MEDICINE HAT REGION Discover
Medicine Hat: a gem on
the prairies W
ith 330 days of sunlight per year (the highest in Canada), and some of the warmest summer temperatures in the province, Medicine Hat can
truly be considered a hidden gem on the Prairies. Located in the South Saskatchewan River valley,
Medicine Hat’s history is connected with the First Na- tions population of the area and its naming comes from a number of legends from years gone by. Medicine Hat is derived from the native word
“Saamis”, meaning “Medicine Man’s Hat”. One legend tells the story of a young Blackfoot hunter who was given a magical, feathered bonnet by a local river ser- pent spirit to save his people from starvation. Years later, in 1882, when the Royal Northwest
Mounted Police and the Canadian Pacific Railway builders settled in the area, “Medicine Man’s Hat” was shortened to Medicine Hat. The name of the Saamis Tepee, the city’s most fa-
mous tourist attraction which is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, is derived from this legend. The tepee, brought in following the 1988 Winter Olympics, attracts thousands of visitors each year, provides a great vantage point to view the city, and is a good land- mark for those interested to begin hiking the many trails in the city. Over the years, Medicine Hat has grown into a
bustling city of over 63,000 people that attracts people from around the world who take part or enjoy year- round facilities and events. The Canalta Centre, which opened in 2015, is the
home rink for the WHL hockey team, Medicine Hat Tigers. However, when the puck isn’t flying over the ice, the event centre is used all year round, attracting high quality performers such as Jeff Dunham, Johnny Reid, Tom Cochrane and Cirque du Soleil. The Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, located in
historical downtown, brings in art and museum exhibits on an ongoing basis, and the 700-seat theatre plays host to well known entertainers all year.
continued on next page 12 - ALBERTA INROADS 2019 The Esplanade plays host to art exhibits and entertainers.
Medicine Hat attractions • Medalta in the Historic Clay District— a former industrial
ceramics manufacturing complex now home to contemporary artists via an artist-in-residence program • The Saamis Tepee stands tall adjacent to the Trans-Canada
Highway as one drives through Medicine Hat. It was originally constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and serves as a tribute to Canada’s native heritage • A tradition since 1887, Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stam-
pede is a summer highlight, with midway, grandstand shows, rodeo action, visual arts and better living displays. • A golfer’s paradise, with Medicine Hat Golf and Country
Club, Desert Blume, Connaught, Cottonwood Coulee and Para- dise Valley offering excellent facilities and challenges. • There’s regular summer action at Medicine Hat Speedway,
featuring a paved oval track located a short ride northwest of the city. • South Alberta Light Horse Regimental Museum located in
Patterson Armoury traces the history of the regiment in Medicine Hat. It is open from September to June. • With its theatre home to some of the best entertainment in
Medicine Hat, the Esplanade on First Street also features a popular art gallery and a museum and an ever-growing archives. • The Canalta Centre is just three years old and is the home of
the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, as well as home to some of the bigger entertainment acts on tour in Western Canada. • Like butterflies? Don’t miss a visit to the Windmill Garden’s
Butterfly House on First Street W.W. • Medicine Hat College, founded in 1965, is located in the
heart of the city. It has about 2,500 students and is home to the Rattlers sports teams. Also found within the College facility is the Eresman Theatre and the Medicine Hat Cultural Centre, where local artists practise their crafts. • Medicine Hat has a plethora of parks, including Kin Coulee in
the centre of the city, Riverside Veterans Memorial Park, Po- lice Point Park and Nature Centre, Strathcona Island Park and, to the west of the city, Echo Dale Regional Park. • Medicine Hat Farmers’ Markets offer the best in produce
and other treats every Saturday during the summer at Medalta. • Crave some casino action? Take in the fun at Copper Coulee
Casino, located inside the Medicine Hat Lodge. • Craft beer production is taking off around Alberta and Medi-
cine Hat is home to three of the best — Medicine Hat Brewing Company, Hell’s Basement Brewery Inc. and Travois Ale Works. You’ll enjoy sampling some of their outstanding products.
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