Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

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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.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Medalta in the Historic Clay District

Table of Contents

Indigenous Spaces & Places 8-15 The Story Behind Medicine Hat's Name 8 Stories Behind the Land 10-11 Indigenous Inspiration 12 Indigenous Gatherings 13 Saamis Tepee 14-15

Food & Beverage Savour the Southeast

Events & Festivals

20-30

31-42

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Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival

32 33 34 35 36

This City's Got You Covered

22-23 24-25

Porch Fest

Producer to Plate Ice Cream Tour

JazzFest

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Tongue on the Post

Hot Drinks & Sweet Treats

26-27 28-29

Quonset Days

Brewing & Distilling Only in Medicine Hat Dining Experiences

Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede

37

30

Local Sports Beat the Heat

38-39

40 41 42

Medalta in the Historic Clay District

Races

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Canadian Enduro League

Police Point Dr NE

Police Point Park

5 St SE

The front cover photographed on the South Saskatchewan River, near the 'breathing hole' mentioned in the Story Behind Medicine Hat's name (page 8).

Minto Ave SE

Strathcona Island Park

Sunshine Trolleys

16-17

Cliff Faces

Cover Image: Ashley Voykin. The 2024 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

Full Day with Family

Golf in Canada's Sunniest City 86

68

Mountain Biking

43-47 44-45 46-47

Medicine Hat & Redcliff

Cypress Hills

Southeast Alberta Day Trip Destinations

87-95 88-89 90-91

Family Getaway in the Hills

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

92-93

City Parks & Trails Echo Dale Regional Park

71-80 72-73

Hidden Valley Ski Resort

94 95

Elkwater

City Parks

74-75

Explore with Linda Hoang

50

Police Point Park

76 77 77

Disc Golf

Chainsaw Art

Trails

78-79

Scenic Views

80

Camping

96-97

Historic Downtown Self-Guided Tours Map

51-67 52-53 54-57 58-59 60-61 62-63 64-65

Hotels & AirBnBs

98-100

Murals

Indy Coffee Tour

James Marshall Murals

Waterways

81-85

Bakery Tour

Ride the South Saskatchewan

82 83 84 85

Historic Downtown Tour Your Cinema Needs You

Seven Persons Creek

66

Go with the Flow

Esplanade Arts & Heritage Center

67

Medicine Hat's Great Bigs

Visitor Information Center 98-100

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Medicine Hat's Name THE STORY BEHIND

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.

The Great Spirit told the man to 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 eventu ally became a great Medicine Man. Thus, the first “medicine hat”; a symbol of leadership, prowess, and mysti cism on the western plains, came into

existence. The City was founded at the location of the ancient legend. 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 numer ous 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 Medi cine Hat with its moniker “The Gas City”.

8 Indigenous Spaces & Places

INDIGENOUS SPACES & PLACES

"For hundreds of years, Indigenous peoples gathered in this valley, which supplied everything they required to live. This land provided food, shelter, fuel, and water and sustained a way of life we now try to connect

Photo Travel Alberta/Chris Amat

with through story-telling." — Brenda Mercer, Indigenous artist and story-teller.

Saamis Archaeological Site

Stories Behind the Land

Explore Medicine Hat’s Indigenous history with this self-guided tour, made by The Miywasin Friendship Centre and partners. Police Point Park Areas like Police Point Park would have offered sheltered camping with an abundance of firewood available for First Nations. The Park was a safe crossing place for the South Saskatchewan River and is home to many differ ent plants, such as chokecherry bushes and buffalo ber ries. These fruits have been harvested by First Nations for many years. Police Point Park has an important, sacred history — during the 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 ceremo nial uses. Anecdotal sources said that Police Point Park was also used historically as a location for tree burials. The Old Man Buffalo Stone, made by stone sculpture artist Stewart Steinhauer, can be found while walking through the Park. Inspired by the Manitou Stone, this two-sided sculpture was crafted to be a guardian watching over the buffalo herds.

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Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Mural Indigenous artist Jesse Gouchey and the Miywasin

Friendship Centre’s Youth Development Program spent a weekend in October of 2019 redesigning and painting the First Street underpass mural. The mural was painted to show the dark and tangled times Indigenous women are facing on Turtle Island today. The red dress’ loose fabric flows across the mural, and then surrounds a jingle dress dancer. The increasing vibrancy, colours, and details in the dancer show the resiliency and strength of Indigenous women, community, and people.

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.

Saratoga Park Saratoga Park is highly valued for its connection to First Nations use of the area, Medicine Hat’s early industrial development and, more recently, to Medicine Hat’s Métis community. Use of the area stretches back to before Medicine Hat’s earliest days. It was designated a Historic Designation in 2020, and Métis people lived here until the mid-2000s. A plaque was unveiled in 2021 that shares more information and photos. Saamis Archaeological Site If you take a short stroll past the Saamis Tepee, you will see the beautiful Seven Persons coulee. You are also looking down on the very important Saamis Archaeological Site. The area was once used as a late winter, early spring buffalo meat processing site by early First Nations. This site dates back thousands of years, and archaeologists believe there are over 83 million artifacts buried in the valley and this site dates back thousands of years. Visitors are reminded that no digging for artifacts is permitted at the site.

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 a shell in the trenches. He contracted influenza in 1917 and was dis charged in 1919 at the age of 23.

Ómahksípiitaa (Big Eagle) This gathering space at Medicine Hat College (MHC) creates a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment that enhances cultural awareness and understanding for MHC students and the region. Cultural components support cross-curricular education directly aligned to the Truth & Reconcil iation Commission’s Calls to Action and provide a unique venue to honour and celebrate Indigenous culture and history.

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Indigenous Inspiration

@tianadaniellephotos

Brenda Mercer Good Sweetgrass Woman, Many Blessings Woman Brenda Mercer, who’s Dakota Sioux from Standing Buffalo Nation, has been beading for 51 years, since she was eight years old. Her non Indigenous cousin taught her the daisy stitch, and Mercer was hooked. The artist always has earrings in her purse, to give to strangers and friends. When giving, she shares a bit about who she is and her story, “I tell them, ‘I made these for you with all my love and good intentions. I’ve had people come up to me a year later saying they wear them with pride and still feel the love.'” Mercer also hosts Sharing Stories at the Saamis Tepee, where she shares personal stories and Indigenous stories from the past, while she teaches an Indigenous craft to the group. Find more information on the facing page. Find Brenda Mercer’s jewelry (White Horse Rider Co.) at the Visitor Information Centre, 330 Gehring Rd. SW.

JoLynn Parenteau Métis woman JoLynn Parenteau writes about Indigenous people, places, language, and traditions, in a column with the Medicine Hat News. After two years of writing, Parenteau feels it’s time to encapsulate each article in a book: an anthology to preserve the true stories of historic and modern-day Indigenous life. “Those connections to culture really are soul-uplifting for all of us, and it’s so important through all heritages,” single layer to a person. That’s what I enjoy discovering about people.” Along with writing, Paranteau has been invited to speak at events across Canada acknowledging Indigenous homelessness, and in 2022 she launched the 90-minute financial budgeting course “Métis Money Moves”. Since then it has grown to a 10-hour, four class instruction. Whether she is writing, speaking, or teaching, Parenteau has set her sights on helping people, through story-telling from her experience and stories shared by others. says Parenteau. “Everyone is so multi-faceted. There’s never one

Josie Saddleback White Bear Woman Josie Saddleback, who’s Nehiyah Cree, was drawn to a beautiful jingle dress full of reds, turquoises, oranges, and yellows, with pockets that could hold her medicine and crystals. When the dress fit like a glove, she knew jingle dancing found her. “I feel very grounded and proud of who I am when I dance. Once I hear the downbeat of the drum, the song takes over me. I feel close to my ancestors. I’m carrying their spirits with me, their presence, and I’m keeping their memories and cultural teachings alive, and making them proud.” The jingle dancer and jewelry artist started Saddleback Stones in 2020, after already beading for two years. She drives the prairie roads in the summer and stays in the city to attend markets and share her handmade rings, earrings, necklaces, and candles. Saddleback also beads the edges of wide-brim hats and along false eyelashes, to have the beads emulate eyeliner.

Follow @ SaddlebackStones to find the artist at an upcoming market.

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Indigenous Gatherings

Miywasin Story Tour A conversational day spent

The Hills Are Alive In June, The Hills are Alive showcases the Métis and Aboriginal culture. The gathering brings together talented musi cians, dancers, and cultural teachers, in a traditional setting of tipi’s and trapper’s tents, in beautiful Elkwater, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. The family-friendly event is open to the public, and features instruction in fiddle, piano, guitar, man dolin, banjo, Métis jigging, and square dancing. Artisans will offer instruction in sash finger weaving, capote making, Métis beading, hand drum making, and instruction in making smaller crafts as well. There will be activities and tradi tional games for youth, Métis history, Elder storytelling, and Michif lessons. Ómahksípiitaa (Big Eagle) Located at the Medicine Hat College, the Ómahksípiitaa hosts gatherings year round that are open to the public. Start ing in 2024, two craft circles are hosted every month. More gatherings include, National Day of Awareness for Miss ing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (May), National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September), and Metis Week Celebrations, in remem brance of Louis Riel Day, (November).

Making is an act of connecting and shar ing in Indigenous culture. Gathering and crafting together, and sharing stories, is a way to honour the past, celebrate Indigenous culture, and grow together. National Indigenous Peoples Day Every year on National Indigenous Peoples Day, a Powwow demonstra tion is hosted and Teepees are set up at Kin Park in Medicine Hat. Indig enous dancers who live in and visit Medicine Hat demonstrate dances from Jingle Dress Dance, to Ladies Traditional Dance, the Chicken Dance, and more, ending the gathering with a Round Dance that includes everyone. You can also find Indigenous arti sans, face painting, and food trucks.

outdoors with local storytellers from Miywasin Friendship Centre, in places Indigenous peoples called home, lived off the land, and started their traditions and storytelling. Join the group in a hands-on Indigenous practice to take home and enjoy near the end of the gathering. All transportation is included on the Sunshine Trolley, with the start and finish point at the Miywasin Friendship Centre, in Medicine Hat's Historic Downtown. Sharing Stories at the Saamis Tepee with Brenda Mercer Indigenous artist and storyteller Brenda Mercer invites you to join her and special guests to learn 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 Saamis Tepee.

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Saamis Tepee

The Storyboards 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 Legend: How Medicine Hat Got its Name

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 entre preneur 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. The Saamis Tepee has a foundation weight of 800 metric tons, and the dead load of the struc ture 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. Below the Saamis Tepee, in scenic Seven Per sons coulee, lies one of the Northern Plains archaeological sites — the Saamis Archaeolog ical Site. Take time to explore and photograph this area. It boasts one of the foremost important archaeological sites of the Northern Plains.

Interpretation 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. The Blackfoot Confederacy Interpretation and Painting by Henry Standinga lone. This scene depicts the things that are important 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

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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. Plains Cree Way of Life

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

Interpretation and Painting by Henry Standinga lone. In the fall of 1877, Treaty #7 was signed at the Blackfoot crossing between the Blackfoot and the Queen‘s government. The five Chiefs depicted in the picture are: Chief Crowfoot (Siksika

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

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

shown are still primitive and most of the activities and skills 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 Interpretation and Painting by Robert Anderson. This painting represents some of the many 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. The Plains Indians ceremonies in our Cree culture. The four ribbons are representative of the four directions. The sweet lodge can be used to ask for guidance from

grow and the rivers flow. The Métis of the Plains

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

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

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 towards the sun and bright light, the native warrior holds his peace pipe invoking the wisdom of

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 and Painting by Marilyn Fraser-King.

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.

The original 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

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Sunshine Trolleys

Hop onto Medicine Hat’s Sunshine Trolleys to see the most prominent landmarks in Canada’s Sunniest City. At each location, you’re invited to briefly adventure the area and soak in Medicine Hat’s history and culture, including The World’s Tallest Tepee, Saamis Tepee. Throughout the summer, guides who are local to Medicine Hat share stories and interesting insights about each stop. In the absence of a guide, bring your headphones, scan the Trolley Stories QR code, and listen to the history behind each must-see destination told by the locals. Purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged to ensure your seat is reserved for the scheduled Sunshine Trolley tour. Visit Tixx.ca for tickets and to find out which tours are guided. Pick-up for the Sunshine Trolleys is at the Visitor Information Centre, 330 Gehring Rd. SW.

Scan for your Sunshine Trolley Tickets buy.tixx.ca/sunshinetrolley

Scan to listen to Trolley Stories

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Wheelchair Friendly The newest Sunshine Trolley is acces sible and can assist those with wheel chairs, walkers, and any other mobility needs for getting in and out of the Sun shine Trolley. There is an option to note this when reserving seats on Tixx.ca . Follow Us! For updates and information, follow @sunshine.trolleys on Facebook and Instagram. For private bookings, inquire via email at vic@tourismmedicinehat.com. Operates Seasonally Children 12 and under ride free

What are you riding in? A 2008 Supreme Trolley purchased from a vintage vehicle collector in Newfoundland. The newer Trolley is propelled by a 5.9L diesel Cummins engine that was newly built in 2019, by Cummins in South Carolina. Tourism Medicine Hat purchased this unit in 2022. A 1998 Ford Motorhome that was transformed into a vintage trolley, powered by a Chevy Big Block V8 gasoline engine. This Trolley was purchased and transported from Drumheller, Alberta to Medicine Hat in 2018.

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@TourismMedicineHat

Medalta IN THE HISTORIC CLAY DISTRICT

Hard-working hands, eager minds, and persistent community members were instrumental in transforming Medalta into the National Historic Site it is today. Originally established as a bustling factory, Medalta's journey has been marked by resilience and community spirit, particularly since its revitalization as a non-profit organization. Medalta withstood many misfortunes during its rebirth, including two fires and a flood, but there was always a group of passionate people there to pick up and rebuild the broken pieces. In the early 1900s, Medicine Hat’s Historic Clay District distributed one-third of all clay in Canada. Medalta is a prominent part of the city's culture, creativity, and economy, with human stories hidden in every brick, every piece of machinery, and every piece of Medicine

The entire campus is the result of a dedicated resto ration effort supported by the local community and all three levels of government. The result is a stunning context for dynamic experiences inside a National Historic Site. Hat-made pottery found today. The century-old factory is now home to an industrial museum, contemporary ceramic arts facility, art gallery, and community hub. Throughout its history, Medalta has transitioned from a thriving ceramics factory to a symbol of resilience and heritage, thanks to the efforts of The Friends of Medalta Society that breathed new life into its historic walls. Today, Medalta stands not only as a testament to the city's industrial past but also as a center for creative expression and community engagement. medalta.org | 403.529.1070 | 713 Medalta Ave. SE

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Beehive Kilns The iconic beehive kilns were used to fire pottery in the 1900s and were built using medieval designs. Over 14,000 bricks create this iconic structure, relying completely on gravity to keep the overhead domes together. Pottery was fired day and night for seven to eight days, and then cooled for one to two days. There was so much heat produced, it could make a penny evaporate. The Kilns can now be toured and host events like, Dinner in the Kiln, Whiskey Tastings in the Kiln, Tongue on the Post, and Medalta’s Heritage Christmas Market. Collectors’ Gallery ft. Tony Schlachter Collection Tony Schlachter donated his incredible collection of over 2,500 pieces to Medalta in 2008. The collection represents nearly every factory that has ever operated in Medicine Hat. It all began with a nondescript chicken waterer that Tony found on his farm in 1954. The collection is located in a hallway where you can also access the Beehive Kilns. Museum Tours The museum can be toured leisurely or guided. Strolling the National Historic Site with a tour guide, you’ll hear true stories about real people who worked day in and day out to produce pottery being distributed nation-wide. There are stories to tell, to be heard, and to remember in a place that played a prominent role, and continues to shape Medicine Hat’s culture. Feel the history of everything encompassed in the build ing, during a guided or self-guided tour.

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.

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Savour the Southeast A Medicine Hat-based culinary event that celebrates restaurant owners who serve quality cuisine — featuring ingredients sourced from local ranchers and producers. Every November, over 20 restaurants curate delicious dishes with ingredients, grown, raised, and produced in Southeast Alberta. But the partnerships go beyond the two week celebration. Farmers still farm, ranchers

This year marks over a decade of Savour the Southeast.

still ranch, growers still grow, producers still produce, and local owners continue to feature their ingredients year-round. All seasons bring fresh food in Southeast Alberta, that’s served on plates at the comfortable local eateries. Ask questions about the ingredients, or the story behind the recipe. Medicine Hat owners, chefs, bakers, and brewers are storytellers with a taste for exceptional, and local, flavour.

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

Our eateries will delight you with their diverse authentic flavours. Recipes here have often been handed down through generations. At the same time, you can find talented chefs from all over the world offering unique spins on their cultural traditions.

Pictured: The 26oz Tomahawk certified ribeye from Redwood Steakhouse & Bar

This City’s Got You Covered

Takumi Japanese Restaurant Chef Kim specializes in steaming ramen, fresh sushi, and so much more. Over 27 years, he’s cooked in Seoul, San Francisco, Tokyo, and, in 2012, he opened his restaurant in Medicine Hat. 23 8 St. NW

“Our local community is filled with people who have warm hearts, and being able to communicate with them through food as a chef is something I’m very grateful for.” — Chef Kim.

Ralph’s Texas Bar & Steakhouse

Located in the prairies, an authentic country-feel steakhouse is a must, and the owners of Ralph’s partner with local producers to serve 100%, Alberta raised steak. Have an evening dinner in the steakhouse, and then join the bar where a dance floor is featured. 1249 Trans-Canada Way SE Casa Amigos Cantina With paintings inspired by Mexican cul ture throughout, the vivid colour palette welcomes you inside this bustling spot for live entertainment. Their flavourful menu features a salsa flight and an exciting drink menu that highlights a tequila flight. You won’t have to book any flights for an authentic feel for Mexico. 1-480 3 St. SE

The Rosewood Burger — between two fresh burger buns, is a local beef patty from Douglas Meats, chickpea-floured dusted onions, pickles, toma toes, aioli, greens,

with an option to add cheese and/or bacon.

Rosewood Bistro A 50s inspired BIstro located on one of Medcicine Hat’s most historic streets, across from the CP Railway Station. Rosewood Bistro partners with their neighbour, Douglas Meats, year-round to serve cheesy, beef burgers, loaded steak stir frys, and other exquisite dishes that are hearty with locally-raised ingredients. 403 N Railway St. SE

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Sabai Infusion Restaurant Authentic Thai cuisine is served on a bed of rice or noo dles at this beautiful downtown eatery. From curry bowls to pad thai, your tastebuds will come alive with each and every bite of a perfectly saucy and seasoned dish. 638 2 St. SE

Jj Kitchen After attending farmers’ markets in Medicine Hat, Jane and Brian opened their downtown eatery in 2022. The rotating lunch menu keeps dishes fresh, and everything, including the kimchi and baked goods, is made by Chef Jane. 635 3 St. SE

“We hope people come in and enjoy the Korean food and cul ture shared in this space. When people finish their plate, it makes us so happy. We want to intro duce a lot of different types of Korean food to the community.” — Jane and Brian, owners of Jj Kitchen.

The Mexican Hat The Mexican Hat’s brick walls invite you into this colourful, small space with big food portions. The menu is full of authentic Mexican cuisine, from a salsa bar, to enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. 70 8 St. NW

The Whiskey District On the third floor of the Badlands View building, this eatery is found just off the Trans-Canada Highway. Bask on the raised patio, with its one-of-its-kind view of the Saamis Tepee and of people traveling by. 12 Gehring Rd. SW Redwood Steakhouse & Bar This refined local restaurant is located inside the Medicine Hat Lodge, and specializes in premium-cooked steaks, scallops, crab, salmon, ribeye, sirloin, and lobster tail. Redwood always serves an exquisite dinner experience. 1051 Ross Glen Dr. SE

D’carlo Pasta House Reserve a date night inside this romantic pasta house. The owner and chef cooks every dish with detail and passion, inside an Italian inspired patio atmosphere. With each hand-made noodle comes sauce, fla vour, and provokes an extra appetite for pasta. 501A 4 Ave SE

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Producer to Plate

Sammy’s Kitchen + Bar Chef for 37 years, Sammy opened Sammy's Kitchen + Bar in downtown Medicine Hat in late 2023. Learning from the best of chefs throughout her years in Korea, while cooking for the Korean Embassy, India, and Calgary, Sammy has developed her culinary skill and now serves the Medicine Hat community fine dining cuisine. “I have the freedom as a business owner to offer my signature, homemade dishes to the community, and everything is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. I find peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, habanero, and everything else I can get from the greenhouses in Redcliff. It’s all locally grown, and I’m very happy to serve this level of fresh food to our guests.” 531 3 St. SE

Braised Short Ribs: Alberta Stirling AAA Beef is braised then slow cooked for over 3.5 hours in a rich red wine au jus. It is served with white cheddar mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

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The Clubhouse at Paradise Valley Owner and Chef Sourav has managed kitchens and curated menus in India, Toronto, and Banff National Park. He also competed on the Food Network Canada television show, Fire Masters, with his episode airing in May 2023. From splendid appetizers, light meals, fresh salads and sandwiches, and premium entrees, The Clubhouse at Paradise Valley satisfies cravings for tasteful food. 90 Gehring Rd. SE

The Hat’s Olive Tap You’ll find over 75 quality oils and

balsamics inside this exquisite, Tuscany themed taphouse, located downtown on Second Street. Owner Carmen has a passion for creating wholesome and nutritious dishes, with sustainability at top of mind. There is a list of creamy soups, panini-pressed sandwiches, and fresh salads made with Alberta-farm chickpeas, locally-grown produce, and the high-quality oils and balsamics featured in the taproom. The eatery is allergy-friendly, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, making it easy for everyone to fill up on a delicious meal. 519 2 St. SE over 60 Alberta-based vendors, from many creative and culinary worlds. Being along Highway 3, the space features goods from artists, to crafters, farmers, and ranchers, a to-go style cafe, and drive-thru. "I've found so many creative people through the store and I see how beautiful their minds are—how they can sit down and create something so cool. I love having a space where we share that, and where people can grab a drink, a healthy snack, and wander around to shop.” — Kara, owner of Homestead Market with her husband Kristian. 1750 Gershaw Dr. SW Homestead Market An all-season market featuring

Rustic Kitchen + Bar Owners Chris Orchard and Sandee Anderson have a full focus on local. Chef Chris has offered a culinary menu at Rustic Kitchen + Bar that features Albertan ranchers and greenhouses, and Front of House Manager Sandee has curated the ultimate cocktail menu. Chef Chris drives two hours for elk from North Fork Ranch, and drives over two hours for lamb from Ewenique Farms. Seasonal vegetables are sourced from the ‘Greenhouse Capital of the Prairies’ in Redcliff. Along with the farm to fork produce, absolutely everything on the menu is made from scratch. 925 7 St. SW

North Fork Ranch Elk Pappardelle: Slow cooked elk ragout, shaved parmesan, crispy onions, and sour cream. The pap pardelle noodles are made in-house from scratch.

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Ice Cream Tour

Scoop your way through nine small-batch shops that serve handcrafted ice cream.

Swirls Dairy-Free Available | Seasonal A classic ice cream spot since 1984, Swirls is a place where you park and stroll up to the window and order. With 75 flavours to choose from, you’re sure to find a nostalgic favourite or the excitement to try a new one. swirlsicecream.ca | 2 4 St. SW Windmill Garden Centre Seasonal Before visiting the butterflies, turtles, and goats at the adjoining John’s But terfly House, grab a scoop of Foothills Creamery ice cream, and explore the beautiful and refreshing garden centre. windmill-gardencentre.com | 920 1 St. SW Cream Cult Handcrafted ice cream made with only quality ingredients, Cream Cult can be found at 7 Rivers Trading Co. , RJ’s Convenience and The Market Centre . creamcult.com

Moose & Squirrel Bistro Dairy-Free Available | Seasonal An outdoor Bistro with by-the-scoop, milkshakes, ice-cream floats, sorbet mojitos, and a full food menu. Check in to see what their dessert theme of the week is, and who will be playing the main outdoor stage. Ice cream is made by Foothills Creamery. mooseandsquirrelbistro.com | 651 2 St. SE 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. Everything is made in-house and from scratch, by Annegret herself.

Camp Ice Cream Dairy-Free Available | Year-Round Serving annual and seasonal flavours handcrafted in-house, you can order by the scoop with a waffle cone, or fill up on a pint. One dollar from every pint is donated to camps across the province. campicecream.ca | 1870 6 Ave. SW 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. If you browse around, you just might spot some hard-to-find snacks and candy. rjscandy.com | 303 Southridge Dr. SE

annegretschocolates.com 1235 Southview Drive SE

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Hot Drinks & Sweet Treats

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 colour ful indoors surrounded by local art, or on the beautiful sunny patio with a crafted beverage in hand. mtnestcafe.com| #104 266 Ave. SW Redcliff Bakery A locally-loved bakery since 1993, Redcliff Bakery has baked their cinna mon buns, donuts, and more for over 30 years. The bakery invited new family owners in December of 2017, who say they feel lucky to be continuing the great traditions to Redcliff and Medicine Hat. redcliffbakery.com 924 16 St. SW, Medicine Hat #8 3 St. SE, Redcliff

Café Verve As you walk towards the baked goods, admire the local art gallery on the walls. Time is taken to steep tea, blend lattes, brew coffee, layer sandwiches, simmer soups, and bake treats at this modern café. cafeverve.ca | 1775 Dunmore Rd. SE

McBride’s Bakery With a new feature each day, along with their signatures, this bakery keeps you coming back for more. Specializing in sweet treats, you can also find fresh loaves of bread and buns to take home. 1791 Dunmore Rd. SE

Zucchini Blossom Market & Café

For two decades, this market and café has prepared bright-coloured meals that feature Southeast Alberta-grown ingre dients, and is located in one of Medicine Hat’s most historic neighbourhoods. Zucchini Blossom Market & Café is cel ebrating 20 years in business in 2024. zucchiniblossom.com | 50 3 St. NE Hot Chocolate Fest YXH is an annual event hosted by Nosh. each November. Keep an eye out for several creative hot chocolate concoctions from many cafés in the city, and stay warm during the cooler season with a hot cup of cocoa.

Find more drinks & treats Coffee Shops

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Bakeries

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Medicine Hat Brewing Company In 1912, the Medicine Hat Brewing Company began serving old fashioned lager, ale, and stout to our City’s early, thirsty residents. When the Temperance Movement picked up, this popular brewery was forced to close. Over a century later, the Medicine Hat Brewing Company name was dusted off and again serves pristine and tasteful house-brewed beer with an impressive food menu, completely curated by the chef himself. Sip back and relax, and order yourself a flight to indulge and relish in the variety of aromas each beer embodies. 1366 Brier Park Dr. NW

Want to try all three breweries in Medicine Hat? Book a spot with Medi cine Hat Brewer ies Tour through Tixx.ca. Trans portation, beer flights, and snacks included with ticket purchase.

Grit City Distillery This small batch craft distillery on South Railway Street has been producing a variety of vodka, gin, rum, absinthe, and whiskey; using traditional botanicals and locally sourced ingredients, since 2017. Have a seat and take a look at their extraordinary cocktail menu that features the liquors and liqueurs made in-house. On Fridays, try one of their extravagant fishbowl features and pair it with their signature hot dog flight or gourmet pizza. 680 South Railway St.

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All spots often host events, including trivia, crib nights, pop-up chef appearances, and name that tune bingo. Follow them on social media to know what’s happening during your visit.

Hell’s Basement Brewery With a name inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s famous quote about Medicine Hat having, “all Hell for a basement”, due to the abundance of natural gas found under the City in the late 1800s, Hell’s Basement Brewery continues to bring stories and good times. Visit until your heart’s content inside this inviting brewery, and check the framed beer bottle labels, a collection that belongs to one of the founding owners of the brewery. He drank each beer overtime and grew the stack to eventually display in Hell’s Basement Brewery. #102 552 18 St. SW

Travois Ale Works This downtown brewery has everything beer — beer slushies, beer cocktails, canned and bottled beer, and good ol’ beer on tap. Revolutionary American and traditional European ales, with a twist, are brewed in small batches inside a historic building in downtown Medicine Hat. Indulge in a flight inside their public tasting room, try a bite on their small but mighty food menu, that often features a local partnership, or take part in one of their lively trivia nights. 612 3 St. SE

Photo Travel Alberta/Chris Amat

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ONLY IN MEDICINE HAT Dining Experiences Where flavour pairs

with unexpected dining locations. From Alberta's oldest brick residence to a beehive kiln, these experience will delight and leave you with a lasting impression of each unique place. Our city hosts a variety of seasonal and year-round culinary experiences. Visit our events calendar at tourismmedicinehat.com for upcoming events. From unique locations to delicious flavours, here is a sampling of one-of-a-kind dining experiences only in Medicine Hat.

Afternoon Tea at the Ewart Duggan House Attend a timeless tradition inside Alberta’s oldest brick residence. Built in 1887, Ewart Duggan House is associated with the earliest and most prominent citizens of Medicine Hat, and you're invited to be counted among its most honoured guests. Sip, savour, and connect over tiered trays of finger foods and a delightful selection of tea. 443 1 St. SE | esplanade.ca Country Escape Airbnb For a limited time in the summer, this country-side Airbnb features a garden of seasonal vegetables and a line-up of locally-sourced meats to gather and use to prepare dinner. The farm-to-table experience is just 10 minutes from Medi cine Hat. Find dates to add this package to your stay at @countryescapeairbnb . Airbnb.ca Dining in the Dark An immersive farm-to-fork dining experience inside the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre gallery. Dining in the Dark is a sensory exploration, leaving guests with an appreciation for the artistry of growing food and our region's delightful flavours. 401 1 St. SE | esplanade.ca

Dinner in the Kiln A five-course din ner prepared by local chefs and served inside the historic beehive kiln at Medalta in the Historic Clay District. Medicine Hat’s Historic Clay District produced 1/3 of all clay being distributed in Canada in the early 1900s. The beehive kilns were used to fire clay for seven to eight days, and then cooled for one to two days. Fully indulge in an exquisite dinner, inside the century-old National Historic Site. 713 Medalta Ave. SE | medalta.org Guesthouse 71 This country-style bed and break fast is a short drive from Medicine Hat, with horses as neighbours and a prairie sky greeting you each morn ing. Whether cozy indoors or on the comfy patio, you can enjoy elegantly decorated charcuterie made by The Copper Leaf Café, with beautiful views as the sun sets. Let the hosts know you’d like this added to your stay. 401 1 St. SE | guesthouse71.com

Sunday Service Chef of almost 20 years Rebecca Ross invites guests into her centu ry-old home to fully see who she is as a cuisine artist, and taste her menu of personal creations. Each recipe chang ing at every event, guests who attend a Sunday Service will try spontaneous dishes based on Ross’ inspiration, that are exclusive to that specific night. creamcult.com

Scan for the Food & Drink Events Calendar

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EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Medicine Hat events and festivals are familiar to extraordinary and beau tiful experiences, leaving a crowd of people stunned with the views and sounds surrounding them.

Rise Up HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

Every May, over a dozen eye-catching hot air balloons lift off from a new loca tion at each scheduled time, and float into the sky while the sun rises and sets. Willy Taillon and his wife, Cindy, started the annual Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in 2021, in partnership with addiction and mental health non for-profit, Our Collective Journey. “Seeing one balloon in the sky is very cool, but when you watch multiple take off at the same time, it really is something special,” says Willy.

The third annual family event will host flights from May 23-26, 2024. Both Friday and Saturday evenings feature a flight and balloon glow — where half of the hot air balloons are inflated, illuminated, and tethered to the ground so people can see them up close after sunset, while the other half lift off before sunset. All day Saturday will be a free community day in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, which will

“The festival is planned for people to enjoy the beauty of the balloons and our landscape. Whether they attend the event or see us fly during any other day, they have that moment to take in and be in-awe of what they’re seeing,” says Cindy. Depending on the wind direction, there may be a new location each day where the balloons take-off. Weather may cancel flight times as well. Be sure to follow along and receive updates at: @riseupyxh

include a market, food trucks, and family-focused activities.

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PorchFest

An outdoor event hosted in one of Medicine Hat’s most historic neighbourhoods, PorchFest invites local musicians to perform on front lawns and porches throughout the Southeast Hill. The quaint neighborhood is full of century old homes and beautiful boulevards, where people can walk, bike, e-scoot, or skateboard from home to home to bask in the fresh air and watch the wholesome, live performances. On August 31, 2024, visitors and residents can house

“PorchFest is designed to be as accessible, open, and inclusive as possible. It’s a great way for everyone to experience live music outdoors in a way that hasn’t yet been introduced to Medicine Hat. It’s amazing to see the Hill lit up with families, friends, and couples, year

after year, smiling and being happy.” — Rob Pape, Organizer of PorchFest with his wife, Shannon.

hop from performance to performance through out the day, with lawn chairs, snacks, water, and their furry friends. The event is donation-based. @porchfestmedicinehat

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