CANAdA`S MORMON TRAil

Transcription

CANAdA`S MORMON TRAil
2012
Canada’s Mormon Trail
Cardston • Magrath • Raymond • Stirling
History Maps Attractions
www.TheMormonTrail.ca

To Calgary
International
Websites
At your fingertips
Head-Smashed-In
Buffalo Jump
Fort Macleod
For more information, visit
these local and regional websites.
www.TheMormonTrail.ca
ld
www.cardston.ca
www.magrath.ca
www.raymond.ca
www.stirling.ca
O
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an
r
ve
Ri
Bloo
First
Rese
USA
www.exploresouthwestalberta.ca
www.albertaparks.ca
www.CrownoftheContinent.net
www.mywaterton.ca
www.canadianbadlands.org
http://travelalberta.com
505
Glenwood
505
Hill Spring
Geocaching
Are you looking for a little extra adventure on your trip? You can leave the beaten
trail by going geocaching.
Geocaching uses geographic coordinates to mark a location where a cache,
usually a weatherproof box, is hidden.
You can use your smartphone with a
geocaching application or a dedicated GPS
receiver to locate the coordinates. Typically,
the cache includes a box with trinkets and
a sign-in sheet. Bring some trinkets of your
own then you can take something from the
box and leave something new for the next
adventurer.
Geocaching can take you to some outof-the-way places or to city locations. Make
sure you are prepared for a good hike.
Information can be found online
(geocaching.com is a popular site) to
get coordinates and start you on your
adventure. Canada’s Mormon Trail has
numerous geocache sites related to history
or just for fun.
For example, a monument marking
Immigration Gap, where the first Mormon
pioneers entered Alberta, is located at
N48º 59’ 59.0” W113º 05’ 45.4”.
CANADA
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lly
Be
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ive
Woo
Cardston
Leavitt
Beazer
Aetna
501
Mountain View
Kimba
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Waterton Lakes
National Park
Glacier
National Park
Chief
Mountain
Border Crossing
Carway
Border
Crossing
.M
St
Montana, USA
y
Imm

To Kalispell, MT
International
This publication is a joint project
between the towns of Cardston,
Magrath, Raymond and Stirling in
partnership with Travel Alberta. Every
effort has been made to ensure the
accuracy of the information provided,
but those in partnership cannot be
held responsible for any consequences
arising from errors or omissions.
ar
ve
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Cardston
Lethbridge
Magrath
To Lethbridge
od Tribe
t Nation
erve
Stirling
.M
St
ar
yR
r
ive
Welling
Raymond
Magrath
To Coutts /
Sweetgrass
Boarder
Crossing
64
Spring Coulee
43
43
Stirling
Raymond
Magrath
Cardston
To Taber
57
73
16
31
Raymond
57
16
Stirling
73
31
15
Calgary
230
257
258
254
Carway
(Border Crossing)
52
67
83
98
Chief Mountain
(Border Crossing)
66
109
124
138
Coutts
(Border Crossing)
139
98
81
71
Del Bonita
(Border Crossing)
50
50
68
83
317
15
Kalispell
245
287
303
Lethbridge
75
35
35
32
Waterton Lakes
National Park
54
96
112
126
Writing-on-Stone
161
121
103
95
All distances given in kilometers
olford
Milk River
501
all
Taylorville
Del Bonita
Coutts / Sweetgrass
Border Crossing
Del Bonita
Border Crossing
migration Gap
To Writing-on-Stone
Provincial Park
Montana, USA
Open 24/7

To Great Falls, MT
International
Contents
Blazing Canada’s Mormon Trail. . . . 5
2012 Area Events. . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Cardston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
STORY, MAP, ATTRACTIONS
Magrath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
STORY, MAP, ATTRACTIONS
Raymond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
STORY, MAP, ATTRACTIONS
Stirling Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
STORY, MAP, ATTRACTIONS
Local Area Attractions and Map. . . 40
Accommodations. . . . . . . . . . . 44
Places to Eat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Look for the colour-coded info to match each town
www.TheMormonTrail.ca
Blazing Canada’s
Historic Mormon Trail
Historical Adventure Worth Taking
CAPTIONS - ABOVE: Charles Ora Card; TOP: Historical
photo of the home of Charles Ora Card.
FACING PAGE - CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Mountain
Meadow Trail Rides in the foothills west of Cardston;
Galt Canal in Magrath; Michelsen Farmstead in Stirling;
Bull riding at the Raymond Stampede.
Explore
The Mormon Trail is typically
thought of as a dirt trail winding
the plains of Nebraska and
scaling the Rockies of the
American West, but this historic
path goes far beyond the Salt
Lake Valley in Utah. Parts of the
Mormon Trail stretch as far
north as Waterton Lakes
National Park in southern
Alberta and offer a fascinating
glimpse into the history and
culture of the Mormon settlements.
This branch of the Mormon
Trail was forged in 1887 by
one of the last covered wagon
immigrations by a group of 41
members of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
from Utah. Soon after, another group
was sent north to construct Canada’s first
large irrigation works, the backbone of southern
Alberta’s agriculture. Just a few years later,
another group arrived, bringing industry to the
area. In just over 20 years of the first Mormon
settlers arriving, they had colonized 18 communities and 10,000 members of their church
lived in the region.
Today, four of these communities, Cardston, Magrath,
Raymond and Stirling, create
Canada’s Mormon Trail and offer
travellers great opportunities –
no covered wagon required.
Canada’s Mormon Trail came
into existence during an important
time in history - Queen Victoria had
celebrated her Golden Jubilee and Grover
Cleveland was president of the United States.
Lethbridge was just getting established
nearby, and the Northwest Mounted Police
had recently been dispatched from eastern
Canada to bring order to the virtually lawless
Wild West.
Their story is part of the Mormon experience,
of leaving established homes, businesses and
communities to start again. The pioneers who
came here were called to
change the prairie landscape
5
Explore
CAPTIONS - TOP: Bull riding at the
Raymond Stampede; RIGHT: Raymond
Knight, calf roping.
6
from seemingly endless, dry
grassland to fruitful farmland.
The communities were connected
with an irrigation canal built
by early settlers, starting near
Cardston and reaching 185 km
(115 miles) to Stirling, which
altered the landscape and brought prosperity to
the region.
Cardston, the first of the communities
established along Canada’s Mormon Trail, is just
a 30-minute drive east of Waterton Lakes National Park, and a 15-minute drive north of the
United States border. The scenery of the Rocky
Mountains is a majestic backdrop to this friendly
town. The beautiful temple of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is at the centre
of the community, with a seasonal information
centre open to the public. History comes alive
at the Remington Carriage Museum, the Card
Pioneer Home and the Courthouse Museum,
and those who love to play outdoors can enjoy
the golf course, trail rides and mountain hikes
close to town.
A 30-minute drive east on Highway 5 then
takes you past waving grain fields to Magrath.
The original settlers came to build a major
irrigation canal, and evidence of their work
can still be seen as you stroll along the Galt
Canal Nature Trail and enjoy peaceful scenery
and glimpses of wildlife. For the active and
adventurous, Magrath hosts the ‘I Swam the
Dam’ triathlon each summer, and boasts a
beautiful 18-hole golf course. History
enthusiasts will also enjoy the Magrath
Museum, with lively displays and artifacts.
CAPTIONS - TOP TO BOTTOM: 1899 photo
of the building of the irrigation canals;
present day Magrath irrigation headgates;
Pioneer demonstrations at the Michelsen
Farmstead in Stirling.
And if spooky gets your blood racing, tour
the historic Stirling Haunted House – if you
visit around Halloween, the spooks are even
spookier!
Which all goes to show that the Mormon
Trail, with its friendly people, quiet towns, scenery and fascinating history – will delight visitors
seeking an authentic travel experience. Those
who take the time to stop will leave with new
insights that will last long after their trip is over.
For more information on the Mormon Trail,
contact the Cardston Visitors Centre
403-653-3787. www.TheMormonTrail.ca
Explore
Raymond is the next stop 15 minutes down
the road, where you can enjoy the historic
Community Centre, with town hall, library and
theatre, housed in a former brick Mormon church.
The Raymond Pioneer Museum across the
street will take you through the generations of
life in Raymond, including a mural of the land
as pioneers found it, a pioneer wagon and the
Raymond Sports Hall of Fame. The Canada Day
long weekend in early July each year is a
fantastic time to visit, as the town is transformed by the vibrant cowboy culture of the
Raymond Stampede and Heritage Days. And on
those lazy days of summer, the Raymond
Aquatic Centre is a beautiful stop for
swimming, water slides and picnics.
Just 10 minutes further northeast is
the Village of Stirling – one of only three
places in Canada where the whole
community is a designated (National)
Historical Site. Like most Mormonfounded communities, this village was
built, based on the concept of the Plat
of Zion model, with wide streets in a
grid pattern. The historic Michelsen
Farmstead shows how families not only
lived, but also worked on their plot
of land, which had room for barns,
animals and huge gardens as well as
the family home.
Visitors have the chance to explore the Galt Historic Railway Park,
a massive former turn-of-the-century
railway station that used to stretch
between the Alberta/ Montana
border at Coutts and Sweetgrass.
The station can be explored while costumed interpreters share insights into
the life of the early immigrants. After
the Mormons began arriving, other
groups of people also immigrated
to this area to join in taming the
land of southern Alberta. This is the
station that also welcomed many of
them to their new home.
7
Canada’s
Trail
JANMormon
JUL
Events
FEB
AUG
MAR
SEP
APR
EVENTS
Magrath &
MAY
District
Chamber of Commerce
JUN
Trade Show
Friday & Saturday, May 4-5
MAGRATH
Garth Veale Ice Arena
Corner of Harker & Centre St.
The Magrath & District Chamber
of Commerce hosts a Business
Trade Fair in May to showcase
local businesses.
OCT
Public Golf Tournaments NOV
Raymond Golf Course
Rotary Club (June 8th)
DEC
Howard Card (Sept 8th)
The tradition continues as these
tournaments have helped several
non-profit organizations over the
past several years. These are wellorganized tournaments and can
be enjoyed by all levels of golfersbeginners to advanced males
and females. Please support our
community by participating.
either the 5 km or the 5 mile
race starting at 8 a.m. Prizes and
certificates will be awarded for all
categories with trophies for the
overall winners. Refreshments
are served at the end.
Town office 403-653-3366
www.cardston.ca
Registration deadline is June 1st
Stirling Community
Garage Sale
May 26
JAN
STIRLING
15th Annual Village Garage
FEBSale 8am - 3pm Do you love finding
bargains and under-appreciated
MAR
treasures? The Stirling Community
Garage Sale usually has at least
APR
25 locations for great deals early
in the garage sale season.
JUL
MAY
NOV
(Date TBA)
Fly In
JUN
DEC
Jubilee Park (Fish Pond)
June 2
CARDSTON
6.5 km (4 miles) SE of
Cardston
2012 will be the 6th Annual Fly
In at the Cardston Airport. All are
welcome to fly, drive or walk in
for the breakfast and a chance to
socialize with the pilots and view
their planes. Cost is $5.00/person
or $20.00/family.
Doug Murray 403-653-2087
dgmurray@toughcountry.net
8
AUG
SEP
OCT
Magrath Rod & Gun Club
Children’s Fishing Day
MAGRATH
So. on Hwy 62, edge of town
Kids can arrive in the morning to
enjoy fishing at Magrath’s Fishing
Pond for fun and prizes. Get a
prize for catching the first fish, the
biggest fish, the ugliest fish, and
many other fun categories. A hot
dog B.B.Q. finishes off the event.
Family Fun Run
June 16
CARDSTON
Lion’s Park
98 - 4th Ave.
Annual fun run that the whole
family can enjoy! Participate in
Cardston Kids Marathon
June 20
CARDSTON
Cardston Elementry School
730 - 4th Ave. West
The kids marathon is open to
all kids 0-100 years old, their
families, friends and community!
Participants will log 25.2 miles
(in ¼ mile increments) and at
11 a.m. on race day they will
complete the last mile of the
marathon together. Registration
deadline is May 4.
Duane and Patricia Beazer
403-653-2181
www.cardstonkidsmarathon.com
Western Canadian
Amateur Motocross
Championships
June 27- 30, 2012
RAYMOND
(3 km north of town)
For four BIG days, Temple Hill
Motorcycle Park, at Raymond,
AB will be hopping! Top riders
from across Canada and the
U.S. will come to compete for
the bragging rights in the 15th
Annual Western Canadian
Amateur National Motocross
Championships. This is the largest
amateur motocross event in
Western Canada and riders have
set their sights on this event for
the past 14 years. Information for
spectators and riders is available
at www.cdnmx.com Harlan Taylor Run
Saturday, June 30
Begins at Broadway & Church
Held at 7 a.m. Events include
a 2K, 5K and 10K that are all
chip timed. Register by June
10 to be guaranteed a t-shirt.
After the run, head over to the
Senior’s Centre for the pancake
breakfast. To register, visit: www.
raymondgetactive.ca or drop by
the Town Pool.
Heritage Days
Heritage Days is Raymond’s
largest town celebration of the
year. Traditionally it is held on
July 1, This year, because the
holiday is on a Sunday, events
will be held on Saturday and
Monday.
Family Softball Tournament
June 29 & 30
This is an annual tradition! Fun
for the whole family, this year
is the 4th annual wooden bat
tournament. Register your family’s team and pick up a set of
this year’s rules @ the Town Hall.
The cost is $50 per family.
Glow in the dark golf
Friday, June 29
Raymond Golf Course
Come out and enjoy a night of
fun playing Glow-in-the-dark
golf. You’ll have a blast as you
navigate your way through this
night-time course. You are given a
“glow in the dark” ball and start
time is around 11 p.m.
Raymond Chamber of
Commerce Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, June 30
Seniors Centre parking lot
55 E 100 N
Free pancake breakfast from 8:00
to 10:00 a.m. Come out and
enjoy pancakes and sausages,
music and lots of good company. Family Program
Saturday, June 30
Raymond High School Gym
65W 100 North
They can sing! They can dance!
Come on out and enjoy a night of
entertainment while catching
up with friends and family. Come
a little early to catch the Raymond
High School band perform.
Program starts at 7p.m.
Rotary Club Parade
Monday, July 2
RAYMOND
The parade kicks off a day of
celebrations on July 2 this year.
Parade starts at 10 a.m. in front
of the LDS Stake Centre and
flows down Broadway for all
to see.
EVENTS
June 29, 30 & July 2
RAYMOND
Raymond
Stampede Rodeo
June 30 & July 2
RAYMOND
Ray Knight Memorial Park
“Home of the first Stampede” in
Canada, will be celebrating 110
years of Stampede [Rodeo] in
Raymond on June 30th at 12:00
pm and July 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at
the Ray Knight Memorial Park.
Stampede events include saddle
bronc, bare back riding, bull
riding, steer wrestling, calf roping,
team roping, ladies senior and
junior barrel racing, little rascal
barrel racing, quarter horse race,
and pony chuck wagon races. Raymond Chamber of
Commerce Main Street
July 2, 2012, 7– 9:30 p.m.
RAYMOND
This is a fun event for the whole
family. Gold panning, face painting,
calf roping, astro jumps are just
a few of the events. This year we
have added a hot dog eating
contest, pig calling and a few
other new events. Cotton candy,
popcorn, and treats for everyone. For those just wanting to sit
and enjoy the evening, we will
have a live band for your enjoyment
along with street dancing. Finish out the day by moving
down to the fair grounds to enjoy
the fireworks at 11 p.m.
9
Canada Day
Party in the Park
musical fun at Ying’s Restaurant.
Come listen to rising stars and
experienced entertainers alike.
Cardston Farmers Market
Canada Day Fireworks
Carriage House
Summer Theatre
EVENTS
June 30
CARDSTON
Lion’s Park 98-4th Ave West
Canada Day Celebrations begin
at 6 p.m. at the Lion’s Park in
Cardston. The event features
local entertainment, activities for
the kids, a petting zoo, trolley
rides, and concessions. The event
concludes with fireworks at 11
p.m. Admission is free.
Town office
403-653-3366 www.cardston.ca
or Trinette Hilderman
403-653-1398
June 30
CARDSTON
Lion’s Park, 98-4th Ave West
Starting at around 11 p.m. at
Lions Park. Bring your blanket
or chair and enjoy the firework
display.
Town office
403-653-3366
www.cardston.ca
Galt Historic
JAN
Railway Park
Children’s Day
FEB
Camp
JUL
AUG
(One date in July TBA)
SEP
STIRLING MAR
Follow 4th St. North out of
APR
town to Range
Road-19-4cOCT
The Galt Historic Railway Park
Fun activitesMAY
inside and outNOV
pertaining to the railway and
JUN
DEC
geared for the
kids.
www.galtrailway.com for
10 more information.
Southern Alberta
Summer Games
July & August - Thursdays
CARDSTON
Ice Rink, 339 Main A Street
The Cardston Farmers Market
featuring local artisans, bakers,
farmers and other vendors runs
every Thursday at the Cardston
Ice Rink - Janet Wilde
403-653-2748
Opening date: July 3
Closing date: August 22
CARDSTON
353 Main Street
The Carriage House Theatre
features live plays throughout the
summer months. The theatre has
410 seats and tickets to summer
theatre are a hot item. This year’s
productions include: Once Upon
a Mattress; Drowsy Chaperone;
Marvelous Wonderette. Movies are
also shown at the theatre.
Carriage House Theatre
403-653-1000
www.thecarriagehousetheatre.com
Friday Night Open Mic
First Friday of every month
MAGRATH
Ying’s Restaurant
54 S 1 St W
Local musicians show us what
they’ve got for an evening of
July 4-7, 2012
RAYMOND
Raymond is proud to host the 2012
Southern Alberta Summer Games
from July 4-7. Various sports and
events will be offered for a wide
age range of participants. Swimming, equestrian, golf,
baseball, tennis, cycling, soccer,
3-on-3 basketball, rugby, cribbage,
photography, 5 & 10 K road race,
are among the 20 events being
held. For more information, go to: www.southernalbertasummergames.com
Michelsen Farmstead
100th Anniversary
Celebration
July 19
STIRLING
533 2nd Ave
It has been 100 years since two
rooms on the main floor and the
second story were added to the
Michelsen home. Join us for our
celebration of this wonderful
historic home.
Village Market
STIRLING
Michelsen Farmstead
2 - 6 pm Vendors set up sale tables with
produce, crafts, home decor, and
baking to entice you.
Birthday Celebration
STIRLING
5 -7 p.m. at the Michelsen
Farmstead BBQ. What’s a birthday
party without cake? We will be
celebrating by having hot dogs
and pop for sale and giving everyone a piece of birthday cake. STIRLING
7-9 p.m
at the Michelsen Farmstead
For the 3rd year we will have
music and story telling done by
volunteers from the community. Come see how talented
our small children to senior performers are. Bring your lawn
chair and join us under the
spruce trees. The veranda of the
100-year-old Michelsen home
becomes the stage. Entrance by
donation to the Stirling Historical
Society.
Settler Days
July 20-21
STIRLING
Join the village of Stirling for their
big yearly town celebration. Lots
of fun for everyone.
Stirling Ball Tournament
Friday, July 20
5k Pajama Run
Saturday, July 21
STIRLING
Join us bright and early for a fun
Saturday Activities
July 21
Parade, pancake breakfast, kids
carnival, family baseball tournament, BBQ, Equestrian events,
pioneer re-enactments at the
Michelsen Farmstead, Family
Dance, Fireworks.
Galt Historic Railway Park
Children’s Day Camp
(One date in August TBA)
STIRLING
Follow 4th St. North out of town
to Range Road-19-4c
The Galt Historic Railway Park
Fun activites inside and out pertaining to the railway and geared
for the kids.
www.galtrailway.com
Magrath Triathlon
Michelsen Farmstead
Kids Day Camp
July 27
STIRLING
533 2nd Ave
We offer three camps in the summer and each one will be different
so that children can come back
for each one and learn & do new
things.
Children ages 6 - 10 can come to
day camps and live like kids did in
the “olden days”. There are chores
to do, old style games to play,
crafts, lunch and snacks are based
on the activities for the day (fresh
butter on bannock). The children
are also given a tour of the site
and opportunities to use some of
the artifacts. Cost: $20.00/child or
$45.00 for one child for three days
or three children for one day. Limited spaces are available. Registration is required by July 20.
Saturday, July 14
MAGRATH
Come earn your right to say,
“I Swam the Dam”, or cheer
on competitors at the Magrath
Triathlon. This annual triathlon,
dubbed one of the best in
Canada, includes an open water
swim at St. Mary Reservoir, a
scenic rural bike route that winds
through the prairie landscape to
Magrath and finishes with a run
through and outside the community of Magrath. It includes both
Olympic and Sprint distances for
teams or individuals 16 years and
older. http://trimagrath.com/
EVENTS
Music on the Veranda
5km run through the streets of
Stirling. The Pajama Run is an
annual event starting at 7 a.m.
At that time of day, crowds show
up in their pajamas to cheer on
competitors who compete for
medals and fun prizes, including
the “bed-head award”. The $15
entry fee also gets you a t-shirt.
Senior Canadian
Pro Rodeo
July 19
MAGRATH
Ag Society building
So. on Hwy 62, Right at Cemetery
Watch some good old fashioned
rodeo events. For more information: magrathagsociety.com
11
Magrath Days
Thursday-Saturday,
July 26, 27 & 28, 2012
MAGRATH
Saturday Activities
Fun Run/Walk/Bike
July 28
82 1 Ave. SW
Beginning at 7:30 a.m. in front
of ATB Financial is a 5 km or 10
km Fun Run/Walk/ Bike. Register
early and receive a participation
T-shirt.
Town Office 403-758-3212
EVENTS
Magrath Parade
Come Celebrate With Us! There is something for everyone
as Magrath celebrates its birthday
the weekend of the fourth
Saturday in July.
Family and Community
Softball Tournament
July 26-28
The family & community softball
tournament begins Thursday
afternoon, continues Friday, with
championship games wrapping
up on Saturday. For registration
information 403-758-3212.
Saturday, July 28
One of the highlights of the
weekend. The judging starts at
10 a.m. in front of schools 41
Centre St. South Parade begins
at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Activities
Saturday, July 28
After the parade, head to the
school grounds for kid’s races,
petting zoo, astro-jumps, Show
& Shine, Lawnmower Races, Trick
Bike demo., rib cook-off, photo
display, and concessions.
12
August 10
STIRLING 533 2nd Ave
Children ages 6 - 10 can come
to this day camp and live like
kids did in the “olden days”. At
this camp they will make stone
soup from garden veggies. (See
July 27 for full description.) Cost:
$20.00/child or $45.00 for one
child for 3 days or 3 children
for one day. Limited spaces are
available. Registration is required
by August 3.
Heritage Week
August 8 - 11
CARDSTON
Saturday, July 28
Concessions, live entertainment,
outdoor concert, beef-on-a-bun
and amazing fireworks close the
weekend of celebration.
JUL
RaymondFEB
and
AUG
District
Ag Society
Fall Fair SEP
MAR
Friday, July 27
The Friday activities include a kids
rodeo carnival, rodeo activities
and a family dance at the Ag
building. In the evening, there
is a teen activity in town at the
ice arena.
Michelsen Farmstead
Kids Day Camp
Evening Program and
Fireworks
JAN
Friday Activities
The Stirling Triathlon starts at 9
a.m. at the Stirling pool, then run
through the historic village and
bike along the highway. For more
information, go to stirlingtri.com
August (Date TBA)
RAYMOND
APR
OCT
62 - East Park Street
This year is MAY
the Fair’s 25thNOV
Anniversary. Besides the Annual
Bench Fair and Pancake Breakfast
JUN
DEC
there are other activities to
entertain the family. Events will
be in the fall, but announced at a
later date.
Stirling
Triathlon
August 4
STIRLING
Begins at pool 525 - 4 Ave.
Come enjoy a day of challenging
yourself or cheering on a friend.
A week of festivities and entertainment await young and old.
Heritage Week Pet Show
August 8
CARDSTON
Cardston Agridome
880 12th St. West
Pets in several categories are
judged and ribbons awarded.
Judging is done by local retired
vet Dr. Andy Strang. Registration
starts at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Cardston Ag Society
403-653-4076
www.cardstonagridome.com
Heritage Week Rodeo
August 10 & 11
CARDSTON
Cardston Agridome
880 12 th St. West
This Friday and Saturday night
rodeo pays tribute to the cowboy
spirit of the area. Events run at
7 p.m. both nights.
Cardston Ag Society
403-653-4076
www.cardstonagridome.com
Family Softball Tournament
August 10 & 11
CARDSTON
Families compete in a family
softball tournament in Cardston.
Contact town office to register.
403-653-3366
www.cardston.ca
Ranchman’s Rodeo
August 11
CARDSTON
Cardston Agridome
880 - 12th St. West
This event features local cowboys
showcasing their horsemanship
and cow handling skills. This
event is held at the Cardston
Agridome in the outdoor arena
north of the main facility. The
event starts after the parade.
Cardston Ag Society
403-653-4076
www.cardstonagridome.com
Heritage Week Fireworks
The Raymond Triathlon
Saturday, August 11, 2012
RAYMOND
Come and enjoy the Raymond Triathlon which offers various distances for
all abilities. The race begins at the
Raymond pool, followed by biking
along the paved highway which
includes a few challenging areas.
The run takes you through town
and surrounding acreages towards
the Temple Hill Race track. www.
raymondtri.com
Rotary Golf Tournament
Ag Society Mud Bog
August 11
CARDSTON
Cardston Agridome
880 - 12th St. West
This event is held during Heritage
Week following the parade.
Boggers come from all over the
region to test their skills in this
entertaining event.
Cardston Ag Society
403-653-4076
www.cardstonagridome.com
August 18
CARDSTON
Corner of 9th Ave.S. & 7th W.
The golf tournament is held at the
Cardston Lee Creek Golf Course.
Proceeds from the tournament
fund community initiatives by the
Rotary club.
Jim Schaffer (403) 653-4949
August 17 & 18
CARDSTON
623 Main Street
Remington Carriage Museum
This unique event is held in
Cardston every year. Cowboys
from around the world come here
to race their miniature horses for
bragging rights as the champ.
Remington Carriage Museum
403-653-5139
EVENTS
Heritage Week Parade
August 11
CARDSTON
Judging starts at 9 a.m. and the
parade starts at 10 a.m. Come
early and pick your seat along the
parade route!
Town office
403-653-3366
www.cardston.ca
August 11
CARDSTON
Lion’s Park
98, 4th Ave West
To conclude Heritage Week
festivities, fireworks will begin
around 10:30 p.m.
Town office
403-653-3366
World Championship
Miniature Chuckwagon
Races
Music on the Veranda
August 17 - 7-9 pm @
Michelsen Farmstead
(See July 19, Michelsen
Farmstead 100 Anniversary
for details)
Michelsen Farmstead
Kids Day Camp
August 24
Children ages 6 - 10 can come
to day camps and live like kids
did in the “olden days”. At this
camp they will make homemade
ice cream. (See July 27 for full
description.) Cost: $20.00/child
or $45.00 for one child for 3 days
or 3 children for one day. Limited
spaces are available. Registration
is required by August 17. 13
held on Sat. Sept 18th from 10
a.m. - 2 p.m. We will be featuring
JUL
many localJAN
and greater area
businesses catering to kids and
FEBDon’t missAUG
their families.
out. Free
Admission
JAN
FEB
EVENTS
Labour Day
MAR
Breakfast
JUL
AUG
SEP
September 3, 2012
APR
OCT
MAGRATH
Elementary School Cafeteria
MAY
NOV
A great way to begin your Labour
Day is with a free pancake breakJUN by the Town
DECof
fast sponsored
Magrath and served by volunteers
from the community churches.
The breakfast is from 8 - 10 a.m.
and includes pancakes, whipped
cream, fruit and breakfast drinks.
If you happen to be travelling
through, come and join us.
Stirling Fall Festival
September 8
STIRLING
The Stirling Historical Society
welcomes everyone to join us
for many historic activities from
2 - 3:30. Tours for the buildings
and artifact collections are part of
the community wide Fall Festival.
Includes Pioneer re-enactments
at the Michelsen Farmstead,
Hayride, Kids games, Farmer’s
Market, and more.
Kid’s Show
Saturday, September15
MAGRATH
Ice Arena, 5 N. Centre Street
Come join us at the kids shop14 ping event of the year! It will be
MAR
SEP
Halloween
APR
Carnival
OCT
October 31
MAY
NOV
CARDSTON
67, 3rd Ave West
JUN
DEC
Event is held
at the Cardston
Civic Center on Halloween night.
It is intended for all ages of kids
to attend. If you think your too
old, come by and help out.
Refreshments are served and
there is no cost for admission.
Town Office
403-653-3366
JAN
JUL
FEB
AUG
MAR
SEP
APR
OCT
Remembrance
MAY
Day Service
NOV
November 11
JUN
DEC
MAGRATH
South of Town Hall
55 South 1st Street West
Celebrate our freedom by
honouring those valiant men and
women who served our country
in war—those who died and
those who came home. This year
with Remembrance Day falling on
a Sunday, the Cenotaph Service
will be on Sunday, November 11,
beginning at 10:45 a.m. There
will not be a Town Remembrance
Day Program.
Remembrance
Day Program
November 11
CARDSTON
355, 4th Ave West
This program is held each year to
honour the men and women who
have fought for our freedom and
for those who continue to do so.
Town Office
403-653-3366
Remembrance Day
November 11
STIRLING
Services take place at both the
Stirling School and Stirling Community Center to honour men and
women from the community who
fought to defend our freedoms.
Alumni Tournament
November 23 & 24
CARDSTON
355, 4th Ave West
Former high school basketball
players converge to play off and
get bragging rights as the strongest team from Cardston!
Cardston High School
403-653-4951
Raymond High
School Show Choir
November (TBA)
RAYMOND
JAN
JUL
15 Broadway South
Raymond High
FEBSchool’s Show
AUG
choir was started in the early
1990’s as they
wanted to SEP
have
MAR
an alternative to athletics. It
helps develop
our best natural
APR
OCTresources: our youth! It presents a
musical everyMAY
April and November.
NOV
Victorian Prairie
JUN
DEC
Christmas Party
Galt Historic Railway Park
(Dates to be announced)
STIRLING
Follow 4th St. North out of town
to Range Road-19-4c
The Galt Historical Railway Park is
pleased to present its annual Victorian Christmas Show. Enjoy the
beauty and history of an original
train station and take a look into
just a fun run, a chance for the
whole family to come out and
enjoy time together. Registration
is $10 and includes a toque!
Register online at www.rayJAN
mondgetactive.ca and for more
information call 403-752-3322
the past with this presentation.
Food and non-alcoholic drinks are
included in the ticket price.
www.galtrailway.com
Hometown Christmas
Old Fashioned Christmas
Friday, December 7, 2012
RAYMOND
Located on Broadway
Kick off your Christmas Season
right with a visit to downtown
Raymond! The Chamber of
Commerce provides many fun,
free things for kids to do, including
face painting, a fish pond, crafts,
and of course a visit with Santa.
Everyone can enjoy hot chocolate
and donuts. Community Christmas
Program
December (Date TBA)
MAGRATH
Location TBA
Enjoy the festive season with song
and entertainment provided by
community members of Magrath.
Watch for more information.
Cougar Classic
December 14 & 15
CARDSTON
355, 4th Ave West
The Cougar Classic is the high
school boys and girls basketball
tournament. Come and see the
2012 Provincial champions in
action! Cardston High School
403-653-4951
FEB
Raymond
MAR
Chamber of
Commerce Trade Show
APR
Sugar Bowl Invitational
Boxing Week
RAYMOND
Raymond High School
65 West 100 North
The basketball enthusiast won’t
want to miss this tournament
hosted by the Raymond High
School. Teams come from across
the province to attend. Please
contact RHS for tickets in early
December as it sells out quickly.
Magrath &
JAN
District Chamber
of Commerce Gala Event
FEB
March
RAYMOND
MAY
The Raymond Chamber of Commerce hosts a Trade Fair in March
JUN
to showcase local business - both
mainstream and home-based.
The goal is to make others more
aware of what the Raymond area
has to offer and promote local
buying to make these businesses
as viable as possible. To register
a booth, or for more information
contact: Cory Rasmussen @ 403330-9057 or 403-752-3373 or
Sarah Carlson @ 403-330-5649
or 403-752-4893.
Chilly Willy
Race
AUG
JUN
OCT
NOV
DEC
AUG
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, February 9, 2013
MAR
RAYMOND
The Chilly Willy Road Race is held
APR
in February as part of the Town of
Raymond’s Winter Fest Activities.
MAY
The race includes a 2K & 5K. It is
SEP
JUL
January 26, 2013
MAGRATH
MAR
Come join us for an evening of
dinner and entertainment and
APR
help us recognize our citizenship award recipients. This is a
MAY
themed evening but costumes
are optional. Contact Shannon
JUN
at 403-758-6631
JAN
FEB
AUG
EVENTS
December 6, 2012
MAGRATH
Mark your calendar for the first
Thursday evening in December
and join us for our annual
Hometown Christmas Celebration
downtown. The evening begins
at 6 p.m. and includes: Santa’s
arrival, Christmas tree lighting at
Town Hall, music, late night shopping and prize draws, free skating, crafter’s mall and children’s
craft center. Come share the joy
of the season with us.
JUL
Saturday , March 30, 2013
SEP
RAYMOND
The Community Easter Egg
OCT
Hunt is held the Saturday of the
Easter weekend by the baseball
NOV
diamonds for children under the
age of 10. The hunt starts at 1pm
DEC
and
JULdoesn’t last long so be sure
to be there early!
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
15
Explore — Cardston
Cardston
the Beginning
Anchored by its landmark
massive, white granite temple
and the wide streets of its
historic downtown, the town
of Cardston (pop. 3,580) is
backdropped by the towering
snow-capped peaks of the
Canadian Rockies. In particular,
the distinctive Chief Mountain
although just over the border in
Montana, majestically watches
over this corner of southern
Alberta.
Cardston, founded in 1887 by Charles Ora
Card, a leader with the Mormon church who
immigrated from Utah, is much more than a
refuelling stop for travellers headed to and
from nearby Waterton Lakes National Park.
Many residents of this friendly community
are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints (Mormon) and take pride in
their rich and diverse heritage.
Lined by a number of historic buildings, the
town’s Main Street boasts shops, eateries, artisans
and the beautiful old Carriage House Theatre,
which has revitalized the arts scene locally.
The theatre has undergone an extensive
renovation to restore its art-deco-like glory.
Besides serving as a movie house, there are
also live performances and musicals almost
nightly during the summer months performed
by a large troup of local talent combined with
imported professionals.
A visit to downtown wouldn’t be complete
without a tour of the1887 Card Pioneer Home,
the original log cabin built by the town’s
founder. This provincial historic site is also
a museum that contains period artifacts
depicting the life and times of Card and
16 his community.
Also downtown is the Remington Carriage
Museum – which houses America’s largest
collections of horse-drawn vehicles. Wander
past immaculately restored antique carriages,
school buses, hearses and early automobiles.
Enjoy the hands-on displays, or browse the
museum gift shop, but make sure to leave time
for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the
town centre.
Monday through Thursday during the
summer, visitors can experience a guided
Mormon Pioneer Trail Tour at the museum
which highlights Mormon history both inside
the museum and during a carriage ride
through Cardston.
The museum grounds feature a life-size
CAPTIONS - TOP: The Cardston Alberta Temple.
BOTTOM: Cardston Courthouse Museum.
2
5
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TO LETHBRIDGE
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4TH AVENUE
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TO AGRIDOME
7TH AVENUE
7TH STREET E.
5TH STREET E.
LEGEND
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9TH AVENUE
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GOLF COURSE
2
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GLACIER PARK
Quick Facts
4TH STREET E.
3RD STREET E.
8TH AVENUE
LEE
8TH AVENUE
5TH AVENUE
c
•Coldest Day: January 28, 1929
−41.7 °C (−43.06 °F)
•Average July temperature:
24.7°C (76.5°F)
•Hottest Day: July 28, 1939
38.9 °C (102.02 °F)
•Annual rain: 222 mm (8.75 in)
•Annual snow: 83 cm (32.7in)
POPULATION: 3,580 (2011),
with an additional 4,167 living
in the county.
1901 census 950
LOCATION:
•50 minutes SW of Lethbridge
on Hwy 5
•½ hour east of Waterton Lakes ORIGIN OF NAME: Cardston
was first called Lee’s Creek, but
National Park on Hwy 5
in November of 1889 the name
ELEVATION: 1,121 m 3,677.82 ft)
was changed to Cardston, after
the founder Charles Ora Card.
WEATHER: Cardston is subject to
chinooks, warm westerly winds DID YOU KNOW? Charles Ora
that often bring temperatures
Card came from Logan, Utah and
in mid-winter well above 10
he was married to one of Brigham
°C (50 °F). This same pattern
Young’s daughters. He superinresults in more than 200 days
tended the building of the LDS
of wind a year.
Tabernacle in Logan.
•Average January temperature:
−1.7 °C (- 29°F)
Rest Room
Post Office
Churches
Hospital
Museum
Campgrounds
Walking Trail
Parks / Rec.
HIGHWAY 2 BYPASS
CRE
EK
7TH AVENUE
EK
CRE
2ND STREET E.

6TH AVENUE
2
2ND STREET E.
6
2TEMPLE

1ST STREET E.
R.C.M.P.
MAIN STREET
4TH STREET
5TH STREET
6TH STREET
7TH STREET
3RD AVENUE
2ND STREET
c
2ND AVENUE
c
H
3RD STREET
8TH STREET
c
HIGHWAY 2 BYPASS
1ST AVENUE
5
c
1ST STREET
TO WATERTON & MOUNTAIN VIEW
Explore — Cardston
9TH STREET
TO CALGARY
2
9TH AVENUE
1 Card Pioneer Home
2 Cardston Alberta
Temple
3 Cardston Lee Creek
Valley Golf Course
4 Carriage House
Theatre
5 Cobblestone Manor
6 Courthouse Museum
7 Remington Carriage
Museum
VISITOR INFORMATION:
Cardston Visitor’s Centre
403-653-3787
cardston.ca
TheMormonTrail.ca
17
Explore — Cardston
18
bronze statue of George Woolf, Cardston-born
jockey, on the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit.
Woolf rode Seabiscuit to championship glory in
1938 against War Admiral in what was touted
as ‘The Match of the Century’.
As you leave, don’t forget to snap your
photo at the Fay Wray Fountain on the north
side of Lee Creek, a block from the museum.
The late actress, another of Cardston’s notable
citizens, found fame in Hollywood movies such
as King Kong.
A few blocks west of Main Street – you can’t
miss it – is the Cardston Temple, which was built
in 1923. Not only was it the first Mormon temple
in Canada, it was also the second to be built
outside the United States. Building a community
on the banks of Lee Creek and the
edge of the Blood (Kainai) Reserve,
the last of the classic wagon treks of
Mormon pioneers brought 41 faithful
members who braved snow and frigid
cold to settle on the Canadian prairies. In fact, it snowed four inches the
first night of their arrival in Canada,
June 1, 1887.
Their little settlement soon
began to flourish. The Mormons came to
Alberta with knowledge and experience in
irrigation, a fact that ultimately led to their
involvement in the creation of 185 km (115
mi) of irrigation canals and the settlement of
the three other communities along Canada’s
Mormon Trail.
In 1995, the Cardston Temple was named
a National Historic Site, recognized as “the
first consciously modern building in the
province of Alberta.” While the temple is not
open to the public, an information centre on
temple grounds offers insights about the temple
and the Mormon faith.
Another building that stands as a reminder
of early days in Cardston is the Courthouse
Museum. Built in 1907 from sandstone quarried
just outside of Cardston, this building was a
working courthouse longer than any other in
Alberta. Another provincial historic site, the
courthouse still has the original judge’s bench
and witness stand as well as jail cells. Other
CAPTIONS - TOP TO BOTTOM: Remington Carriage
Museum; Bronze statue of jockey George Woolf on
Seabiscuit; Charles Ora Card Home
Chuckwagon Championships at the carriage
museum.
Whatever time you choose to visit, you
can be sure of a warm welcome and plenty to
see and do. For more information, contact the
Cardston Visitors Centre at (403) 653-3787.
www.TheMormonTrail.ca
www.cardston.ca
Explore — Cardston
historical items are on display as well, covering
additional aspects of the community.
You can even ride in the footsteps of the
original settlers and book trail rides to enjoy
incredible wildflowers and wildlife through the
rolling green hills in the shadow of Old Chief
Mountain and the Rockies, or camp and fish at
several beautiful campgrounds
in the area.
And don’t miss a main
attraction each summer Cardston Heritage Days, the
second weekend in August,
welcomes many former
residents and visitors to enjoy
everything from a parade, a
pet show and pancake
breakfast. The rodeo is a
big hit every year, and is
followed soon after by
the World Mini
CAPTIONS - TOP TO
BOTTOM: From HWY #5
looking southwest to
Cardston below Chief
Mountain (square one in
centre); A 1923 shot of the
Cardston Temple at time of
completion; The Cardston
Temple today.
19
EXPLORE CARDSTON
Explore — Cardston
See map on page 17 for locations
Cardston Alberta Temple
384 3rd Street West;
One of southern Alberta’s most recognized
landmarks, the Cardston Alberta Temple stands
majestically in the town’s centre. The town’s
Remington Carriage Museum
623 Main Street;
403-653-5139
www.remingtoncarriagemuseum.com
Giddy-up and get along to the largest
collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North
America, with over 250 carriages, wagons, and
sleighs. Open seven days a week, year-round,
the 63,000 square foot venue has features
including a fire hall, a carriage factory, a
working stable, interactive activities, carriage
rides and gift shop. Young and old alike will
marvel at what chores could be done with
wagons, or what the richest families of New
York City rode around town in; a leather-lined
carriage with an ice box for the champagne on
the back!
Enjoy the special display and life-size statue
honouring Cardston-born George Woolf, still
recognized as one of the greatest jockeys of all
time, who rode the famous Seabiscuit to victory
in ‘The Race of the Century’ in 1938.
Mormon Pioneer Trail Tour
Remington Carriage Museum
For a taste of the Mormon Trail experience,
take in the Mormon Pioneer Trail Tour. Travel
through Cardston by horse drawn carriage just
like the pioneers and visit the Remington
Carriage Museum. Your tour guide will
emphasize the Mormon history of horse drawn
vehicles at the Museum as well as point out
the Mormon historical sites around town. The
tour begins at the museum at 1 p.m., Monday
through Thursday.
20
settlers, Mormon pioneers, spent ten years
constructing the palatial structure while they
themselves lived in crude log houses. The
temple, completed in 1923, stands as a testament to their faith. Cardston is home to the
first Mormon temple built in Canada and the
second built outside the United States.
The Information Center is open to the
public daily, from Victoria Day (May) through
Labour Day (September). 403-653-1696
Card Pioneer Home
337 Main Street; 403-653-3366
This little house on the prairie has been
part of the Cardston community since the
start. Cardston’s founder, Charles Ora Card,
built the humble log home soon after settlers
arrived and it still stands in its original spot.
The house has lasted through all of Cardston’s
changes over the years, and original artifacts
and beautiful artwork are still in place and
expertly cared for by dedicated volunteers. Tours
are free at this Registered Provincial Historic
site, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Open July and August. Tours can be
arranged off-season.
Carriage House Theatre
353 Main Street; 403-653-1000
www.thecarriagehousetheatre.com
The beautifully restored Carriage House
Cobblestone Manor
173 7th Avenue West;
403-653-2701;
www.thecobblestonemanor.com
The Cobblestone Manor is a beautiful
house transformed into a high-class restaurant
and bed and breakfast in Cardston. Belgian
carpenter Henry Hoët’s 1913 construction,
with a beautiful river rock exterior and ornate
woodwork interior, is recognized as an Alberta
Historic Resource. Enjoy the fire from one of
the home’s original fireplaces, as you savor the
restaurant’s delicious meals or stay the night
at the bed and breakfast.
The Cobblestone Manor is a beautiful and
unique experience for its guests.
Explore — Cardston
Courthouse Museum
89 3rd Avenue West; 403-653-4322
The Courthouse Museum was built in
1907 from sandstone quarried just a few miles
from Cardston, and the building’s beautiful
architecture and striking interior are a monument to Cardston’s early pioneer artisans. Used
longer than any other courthouse in Alberta, the
building still displays the judge’s bench, witness
stand, and other court artifacts, including the
original jail cells—complete with graffiti. The
Courthouse Museum is a Registered Provincial
Historic Site.
Open July and August. Schedule an
off-season tour by phoning (403) 653-3366. Donations accepted.
Theatre presents exciting live theatre for
southern Alberta, showcasing spectacular
musicals and rollicking comedies. Professional
level talent and acclaimed directors maintain
the theatre’s proud tradition of sell-out shows
that are the pride of southern Alberta. A variety
of live performances are available most nights
throughout the summer.
Movies are also shown at the theatre.
Cardston Lee Creek Valley
Golf Course
Corner of 9th Avenue and 7th Street
West
403-653-4198 www.golfleecreek.com
Designed by the eminent Les Furber, this
new eighteen-hole course is nestled in Cardston
Lee Creek Valley and offers picturesque views
of the mountains, wildlife, and natural scenery.
The course features four tee boxes per hole,
white sand bunkers, and multiple water hazards
to challenge all levels of golfers. Stop in for a
burger and snacks at the turn.
21
Explore
— Magath
Explore
— Magrath
Magrath
The Garden City
22
Tucked neatly along Hwy 5
on the Mormon Trail east of
Cardston, Magrath has grown
into a thriving town – birthplace
of irrigation in Canada and home
to peaceful walking pathways
along Pothole Creek.
Known as ‘The Garden City’
for its abundant trees, rich soil,
model community history and
network of canals, it’s a piece of
paradise for bird-watchers, nature
lovers and history buffs. In fact,
former Russian President Mikhail
Gorbachev, when visiting the area,
labelled it the most beautiful agricultural valley
he had ever seen.
In the spring of 1899, the area was only
semi-arid grassland, just waiting for the waters
of irrigation to bring it to full productivity. With
the Rocky Mountains reaching the horizon to
the west and the Milk River Ridge bordering
on the south, it remains an area of great
beauty today.
You can access the town (pop. 2,310) by
swinging south at the Magrath grain elevators,
43 km (26 mi) east of Cardston – keep an eye
out for the area’s numerous whitetail deer
lounging on lawn or in the parks. Stroll the
creek and canal trails, especially around Jubilee
Park and you might be lucky to spot fox,
muskrat, coyote and even mink. Also, Leopard
Frogs have been re-introduced to the area and
their numbers have rapidly expanded to the
point that they are now a common site along
the trail.
As you explore the vicinity, you can still
see remnants of the pioneers who arrived more
CAPTIONS - ABOVE: Pothole Creek in Magrath.
BELOW: Looking southwest from Magrath elevator with
wind turbines, Old Chief and the Rocky Mountains in the
background.
5
5
3rd Ave N.
H
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2
4th Ave S.

3

4th Street E.
3rd Street E.
2A Street E.
? Information
62
H
1
Magrath
Golf Course
Quick Facts
ORIGIN OF NAME: The town
POPULATION: 2,310 (2010)
of Magrath was named
• 1901 census 550
after Charles A. Magrath, who
LOCATION:
surveyed the town. He was also
• 20 min. south of Lethbridge
business partner of Elliot Galt.
on Hwy 5.
• 1 hour east of Waterton Lakes DID YOU KNOW? C.A. Magrath
National Park on Hwy 5
was the first mayor of Lethbridge (1891), Member of the
ELEVATION: 975 m (3,199 ft)
Legislative Assembly for the
WEATHER:
then North West Territory (1891
• Average January temperature:
to 1898), and a Member of
−1.8°C (28.75°F)
Parliament (1908 to 1911).
• Average July temperature:
25.5 °C (77.9°F)
2nd Street E.
LEGEND
4
5th Ave S.
1A st Street E.

2nd Ave S.
1st Street W.
3rd Ave S.
Harker Ave.
c
Centennial Pl.
2nd Street W.
3rd Street W.
4th Street W.
5th Street W.
2nd Ave S.
Civic Ave N.
1st Street E.
Magrath Pl.
5
Harker Ave.
1st Ave S.
Garden Pl.
c
c
c
Center Ave N.
1st Ave N.
1st Street W.
2nd Ave N.
Explore — MAGRATH

Copper leaf
1
2
3
4
5
Rest Room
Post Office
Churches
Hospital
Museum
Campgrounds
Walking Trail
Parks / Rec.
Galt Canal National
Historic Site
Galt Canal Nature Trail
and Irrigation Park
Magrath Golf Course
Magrath Jubilee Park
Magrath Museum
VISITOR INFORMATION:
Town of Magrath 403-758-3212
(during office hours)
www.magrath.ca
www.TheMormonTrail.ca
23
Explore
— Magrath
Explore
— MAGRATH
24
than a century ago, including the irrigation
canals that were dug by man and horse.
Flanked by sweeping plains and vast farms, the
Magrath area is now an agricultural heartland.
The Mormon Church played a major role in
bringing crops and farms to southern Alberta.
While in Magrath, a visit to the museum
will allow you to hear stories and see artifacts
of by-gone years. There is also a new interactive
display of the town of Magrath with light-up indicators of historical
sites around town.
Or if you want
to join Magrath
for its biggest
birthday party of
the year, Magrath
Days celebration
is always the
weekend of the
fourth Saturday in
July. It is packed
with activities for
the whole family
to enjoy. On the
Friday night there’s
old fashioned
rodeo fun at the Ag
society building for the small fry and
calf dressing for the bigger fry…yes the
cowboys actually dress a calf. The small
town parade provides big entertainment
on Saturday morning. And the rest of
the day is filled with activities and events
until the sun goes down with a burst of
fireworks. You won’t find better
fireworks in any town in Alberta.
Also, the Magrath “I Swam the
Dam” Triathlon is rated as one of
the top triathlons in Canada. With
the open water swim at St. Mary
Reservoir, it draws hundreds of
participants every year the week
before the Magrath Days celebration.
In the 1890s, Lethbridge
CAPTIONS - TOP TO BOTTOM: All photos
taken along Galt Canal Nature Trail: Magrath
irrigation headgates; Alberta’s flower, the
Wild Rose; whitetail deer with blue heron;
Galt Canal Nature Trail.
businessmen Elliott Galt and Charles Magrath
owned
hundreds of thousands of acres of land south
of Lethbridge. The land was their payment
from the government for building railway lines.
They wanted communities built on their land,
but knew the sparse rains in the area would
not support farming.
Having watched Charles Ora Card successfully build the town of Cardston to the
west, Magrath and Galt saw
a successful pattern for a
new community. They joined
forces with Card and travelled
to Salt Lake City, Utah to meet
with the then-president of
the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. Funded
by British capital, industrious
Mormon settlers, with knowledge and
experience in setting up large
irrigation projects, would be
recruited to establish
two communities:
Magrath and Stirling.
The church was also
looking for opportunities
to expand. A deal was
reached whereby work
on the canal would be
paid half in land and
half in money.
In 1899, C.H.
significant that it was named a National Historic
site at the time it opened and recognized as
the first major irrigation project in Canada.
Interpretive signs along the old canal describe
more of the history.
Two blocks from downtown is Jubilee
Park, an urban oasis your kids will love to try
angling for trout in the stocked fish pond.
The nearby Magrath Golf Course offers 18
holes of play on beautiful, mature fare-ways.
The Garden City of Magrath welcomes you.
For more information, call the Town of
Magrath at 403-758-3212.
www.TheMormonTrail.ca
www.magrath.ca
CAPTIONS - Below clockwise: Magrath Golf
Course; Triathlon swimmers at St. Mary Reservoir;
Kids Fishing Derby at the fish pond in Jubilee Park.
Explore — Magrath
Dudley was the first settler to arrive to the new
community. Like those who followed, he rode
the train to Stirling, then loaded his belongings
onto a wagon and rode west to Magrath. For a
home, he built a dug-in in the banks of Pothole
Creek. Some other early settlers also built dugins or used tents until lumber was brought in
to build more permanent homes.
The canal was dug using horse and human
power. Over one million cubic yards of dirt
were moved.
Within that first year, building of the town
was underway as well as building the canal.
The town site was laid out on a grid pattern
with wide streets, based on the Plat of Zion
model, the standard plan used in the development of Mormon communities.
The Magrath headgates, on the 185
km (115 mile) canal, can still be seen along
Magrath’s Galt Canal Nature Trail. The original
headgates were opened in November, 1899.
The canal system was so
25
EXPLORE Magrath
Magrath — Cardston
See map on page 23 for locations
Magrath Trail System
Galt Canal National Historic Site
Hwy 62 on the south edge of Magrath
Along the Galt Canal Nature Trail are the
Galt Canal and Magarth headgates, a focal
point of the history of Canada’s Mormon Trail.
The Galt Canal National (and Provincial)
Historic Site recognizes the hard work and
ingenuity of the developers and pioneer
settlers that built the canal and the town.
Photo courtesy of Canadian Badlands
Galt Canal Nature Trail and
Irrigation Park
Hwy 62 on the south edge of Magrath
A walk along the Galt Canal Nature Trail
takes you into the natural beauty of Magrath.
Following along the canal built by settlers
in 1899, the walk of about 1.5 km (one mile)
lets you see historic points and artifacts and
possibly whitetail deer, a variety of birds, and
perhaps a muskrat or mink going for a swim.
With the re-introduction of the Northern
Leopard Frog to the area a few years ago, a
visitor can once again expect to find them
along the path and waterways.
Photo courtesy of Canadian Badlands
View the historic head gates and walk
alongside Pothole Creek before crossing the
creek and returning back to the campground
and the trailhead. Walking the trail is an easy
26 half-hour round trip.
The canal was part of the first large-scale
irrigation system in Canada and was inaugurated with the opening of the Magrath head
gates by the Alberta Railway and Irrigation
Company on 14th November, 1899. The
project was so significant that it was named
a National Historic Site in 1899 when the
head gates were opened.
This project transformed the dry, windswept
prairie where very few wanted to settle, into
the rich productive farmland of today. The
power of irrigation is such that southern
Alberta, while home to only a small percentage of the province’s farmland, produces a
large portion of the total agricultural output
including virtually all of the vegetable crops.
This is due to the extensive irrigation systems
that have been developed over the years and
to the many hours of sunlight that southern
Alberta receives. The ever expanding irrigation
systems are still central to the farming success
of southern Alberta by helping farmers endure
the regular droughts that occur.
Explore — Magrath
Magrath Jubilee Park
Hwy 62 on the south edge of Magrath
Magrath’s Jubilee Park is at the entrance
of the Galt Canal Nature Trail. The fish pond
at the park is stocked yearly by the Magrath
Rod and Gun Club, and is a great place for the
children to fish. The Jubilee Park is also host
to a campground that is nestled between the
scenic pond and beautiful tall trees. For
more information about coming to stay with
us please contact the Town Office at
403-758-3212.
Magrath Golf Course
South on Hwy 62, turn west at cemetery
Golfers travelling the Trail can enjoy “The
Hidden Gem of the South”, an 18-hole course
just 20 minutes south of Lethbridge.
With many spectacular views, Magrath
Golf Club’s challenging natural layout allows
golfers to enjoy a peaceful and scenic round
of golf with quick greens, mature trees and an
outstanding practice facility.
Magrath Golf Club also offers full service
clubhouse facilities with a protected patio and
a fully licensed clubhouse.
Book your tee time by calling 403-758-3054
or visit http://magrathgolf.com
Magrath Museum
37 North 1 St West,
The history of Magrath is brought to life
through displays at the Magrath Museum.
The museum houses items used over 100
years ago in everyday life on the farm and in
the home, an old prairie schoolroom, fashions
and entertainment and even medical equipment
from days gone by.
Take a self-guided tour or have guides
show you around as you learn about the adventures of those who came to make Magrath
their home. The interactive map of the town
will show you the location of historical places
and buildings.
Phone (403) 758-6618
www.magrathmuseum.ca
27
Explore — Raymond
28
Raymond
Heritage Comes to Life
Creating a successful community in
southern Alberta during the turn of the century
took vision, money and influence. Jesse Knight
had all of these.
The industrialist and mining tycoon from
Utah not only helped create a thriving agricultural community in founding the town of
Raymond in 1901, but his son Raymond, who
the town of Raymond was named for, had the
inspiration to create
an annual cowboy festival that draws big
crowds and rodeo competitors even today –
the Raymond Stampede.
The Raymond Stampede was founded
in 1902 – 10 years ahead of the now world
famous Calgary Stampede. The event is of
course, much smaller and shorter than its
urban sibling, but still transforms Ray Knight
Memorial Park into a wild west rodeo.
Bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding,
CAPTIONS - TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE: Inside Raymond’s
Community Centre; Raymond Stampede;
Raymond Town Hall and Community Centre.
Range Road 205
2
845
7
Range Road 205
500 North
100 West
300 East
c
200 East
100 East
100 North
1
LEGEND
c
Church Ave
52
200 North
Broadway

300 North
200 West
c
300West
Taylor St.
52
5
c
Explore — Raymond
400 North

H
4
Raymond
Golf Course
Park Ave
3?
100 South
? Information
1 Aquatic Centre
2 Buggy Barn Studio
and Gallery
3 Community Centre
4 Golf Course
5 Pioneer Museum
6 Perrett Park
7 Temple Hill
Motorcycle Park
Quick Facts
POPULATION: 3,868 (2011)
Raymond is not listed on
the 1901 census, but within six
months of its establishment, Raymond had a population of 400.
200 South
300 South
400 South

cc
Perrett
Park
6
LOCATION:
• 20 min. SE of Lethbridge on
Hwy 5 and Hwy 52
• 1.5 hours east of Waterton
Lakes National Park on Hwy
52, then Hwy 5
ELEVATION: 960 m (3150 ft)
WEATHER:
• Average January temperature:
−1.8°C (28.75°F)
• Average July temperature:
25.5 °C (77.9°F)
ORIGIN OF NAME:
Jesse Knight, a Utah miner and
industrialist purchased 250,000
acres of land in the area that now
includes Raymond. He named the
KEYLINE PUBLISHING
H
Rest Room
Post Office
Churches
Hospital
Museum
Campgrounds
Walking Trail
Parks / Rec.
town after his oldest son Raymond.
DID YOU KNOW?
As the west opened up
in Canada, basketball came to
Alberta early. Raymond claims the
first boy’s high school basketball
team in 1903. This is only 11 years
after the game was first created.
VISITOR INFORMATION:
Town of Raymond
403-752-3322
(office hours only)
www.raymond.ca
www.TheMormonTrail.ca
29
Explore — Raymond
30
women’s barrel racing, team
roping – they`re all here, along
with ‘Little Rascal’ barrel racing
and pony chuckwagons.
Country fair meets cowboy
spirit at the town`s most popular
event, held each year on Canada
Day, July 1. (A predominantly
Mormon community, rodeo
events are held on June 30 and
July 2 when the holiday falls
on a Sunday.) The event is held in tandem with
Raymond’s Heritage Days which is kicked off
with a parade and ends in a flash of fireworks.
Other events include glow-in-the-dark golf,
family team baseball tournament, a pancake
breakfast and live music; also the Chamber of
Commerce Main Street Fair July 2, a familyfocused evening of face painting, gold panning,
live music and even ... pig calling!
And why would Raymond Knight
launch a cowboy festival in the
middle of the vast Alberta prairie?
Word has it that Ray encouraged
local cowboys to test their skills
using his wild horse stock, and as
he watched warned his cowboys to
be careful or “we’ll have a stampede
on our hands”. And so Alberta`s first
Stampede was born.
While in Raymond visitors have
CAPTIONS - TOP TO
BOTTOM: Moto-cross
racing ; Broadway
Theatre, Raymond
Library; Raymond
Aquatic Centre.
several other
attractions
to explore.
Learn about
generations
of life in the
community at
the Pioneer
Museum;
it truly is a
owner and businessman Charles A. Magrath to
build a town. Knight also provided an $8,000
pipeline to furnish water for the town before
even a house was in site.
Unlike Magrath and Stirling, members of
the Mormon church were not called to come to
Raymond, but come they did. Those who settled
the town saw the promise of good land at a
good price. Raymond grew quickly, and within
six months had a population of 400. In five
years its population of 1,568 surpassed
all other communities in the area except
Lethbridge, which had a population of
about 2,300.
Work was plentiful in the early years of
Raymond, between building the sugar factory
and building a town. The factory provided
opportunity not only for Raymond, but for
farmers in nearby communities as well to grow
sugar beets and sell them to the refinery. Fire
levelled the original factory in 1923, though
remnants remain and are now used as grain
elevators. Sugar beets are still widely grown in
southern Alberta.
Come see for yourself what the `Sugar City`
has to offer. For more information, call the
town office at 403-752-3322.
www.TheMormonTrail
www.raymond.ca
Explore — Raymond
gem for a small town museum. The building
combines the former town hall, library and
RCMP offices. It also houses Raymond Sports
Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to rich tradition
of athletic excellence in the town (pop 3,868).
Don`t miss a stop at the Community Centre,
a 1930 brick building that is a designated
provincial historic place. It was originally a
church building for The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. It contains intricate,
elegant details and architecture that are rarely
found today.
It is now home to the town hall, library
and the lovely 201-seat Broadway Theatre;
plays and other performances are held
throughout the year.
Another attraction is the state-of-the-art
Aquatic Centre, featuring a waterslide, twin
speed slide, spray toys, tot pool, zero-depth
beach entry, climbing wall and six-lane lap
pool. This family-friendly facility is a big draw
for locals and visitors alike, especially when the
mercury rises. Many families also head to the
Temple Hill Motorcycle Park, 3 km (2 mi) north
of the town, or to the Milk River Ridge Reservoir
10 km (six mi) south of town for peaceful
boating, camping and fishing.
It`s remarkable to think this growing
community was started by the vision of one
man – Knight. A wealthy industrialist from Utah,
he saw the potential to construct a sugar factory
in the area between newly formed Magrath
and Stirling to create jobs and a
strong, family-oriented
community. Knight
agreed to buy 226,000
acres from local land
CAPTIONS - LEFT TO RIGHT: Historic Home; Raymond
Pioneer Museum.
31
EXPLORE RAYMOND
Explore — Raymond
See map on page 29 for locations
32
Major productions are put on each spring,
and throughout the year community groups
provide the community with a rich and diverse
entertainment scene. www.raymondlibrary.ca .
Buggy Barn Studio and Gallery
Township road 70; 5.2 km (3.5 mi) north
of Raymond
A little off the beaten path is the Buggy
Barn Studio and Gallery, where local photographer Chuck Graves offers some of his
photos as well as other artists’ works from
southern Alberta. Oil paintings, watercolors,
pastels and acrylics, silver jewelry, quilts and
pottery are among the beautiful art pieces
that can be seen there.
Telephone: 403-752-4476
Raymond Community Centre
15 Broadway South
A beautiful old brick church built in 1930,
is now home to Raymond’s Town Hall, Public
Library and Broadway Theatre.
The building, with many original features
like stained-glass windows intact, is recognized
as a Provincial Historic Resource.
Broadway Theatre has seating for 201,
including a balcony, letting art-lovers enjoy
concerts, plays and various community
performances.
Raymond Aquatic Centre
Corner of 100 West & 100 North
Come spend those hot summer days at the
Raymond Aquatic Center. Race a friend down
the side-by-side water slides, climb a rock
wall, brave a jump from 1- and 3-metre diving
boards, exercise in the Jr. Olympic 6-lane pool,
enjoy spray toys, some beach entry points,
shaded picnic area, and a toddler section! The pool has something fun for everyone.
Phone: 403.752.4781
Raymond & District Golf Course
1/2 mile east of Raymond off of Hwy 52
The Raymond and District Golf Club operate
a scenic nine-hole course and driving range.
Grass greens, restaurant and pro shop await
you. Phone for more information about league
play and youth lessons or check our website for
scheduling and fees.
Season operates from April to mid-October.
Phone: 403.752.3743
www.raymondgolfcourse.com
Explore — Raymond
Raymond
Pioneer
Museum
10 Broadway
North
The Raymond
Pioneer Museum
is truly a little
gem of a small
town museum.
Volunteers have
spent thousands of hours ensuring that every
artifact is clearly labeled, and have re-created
a store and schoolhouse from the early days of
the community.
A beautiful mural shows the land as it
was when the first settlers arrived in 1901,
and recreates the entire panorama of Rocky
Mountains visible from The Trail.
It also houses the Raymond Sports Hall of
Fame, which showcases the strong tradition of
sports in the community.
Visitors are sure to be impressed. If you
only visit one small town museum on your trip,
make it Raymond’s!”
Museum is open June 15 – September 10.
Phone 403.752.4799
Private tours available upon request.
Perrett Park
400 South, 400 East
For those who would like to camp in
Raymond, Perrett Park features lush parkland,
fishing, a playground, walking trails, washrooms
and shower facilities. The Park is located on
the south end of the Golf Course with seven
serviced sites (power and water) and 13
non-serviced sites. Perrett Park is a “first come, first serve”
facility opening on the May long weekend. It
generally closes in October, though the closing
date may be extended or reduced based on
weather.
Temple Hill Motorcycle Park
Located just 3km north of Raymond sits
Temple Hill Motorcycle Park, a world-class
motocross and dirt bike course.
The park is host to many events throughout the year including the Western Canadian
Amateur Championships. The park caters to
competitive and recreational biking enthusiasts
by offering a racetrack, a quad park, freestyle
ramp and a BMX track. The park is open
all year.
Phone: 403.328.8973
33
Explore — Stirling
Stirling
Agricultural Village
It’s a mere speck on the
Alberta road map, but the village
of Stirling packs a historical
punch that few rural communities
of its size can rival.
The broad streets and unique
layout of the village (pop. 1,090)
are just a few reasons Stirling has
been designated as one of only
three entire Canadian communities
named a National Historic Site of
Canada. The development of irrigation in the area by the Mormon
settlers in the late 19th century,
coupled with the earlier arrival
of the railroad, have ensured
Stirling’s place as an important
Captions - TOP TO BOTTOM: Galt
Historic Railway Park; Inside the railway
station; Stirling Agricultural Village
Information Kiosk; Out buildings at
the Michelsen Farmstead.
34
agricultural
and historical hub.
Tucked
just off
Hwy 4 in a
patchwork
of prairie
31 km (19
mi) southeast of Lethbridge,
the village is distinct in a
variety of ways. Stirling was
built with the same wideopen streets of many other
communities established
by The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is split into 10-acre
blocks, which were then
quartered – each
making room not
only for a home,
4
2
Ca
n
ad
ian
Pa
c
ific
ilw
ay
Explore — Stirling
5a
ad 6
Ro
R an
ge R
oad
195
hip
ns
Tow
Ra
Range Road 195
1st Avenue
1st Avenue
3
6th Street
2nd Avenue
3rd Avenue
5
H
1
2
3
4
5
6
Stirling Agricultural Village
National Historic Site Information Kiosk
Galt Historic Railway Park
Michelsen Farmstead
Stirling Haunted Mansion
Stirling Reunion Center
Stirling Swimming Pool
and Waterpark
Quick Facts
POPULATION:
•1090 (2012)
•1901 census 450
LOCATION:
• 20 min. SE of Lethbridge Hwy 4

4th Avenue
7th Avenue
• 45 min. north of Coutts/
Sweetgrass Border Crossing
on Hwy 4
ELEVATION: 926.6 m (3040 ft )
WEATHER:
• Average January temperature:
−1.8°C (28.75°F)
• Average July temperature:
25.5 °C (77.9°F)
ORIGIN OF NAME:
Originally called 18 Mile
Lake (it was 18 miles from
Lethbridge), the railway station
was the only station between
Lethbridge and the Coutts border.
The stop was made to add water
to the steam engines. Later the
station was named Stirling after
J. A. Stirling, an executive in a
1
5th Avenue
1st Street
4
c
2nd Street
Rest Room
Post Office
Churches
Hospital
Museum
Campgrounds
Walking Trail
Parks / Rec.
?
3rd Street
? Information
6
4th Street
7th Street
8th Street
4th Avenue
5th Street
LEGEND
846
6th Avenue
7th Avenue
To Hwy 4

company
8th
Avenue
in England that helped
finance the Alberta Rail and Coal
Company.
DID YOU KNOW?
With the exception of the
train station, there were no other
buildings in the area when Theodore Brandley arrived in May 5,
1999. Brandley resigned from his
position as the mayor of Richfield,
Utah to help settle Stirling.
VISITOR INFORMATION:
Village of Stirling Office
403-756-3379
(office hours only)
www.stirling.ca
themormontrail.ca
35
Explore — Stirling
but for gardens
and shelters for
livestock. The village
layout based on the
Plat of Zion, ensured
families stayed close
together, and everything they needed
was close at hand.
Look for more
information, pictures
and historical
markers at the
information kiosk on
the east entrance of
Main Street. Always
open, it provides an
excellent overview
of the need for irrigation
on the dry prairies of
southern Alberta.
In the summer
months, immerse
yourself in the past at
the village and areas
prime historic sites. A key
Captions - Top to bottom: Stirling residents in
period costume; Inside the Michelsen barn; Inside
the Michelsen home; the Michelsen home.
36
attraction is the Galt Historic Railway Park, a beautifully restored
1890 Victorian railway station.
The bright red station, brought
to Stirling in 2000 to honour its
steam train heritage, depicts
transportation life in the 1880s
to 1920s. Learn about the history
from Victorian-attired interpreters,
located one km (.5 mi) north of
the town. The station was named
after Sir Alexander Galt and his
son Elliott, who found fame in the
area as local investors and
developers, and railroad builders.
Your tour should not miss
the sweeping verandahs of the
Michelsen Farmstead, a local
gathering place that hosted
grand house parties and barn
dances for more than 75 years.
With its period antique
furnishings, the homestead
Captions - LEFT TO RIGHT: Children at a Michelsen
Farmstead day camp; Stirling’s swimming pool; Children
at a Michelsen Farmstead day camp.
Explore — Stirling
and its outbuildings
have been declared a
provincial historic site,
restored to the glory of
the 1930s.
Another must-see
is the neo-classical
Stirling Haunted Mansion
and Dungeon of Doom, built in 1919. The
home’s owners turned it into an elaborate tourist attraction after many spooky, unexplained
incidents such as lights and other electrical
fixtures turning on and off on their own. Open
year-round, it’s particularly spooky around Halloween when the scare factor increases.
A self-guided walking tour map can be
picked up at the village office and will help you
find historical landmarks around town. Stirling’s
other attractions include Centennial Park which
is home to a new pool, outdoor sports courts, a
reunion centre and campground.
And if a good old fashioned celebration
is what you want, join Stirling for their Settler
Days the second weekend of July. The town is
a-buzz of activity with their parade, and yearly
events that bring people out of the woodwork.
A big part of Stirling’s success is the perseverance and faith of the 29 pioneers who first
arrived from Utah and Idaho in 1899 to heed a
mission call from their church to build the irriga-
tion canal. The village started off as little more
than a train stop - the Alberta Railway and Coal
Company (ARCC) had already built the narrowgauge line from the city of
Lethbridge to Great Falls,
Montana to haul coal.
The first group to
arrive, led by Theodore
Brandley, literally unloaded
their goods at the train
station – the only building
in miles – and set up shop.
Brandley designated a corner of his tent as the first
small store and post office,
and Stirling became a hub
for settlers heading off to
other settlements in the area.
Land around the Stirling
station was ripe for development, waiting only for the
water and the settlers to make
it happen. Railway builder and
businessman Elliott Galt had
acquired more than one million
acres in southern Alberta, and joined business
partner Charles Magrath and Charles Ora Card
– leader of the Mormon church in Cardston - to
convince leaders of the Mormon church in Utah,
to bring in people with experience creating
prime farming terrain through irrigation and
community building. The Mormons were seen
as experts, having settled in the Great Salt Lake
Valley of Utah only 50 years earlier and using
irrigation, transformed a desert into fruitful
agricultural land.
Many settlers came from Mormon areas in
the United States via train - travelling 10 to 15
miles in an hour by train was a huge improvement to the arduous and sometimes perilous
two month long wagon treks. Ultimately, they
built a canal that stretched 185 km (115) miles
from the Cardston area to Stirling.
For more information, please contact
the Village of Stirling office
www.TheMormonTrail.ca
www.stirling.ca
37
EXPLORE STIRLING
Explore — Stirling
See map on page 35 for locations
38
Stirling Agricultural Village
National Historic Site Information Kiosk
Corner of 4th Avenue and 1st Street
The Information Kiosk is always open and a
great stop for finding out about Stirling and the
fascinating history of Canada’s Mormon Trail.
Located at the east entrance to main
street, it provides photos and stories of this
small village, which is one of only three entire
communities recognized as a Canadian National
Historic Site. Visitors will find several information
boards detailing things to see and historical features connecting it with towns along Canada’s
Mormon Trail.
Stirling received its distinction as a National
Historic Site because of its Plat of Zion layout–
prominent in Mormon-founded communities–
each plot in the village had room for a home,
garden, animals and barns.
Galt Historic Railway Park
Follow 4 St. N to Range Road-19-4C
Inviting you to “Step Back into History
When Steam Was King”, The Victorian depot at
Galt Historic Railway Park just north of Stirling
was built in 1890. This station originally straddled the border from Sweetgrass, Montana
into Coutts, Alberta from 1890 to 1917. It was
truly the international “port of entry” by rail.
The building was moved to Stirling in
2000, to a site developed to reflect an exciting
era of railway in Southern Alberta.
Open Fri., Sat. and Sun., July & August, 11
a.m. - 7 p.m. 1/2 km north of Stirling.
www.galtrailway.com
Phone: 403-756-2220
Michelsen Farmstead
Corner of 6th Street and 2nd Avenue
The Michelsen Farmstead takes you to the
early days of Stirling, and shows how life was
lived at the start of this historic community.
Set on a 2.5 acre plot to allow room for
house, garden, outbuildings and farm animals,
this museum was an actual family home built
over 100 years ago.
The home displays things that make great
museum pieces now but were cutting edge in
their day. A tour also shows you how when the
work was done, the pioneers would have fun.
Stirling Haunted Mansion
441-4th Street
Come see the Stirling Haunted Mansion –
if you dare!
Adapted from a neo-classical architecture
home built in Stirling in 1919, the old mansion
is the biggest haunted house in southern
Alberta.
Tours take place all year, but are more
Stirling Reunion Center
Corner of 6th Street and 3rd Avenue
The Reunion Centre is available to book
year round. The centre is great for camping,
reunions, baseball tournaments, and other
gatherings.
Stirling Swimming
Pool and Waterpark
The Stirling Pool opens for
the summer to give residents
and visitors some cool, wet fun
in the hot summer sun! The
Stirling Swimming Pool boasts
a water slide, lane pool, kiddie
pool with spray aparatus and a
sunbathing area.
For more information or to
rent the pool, call
403-756-2254
Stirling Map &
Walking Tour
Take the self-guided walking tour when you visit to see
many of the historic buildings
in the village. This map can
be picked up at the Village of
Stirling office at 229 4 Ave.
Explore — Stirling
spooky around Halloween, while at Christmas
the old house becomes the Santa Claus
Mansion to delight you.
Find more information online at
www.stirling.spookyalberta.com ,
call 1-403-593-0595 or
email: stirlinghauntedmansion@gmail.com
The large, fully equipped camp shelter
includes a modern kitchen, showers and flush
toilets, an open patio area with lots of tables,
a playground and an open area for camping.
For rates, booking information or other
questions, contact the Village Office at
403-756-3379.
39
Explore Our AREA
EXPLORE Our Area
glacier-fed lake and scan for grizzly bears
on shore, or hike in search of for ancient
Aboriginal rock carvings around Milk River. Our
scenery will take your breath away; our people
will keep you coming back.
From dinosaur tracks in the Badlands,
old-fashioned barn dances on the prairies
and horseback rides in the foothills, the areas
surrounding the Mormon Trail beckon. Camp
in the shadow of the Rockies and watch stars
blanket the night sky. Paddle a canoe on a

To Calgary
International
Head-Smashed-In
Buffalo Jump
Fort Macleod
Lethbridge
d
Ol
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an
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Ri
.M
St
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yR
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Magrath
505
Glenwood
D
L
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64
Hill Spring
ton
ter
Wa
Spring Coulee
800
er
Riv
Woolford
Cardston
r
lly
M
Waterton Lakes
National Park
B Be
G
Leavitt
Beazer
ve
Ri
F
Aetna
Mountain View
H
Kimball
.M
St
Chief
Mountain
Border Crossing
I
yR
Carway
Border Crossing
501
Taylorville
E
Emigration
Immigrationgap
Gap
Glacier
National Park
40
ar
r
ive
C

To Kalispell, MT
International
J
Del Bon
Del Bon
Border
Then learn more about Warner as you visit
the Heritage portion of the museum.
Open seven days a week, May
long weekend to September long
weekend.
Phone: (403) 642-2118
CANADA
E-mail: dinoegg@telusplanet.net
www.devilscoulee.com
To Taber
B Duce Outfitters
20 min. west of Cardston
on Hwy 5
City slickers ready for a taste of
a cowboy experience are in for a
treat with Duce Outfitters.
Experienced cowboys will guide
you on a trail ride with horses for
each member of the family.
Pick the trail ride you like – from
an hour to the whole day – and you
can even enjoy an authentic campfire
cowboy dinner.
The scenery in the area is stunning,
and the experience will be one to
remember.
Phone: 403-653-2104 or
403-308-7829
Email: duce8@telusplanet.net
USA
Stirling
Raymond
K
MEXICO
Warner
A
Milk River
501
nita
nita
r Crossing
N
To Writing-on-Stone
Provincial Park
Coutts / Sweetgrass
Border Crossing

Open 24/7
To Great Falls
International
Explore Our AREA
A Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur &
Heritage Museum
East end of Warner, on Hwy 4 south of
Stirling
See the recent history of pioneer settlers
and far beyond at Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur
and Heritage Museum in nearby Warner. The
museum features a Hadrosaur (duck-billed
dinosaur) nest and embryo, ancient fossils,
dinosaur models, and a mural depicting dinosaurs caring for their young.
C Glacier National Park
45 minutes south of Cardston through Carway Border Crossing on
Hwy 2
In 1939 Waterton National Park
in Canada and Glacier National Park
in the U.S. were joined to create the
world’s first International Peace Park.
41
Explore Our AREA
The parks now stand united
to recognize the beauty—
without boundaries—of the
majestic Upper Waterton
Valley. The combined park is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Known as “The Crown of
the Continent”, the amazing
beauty of Glacier National
Park includes Going-to-theSun Road and many other
breath-taking scenes.
www.nps.gov/glac
D Great Canadian
Barn Dance
Hill Spring, Alberta
Barn dances were a popular
pastime in early days of
farming communities and the
adventure of the barn dance
is still alive in Hill Spring.
Owned by the Kunkel
family, the Barn Dance follows true Mormon tradition,
and allows no alcohol on site
– making it a truly familyfriendly experience. Join three
generations of Kunkels as
they make music for your entertainment while you enjoy
a wonderful beef or chicken
dinner. Afterwards, head
upstairs into the old barn to
learn the fundamentals of line
or square dancing, and then
kick up your heels to the live
entertainment!
Camping and cabin
rentals are also available
42 around the lake on this lovely
property, which features
wonderful views of the Rocky
Mountains on the horizon.
Special musical weekends
are presented throughout the
year. Check the website for
schedules.
www.gcbd.ca
E Immigration Gap
30 minutes south of
Cardston on Hwy 501
Just south of the
Canada-United States border
between Carway and Del
Bonita lies a small space in
the Rocky Mountains known
as Immigration Gap. Pioneers
coming to Canada from the
U.S. with wagons and carts
could not travel over the
mountains. Immigration Gap
was an east-to-west opening
in the hills that allowed
traffic through along the Ft.
Benton-to-Ft. MacLeod route.
On the Canadian side of the
border a cairn now stands as
a marker recognizing this historically significant location. A
little out of the way, but the
countryside is beautiful. GPS
quadrants are N48º 59’ 59.0”
W113 05’ 45.4
F Incept Guiding &
Outfitting
Guided fishing trips and
equipment sales. Book ahead.
403-308-7718
www.inceptguidingandoutfitting.com
G Mountain
Meadow Trail Rides
Mountain View - south of
Cardston 20 min.
Saddle up for a horseback trail ride unlike any
other. With endless acres of
mountain-shadowed wilderness to explore, Mountain
Meadow’s riders enjoy free
ranging expeditions rather
than nose-to-tail pony lines. Mountain Meadow
offers a variety of trail rides,
for riders of varying skill
levels and provides a horse to
match your experience. Lots
of options to choose from:
famous ride and steak dinner,
overnight trips to their beautiful camp in the woods which
features a wood-fired hot tub,
or make it a corporate retreat.
403-653-2413
www.mountainmeadowtrailrides.com
H Payne Lake
Provincial
Recreation Area
West of Cardston 25 Min.
www.albertaparks.ca,
click on the Find a Park tab
Payne Lake provincial
Recreation Area is a beautiful
place to play enjoying the
majestic Rockies on one side
and the endless prairie sky on
the other.
Situated close to Waterton Park and Cardston, the
reservoir provides a good
day’s fishing, including ice
fishing in the winter.
Spring hikers will be
rewarded with carpets of
snow lilies and shooting stars
as early as the Victoria Day
weekend (late May) along
some of the trails. Enjoy boating on the reservoir, as well as
other fun family activities.
403-653-2583 or toll-free
1-888-653-2522
J Range View Ranch
Rangeview Ranch is
located in the spectacular
Milk River Ridge landscape
southeast of Cardston. There
you will find critical pristine
habitat for white-tailed and
mule deer, pronghorn ante-
lope, coyotes and ring-necked
pheasants. Enjoy the simple
life with a working ranch
vacation. Explore 150,000
acres of untouched prairie by
horseback, view abundant
wildlife, stay in our rustic—
but not too rustic—cabins,
and savour hardy, homecooked fare.
(403) 653-2292
rangeviewranch.com
K Ridge Park
Campground
A 10 km trip south of
Raymond takes you to the
Milk River Ridge Reservoir.
This 10-acre park and campground is a haven for sun-,
sand- and water-seekers.
The beach is a great place
to picnic and swim, while
the extended length of the
lake provides for excellent water-skiing, jet-skiing
and windsurfing. Fishing is
also popular with catches
of Pike, Walleye and Trout.
Stay for the day or spend a
L St. Mary Provincial
Recreation Area
St. Mary Reservoir is
a great place for boating,
camping, and enjoying the
beach.
Also the launch point of
Magrath’s “I Swam the Dam”
Triathlon, St. Mary has lots of
room to play.
Below the dam there are
130 unserviced campsites
including a group use area,
swimming in the river, and a
sandy area for children. On
the reservoir there’s plenty of
room for visitors to water ski
or fish.
Explore Our AREA
I Police Outpost
Provincial Park
www.albertaparks.ca,
click on the Find a Park tab.
Police Outpost is a beautiful
campground just north of the
U.S. border with a stunning
view of the area’s favourite
mountain – Old Chief.
Named for an earlier
function, Police Outpost was
set up late in the 19th Century to keep whiskey traders
in the U.S. from crossing the
border to sell their wares to
the natives.
This treasure-trove for
wildlife enthusiasts has
several hiking trails, including a 7 km self-guided trail
with interpretive markers to
appreciate the beauty and
biodiversity of the park.
1-888-653-2522
night under the stars at the
campground.
For more information,
google Ridge Park Campground or call 403.642.3631
M Waterton Lakes
National Park
www.MyWaterton.ca
Tucked away in the
southwestern corner of
Alberta and requiring only a
short drive from Cardston, is
the beautiful Waterton Lakes
National Park. The park is
nestled in the mountains,
with many opportunities for
hiking, camping, trail-riding,
biking, viewing wildlife and
boating.
43
Explore Our AREA
N Writing-on-Stone
Provincial Park
30 minutes south of Milk
River on Hwy 501-follow
signs.
To the Blackfoot people,
Writing-on-Stone Provincial
The park also boasts entertainment, beautiful hotels and
many great restaurants fitting
any taste and price range.
Shops are plentiful here, with
anything from camping and
hiking equipment to books to
fine clothing and exquisite art
and jewelry.
Park is a protected site of
spiritual significance. The
stone writing, petroglyphs
and pictographs, show a
relationship over the centuries
between the First Nations
people and this land. Tours
are given daily to view the
writings and a visitors centre
is at the entrance of the park.
The park is a beautiful
place with rugged landscape
and amazing natural features
as well as. The Milk River
winds through the sandstone
cliffs and hoodoos, but also
provides a sheltered campground with shady, mature
cottonwood trees.
The shallow Milk River offers a large sandy beach and
lots of water fun. Be sure to
bring sunscreen and a hat.
Call 403-647-2364 or go
to albertaparks.ca and click
on the “Find a park” tab.
List of Services
ACCOMMODATION
Cardston & Area
Cobblestone Manor
Bed & Breakfast
Chateau Isabella
Bed & Breakfast
Badger Valley
Guest Ranch
All the amenities for a larger
group or family reunion just 15
minutes west of Cardston. Two
lodges, both include full kitchens.
Cardston 403.653.2123
badgervalleyranch.com
44
Ten minutes west of Cardston
at Beazer
16 rooms. Conference rooms.
403.653.203
chateauisabella.com
soultraveler17@hotmail.com
4 rooms
173 7th Ave. West
Cardston, AB 403.653.2701
866.653.2701
ivannegrych@hotmail.com
Crimson Rose B & B
2 rooms with TV & private bath;
2 rooms with shared bath, no TV.
65 2 Ave. West, Cardston
403.653.4741
Crooked Creek
Campground
Payne Lake Provincial
Recreation Area
Just SE of Waterton National
Park entrance.
11 of 63 campsites are seasonal.
Sites with power and sites with
full services. Showers available.
Laundry services available. Group
camping areas available.
403-653-1100
46 sites, no services.
Located 25 km west of Cardston
on Highway 5 (18 kilometers east
of Waterton Lakes National Park) 403.653.2583
jdolsenl@telus.net
Lee Creek Campground
Flamingo Motel
38 rooms. Free wireless internet.
Coin laundry. Cardston
403.653.3952
Police Outpost Provincial
Park
Mountain View Country
Inn & Retreat Centre
Great Canadian Barn
Dance and Campground
Camping and cabin rentals are
available around the lake.
86 sites, serviced and unserviced.
Group camping areas available.
Lodge, B&B & bunkhouse accommodations as well.
On Secondary Highway 505 turn
north onto Range Road 275.
Hill Spring
Local: 403.626.3407
Toll-free: 866.626.3407
Holiday RV Park
12 sites. Full services. Some
wireless internet. Maximum
length 30’.
176 1 St. East, Cardston
403-653-3011
8-room bed & breakfast.
3-room cabin sleeps up to 17.
403.653.1599
1.888.738.1599
info@twocountryinns.com
Highway 5, Mountain View
twocountryinns.com
46 sites, no services
Directions: 10 km South of
Cardston on Highway 2 then 23
km West
For reservations, call:
403.653.2522
For information, call:
403.653.4060
Explore Our AREA
43 fully serviced sites,
10 unserviced sites.
Playground. Kitchen. Showers.
695 2nd Street West
Cardston, AB T0K 0K0
403.388.4230
Toll free:
1.877.471.2267
Range View Ranch
Outpost Motel & Suites
30 rooms
37 8th Ave. W. Cardston
403.653.2299
Working ranch. 8 rooms. Laundry
facilities. Meals included.
Cardston County 15 min. west of
Cardston
403.653.2292
thomson@telus.ne
Payne Lake Lodge
8 bedrooms. Full kitchens. RV
parking. Recreational room.
paynelakelodge.com
Mountain View
403.653.4883
45
Rocky Ridge
Country Lodge
Waterton Reservoir
Public Recreation Area
‪6 rooms. 3-room cottage
523 2nd Street North
Mountain View, Alberta
1.888.717.7770
25 sites no services
Located 30 minutes northwest
of Cardston. 403.626.3656
List of Services
Magrath & Area
Simply the Best B & B
3 rooms (double, queen or
king-sized bed)
Mountain View
403.653.2462
www.simplythebestbb.com
Covered Wagon R.V. Park
45 full-service sites, 11 power/
water sites, 3 no service sites.
3 cabins, laundry facilities, showers, flush toilets, and access to
nature trail.
234 W, 5 Ave. S
Magrath
403.758.3793
Email: info@coveredwagon.ca
Lindenbaum
Bed & Breakfast
2 regular rooms and 1 family
suite. Full breakfast and access to
campground facilities.
234 W, 5 Ave. S. Magrath
403-758-3793
South Country Inn
45 rooms including family rooms
and a handicap room. Indoor
pool and spa.
404 Main Street
Cardston
403.653.8000
Reservations: 888.653.2615
info@southcountryinn.com
Magrath Jubilee Park
15 unserviced campsites. Tables
provided. Untreated water
available. Picnic shelter.
Hwy 62, south end of Magrath.
403.758.3212
46
Crystal Butterfly Bed &
Breakfast
5 rooms
321 E Hwy 52 (200 N)
Raymond
1.403.752.3100
Ridge Park Campground
Campsites with electrical hookups, a playground, a boat dock
and ramp, two camp kitchens
and a swimming area.
Secondary Hwy. 506 15 minutes
south of Raymond
403.642.7623
Perrett Park
Serviced campsites. Showers
available. Tap water available.
Flush toilets. Picnic shelter. Day
use area 400 S 400 E Raymond.
1.403.752.3322
Spring Glen Park
15 tent sites, 15 RV sites,
(4 with power)
From Secondary Highway 505,
turn onto Range Road 274. Turn
left onto Township Road 44
Hill Spring
403.626.3876
St. Mary Provincial
Recreation Area
130 unserviced campsites
including a group use area. 15
minutes west of Magrath on
Hwy 5, then secondary 505.
Raymond & Area
Shalom Bed & Breakfast
4 rooms, private bathrooms
163 1st Street West
Cardston, AB 403.653.3070
shalomincardston@shaw.ca
facilities, showers and flush
toilets, waterslide, 8 trailer pads
(1 serviced) and ample tenting
space. Can be booked for church
or private groups. On the website
Google search Magrath Stake
Campground.
Russells’ Country B&B
Magrath Stake
Campground
Group use campground on
east side of Magrath. Includes
a large pavilion with kitchen
2 rooms.
Raymond
403.752.4482 Stirling & Area
Centennial Reunion
Square
Full hookups and wheelchairaccessible washrooms. Recreational area includes sports fields,
tennis courts and a swimming
pool. 6th St & 3rd Ave. Stirling
403.756.3379
Stirling Country Barn Bed
& Breakfast
4 rooms, including bunk room
318 5 Ave., Stirling
403.756.3366
tom_memmott@hotmail.com
Cardston
Athens Family Restaurant
Steak, burgers, Greek food,
Italian food
450 Main St., Cardston
403.659.1100
Cobblestone Manor
Fine dining with international
menu.
Non-alcoholic beverages.
173 7th Ave W., Cardston
403.653.2701
Dairy Queen
Fast food and soft ice cream
treats
385 Main Street, Cardston
403.653.1531
Dave’s Drive In
Fast Fresh Food
562 1 Avenue West, Cardston
403.659.1111
Our Place Cafe
Winks
Western cuisine
Serves Breakfast
207 Main Street, Cardston
403.653.2585
Fresh submarine sandwiches
and hard ice cream
34 North 1 Street West, Magrath
403.758.6255
Pizzas & Cream
Ying’s Restaurant
Italian cuisine
325 Main Street, Cardston
403.653.4143
Chinese and Western food
54 South 1 St. West, Magrath
403.758.3198
Subway Sandwiches &
Salads
Raymond
Serves Breakfast and “Seattle’s
Best” coffee
20 3 Ave W, Cardston
403.653.1585
The Smashed Tomato
Italian cuisine and western
cuisine
219 Main Street, Cardston
403.653.1240
Grotto Pizza & Pool
29 2nd Ave W, Cardston
403.653.3231
Magrath Golf Course
Clubhouse
Lighthouse Bakery
& Eatery
Fully-licensed dining room,
seasonal. From Magrath, head
south on Highway 62, turn right
at the cemetery. 403.758.3054
Mandarin Gardens
Chinese cuisine
365 Main Street, Cardston
403.653.1288
Ming Gardens
Chinese cuisine with buffet
262 Main Street, Cardston
403.653.1682
Burger Baron & Pizza
Burgers, pizza, milkshakes
189 Broadway North, Raymond
403.752.3747
New Diamond Restaurant
Chinese and Western cuisine
66 Broadway North, Raymond
403.752.3988
Subway Raymond
Homestyle foods.
Serves Breakfast & Lunch
281 Main Street, Cardston
403.653.4500
List of Services
Restaurants & Food Services
Magrath
Roosters Country
Marketplace
Deli counter, baked goods
86 South 1 St. West, Magrath
403.758.3535
Submarine sandwiches made
to order and soup
142 Broadway N., Raymond
403.752.3177
StirLing
Street Side Market
Fast food and hard ice cream
Breakfast & Lunch
218 4 Ave. Stirling
403.756.3964
SASH Kitchen
Pizza, fries and chicken strips.
Take-out only.
22 North 1st St. West, Magrath
403.758.3160
47
Explore the history…
stay for the experience
Canada’s Mormon Trail lies in the fertile prairie land of southwest Alberta,
with the majestic Rocky Mountains rising in the west. The area was settled
over 120 years ago by Mormon pioneers looking for land and freedom of worship. Through sheer hard work, they built both towns, a beautiful temple and
a major irrigation system which created an oasis of farmland in an area that
was considered too dry to farm.
Over a century later, Cardston, Magrath, Raymond and Stirling still remain
relatively small, quaint communities where neighbours know and care about
each other and the beauties of the
prairie abound.
Welcome to Canada’s Mormon
Trail. Along with the unique history,
plan to enjoy town celebrations,
beautiful walking trails, rafting,
horseback riding and old-fashioned
barn dances, as you drive beautiful
modern highways down the wagon
trails of yesterday.
to
to Calgary
Calgary
2
3
3
Fort Macleod
Lethbridge
N
5
3
4
Stirling
52
2
Raymond
Magrath
5
64
5
Cardston
To
To Waterton
Waterton Lakes
Lakes
National
National Park
Park
2
To
To Glacier
Glacier
National
National Park
Park
Montana, USA
to
to Great
Great Falls
Falls