10 of the Best Hikes Near Medicine Hat, Alberta
�
Located in Alberta, Medicine Hat is approximately 169 kilometres east of Lethbridge and 295 kilometres southeast of Calgary. Locals are treated to over 115 kilometres of hiking and biking trails, plus scenic options for canoe and kayak trips on the South Saskatchewan River.
Here are 10 of the best hiking trails near Medicine Hat, AB:
�
The Bridges Loop
Length: 3.9 km
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Follow this meandering loop around the river for a blissful walk or brisk trail run. Shaded trees offer respite in summer; bundle up for the weather conditions in winter! You might see wildlife, bird houses and get a cool angle view of the bridge.
Read more: Click here
�
McCutcheon Trail
Length: 2.5 km
North of the city you�ll find a coulee that offers an amazing view of Medicine Hat spread out before you. This is one of 11 trails in the Heritage Trail Network (HTN). Access this trail from the NW Riverside Trial. If you feel up to a longer adventure, continue onto the FLC/Viterra Trail.
Read more: Click here
�
Police Point and Parkview Drive
Length: 5 km
Also part of the HTN, Police Point is in the east. There is natural scenery and a maze of trails to explore. The riverfront park is a 97.7-hectares natural reserve. Visit the nature centre to see displays and attend year-round interpretive programs.
Read more: Click here
�
Strathcona Island Park
Length: 5 km
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Walk, run or bike this paved, on-leash dog-friendly trail. The Park is ideal for families as there are picnic tables, barbeque pits, cook huts and a playground. You might spot a Canada goose floating in the South Saskatchewan. The natural scenery is worth revisiting again and again.
Read more: Click here
�
Echo Dale Regional Park
Length: 4.5 km
Bring your swimsuit so you can dive in! The Eco Dale Swim Lake is free to enjoy seven days a week, weather dependent. Amenities include washrooms, fire pits and a trail system. Run, bike or stroll around the water on a gravel trail (some parts are paved). Don�t miss the historic farm site on the west end.
Read more: Click here
�
Ridgetop�Highline�Spruce Coulee
Length: 9.8 km one-way
Located about 60 kilometres south of Medicine Hat, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park offers three trails in the Spruce Coulee Trail System. Try this moderate option for jaw-dropping viewpoints looking north into the vast prairies. Enjoy the shade of pine trees and end at the rodeo.
Read more:�Click here�
�
Horseshoe Canyon�Beaver Creek
Length: 9.1 km
This popular loop trail is part of the Elkwater Trail System, which contains seven interesting trail options. Hike up to the viewpoint for a classic look at Cypress Hills (elevation: 1,450 metres). After your descent, enjoy the shade of a cool spruce forest back towards the parking lot.
Read more:�Click here�
�
Shoreline�Soggy Bottom
Length: 3.4 km one-way
Walk along the shores of Elkwater Lake on this tranquil trail. You�ll cross a boardwalk and might find yourself considering staying overnight to explore more in the morning. There are plenty of camping areas to choose from!
Read more: Click here�
�
Crypt Lake
Length: 17.2 km
Elevation Gain: 675 m
If you�re up for a drive, set the GPS for Waterton Lakes National Park. With 200 kilometres of hiking trails, there�s something for everyone here. Take a 15-minute boat ride to start the Crypt Lake hike, rated as difficult.
Read more: Click here
�
Bertha
Length: 5.3 km
Elevation Gain: 460 m
Another beautiful trail in Waterton Lakes, this hike features a waterfall and magnificent views. And you�ve got options! Steep switchbacks will help you work up a sweat as you climb to stunning viewpoints. If you want to make it a longer journey, consider staying at a backcountry campground along the way.
Read more: Click here
�
Keep reading:
Close to Home: Cycling Calgary’s 140-km Rotary Mattamy Greenway
5 Incredible Scrambles in Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park
