Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

A Family Getaway IN THE HILLS “There’s beautiful parkland and forest, and you come into this beautiful oasis from the prairie grasslands. If you’re a nature nut, it’s a great place to be...a great place to connect with family.” ―Aleasha Diduch

Aleasha Diduch and her family adven tured to Medicine Hat, and then Elkwater in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in August 2023. A familiar visit to the oasis, Diduch, her husband, and two sons are always excited to return to the rolling hills. They fished while soaking in early sunrises and late sunsets. Many rounds of mini golf were played, a favour ite activity of the boys. And biking is always a major highlight with their campsite neighbouring the pump track. “It’s nice to be in the natural environ ment and be connected to the land while you’re there. You feel you’re in the middle of nowhere, in this forested area surrounded by the hills. We’ve defi nitely made some great memories as a family in Elkwater, and it’s somewhere we’ve chosen to go,” says Diduch. The forested trails can be hiked or biked and are laid out where all the networks and signs make it easy to know where one’s going. A pocket of rolling hills and lush greenery, once you drive off the prairie lands you reach a tree-filled place full of adventure. A beach with a lake for swimming and the little eatery, 12-34 Café , for small and large bites. There are endless ways to spend time together in Elkwater. The size offers a sense of safety for the parents of two, “you know the boys are in a space they can wander and explore, but they aren’t going to go too far or off the path.” “It’s such a beautiful place. We defi nitely want to go in the winter for cross-country skiing as well.” See pages 84 to 87 to plan your perfect getaway in Elkwater, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

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