Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

GREAT BIG PADDLE A large waterway in a prairie City calls for an event like the Great Big Paddle. The South Saskatchewan River invites the relaxed and friendly float to begin in Echo Dale Regional Park, where giant cliffs and red rock lead the way. After a few hours of stunning scenery, Strath cona Island Park pulls the group in to finish the float. “When you’re on the river, you get a view that’s totally different from land. It’s a very unique viewpoint. You see wildlife and vivid red cliffs. The face in the rocks has been there for many, many moons — and once people know about GREAT BIG PEDAL Director and event coordinator of Bike Medicine Hat Shelley Acheson says Medicine Hat’s largest cycling event Great Big Pedal will again invite commu nity members and visitors to pump their tires, clip their helmets and meet at Kin Coulee Park to bike the scenic pathways in 2023. “The trails are so diverse with the creek and river, hillside coulees and all the different wildlife you see. You’re immersed in so much nature, where you

The Great Big Paddle is inclusive. It’s for beginners and avid paddlers. There are local businesses that rent out equipment, but book early because it goes quickly. All Great Big Paddle participants must supply their own equipment, including a lifejacket. For more information about paddling the South Saskatchewan River in Medicine Hat, join the Medicine Hat

it, they look for it everytime they float the river,” says Tara Goddu, three-year Medicine Hat Paddle Club member. In a beautiful area of the City, a renewed sense of wonder is energized during the Great Big Paddle. The event brings a sense of comradery as everyone comes down the waterway. It invites attendees to bring family and friends and poten tially meet some new ones. “If you do the Great Big Paddle, you’ll more than likely love it. It’s the first step to explore the different waterways we have in the area,” says Goddu. really feel you’re away from the City,” says Acheson. “If you keep your eyes open, you could see eagles, owls, deer, moose and all other wildlife that live in the trees and bushes.” This event is accessible for those who ride all types of bicycles, from e-bikes, to road, recumbent and mountain. Kin Coulee Park’s massive green-grass field fills with over 100 participants who choose a 5k, 10k, or 20k trail that remains mostly flat. Knowing Medicine

Paddle Club Facebook page. 2023’s event will take place on July 8, 2023 @medicinehatpaddleclub

Hat, upward and downward hills can easily be added to the experience. “Seeing the large groups ride together and the community socialize with one another has to be one of my favourite parts. It’s a very inclusive event, and it shows people that riding in a group can be done easily on our awesome trails in

Medicine Hat,” says Acheson. 2023’s event will take place

on July 15, 2023 @bikemedicinehat

“The face in the rocks has been there for many, many moons — and once people know about it, they look for it everytime they float the river.” — Tara Goddu, three-year Medicine Hat Paddle Club member.

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