Medicine Hat

About
Medicine Hat, AB is a medium seized city in Western Canada. Typically, most travelers consider it a stop off point on their way to BC, or out East. There is definitely a "You're worth what you earn" mentality, which can present difficulties for hitchhikers. It can get pretty Hot in the summer so bring water, and sun screen.

North/West towards Brooks (Calgary)
You'll probably have to walk to Redcliff, a small town immediately after Medicine Hat. There's a Tim Hortons and a truck stop nearby to solicit rides, plus a wide shoulder right by a traffic light (at Mitchell Street and Trans Canada Hwy)


 * Note: The City bus can save you part of the walk to Red Cliff. take the number 11 bus. Ask to get dropped off at the Last stop on 3rd St NW. Walk the rest of the Way to Saamis Dr NW, and it will take you right to Red Cliff.

South/West towards Lethbridge
Gershaw Drive turns into the Crowsnest Highway - Highway 3. It runs all the way to Hope, BC. It is a quieter Highway, but it runs through some pretty cool places, and people are more likely to stop. There is a service station, right across from the Airport, at the corner of the Highway and Bannon Ave SW. Some people have had trouble with the Service Station in the past, but if you are respectful, keep it clean, and Don't take up to much space, you shouldn't have any trouble. There is a City bus stop near by (Bus Route 22).

East towards Swift Current (Regina)
There are stoplights at the Dunmore Rd SE and the Trans Canada Hwy. Plenty of traffic and trucks are going slow. There's a wide enough shoulder that some of the trucks may stop for you.
 * Note: There is an Overpass being constructed at this intersection right now. It is expected to be finished around August of 2014.

Hitching in
Don't get stuck in Medicine Hat. You could be there for hours or even a few days. If passing through, your best bet is to get get dropped off in Dunmore, AB or Red Cliff, AB. Dunmore is a small village on the Eastern side of Medicine Hat. There's plenty of traffic, a good wide shoulder and slowing traffic due to a gas station and truck stop.

Wilderness Camping
Medicine Hat, has an extensive network of coulees throughout the city, as well as a lot of green space in the river valley.
 * Warning: There are Rattle Snakes in the area. They are rare within City limits, and less venomous than their southerly cousins, but a bite can still put you down for a few days. You will hear them before you see them.

Paid Camping
Most Albertan Cities, and Towns, at one time had municipal campgrounds. Many have been privatized, but "Gas City Campground" is still run by the city.

Squatting
They keep a pretty tight lid on abandon properties here.

Internet Access
The city library Has wireless internet, as well as computers available. Its downtown at the corner of 1st St SE, and 4th Ave SE.

City Transit
Medicine Hat does not have the best transit system in the world, but it is better than walking across the city. Fare $2.75

Ride Guide (2012)

Medicine Hat Transit Website

Showers

 * There are public swimming pools scatered around the city. Ones worth noting are the YMCA, and the Leisure Centre
 * A church called the Dream Centre, they offer laundry, showers, computers, and more. They are good people, but it is a bit of a walk. It's on the way to Red Cliff. Their website.

Experiences
isin: Alberta