medicine hat cruise nights

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Nice Old Cars

Car Show photos from Southern Alberta

Southern Alberta weekly car shows and cruises

This page is a holdover from the 2023 season. it will be updated for the 2024 season as i receive the details. , click on the links for more information. all shows are weather-permitting..

If you have a show to be listed, send me an email [email protected]

Chestermere Landing 6-8 pm. May through October, weather permitting. Photos

C10 Cruise Night Held every second Tuesday ∗ Meet at Deerfoot City between Canadian Tire and WalMart 5:30 – 6:00 pm ∗ Start date for 2024 TBA – Call Braxton for more info 403-969-8140 ∗ All GM trucks welcome

Canmore Rolling Sculpture weekly gathering at 638 – 8 St(Main St) ∗ 6-8 pm ∗ 

New location for 2024: Lift King’s Wild Wednesday Car Show at 4914 – 6 St NE , Calgary ∗ 5-8 pm ∗ Starts May 15 ∗ Check Lift King’s Facebook page for updates.

Aldersyde A & W Cruise-in ∗ 6-9 pm ∗ Location map

Rocky Mountain House Meet & Greet 7:00 – 8:30 pm ∗ South Tim Horton’s ∗ Facebook page

Medicine Hat Hat Classic Cruise Wednesdays ∗ South side of Medicine Hat Mall ∗ Starts at 5 pm

Lethbridge Japanese Gardens ∗ Starts at 6:30 pm

Thursday  

Wheels in Westgate 6-9 pm at Westgate Community Association in Calgary ∗ July – Sept 

Cochrane Classic Car Club starting around 5 pm ∗ Location can change, so check the link for updates.

Red Deer Cruise Night Starts May 2, 2024 ∗ 6-9 pm at Parkland mall(NE lot) ∗ May – Oct

Calgary A & W Cruising at the Junction ∗ 5-8 pm at Glendeer A & W ∗ Starts May 24, 2024

Diamond Valley 6-9 pm at the Black Diamond A & W 

Sylvan Lake Cruise Night. Starts May 3, 2024 ∗ 6-9 pm in the Nex Source North parking lot (behind Dairy Queen / across the train tracks) May – September

Okotoks Meet on north side of the Walmart parking lot at 7 pm ∗ Contact Isaiah 587-834-5772

We Are the Classics Cruise Night (Calgary). Meet at Blackfoot Truckstop Diner 5-6 pm and cruise to various locations. Check the website for updates.

Cruise Cochrane Check the website for more details on 2024 cruises May 4, May 25, June 15, Jul 20, Aug 11. 

Innisfail Cars & Coffee ∗ 10 am – Noon

Lethbridge Cars Coffee Cruising YQL ∗ 11 am – Noon ∗ April 7 – Sep 29, 2024

THE BEST Medicine Hat Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in medicine hat.

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1. River Bend Adventures

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Cruise nights are on Wednesday and Friday evenings at the 13th Ave Tim Hortons by London Drugs and at the Highway #3 A&W respectively. The Wednesday night show and cruise is fully ad hoc with no club affiliations. The Friday show and cruise night is the Medicine Hat Vintage Vehicle Club, which has been around for many years. These sets of photos are from either night.

2013 Fall Medicine Hat...

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2013 Aug 16 Cruise Night

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Hat classic cruise wednesdays on wednesday, june 21st, 2017 more events.

The Hat Classic Cruise Wednesdays runs every Wed night (weather permitting) throughout the Medicine Hat Cruising Season at the Medicine Hat Mall. 

It is open for anybody with any kind of vehicle that wishes to come out, have a coffee, and meet some other great folks interested in the Classic Car Hobby. Trucks, Bikes and Drift-style cars are also welcome. 

The show kicks off around 6pm, with a cruise will depart later each night each night around 8:30. 

Special Thanks to the Medicine Hat Mall for their support each week. 

For more information, visit Hat Classic Cruise Wednesdays on Facebook!

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THE 5 BEST Medicine Hat Nightlife Activities

Nightlife in medicine hat.

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1. Ralph's Texas Bar & Steak House

2. Cecil Hotel Medicine Hat

3. WYNZ Niteclub

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6. Mad Hatter Comedy Club

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The ULTIMATE Guide to the Best Things to do in Medicine Hat (for 2024)

Disclaimer: this page may contain affiliate links. please review our full terms and conditions for more information and our privacy policy. note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication..

Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Updated on January 2, 2024

Medicine Hat has long been a natural gathering place, from the Indigenous cultures who roamed here thousands of years ago to the friendly 65,000 (or so) Canadians inhabiting it now. The attraction likely has to do with the area’s geography, with its gently sloping valleys and merging waterways sheltered by burly cottonwood trees. But there could be another reason why cultures rested here, and some say it has to do with the spirit of the land itself.

With all the traffic the area has seen, Medicine Hat and the surrounding lands are steeped in local folklore. Even the city’s name comes from an ancient Blackfoot legend, as Medicine Hat is a loose translation of saamis, a Blackfoot word which more accurately translates to Medicine man’s hat. Nowadays, this bustling small city is an underrated treasure for tourists to Alberta, and this article outlines all of the best things to do in Medicine Hat on your next visit.

Acknowledgments

The land on which Medicine Hat is located is on Treaty 7 and Treaty 4 territory. Traditional lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Piikani (Peigan), Stoney-Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina (Sarcee) as well as the Cree, Sioux, and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples, and on the homelands of the Metis.

How Medicine Hat got its name

There are a few variations on the fable regarding how Medicine Hat acquired its name, but one of the more well-known versions is about a young Blackfoot man.

This young hunter is chosen by his elders to find the Great Spirit to save his tribe from a harsh winter famine.

After venturing to the South Saskatchewan River, the young man sets up camp next to an opening, or breathing hole, in the ice – the supposed dwelling place of the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit appears to the hunter in the form of a serpent and tells him to spend the night on Strathcona island (in some darker versions of the fable, the young man must sacrifice his wife to this serpent).

In the morning, the man is instructed to look along the cut-banks where the morning light touches, and here he finds a bag containing medicines and a saamis or ‘holy bonnet’. The serpent tells the hunter that the ‘medicine hat’ is only to be worn during wartime and will ensure victory for the wearer. With help from the magic saamis , the young hunter locates much-needed game, saves his people, and eventually becomes a great medicine man.

The Badlands Guardian

Fittingly enough, east of Medicine Hat sits a fascinating geological formation known as the Badlands Guardian. In Google Maps view, it resembles the head of a medicine man. On a humorous note, the lone road leading to an oil well creates the illusion that the ‘medicine man’ is wearing earphones, and enjoying the music he’s listening to!

For a more interactive look, check out the Badlands Guardian on Google Earth .

Getting there: Calgary to Medicine Hat

Most will begin their journey from Calgary. It is a 3-hour drive (approximately 300km) from Calgary to Medicine Hat , giving you plenty of rolling prairies to admire as you cruise southeast along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Since it’s a bit of a drive, we recommend stopping at the hour and a half mark in Bassano for a leg stretch, fuel, and some grub that will stick to your bones at the Roadside Grill. Then, after coffee, eggs, hashbrowns and toast, you’ll be topped up and ready to hit the road again!

The Best Things To Do in Medicine Hat

With mythology surrounding the city, Medicine Hat seems enchanted – and for that reason alone, completely worth the visit. But beyond the curious history of the city, there are tons of fun things to do that will make your visit all the better.

Also, with 330 days per year of pure, glorious sunshine, Medicine Hat is the perfect place to get out and enjoy the sun and fresh air.

Let’s dive in!

If we list the “historic clay district” as a must-see attraction, you might question our judgment, but trust us, a visit to Medalta is THAT cool. It’s an innovative and industrial museum that is not only important to discover Medicine Hat’s past, but also to explore the cultural flair of today. In addition, you’ll find a modern ceramic arts facility, an art gallery, and a community space. And if you get the chance to take in a private event there, be sure to take it, as the eclectic industrial spaces make every occasion special.

Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede

This has been around since 1887 and is Alberta’s oldest exhibition event. You won’t be short on activities at the Medicine Hat Stampede because there’s a little something for everyone. Whether you prefer meandering through crowds while sampling local fresh-baked goods, cheering on your favourite bull-rider, chuck-wagon racer, or screaming your head off on some Midway rides, you’re bound to leave the stampede with a full heart, and perhaps some new western attire!

Medicine Hat Teepee

The Medicine Hat Teepee, officially the Saamis Teepee is the World’s Largest and sits directly in the middle of Medicine Hat. The 65.5 metre (215 foot) icon can’t be missed when driving through on the Trans-Canada; it is certainly one of the biggest Alberta roadside attractions ! It was originally built in 1988 for the Calgary Winter Olympics and is a tribute to Canada’s indigenous heritage.

Medicine Hat Speedway

If you’re a gearhead, you’ll want to check out the Medicine Hat Speedway for some high-octane entertainment with fellow adrenaline junkies. Park yourself at the Speedway and cheer on some of the best drivers in Southern Alberta as they take on the oval.

Golf Courses

Chances are the sun will be shining when you show up, so why not get out and enjoy a round or two of golf? The season is long and there are a handful of beautiful golf courses in Medicine Hat for you to try out. Options include Desert Blume , Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course , and our favorite Paradise Valley Golf Course with its sprawling course overlooked by the World’s Tallest Teepee.

Parks in Medicine Hat

If you’re not into golf but still craving some sunshine, take a stroll through Medicine Hat’s myriad of parks. The Kin Coulee Park , Police Point Park , and Strathcona Island Park offer plenty of room to explore and relax in nature. And, for those looking to cool off, Central Park downtown features a splash park that should take the edge off that heat!

Our favourite, however, might be Echo Dale Regional Park . Located just west of the city, it skirts the South Saskatchewan River but also offers two man-made lakes for swimming and beach time. Enjoy the picnic spots, fire pits, and historical farm onsite.

Escape Rooms and Axe Throwing in Medicine Hat

Ready to test your clue-finding and puzzle-solving skills in an escape room? Try Mr. E’s Solve-it-torium for great themed escape rooms designed to challenge every skill level and get everyone having some fun while solving riddles, clues, and mysteries.

Want to let out some aggression and throw some weapons? Why not try and hit the bullseye with axe-throwing at Six One Six Entertainment . It’s loads of fun for first-timers or experienced lumberjacks who wants to practice their skills. Best of all, it’s completely safe as their team will walk you through the safety orientation and fun filled games in the hour long sessions.

Dining in Medicine Hat

With all of those activities to choose from, you’re going to be ravenous by the time you finish them all! Medicine Hat boasts tons of delicious fare from an eclectic global menu to some local fan favourites. Just try to save room for it all!

Medicine Hat Coffee Shops

Medicine Hat is really into java, and if you’re looking for someplace to grab a cup, then rest assured there are plenty of options for coffee shops in Medicine Hat. We recommend Station Coffee Company, which is right downtown, or, for those who desire the absolute freshest coffee, The Madhatter Roastery on the west edge of downtown. Finally, for those who prefer their cafés with the option to order paninis, soups or pizzas, try Zucchini Blossom Market & Café .

Medicine Hat Eats

For more serious eats to take the edge off your hunger, Medicine Hat has your back (or rather, your stomach!). Our number one recommendation is Lela’s Place (formerly known as The Chocolate Shop), which also happens to be the oldest restaurant in the city. It has an old-school diner setting, big homemade portions, and reasonable prices.

Other notable stops include the Local Pub Eatery and Skinny’s Smokehouse , which both offer up classic North American food guaranteed to fill you up. If you prefer something a little lighter, try The Thai Orchid Room for some highly-rated Thai cuisine in a charming atmosphere. Want more ideas? Click through to read our complete guide to Medicine Hat Restaurants .

Medicine Hat Breweries

There is some seriously good beer coming out of Medicine Hat.

Don’t miss the Medicine Hat Brewing Company , which has become something of a safe harbour to local Hatters. Embodying the small-town charm and character of the blue-collar workforce in the city, this brewery offers up classic pub fare, with (of course) delicious local brews. It’s worth the stop to wet your whistle, feast on classic pub staples, and maybe exchange a fable or two with the folks at the bar.

Other breweries in town are Travois Ale Works who focus on small batches of Revolutionary American and traditional European style ales, and Hells Basement whose name is inspired by the Kipling’s famous quote: “This part of the country seems to have all hell for a basement, and the only trap door appears to be in Medicine Hat.”

For more information visit the Tourism Medicine Hat website or book a “ Brew Tour Package “.

Where to Stay in Medicine Hat

Medicine hat hotels.

There are plenty of hotel options available in Medicine Hat that cater to an array of budgets. Most hotels are gathered around the major intersections just off Highway 1, making them easy to access. All of them are relatively the same quality (there are no major luxuries to be found here). Here are our picks:

The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Medicine Hat – This is one of the highest-rated hotels in the city and it comes with complimentary breakfast and parking, an indoor gym and a stylish pool. It’s next to plenty of casual eateries off of the main highway. See reviews and check availability

Comfort Inn & Suites – Located nearby, this hotel provides good value for the price. Rooms are comfortable and some come with whirlpool tubs. If you didn’t score one of those, play in the indoor pool instead! See reviews and check availability

TownePlace Suites by Marriott – This newly decorated hotel is the perfect place to settle in and stay on your routine for business or holiday. Conveniently located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, the hotel is surrounded by great shopping, dining and entertainment options. See reviews and check availability

Medicine Hat Campgrounds

From rough and tumble tent-camping to RV ‘glamping’, there’s tons of space for you to camp in Medicine Hat. Choose from quiet spaces near the South Saskatchewan River or bustling areas closer to the city centre. Wherever you choose, you’re bound to be at one with nature in this serene city on the prairies.

• Gas City Campground – Tucked between trees and the babbling South Saskatchewan River, this camp spot is a great place to relax and get back to nature. It’s got rave reviews for its friendly staff and clean and spacious sites. Recently added to the Gas City Campground are comfort cabins, making camping easy for anyone!
• Echo Dale Campground – This popular campground, at the bottom of the coulee, has ten individual unserviced campsites. Amenities include a boating and fishing lake, and nice swimming area for those hot summer days.
• Wildrose RV Park – You won’t be short on amenities in this groovy little campground nestled close to downtown. You can do the traditional weenie-roast (provided there’s no fire ban in place), or, head out for food (see our “Where to Eat” list above!) if you’re over that #campgroundlife. 😉
• Ross Creek RV Park – A little way south of the city, you’ll find the semi-secluded, out-of-the-way RV Park , offering quaint views and a convenient ‘just-off-the-highway’ location. There are full hook-ups with 30 and 50 amp service, however, there are no showers or washroom facilities here.

Things to Do Near Medicine Hat

Cypress hills.

The perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors is in Cypress Hills Provincial Park , less than an hour’s drive from Medicine Hat. Stretching from southeastern Alberta to southwestern Saskatchewan, this park is home to a mix of forests, wetlands, and grasslands as well as an abundance of wildlife. Explore the land by hiking, then take a SUP or kayak out onto Elkwater Lake. Stay in one of the many campgrounds available, and take in the night sky from this designated Dark-Sky Preserve.

Red Rock Coulee

If you want to experience what life might look like on Mars, venture approximately 54 km southwest of Medicine Hat to this Provincial natural area, where you will find very large and very rounded boulders that are a beautiful shade of red. Some of these sandstone concretions are over 2.5 ms wide across (8 feet), making them some of the largest found in the world.

Don’t Forget!

Visiting other spots in Alberta? Check out our extensive guides for all the things to do while visiting Calgary , Banff , or Drumheller !

ALSO, don’t forget that while you’re on the road, you can download our FREE Road Trip Alberta bingo cards , to make it just that much more fun!

Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing , co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.

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You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Medicine Hat Mall during your trip to Medicine Hat. Discover the area's theater scene and casinos.

Medicine Hat College

Explore the campus of Medicine Hat College during your stay in Medicine Hat. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

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