Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

Paddling

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park can be explored by bike, boat, on foot, or by paddling the waterways. There are two lakes that bring very different experiences located in the heart of the hills in Southern Alberta. ELKWATER LAKE Elkwater Lake brings beautiful views of the rolling hills and open sky. It is located on the beach, where paddlers can float and swim the body of water. It’s an easy spot to hop off when you’re hungry, and hop back on when you’re ready for more. Swirls Ice Cream is located on a beach for a nice, cold sweet treat. There are motorized boats who also use the lake, so be sure to wear a bright lifejacket and always sit up on your paddle board to increase visibility. Elkwater is a busier space, used for beach lounging, swimming, boating, and paddling.

SPRUCE COULEE Spruce Coulee is snug in the forest, with views of lodgepole pine and aspen trees and wildlife. It’s a great spot for beginner paddlers, and is narrower than Elkwater Lake. Because the space is enclosed by forest, it brings protection from the wind. This body of water is closed to motorized boats, so you will only see other paddlers and fisherpeople. Even when it gets busy, you can usually find your own corner where it’s just you, the water, the trees, and the hills. Swimming is not recommended in this lake.

SAFETY TIPS & TRICKS Always wear a bright lifejacket. Bring a whistle for emergencies. Wear sun protection. Cypress Hills feels cooler than Medicine Hat, but the sun rays are still strong. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Put a phone in a waterproof case with a lanyard, so it’s always accessible and safe.

Paddling Rentals are available at the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre . Call 403.893.3833 for more information.

“My favourite part about paddling Cypress Hills is the peace you feel. I have a three year old now, and this past summer we paddled together. Being able to share that with him and watch him be so excited about how nice it is out here is so amazing,” says Jen Maheux, Cypress Hills local and co-host of the Outdoor Mama Podcast. “One day we watched a mama duck feed her babies; Cypress Hills is a really special place.”

Southeast Alberta

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