Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Spanning the border of Saskatchewan and Alberta, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park looks like a wooded island that has risen up 600 metres from the surrounding flat prairie. This elevation and the park’s Dark Sky Preserve designation, which means the hills are free from artificial light pollution, are ideal for stargazing. At the south end of the park, you’ll find the Fort Walsh National Heritage Site, which served as a hub for the North-West Mounted Police in the 19th century.
Medalta in the Historic Clay District
Pottery and clay products played a big role in Medicine Hat’s early economic development. The first factory complex opened in 1912 and is preserved as the Medalta Potteries National Historic Site. This museum also functions as a community centre, gallery, show venue, and workshop space for contemporary potters.
Red Rock Coulee
Coulees are an iconic sight in southern Alberta, and one of the best places to see these dramatic rock formations is at Red Rock Coulee, which is just a half-hour drive south of Medicine Hat. Meander through badlands to see the giant round red boulders that give the park its name, with the occasional sighting of white-tailed jackrabbits bolting through this Mars-like landscape.