Scene 15: River Bend

This is an awe-inspiring view of the South Saskatchewan River where the abundant water nourishes forests of cottonwood trees in Strathcona Island and Police Point Parks. The yellow-brown Veinerville cliffs a few hundred meters above the river were carved about 12,000 years ago by torrents of water from melting glaciers. In the winter and along the river bend you may get a rare chance to see River Otters. Also to the east, you can see where the waters of Ross and Seven Persons Creeks merge together. Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons can be observed “fishing” along these river and shoreline creeks.

A playground, water park and picnic sites, along with many trails and a boat launch are there for everyone’s enjoyment. Within Strathcona Island Park are two natural areas designated as memorial tributes to local naturalist Donna MacLean, a celebrated Medicine Hat artist, and Dawn Dickinson, biologist and conservationist. Recreation users such as cyclists, birders and artists enjoy the natural beauty of this Scenic View.

A. Can You Find Them?

In the Veinerville cliffs, nature’s castles arrived some 20 years ago from natural erosion forces including freeze and thaw.

B. Pod Fishing.

A pod of White Pelicans work together and fish the South Saskatchewan River.

C. Where Water Meets

This birding photo is located where the Seven Persons Creek flows into Ross Creek. From this meeting place, and a distance of about 732 meters, both creeks flow into the South Saskatchewan River. An incredible view and gathering of water!

D. Is it Safe to Come Out?

A White-tailed Deer pokes its head out of a dense patch of buckbrush.

E. Let’s Play Ball!

Athletic Park is located at the west end of this Scenic View in the Lions Park. The ball park is an anchor facility that entertains families and friends to enjoy the Mavericks “batter-up and play ball”. You can also enjoy some great conversations, and food at truck and concession stands.

F. Past Meets Present

No longer functional, this historic bridge continues to remind us of a time when materials were railed from the IXL Brick plant and Medalta Pottery to the CPR mainline for export markets. When walking the nearby trails you can still find broken bits and pieces of pottery.