FAMILY
AND
FRIENDS
The Family & Friends Program offers a special way to experience the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. By registering online, participants gain access to exclusive discounts, special offers, and unique event opportunities designed to make their time in Medicine Hat even more memorable.
Family and Friends
Reception
Guests are invited to attend an exclusive, ticketed reception at the iconic Medalta Potteries - a National Historic Site located in the heart of Medicine Hat’s beautiful clay district. Once a thriving industrial pottery factory, Medalta is now vibrant cultural hub where history, art, and community come together.
This special evening will feature the following:
delicious Taste of Medicine Hat food choices
live music
entertainment
exclusive gifts
the opportunity to explore the rich history of Medalta through museum tours
learn how pottery is made
enjoy a ride on the Medicine Hat Sunshine Trolley
Family and Friends
Accommodations
When you register for the Family and Friends Program, you’ll receive exclusive access to special accommodation offers. This will include discounted rates, promo codes, and early booking opportunities at select locations.
We encourage all visitors to take advantage of these perks and stay at one of our preferred hotels, where you’ll enjoy comfort, convenience, and a warm Medicine Hat welcome throughout the Games.
MEDICINE HAT HOTELS
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
Hamptons Inn & Suites
Super 8
Best Western Premier
BROOKS HOTELS
Opening Ceremony
Family and Friends
As a registered member of the Family and Friends Program, you will receive early access to Opening Ceremony tickets before they are released to the general public. While tickets will be free for everyone to attend, seating is reserved, and registration ensure that you have first choice of available seats for this exciting event. Once tickets open to the general public, availability cannot be guaranteed. So be sure to register early to secure your spot at this unforgettable celebration kicking off the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026!
Family and Friends
Transportation
GETTING TO MEDICINE HAT
Medicine Hat is located approximately three hours from Calgary International Airport (YYC). Visitors can rent a car directly from the airport or take a daily bus that travels between Calgary and Medicine Hat.
For those preferring to fly directly, the Medicine Hat Regional Airport (YXH) offers a connecting flight from Calgary, though please note that there is currently only one flight in and out of Medicine Hat per day, so booking early is recommended.
GETTING AROUND MEDICINE HAT
Once in Medicine Hat you’ll find that most event venues have ample on-site parking (please refer to venue pages for additional parking information), making it easy for those renting a car.
Registered Family and Friends will receive free access to City of Medicine Hat transit buses for the duration of the Games, making it easy to explore the city and travel to event venues. If utilizing City of Medicine Hat transit buses, we highly recommend downloading the Medicine Hat Transit App for bus routes and schedules and allow extra time when travelling to major events like the Opening Ceremony.
Medicine Hat is a friendly, easy to navigate city with short travel times between all venues. Ride-sharing services and local taxi’s are also available. Please reference the list below for the licensed Vehicle for Hire Services in Medicine Hat
Care Cabs
Deluxe Central Taxi
Canadian Rideshare Ltd.
MH Ride Ltd.
Uride
Y Drive
Old West Transport (Accessible Transportation Service)
Rolly’s Wheelchair Van (Accessible Transportation Service)
Family and Friends
Tourism
Known as the Sunniest City in Canada, Medicine Hat offeres a perfect mix of small-town charm and big-city experiences. Explore our vibrant downtown filled with local shops, cafes, art galleries, and more, or enjoy the city’s beautiful parks, walking trails, and scenic views along the South Saskatchewan River.
Visitors can tour historic landmarks, relax in one of the city’s many coffee roasteries or breweries, or take in live entertainment at local venues. With an abundance of sunshine, outdoor recreation, and friendly faces, Medicine Hat is the perfect backdrop to celebrate the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.
To learn more about everything to see and do in our community, please visit Tourism Medicine Hat.
