration, where Elders, youth, and community members come together to share and preserve cultural traditions. It is a gathering that highlights the strength, resilience, and beauty of Indigenous identity, while welcoming all people to learn, witness, and participate in the spirit of reconciliation. WALKING HISTORY ON THE SARATOGA TRAIL VARIOUS DATES Pat Aaker and her daughter April guide a visit to Saratoga Park, which was once a Métis community until the early 2010s. The mother and daughter share stories of their life, their neighbours, and what was a vibrant community of friends and family.

With 400 yards of canvas, three industrial sewing machines, teepee poles foraged from the Cypress Hills, and the help of friends and family, Brenda Mercer will build seven teepees by June 2026. Brenda lives in Redcliff, Alberta, and is Dakota Sioux from Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation. The community is invited to join Brenda in this project, to sew, paint, forage trees, and build the teepees.

Indigenous Spaces & Places

12

THE HERITAGE GATHER JULY 3-5, 2026 Indigenous culture and Western heritage is showcased through rodeo, artisan market, Powwow demonstrations, and heritage workshops. With exceptional contestants and spectators, the inclusive event inspires people to honour and celebrate Indigenous, Albertan, and Canadian heritage.

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE JUNE 4-7, 2026

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY JUNE 21, 2026 An annual celebration of Indigenous culture, Powwow demonstration, teepee displays, and artisans. ÓMAHKSÍPIITAA (BIG EAGLE) On the Medicine Hat College campus, the Ómahksípiitaa room hosts public and private gatherings year-round.

Hosted by Miywasin Friendship Centre, the festival offers instrument lessons, Métis jigging, square dancing, and hands-on artisan workshops, such as moccasin making. Enjoy children’s activities, traditional games, Elders’ storytelling, Michif language lessons, Métis history, and genealogy resources.

.com

Indigenous Spaces & Places

13

@TourismMedicineHat

Saamis Tepee The Saamis Tepee is a tribute to Indigenous heritage in Canada. It was originally constructed for the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics. The late Amerigo “Rick” Nella Filanti, a prominent Medicine Hat entrepreneur and philanthropist, purchased the Tepee from the City of Calgary in the hope to give the City a landmark with some allure. After being moved to Medicine Hat, erection and assembly of the major structural elements of the Saamis Tepee began Oct. 20, 1991, and was completed in less than one week. Below the Saamis Tepee, in scenic Seven Persons coulee, lies one of the Northern Plains archaeological sites — the Saamis Archaeological Site. Take time to explore and photograph this area. It boasts one of the foremost important archaeological sites of the Northern Plains.

Within the circle of the Tepee, ten illustrated storyboards are visible. These boards were all hand-painted and represent a variety of influences and history of Indigenous heritage.

THE BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY Interpretation and Painting by Henry Standingalone. This scene depicts the things that are important

THE LEGEND OF HOW MEDICINE

HAT GOT ITS NAME Interpretation

to Blackfoot people yesterday and today. The Sun was worshiped for its life-giving source to the Blackfoot people. The buffalo skull represents the Power and Spirit of the traditional food source and the painted symbols on it represent: Sun in the center, pairs of Sun Dogs on each side, Crescent Moon above, Morning Star below, and Hail Stones, or Thunder, all around. The Tepee represents the main household that was originally made from buffalo hides, The Seven Moons is a representation of the Legend of the Dipper and all the legends that have been passed down from generation to generation.

and Painting by Joseph Hind Bull. The scene depicts the

sadness that overcomes Eagle Birth and his new bride for the sacrifice of a fellow human to the merman. The merman is excited over his new meal. The Tepee is the gift the otter man has given Eagle Birth to use on his Tepee design. The blue circle, where Eagle Birth and his woman are drawn in is our world and the little blue circle is the merman world. The green half of the picture is the colour of deep water. The yellow depicts the brightness of our own world. The Eagle feathers are the truths by which every man lives.

Indigenous Spaces & Places

14

PLAINS CREE WAY OF LIFE Interpretation and Painting by Nona Foster. In the center of this design is a late fall or early winter

THE PLAINS INDIANS Interpretation

THE MÉTIS OF THE PLAINS

Interpretation and Painting by Nona Foster. The Métis people came from a meeting of two powerful

and Painting by Manybears. The relationship between man and nature’s

campsite, The trees are bare and it has snowed, the people are going about their business and preparing for colder days to come. Most of the tools and activities shown are traditional and time-honoured. Around the bottom half of the border are traditional outfits. The top half of the border shows some of the animals that my ancestors shared the land with and used for food,clothing and shelter. Tobacco was used in many ceremonies and rituals. PLAINS CREE CEREMONIES

survival. The symbol of the buffalo was our main source of providing man with food, shelter, clothing and tools, As you see in the painting, the buffalo has no eyes. He surrendered his being to the Plains Indians. The eagle is our spiritual direction and symbolizes our creator. The eagle sees that man is aware of his values and surroundings. The circle represents the creation of the universe and unity. Our creator made man and woman to carry on our native culture and traditional way of life. The Tepee is our shelter and our birthplace to continue the generations of life. ARRIVAL OF THE EUROPEANS Interpretation human settlers of the Americas welcomed these new people with open arms. Within these arms held trust, kindness and wonder. Little did native people know that these explorers would initiate a transformation that revolutionized the First People‘s civilization. No more was there the spirit of freedom that man belonged to the land. TREATY #7 crossing between the Blackfoot and the Queen‘s government. The five Chiefs depicted in the picture are: Chief Crowfoot (Siksika Tribe), Chief Red Crow (Blood Tribe), Chief Bears Paw (Stony Tribe), Chief Eagle Tail (Peigan Tribe), and Chief Bull Head (Tsuu Tina tribe). Sharing the Pipe Ceremony represents peace between two parties. The promises in the treaty were that the Blackfoot would be ensured of their survival and a continued way of life for as long as the sun shines, grasses grow and the rivers flow. and Painting by Marilyn Fraser King. The original Interpretation and Painting by Henry Standingalone. In the fall of 1877, Treaty #7 was signed at the Blackfoot

human cultures and the emergence of a new and distinct people; this is shown by the native woman and the pale skin man. The Métis sash originated in Quebec and was worn by the French Voyagers. The thistle represents the Scots, and the yarrow shows that these people still need plants in their medicines. The “North West Half Breed Commission'' paper is shown because the signing of the scrip gave the native people a small amount of cash and took away their treaty rights. FIRST PEOPLES TODAY

Interpretation and Painting by Robert Anderson. This painting represents some of the many ceremonies in our Cree culture. The four ribbons are representative of the

Interpretation and Painting by Marilyn Fraser—King. Even though there is a passing of our Native culture from the old world into the new, we

have kept our songs and sang them. To this day we still pass on the feather, we still sing, we still hear the stories, we still listen to the wind, and we still feel the power of the Northern Lights. It is a time to walk a path of treasure and enlightenment. This painting depicts the acceptance of both worlds and their challenges. CIRCLE OF UNITY – MULTICULTURALISM

four directions. The sweet lodge can be used to ask for guidance from the spirit powers, for a time of prayer, or as part of a ritualistic cleansing prior to any ceremony such as the Sundance. In Cree culture, the peace pipe plays a very important role. A pipe is lit to call upon the spirit powers. The smoking of the peace pipe also symbolizes peace and friendship. The stone border has engraved Cree symbolic lettering, which says “Plains Cree Ceremonies.” The rock is strong and by having the title engraved in it shows that the strength of our culture will never be destroyed and is permanent in its ways.

Interpretation and Painting by Nona Foster. This is set on a dark and stormy sky, but there are breaks in the clouds

and the life giving sun is shining through. Pointing

The Saamis Tepee has a foundation weight of 800 metric tons, and the dead load of the structure is 200 metric tons. The main masts of the Tepee measure 215 feet (equivalent to a 20 story building!) and 960 bolts hold it all together.

towards the sun and bright light, the native warrior holds his peace pipe invoking the wisdom of the Great Spirit. The pipe represents the unity of all people and all things in the universe. The crossed circle is one of the very earliest forms inscribed by humans to express the cosmos, life has no beginning or end, and it is a symbol of unity. The cross pieces represent the directions. The different races of people are portrayed here by different coloured hands.

.com

Indigenous Spaces & Places

15

@TourismMedicineHat

Sunshine Trolleys

Medicine Hat's Sunshine Trolleys tour guests throughout Medicine Hat. Experience local businesses, meet the local owners, and visit iconic sights and landmarks in Canada's sunniest city. GUIDED CITY TOURS Hop on Medicine Hat’s Sunshine Trolleys for an in-depth, guided tour from a long-time Hatter. See the most prominent landmarks in Canada’s Sunniest City, with an invite to hop off and briefly explore some areas. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure your seat is reserved. Children 12 and under ride free thanks to the Medicine Hat Mavericks. Tour starts at the Visitor Information Centre, 330 Gehring Rd. SW. BLOOMS & BRUNCH Start this tour on one of Medicine Hat's most historic streets at Hometown Culinary. Indulge in decadent brunch paired with a mocktail with a view of the historic Canadian Pacific Railway Station. Hop on the Sunshine Trolley to enjoy a rotating seasonal experience with beautiful plants and flowers. Then head to Botanicals for a themed, hands-on potting experience or plant craft to take home. SUNSHINE SIPS SERIES Choose between a brews, cocktail, or mocktail tour on the Sunshine Trolley. Featuring Alberta-made and Medicine Hat-made beverages, each tour highlights three local spots. Paired with the drinks will be appetizers and desserts, an elevated bartender to table experience, and exclusive tasting experiences. Meet the owners and the masters behind the drink menu, and sip crafted refreshments.

HOLLY JOLLY TWINKLE TROLLEY TOUR Tour Medicine Hat’s brightest Christmas lights on the Sunshine Trolley this Holiday season, with time to hop off, capture photos, and take in all the beautiful bright displays. From walk-through displays, to houses with lights blinking to music, and drive-through neighbourhoods, this tour brings nostalgic memories for friends and family. Children 12 and under ride free.

Sunshine Sips Series

Guided City Tours

16

MILLER'S HAUNTED TOURS Join local Tamara Miller on the Sunshine Trolley in the evening, as she tells eerie and mysterious stories about historic buildings, cemeteries, and more haunting encounters and events throughout Medicine Hat. The haunted tours are hosted throughout the year, including the Halloween season. millersemporium.ca

COCKTAILS & CONSTELLATIONS Start the evening with a tour at Grit City Distillery from owner and master distiller Jen, before entering the speakeasy lounge to enjoy a cocktail flight and personal pizza. Be introduced to the stars with a night sky presentation led by amateur astronomer Rod DeVries. Connect to the dark sky wonders that are above, and the constellations visible through Rod’s expert knowledge and world-class telescopes.

WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY The Sunshine Trolley can assist those with wheelchairs, walkers, and any other mobility needs for getting in and out of the Sunshine Trolley. Wheelchair-friendly tours will have an option to book wheelchair seating on their specific event pages.

Blooms & Brunch

.com

17

@TourismMedicineHat

Medalta in the Historic Clay District

POTTERY CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Must be pre-booked Medalta hosts beginner, adult, and children programs in the Shaw International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, along with in-depth workshops for pottery artists. Join a Saturday Sampler, Date Night Pottery Class, or book a multi week course and be introduced to Medicine Hat’s clay culture. ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE Live alongside other ceramic artists from around the world for one month or one year. The artists live on-site at IXL Industries, which is said to be Alberta’s oldest industrial site. And then learn, create, and teach inside Medalta, while having access to personal studio space, kilns, and materials.

In the early 1900s, Medicine Hat’s Historic Clay District distributed one-third of all clay in Canada. It withstood many misfortunes during its rebirth, including two fires and a flood, but there was always a group of passionate people to pick up and rebuild the broken pieces. The Friends of Medalta Society transformed Medalta into the National Historic Site it is today. The non-profit organization is celebrating 40 years in 2026 and is excited to highlight what Medalta hosts in the Historic Clay District. The non-profit organization preserves historic portions of the museum, creates with international ceramic artists, collaborates with community initiatives, and educates younger generations through field trips and summer camps.

There are human stories hidden in every brick, every piece of machinery and every piece of Medicine Hat made pottery found today. There are stories to tell, to be heard, and to remember in a place that continues to have a prominent role in Medicine Hat’s creative community. Keep an eye on their website, social media, and newsletter for updates on special events throughout the year. medalta.org 403.529.1070 713 Medalta Ave. SE

On November 29, 1948, Walter Sailer jiggered 5,110 seven-inch plates in one eight-hour shift, one every five seconds. Together, the workers were able to produce a staggering 30,993 pieces that day.

18

Strathcona Island Park

Look for this sign throughout the city to help your navigation

in the Historic Clay District

MUSEUM TOURS Whether guided or self-guided, the museum highlights true stories about real people who worked day in and day out to produce pottery being distributed nation-wide. Historic pottery and machinery remain on display, including The Collectors’ Gallery ft. Tony Schlachter Collection. In 2008 Schlachter donated 2,500 pieces that represent nearly every factory that operated in Medicine Hat. It all began with a nondescript chicken waterer that Tony found on his farm in 1954. BEEHIVE KILNS Over 14,000 bricks create the iconic structure of the Beehive Kilns, relying completely on gravity to keep the overhead domes together. In the early 1900s, pottery was fired for 7 to 8 days, and then cooled for 1 to 2 days inside the Kilns. The high heat could evaporate a penny. Tour the Beehive Kilns during opening hours.

SPECIAL EVENTS Dinner in the Kiln

Throughout the year, Dinner in the Kiln is hosted inside the beehive structures. A five course meal is prepared by five local chefs, with drink pairings and a different theme each evening. Find more details on page 28 . Tongue on the Post Every January, Medicine Hat’s Winter Folk Festival is hosted inside the National Historic Site. Canadian musicians perform throughout the century-old museum, including the Beehive Kilns. Find more details on page 34 .

The pottery found in the gift shop today is made using historic techniques, moulds, glazes, and machinery originally used back in 1912 at Medalta Potteries.

.com

19

@TourismMedicineHat

Keeping it Fresh

Fresh tomatoes right off the vine

Neighbouring Medicine Hat is the Greenhouse Capital of the Prairies, the town of Redcliff. A hub of greenhouses live within blocks of each other and the doors are open to community members, visitors, and restaurant owners to enjoy fresh vegetables grown right in Southeast Alberta. While driving the Trans-Canada Highway, here’s where you can find tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers…and the list goes on. All are family owned. Some are self-serve with the honour rule. Be sure to have cash on hand, as some don’t take payment by card .

Greenhouse Stand Tour RUBEN’S VEGGIES seasonal 703 Broadway Ave. W, Redcliff ROLLING ACRES GREENHOUSE open year round South Boundary Rd SE, Medicine Hat WESTLAND FRESH PRODUCE seasonal 22-6 St. NW, Redcliff HUBER’S FARM MARKET seasonal 860 Broadway Ave. W, Redcliff

Kristine Dalzell, owner of Zucchini Blossom Market & Café, is one of many food and drink owners who source vegetables from the greenhouse hub for menu items — soups, salads, sandwiches, and as a side to compliment the main course.

Look for this sticker to find Big Marble Farms fresh produce at local grocery stores.

20

Food & Beverage

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Plated & Created by the Locals

Behind every plate is a local chef curating flavours, sourcing local ingredients, and placing every item on the dish to tie it all together. Try classic, nostalgic dishes, and recipes that have been personally passed down for generations in Medicine Hat.

Hometown Culinary

CASA AMIGOS CANTINA This bustling spot has a stage that hosts local and traveling bands, spanning the genres. Along with local talent, the Cantina features local beef from Mike’s Meats in their dishes. Pair the salsa flight with the tequila flight, and visit during a trivia, bingo, or karaoke night. D’CARLO PASTA HOUSE With a “build-your-own” style menu, choose the pasta, sauce, protein, and vegetables to create your very own delicious dish. The Caesar salad is drizzled with the guest-loved housemade dressing, and it pairs nicely with the complementary bread. HOMETOWN CULINARY Have a seat near the window for a clear view of the Historic Canadian Pacific Railway, while dining upscale comfort dishes and elevated brunch, with local ingredients sprinkled throughout the menu. Sip premium cocktails, mocktails, and local craft beer. JJ KITCHEN A vibrant and colourful space serving Korean classics, like bibimbap and the Korean hot dog. The rotating lunch menu always highlights something new and keeps the menu fresh, alongside seasonal drinks like lemon and grapefruit chung.

Jj Kitchen

LOLO & LOLA A Filipino restaurant snug on third street in downtown Medicine Hat, serving rice bowls, merienda, bread and pastries, and weekend brunch, with all their sauces made from scratch and in-house. NOTE: COMFORT FOOD + DRINK Inside the historic Hargrave-Sissons Block, this thoughtful eatery serves dishes with an abundance of Alberta and Canadian ingredients, and hosts live music in an intimate setting year-round. Order a drink to pair from the elegant wine list or crafted cocktail menu. RUSTIC KITCHEN + BAR For over 20 years, this fine dining restaurant has continued to source the majority of their ingredients from Alberta farmers, ranchers, and greenhouses, with the chef driving two hours to pick up the Elk and Lamb featured on the menu. Along with the local ingredients, everything is made from scratch.

Rustic Kitchen + Bar

SABAI INFUSION RESTAURANT Authentic Thai dishes are served on a bed of rice or noodles inside this beautiful downtown eatery. From curry bowls, to pad thai, your tastebuds will come alive with each bite of a perfectly saucy and seasoned dish. SAMMY’S KITCHEN + BAR Serving refined dishes inside a romantic setting, Sammy’s Kitchen + Bar features hearty dinners, with the main event being seafood boil, steak, lamb, chicken, sirloin and shortrib. The final course brings dessert options of salted caramel dome cake, apple pie, and more.

22

Food & Beverage

Note: Comfort Food + Drink

Takumi Japanese Restaurant

Silver Buckle

The Whiskey District

SILVER BUCKLE Located in what used to be a flour mill for Lake of The Woods Milling Company, Silver Buckle serves twists on favourite dishes and seasonal specialties. You’ll often find dueling pianos or live bands on the stage, or a sports game on the big screen in the theatre room. TAKUMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Specializing in ramen, fresh sushi, and so much more, the owner and chef has over 27 years of experience and has cooked in Seoul, San Francisco, Tokyo, and opened his restaurant in Medicine Hat in 2012.

THE CLUBHOUSE AT PARADISE VALLEY From splendid appetizers, light meals, fresh salads and sandwiches, and premium entrees, The Clubhouse at Paradise Valley serves dishes alongside a beautiful view of the coulees and Saamis Tepee. After eating, hop on the golf course to play a couple rounds. THE HAT’S OLIVE TAP Find well-rounded and nutritious dishes inside this oil and balsamic taproom. Creamy soups, panini pressed sandwiches, and fresh salads are made using high-quality oils and balsamics, locally grown produce, and Alberta-farm chickpeas, with sustainability top of mind.

THE WHISKEY DISTRICT Familiar dishes are served in a fine dining style on the third floor of the Badlands View Building, complemented by a one-of-a-kind view of the World’s Tallest Tepee. The details are in the dishes, with an inviting open concept kitchen, so you can visit with the team behind your meal. THE YARD PATIO & EATERY Seasonal A hub for live music throughout the summer, this outdoor eatery invites the sunshine and brings the energy from from Spring to Fall. The lively family-friendly patio serves locally crafted beverages and a full brunch and dinner menu, featuring chicken and waffles and steak sandwiches.

.com

23

Food & Beverage

@TourismMedicineHat

Chef Shane Chartrand Savour Alberta's South

ZUCCHINI BLOSSOM MARKET & CAFE The Riverside neighbourhood has character with historic homes lining the boulevards, and luckily enough, the locals live near Zucchini Blossom Market & Café . Owner Kristine owns one of the longest standing businesses that embraces local ingredients, sourcing from farms and greenhouses year-round that are only a 10 to 20 minute drive from her café. Chef Shane and owner Kristine talked about the details of the creamy soup , including the detailed preparation of the garlic, and Chef Shane added that the house salad was one of the most beautiful he’d seen. They spent just over an hour visiting, eating, and sharing stories of past experiences, beside a 15 foot tall Yucca plant. SWEET PURE HONEY HIVES Flowing rivers to flying honeybees, owners of Sweet Pure Honey Sheldon and Stella suited the group up before they circled around beehives. Sheldon pulled out panels with hundreds of honey bees. There was an echoing buzzing sound while everyone stood in the swarming sea. The beekeeper explained the ideal honey bee environment, how their collaborative mindset builds a strong hive, and how important honey bees are to the natural ecosystem. Afterwards, the group spontaneously ran into Nicole, Nicole, owner and operator with her husband Mark, of Neubauer Farms . And seconds later, Kristine from Zucchini Blossom Market & Café pulled up to pick out farm fresh dill. Now there were honey bee farmers, an agriculture farmer, a café owner, and a chef. This is Medicine Hat. Local ingredients, local conversations, and a lot of great food and partnerships that come from it.

Indigenous and Alberta Chef Shane Chartrand was invited and welcomed to Medicine Hat in October 2025. Chef Shane has been featured on Top Chef Canada, Iron Chef Canada, CHOPPED Canada, and Fridge Wars, and journeyed through Southern Alberta with Tourism Medicine Hat to Savour Alberta’s South. THE WHISKEY DISTRICT The first stop was The Whiskey District , where Sous Chef Michael and Chef Aaron prepared and served the group a steak tartare . A dish that Chef Shane once prepared underneath the World’s Tallest Tepee, Saamis Tepee , years prior. Tastebuds were watering, and the initial appetizer sparked intrigue while browsing the menu for a main dish. From handhelds and steaks to choose from, Chef Shane picked “The” [Cheese] Burger . The size of, what felt like, the world’s tallest burger. With a stacked burger in both hands, a house-made cocktail awaited its turn, with notes of strawberry, basil, lemon, honey, and fresh squeezed orange. The energy of conversation stirring throughout the busy and buzzing space, Chef Shane wandered to the open kitchen to hangout and prep alongside Sous Chef Michael, Chef Aaron and the Sunday night team. STATION COFFEE COMPANY It was Monday morning that Chef Shane would meet with the Tourism Medicine Hat team again for coffee, baking, and a back of house tour from owner Jake and baker Toni. Station Coffee Company has called the historic Turpin Block home for over a decade. Surviving a fire, the layered smoke still showcases itself on the century old brick. Pairing history with food and drink, the menu features The Rootbeer Godfather , a mix of espresso, rootbeer, and cream, and decadent desserts, from cheesecake to soft and fluffy muffins .

24

HOMETOWN CULINARY Hometown Culinary is a modern and welcoming space that resembles a home, with the owners’ grandmother’s spoon collection on the wall and exposed historic brick as a reminder it’s on one of Medicine Hat’s oldest streets, North Railway Street. With a selection of mocktails with funky names, like 80s Hairspray Was Different and Call Your Church Friends , a couple of people settled on ordering a round of Insult Pipeline , with cranberry juice, lime juice, aromatic bitters, and ginger ale, garnished with a cinnamon stick. A Reuben with classic, crispy fries as the side, and a bowl of corn chowder soup, this cozy homemade meal ended a day of intentional eating and experiencing, and started an evening of relaxing and reminiscing. MEDICINE HAT BREWING COMPANY Medicine Hat Brewing Company before Chef Shane would soar over Alberta to his home in Edmonton. Chef Brennan sat with the table to share how Medicine Hat Brewing Company originally opened in 1912 during the prohibition era. His family, the Vancuuren family, dusted off the name and opened the brewery in a new location. Featuring a full dinner menu, the family business partners with various local producers, like beans from Viterra , beef from Benchmark Beef Angus Cattle , cured meats & bacon from Premium Sausage , garlic from JB Farms , and mustard from Luco Farms . Chef Shane ordered the AB Beef Dip , made with slow roasted, grass fed Alberta Beef, horseradish aioli, Gentlemen’s Stout beef au jus, caramelized onion, and cheddar on a baguette. The table also filled with Warm Pretzels , served with Sin Bin Red Ale gruyere cheese sauce and grainy mustard and Scotch Eggs , with two medium boiled omega-3 eggs, beer sausage, and panka breadcrumbs. “To walk around and have a feeling that you don’t get anywhere else in Alberta, except in this region …or this treaty ...there’s a purpose. This moment is a purpose for why I’m here.” — Chef Shane Chartrand After visiting Red Rock Coulee the group made a final stop at

Savour Alberta's South is a year-round, regional culinary experience in Southern Alberta that introduces the rich culinary heritage and one of a kind dining experiences along Highway 3. Farm to Fork is an annual, culinary festival that celebrates farm-fresh food and drink crafted with the abundance of locally sourced ingredients, grown, raised, and produced right here in Southern Alberta, from November 1-21. Let food lead the way, and reserve your seat at the next eatery in Southern Alberta.

Sagebrush

.com

25

Food & Beverage

@TourismMedicineHat

Alberta-made ice cream

Ice Cream Crawl Local owners are serving up quality scoops, from Medicine Hat crafted to Alberta made. Indulge in a sugar or house-made waffle cone, with a nostalgic or new-to-you flavour.

RJ’S CONVENIENCE STORE Dairy-Free Available | Year-Round Alberta-made ice cream from Foothills Creamery is served at this convenience store. Order a classic scoop with a cone, or add it to your slushie. SWIRLS Dairy-Free Available | Seasonal A classic ice cream spot since 1984, you’re sure to find a nostalgic favourite or the excitement to try a new one with over 75 flavours to choose from. WINDMILL GARDEN CENTRE Seasonal Before visiting the butterflies, turtles, and goats at the adjoining John’s Butterfly House, grab a scoop of Foothills Creamery ice cream and explore the beautiful garden centre.

ANNEGRET’S FINE EUROPEAN CHOCOLATES Dairy-Free Available | Seasonal Owner Annegret mixes and molds silky chocolate using her very own recipe year-round, and in the summer she adds 10 gelato flavours to the mix. CAMP ICE CREAM Dairy-Free Available | Year-Round Handcrafted in-house, Camp Ice Cream serves annual and seasonal flavours, including acai bowls made fresh to order. And $1 from every pint is donated to summer camps in Southern Alberta.

CREAM CULT creamcult.com

Handcrafted ice cream made with only quality ingredients, Cream Cult can be found at RJ’s Convenience.

26

Food & Beverage

Cafė & Market Tour Find barista-inspired beverages, and local artisan galleries all on one tour. Think pub crawl, but with delicious drinks, food menus, and carefully crafted markets. AVENUE COFFEE and café has prepared bright coloured meals that feature ZUCCHINI BLOSSOM MARKET & CAFÉ For over two decades, this market

Southern-sourced ingredients, and is located in one of Medicine Hat’s most historic neighbourhoods. HOMESTEAD MARKET An all-season market, featuring over 180 Canadian vendors, from both creative and culinary worlds. A convenient stop along Highway 3, whether stopping in to browse or cruising through the drive-thru for a grab n’ go.

Stay until 11p.m. at this late night café, serving trending drinks, a small food menu, and fresh baking, including the signature ‘Kookie Bites’ cookies. CAFÉ VERVE Pair soups and sandwiches with fresh baking, a sweet tea menu, and coffee made with Canadian company, Rosso Coffee Roasters. This modern café serves alongside their rotating art gallery, featuring local painting, pottery, and textile art. MT NEST CAFÉ & MARKET Located on the Southwest Hill, this neighbourhood brunch and bakery spot celebrates the magic of being human, whether seated in the colourful indoors surrounded by local art, or on the beautiful sunny patio with a crafted beverage in hand.

.com

27

Food & Beverage

@TourismMedicineHat

Only in Medicine Hat Dining

There are dining events that can only be found in Medicine Hat, due to the historic structures offering beautiful settings and local chefs pouring their skill and heart into every course served. Dine the creative culinary scene in Medicine Hat. 7 RIVERS DOWNTOWN SERIES 7 Rivers Trading Company hosts a thoughtful evening in Medicine Hat’s historic downtown. The night begins at the small shop, trying Alberta made appetizers and beverages. Owner Sarah brings the group to a second downtown location, changing with each event. Here, guests craft with a local artisan and enjoy a multi-course dinner served by a local eatery in the heart of the city. DINNER IN THE KILN Inside the historic beehive kiln at Canada’s National Historic Site, guests dine a five-course dinner prepared by five local chefs. The kilns at Medalta in the Historic Clay District once fired pottery for 7-8 days. Now, people are invited to eat and drink inside the historic structures throughout the year. HARVEST TABLE Note: Comfort Food + Drink hosts the Harvest Table, where owner Miranda creates a multi-course menu with drink pairings, using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Some evenings feature a private concert during the event. This eatery is located inside the Municipal Historic Site, Hargrave Sissons Block. SUNDAY DINNER Start the week with a homemade Sunday Dinner at Hometown Culinary on one of Medicine Hat’s most historic streets, North Railway Street, with the Canadian Pacific Railway in sight. Chef Adam and his team choose a theme and roll out an exclusive multi-course menu with drink pairings, just for the one evening.

Hometown Culinary

DOWNTOWN WALKING FOOD TOUR

TAPROOM DINNER SERIES Inside the historic brick building lives this local micro-brewery. Travois Ale Works duo Chef Jordan and Brewer Brady piece together the Taproom Dinner Series. The upscale, three course menu is different every time, and always includes an appetizer, main, dessert, and is intentionally paired with house-brewed beer. Held monthly, guests always know when the next dinner will be. a local guide who will share stories and converse with the group along the way. At the end of the evening, you'll have dined an amuse bouche paired with a cocktail, an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Hometown Culinary, note: comfort food + drink, The Yard Patio & Eatery, and Travois Ale Works are the featured eateries, with each tour rotating which course each restaurant serves. Upcoming dates: May 21, June 4, July 16, August 6 Stroll to four independent eateries in Medicine Hat's historic downtown with

Note: Comfort Food + Drink

THE HAT'S OLIVE TAP During the day, The Hat’s Olive Tap is both a lunch bistro and tasting room of oil & balsamic. In the evening, the team hosts occasional chef-curated dinners. There are three-courses served and each has a theme. Along with the dinners, the eatery plans to host Tour & Tapas nights, which include a private tasting tour of the freshest extra virgin olive oil & barrel aged balsamics.

28

Food & Beverage

Dinner in the Kiln

WHISKEY DISTRICT PODS Winter Experience In the winter, The Whiskey District brings two glass-enclosed pods to their three-story patio for a unique dining experience in Medicine Hat. The large pod seats up to 10 people, and the small pod seats up to four. Both pods include two-hour private dining. Guests are invited to order from the exclusive and elevated Pod Menu before arriving for the reservation, for a relaxing visit.

+1 PROJECT WITH YOGAREVOLUTION

In the heart of the city there’s the heated yoga studio YogaRevolution. Mike and Vanessa have planned their +1 Project to be in partnership with neighbouring food and drink businesses in the historic downtown. Once everyone unwinds and flows through a yoga class at the studio, they then stroll for brunch, lunch, or dinner afterwards to hangout and indulge in a local meal.

Travois Ale Works

.com

29

Food & Beverage

@TourismMedicineHat

Brewing & Distilling

MEDICINE HAT BREWING COMPANY 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.

TRAVOIS ALE WORKS 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.

Events & Festivals

30

GRIT CITY DISTILLERY 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.

ZERO PROOF & CANNED IN MEDICINE HAT Auggie Sparkling hop water, made with local hops by Medicine Hat Brewing Company. Frest Sparkling cucumber water, made with local cucumbers by Big Marble Farms. Tru Me Whole Health Carbonated BCAAs and Electrolytes by Tru Me Whole Health. Your Preference Kombucha Kombucha and Water Kefir distilled by Your Preference Kombucha is alcohol free.

YOUR PREFERENCE KOMBUCHA 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.

.com

Events & Festivals

31

@TourismMedicineHat

Take the ultimate road trip to seven craft beer stops from Medicine Hat to the South Canadian Rockies. The extensive available farmland throughout Alberta brings quality hops for micro- breweries in the region, adding a piece of homeland into each brew. Highway 3 Ale Trail

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. Find the perfect pour straight from the tap, with h ops harvested

ALBERTA COMMON An Ale Trail Collaboration

Once a year, the seven breweries along Highway 3 meet at Medicine Hat Brewing Company to brew a collaborative beer. Each year it features different tasting notes and new artwork for the can.

by friendly farmers, and kegs crafted by community brewers on the Highway 3 Ale Trail.

savouralbertassouth.ca

Stronghold Brewing Company | Fort Macleod Oldman River Brewing Ltd. | Lundbreck The Pass Beer Company | Blairmore, Crowsnest Pass

Medicine Hat

Fort Macleod

Lundbreck

Lethbridge

Medicine Hat Brewing Company | Medicine Hat Travois Ale Works | Medicine Hat Spectrum Ale Works | Lethbridge Theoretically Brewing Company | Lethbridge

Blairmore, Crowsnest Pass

32

Food & Beverage

MOV E T O MEDICINEHAT . C A

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Songwriters, Stages, and Sunshine

ALTERNATIVE WAVES MUSIC FESTIVAL June 12-13, 2026

QUONSET DAYS July 17-18, 2026

TONGUE ON THE POST FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL January 2027

Presenting Tenille Townes, Aaron Goodvin, Montgomery Gentry, Phil Vassar, and more Canadian artists in a Southeast Alberta farmland setting. A full weekend of live music, food trucks, beer gardens, and classic Quonset Days food, like the “Quonset Dog”. All profits are donated towards ALS Society of Alberta. “Dust off your cowboy boots and party for a great cause, while surrounded by miles of open farmland. A true Albertan experience,” says Beth Cash, marketing coordinator for Quonset Days. quonsetdays.com PORCHFEST August 2026 A free outdoor event hosted in one musicians to perform on front lawns and porches on the Southeast Hill. The quaint neighborhood is full of century-old homes and beautiful boulevards, where people can stroll from home to home to bask in the fresh air and watch the live, local performances. “PorchFest is designed in its nature to be as accessible, open, and inclusive as possible. It’s amazing to see the Hill lit up with families, friends, and couples, year after year,” says Rob Pape, organizer of PorchFest with his wife, Shannon. @porchfestmh of Medicine Hat’s most historic neighbourhoods invites local

Metal, punk, and rock bands perform on one of Medicine Hat’s most historic streets, across the street from the historic CP Railway Station. The Mainliner Pub has indoor and outdoor stages where up to 200 musicians perform throughout the weekend. “Every year it’s like a family reunion. The festival comes from being a musician and my passion for music, and people have shared their love for the quality and variety of the bands,” says Keith Aucion, executive and artistic director of Alternative Waves Music Festival. @altwavesmusicfest MEDICINE HAT JAZZFEST June 16-21, 2026 Symphonies are performed inside the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre and on its outdoor rooftop terrace. An exclusive show presents a band inside Medicine Hat's National Historic Site, Medalta in the Historic Clay District. Dancing guests and the live band are backlit with century-old brick. “We’ve really coined the phrase ‘You don’t have to be a jazz fan to be a fan of JazzFest’,” says Lyle Rebbeck, previous executive artistic director of JazzFest. “The energy the festival creates is transformative. You see life in a different way — you appreciate your city, your neighbours, and friends.” medicinehatjazzfest.com

This Folk Music Festival hosts local and Canadian musicians inside the monumental National Historic Site, Medalta in the Historic Clay District. Watch soulful performances inside a beehive kiln that fired pottery in the early 1900s, or surrounded by brick that was stacked in 1913 in the Yuill Family Gallery and Turning Room. “Medalta has been a natural home for Tongue on the Post. Both Medalta and the festival are rooted in Medicine Hat, and we’re happy to showcase this crown jewel in the City,” says Rob Pape, executive director of Tongue on the Post. mhfolkmusic.com

photo: Joan Kennedy

Events & Festivals

34