Outdoor Recreation

Canadian River Walking Bridge

In 1915, Hemphill County contracted with Canton Bridge Co. of Canton, Ohio to erect a bridge to span the Canadian River. Completed in 1916, the bridge spanned 2,635 feet.

On July 1, 2000, after five years of hard work, the Canadian River Wagon Bridge was again reopened, restored as part of a new scenic hiking and biking trail over the Canadian River Valley and wetlands habitat. The bridge and surrounding trail are great for walking, jogging, bird and wildlife viewing, or just taking a leisurely stroll.

Canadian Golf Course

Opened in 1976, Canadian Golf Course offers one of the most unique 9 hole layouts in the Texas Panhandle. A combination of both traditional and lynx style golf, the golfer is challenged on every shot. The golf course is located two miles north of Canadian and is owned and operated by the City. Join our charity tournaments or team up for a summer scramble series. A scramble is one of the most common formats for golf tournaments; the game is played by a team of four players where each member hits their ball throughout the match. Carts are available for rent.

Canadian Recreation Complex

Canadian’s recreation complex is a multiple purpose facility located just north of town. Canadian’s rodeo arena sits at the west end of the complex, and is home to over 10 rodeos a year, including Frank Phillips College Rodeo, weekly barrel race series, and many high school and local rodeos. The complex is also home to city duck ponds; horseshoe pits; a children’s playground; and driving range. The city’s baseball complex contains four fields and is home to little league teams, as well as Ladycat softball. Jones Pavilion, Canadian’s premier event venue, hosts the Canadian River Music Festival each spring.

Hunting, Fishing, Hiking and Birding

Lake Marvin

The 576-acre Lake Marvin Unit, including a 63-acre lake, is part of the Black Kettle National Grasslands. Operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, birding, hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping are available. There are two observation blinds for wildlife viewing. For hikers, access to all areas of the lake is available via county roads and walking paths. Lake Marvin and Gene Howe waterways contain a rich biodiversity. Species found include panfish, prehistoric spotted gar, largemouth bass, Florida bass, black bullhead catfish, yellow bullhead catfish, black and white crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and warmouth.

LAKE MARVIN, CANADIAN, TX 79014

Rodeos and Barrel Races

The Canadian Rodeo Association organizes regular rodeo and barrel races series which showcases the best equine athletes and saddle riders in Tri State Area.

Prizes, including buckles, cash payouts and and other great prizes are awarded for each division and event.

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Gene Howe Wildlife Area

Named for Eugene Alexander (Gene) Howe, famed Texan journalist, sportsman and conservationist, the Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area includes 5,886 acres located along the Canadian River in the Northern Rolling Plains of Hemphill County. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased the first parcels in 1950 and 1951 for the purposes of wildlife management, public use, and research. Public hunts are available with purchase of hunting permit, which can be purchased locally.

Learn more about Gene Howe WMA by visiting Texas Parks and Wildlife.

FM 2266, CANADIAN, TX 79014

Walking or Driving Tours

The Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Cultural District created a walking, biking, or driving tour that takes visitors past historic and architecturally significant homes, noteworthy sites and monuments, public works of art, and church buildings. Explore Main Street’s century old brick homes, or, wander into one of Canadian’s premier museums.

Pick up a Canadian Cultural District map at the Visitors’ Center, or download a printable map of the tour >>

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Photography Workshops

Join award-winning wildlife photograph Dick Wilberforce on an expedition to document the fauna of Hemphill County. You'll have the chance to photograph many birds and other animals at very close range as you learn the basics of composition, creative lighting and camera techniques with the chance to learn many sophisticated skills such as backlit silhouettes and birds in flight.

Enjoy species such as: the Lesser prairie chicken; pheasants; quail; songbirds; mule deer; white tail deer and more.

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Historic Tours

When you embark on a history tour of Canadian, you’ll have a chance to see ‘the oasis of the high plains’ in all its glory, from historical attractions like the site where the Battle of Buffalo Wallow took place, to unique attractions like the an authentic early 20th century cowboy’s dugout home. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore historical battle sites of the Red River Wars on foot, or tour historic Main Street and stop at any of the shops for as long as you want.

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