A pair of Hatter enjoy a bike ride on one of the many city trails in this 2017 file photo. With COVID-19 shutting down many of the regular activities Hatters enjoy - once again - there are still myriad ways to enjoy the southeast corner of Alberta as the nice weather sets in.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
It’s been a couple of weeks for Hatters having to hear about what they can’t do with the latest announcements of public health restrictions. But Tourism Medicine Hat’s Jace Anderson says there is still a lot of entertainment opportunities in the region.
“My must go place is Red Rock Coulee,” said Anderson, executive director of the city’s tourism promoter, “for a refresh and recharge.”
But if the stunning red sandstone concretions located east of Seven Persons with views of the Sweet Grass Hills in the background doesn’t tickle your fancy, there is no shortage of things to do walking distance from home.
“We have a full compliment of trials and parks,” said Anderson, adding even born and bred Hatters can uncover new parks and areas of the city by just hitting a path and following it. And nothing complements a jaunty stroll more than a refreshment to go from one of the many coffeeshops in the downtown.
But for those who may have cycled the paved trail system, it might be worth going off road with the Burnside Trail or at the ever expanding trail system at the Cypress Hills.
“Word is getting out,” said Anderson of the area’s mountain-bike trails that are attracting riders from across southern Alberta. “We’ll only maintain that in the summer.”
Another activity seeing a surge of interest is disc golf, with the city now hosting three courses – Central, Leinweber and Gillwell parks – and numerous retailers selling the specialized Frisbees.
While the public health restrictions have been a challenge for people, it’s also providing a chance “to rethink what you might be familiar with,” said Anderson, and a chance to look at the region as a tourist might.
Among the best ways to do that is to check out one of the many regional one-day driving itineraries – 18 of which can be found on the Tourism Medicine Hat website.
