Photo Courtesy City of Medicine Hat
Families enjoying a free public skate time at Big Marble Go Centre.
Despite the snow having pulled a disappearing magic act a few times to begin the season in Medicine Hat, festive light displays brighten the streets and the city is ready to transform into a winter wonderland filled with activities for all ages.
Medicine Hat winters bring mixed weather conditions which force a need for a diverse set of ways to stay active and have fun during the coldest months of the year. Our Parks and Recreation team is excited and ready to continue meeting the recreational diversity our residents deserve. Get ready for a fun mix of outdoor adventures and cozy indoor escapes – there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the holiday break and entire winter season!
Outdoor skating is a seasonal favorite and a great way to enjoy free family fun. High board and low board rinks, as well as several ponds make up our exciting array of skating opportunities around the city. And, our outdoor skating offerings continue to expand. New this year, we’ve added a new low-board rink in Saamis Rotary Park. Don’t forget a unique twist on winter recreation, Crokicurl! This curling-meets-board-game experience is available at Strathcona Island Park.
Kin Coulee Park boasts the city’s most popular toboggan hill, complete with evening lights and nearby fire pits for warming up after a run. South Ridge Community Park is another great location offering family-friendly slopes for hours of laughter and speed. After outdoor fun, nothing beats the glow of a fire on a frosty day. Designated fire pits in Kin Coulee, Strathcona Island Park and South Ridge Community Park provide the perfect spot to sip hot cocoa or roast marshmallows. We’re also working on adding an exciting new winter recreational amenity in one of our parks soon, so stay tuned!
For those seeking a slower pace, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing provide a peaceful winter workout. Groomed trails at Police Point Park make it easy for beginners – just remember you need to bring your own equipment. Kin Coulee Park also features a ski loop created by the Cypress Nordic Ski Club.
Stay posted to our social media and Neat to Know newsletters for updates when all the amenities above are ready for the season!
For those who prefer to stay warm when temperatures drop, or if chinooks take away our ice and snow again, head indoors for a refreshing break.
Big Marble Go Centre offers something for everyone of all ages. Keep it winter themed and enjoy drop-in skating and shinny hockey at the Cenovus Arena. Or make a splash at Kinsmen Aquatic Park and enjoy indoor swimming, leisure pools and the water slide. Prefer to stay dry? We’ve got daily drop-in activities like basketball and pickleball in the gymnasium, making it a perfect way to stay active while escaping the chill or lack of snow outside. We’re also excited to offer drop-in programs galore during the holidays, from Tot Time to badminton to family-fun events for kids and adults. Check our program and activity schedules ensures you won’t miss out on these spontaneous opportunities for fun.
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without festive events. Big Marble Go Centre’s New Year’s Eve Fest brings the community together with a free, facility-wide event featuring fun activities for the whole family, bounce houses and more to ring in the new year.
Don’t forget to check out our City events calendar and Tourism Medicine Hat’s calendar to ensure you’re up-to-date on all the exciting events and programming on the horizon!
Whether your idea of winter fun is getting outside or staying indoors, there’s something for everyone. Try something new or enjoy a familiar favourite this holiday season. Check out these opportunities to make memories that will last long after the decorations come down. We hope you have a safe, healthy holiday season and enjoy all that Medicine Hat has to offer!
Scott Richter is the Manager of Recreation, Parks and Recreation department with the City of Medicine Hat.
