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 M 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 ton ter Wa 800 er Riv MEXICO lly Be R r ive Woo Cardston Leavitt Beazer Aetna 501 Mountain View Kimba r 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 Ri 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 N TO LETHBRIDGE 1 4 c 4TH AVENUE LEE 5TH AVENUE ?? ? 5 7 TO AGRIDOME 7TH AVENUE 7TH STREET E. 5TH STREET E. LEGEND ? Information 9TH AVENUE c H 3 GOLF COURSE 2 TO USA 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 ? 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 M an r ve Ri .M St ar yR r ive Welling Magrath 505 Glenwood D L 505 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
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