Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

Go With the Flow

Visitor Information Centre, we heard the story of how Medicine Hat got its name (page 8) and about the ‘breathing hole’. It was a must that we paddled to see that spot." Afterwards, they had lunch at Medicine Hat Brewing Company on the beauti ful and cozy patio, with cheesy pizzas, hearty burgers, and fresh salads. The afternoon was spent stocking up the cooler with brews from the Highway 3 Ale Trail breweries, Medicine Hat Brewing Company, Hell’s Basement Brewery, and Travois Ale Works. Dinner to-go was from Grit City Distillery. The signature dill pickle pizza and some custom spirits made it back to the camper in Elkwater — Boychuck’s favourite being the coconut gin. “As the sun began to set, everyone came back to camp to unwind and share their tales,” says Boychuck. 123 1 St SW

Reta Boychuck is the owner of Canadian River SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board), is a Safety Review Team Instructor at Raven Rescue, and a River SUP Instructor Trainer in British Columbia. She visited Medicine Hat with friends to embark on a few outdoor adventures, includ ing the South Saskatchewan River. She called her crew, Aleasha, Andre, and their two sons, Ashley, and Amanda. They loaded up their rigs and started the smooth drive to Elk water, Alberta with curiosity, paddle gear, fishing gear, and some bikes. “We had no expectations, except to take in adventure and drink some quality coffee and beer,” says Boychuck. A beautiful drive through the rolling prairie hills, farm lands, and windmills,

they dropped into Elkwater in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, with beautiful lakes, massive trees, and comfortable camping. With the peace and quiet they’ve been dreaming of, as Boy chuck described, they unhooked and moved in to relax for the evening. Arriving at Medicine Hat in the morning, they all carefully embarked on the South Saskatchewan River. Having a group of all ages, the goal was to minimize the shuttle time to maximize the fun, by utilizing the various parking lots and River access points at Police Point Park. “Paddling below these massive cliffs makes you feel small. The mellow flow made it effortless for us to stay safe, while playing and splash ing around,” says Boychuck. “At the

84 Waterways