Step Back in Time with the Esplanade’s Historic Walking Tours - Seeing Medicine Hat Through New Eyes

Growing up on 2nd Street, downtown Medicine Hat was always a part of my daily life. The historic buildings, familiar storefronts, and well-worn sidewalks were the backdrop to childhood adventures and everyday routines. It wasn’t until I joined one of the Historic Walking Tours that I truly discovered the remarkable stories hidden behind the places I thought I knew so well.

These engaging guided experiences invite visitors and residents alike to explore the city’s rich heritage while strolling through its historic streets. Buildings I had passed hundreds of times suddenly took on new meaning as I learned about their origins and the role they played in Medicine Hat’s development. The Historic Walking Tours give a fresh perspective on familiar streets, revealing layers of history that are easy to overlook in daily life.

With three great tours to offer, the Esplanade’s tour guides are gearing up for the 2026 season beginning on June 27. Led by knowledgeable guides, each tour uncovers fascinating tales of pioneering entrepreneurs, iconic buildings, colorful characters, and the industries that helped transform Medicine Hat into one of Western Canada’s most dynamic communities. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the architecture, culture, and history that continues to define the city today.

Sally Sehn brings her vast local historic knowledge to the Historic Railroad District and the First Street Southeast Walking Tours. On the Historic Railroad District tour, Sally begins with a stroll down South Railway Street, Medicine Hat’s oldest street dating back to 1883. Then the tour heads to the other side of the tracks to explore North Railway Street, home to historic city landmark, the Canadian Pacific Railway Station. Tour participants can step back in time and enjoy a cup of coffee at the 1947 price of 25 cents at Hometown Culinary, a 1947 coffee shop repurposed as a modern restaurant!

On the First Street Southeast tour, Sally leads visitors past the beautiful historic homes that line the tree-filled street, once known as Esplanade Street, highlighting the charm and character of the block. Adding to the experience, local performers Jill Reid and Garry Lines accompany the tour again this year as “Mr. and Mrs. Duggan” of Ewart-Duggan House, a couple inspired by the area’s past. Through their entertaining storytelling, participants gain insight into the people who once lived in these historic homes and the stories that shaped the neighbourhood.

And Louisa Smith continues to bring her historic and neighbourhood knowledge to the Historic First Street Southwest tour. This popular tour is a continuation of First Street Southeast, but the historic Southwest area was once outside the city limits and therefore features slightly later architecture. The stories of the folks who built and lived in these old homes are woven into each site. Your tour guide Louisa is a long-time area resident and will share her personal insight into the neighborhood.

All three walking tours begin at 10 AM to take advantage of the cooler, summer mornings. Tours are approximately one hour long. For more tour information and to register, please visit tixx.ca. The ticket price for all historic walking tours is only $20 and includes a wonderful souvenir booklet.

Whether you are visiting Medicine Hat for the first time or, like me, grew up just blocks away on 2nd Street, the Esplanade’s Historic Walking Tours offer a unique opportunity to connect with the city’s past and see it through new eyes.

Visit tixx.ca to book your spot on the tours!