Travel to the eastern end of the Crowsnest Highway in southern Alberta and you’ll find yourself in the small but mighty town of Medicine Hat. Historically, Medicine Hat has always been a gathering place – first for the Blackfoot, Cree and Assiniboine nations that have called the area home for thousands of years, and more recently for Europeans who used the Canadian Pacific Railway to establish themselves in the region in the 1880s.
Today, Medicine Hat is a town with a rich history that is home to picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities. Many of the late 19th century brick buildings are still standing and house independent retailers, studios, breweries, and coffee shops,
Coffee is something of a local obsession around here: Medicine Hat even has an Indy Coffee Tour, which features nine caffeinated stops around the city. If you’re setting off on an adventure around Medicine Hat, don’t skip coffee in the morning!
Ready to go? Grab your SPF – Medicine Hat is one of the sunniest places in Canada – and make a pit stop at one of these delicious cafes before hitting the road:
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01
Poolhouse Cafe & Roastery
550 3rd St SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0H3
Visit websiteAfter 6 years under the Madhatter Roastery name, this vibrant cafe has renamed itself Poolhouse Cafe & Roastery, a nod to lying poolside, surrounded by friends, with laughter and conversation thick in the air. Also thick in the air is the smell of freshly-roasted beans imported from all over the world! Ask the barista to grind and bag up some beans for your home brewing machine, or sit inside and enjoy a freshly-brewed cup.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip their seasonal waffles, featuring flavours like strawberry lemon ricotta or cornbread cheddar gravy & sausage! Served daily until 2pm.
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02
Zucchini Blossom Market & Cafe
50 3 St NE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5L8
Visit websiteZucchini Blossom Market & Cafe has been serving the Riverside neighbourhood for 20 years! There’s nothing like enjoying a coffee in one of their beautiful and unique handmade mugs. Their menu features a range of paninis, including a breakfast panini for capicollo ham and pesto for the perfect savoury start to the day.
Pro Tip: This spot isn’t open for dinner, but you can fill your grocery bag with housemade salad dressings, soup, pesto and hummus to create an extraordinary meal at home!
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03
Nosh.
557 2 St SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0C5
Visit websiteLocated inside the Kolab+ building along Second Street, where a handful of businesses co-exist, you can Nosh. to your heart’s content! Nosh. is a modern coffee shop beaming with energy. It offers quality sandwiches, salads, soups, and snacks. Hot or iced coffee and alcoholic cocktails are made to order.
Pro Tip: Try their famous breakfast sandwich made on a fresh croissant!
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04
Station Coffee Company
644 2 St SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0C9
Visit websiteStation Coffee Company has been brewing up delicious, ethically-sourced coffee since 2013! This hip shop with exposed brick walls features some impressive creations concocted by their baristas. Need a quick pick-me-up? Order the Root Beer Godfather, a chilled concoction made up of local Hell’s Basement Brewery’s root beer, two shots of espresso, and a little bit of cream. Yum!
Pro Tip: This coffee shop expanded and doubled its seating area in 2023, so stop by to check out the new space!
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05
Inspire Studio, Gallery & Café
https://www.inspireart.ca/
Visit websiteArtist Maureen Newton opened Inspire Studio & Gallery in 2008. Part art gallery, part coffee shop, Inspire is a bright and roomy space that showcases local original artwork all while serving up inspired comfort food like sandwiches, delicious homemade soups, and freshly-roasted coffee!
Pro Tip: If you prefer tea, ask to consult their tea book to choose from their vast selection.
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Ready to plan your visit to Medicine Hat? Check out the Canada Culinary Destination Guide for all the information you need to get started!
