This town ws founded by a son-in-law of Mormon founder Brigham Young, Charles Ora Card, who led 10 Mormon families from Utah to Canada in 1887, seeking freedom from strict American anti-polygamy laws. The settlement of Cardston was named for its founder and first mayor, who also donated the land for the town’s famous Mormon Temple.
The Alberta Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was completed in 1923 and serves Mormons in Western Canada and in Montana. The Temple is closed to outsiders, who may tour the grounds and visit the visitor’s centre (after renovations in 1991, the Temple was open to outsiders for 9 days).
To the west of the town and nestled against the Rocky Mountain foothills is the Blood Indian Reserve, and is the largest Indian reservation in Canada.
Eighty percent of the town’s residents are Mormon, and the town is “dry” (nobody may serve or sell alcohol) in accordance with their strict religious beliefs.
Other Links
Annual Events
| Carriage Coutnry Fair | mid February | Remington Carriage Museum 403-653-5139 |
| South Country Derby Reigning Horse Show | Late May | Agridome |
| Children’s Festival | mid June | |
| Canada Day Party in the Park & Fireworks | July 1 | Lions Park |
| Carriage House Live Theatre | July & August | Carriage House Theatre call 403-653-1000 |
| Heritage Week Rodeo | Early August | Three days of rodeo, ending with a parade in Cardston |
| South Country Slide in Reigning Horse Show | mid August | Agridome |
| Home, Garden & Farm Trade Show | Early September | |
| Halloween Spooktacular | mid October | Remington Carriage Museum 403-653-5139 |
| ChristmasCraft Sale | Early November | Remington Carriage Museum 403-653-5139 |
| Remington Christmas | mid December | West Lake Centre |
Cardston Attractions
Museum of Miniatures
2120 19 St, Nanton, AB T0L 1R0
(403) 646-3235
Visit the old West and see covered wagons, Indian villages, and buffalo, all at 1/12 scale. Open May 15 to October 15th.
Carriage House Theatre
353 Main St, Cardston, AB T0K 0K0
403-653-1000
Experience the best summer theatre in Southern Alberta, presenting a selection of musicals, comedies and dramas geared to all ages.
Cardston Alberta Temple
348 – 3rd Street West
(403) 653-1696
One of Southern Alberta’s most recognized landmarks, the Alberta Temple was the first constructed by the Mormon Church outside of the USA. Free visitor centre admission.
C. Ora Card Home
337 Main St
403 653-4322
The log cabin of the first Mormon leader in Canada, has been fully restored and furnished. Open Mon- Sat 0 am to 5 pm. Allow 30 minutes. Admission by donation.
Carriage House Theatre
353 Main Street
(403) 653-1000
The Carriage House Theatre presents the best live theatre in Southern Alberta, showcasing musicals and comedies with professional-level talent and acclaimed directors.
Cobblestone Manor
173 7th Avenue West
(403) 653-2701
Belgian carpenter Henry Hoët built this 1913 home for a woman who never came. Now an Alberta Historic Resource, the Manor’s exterior is lavishly covered by exposed river rock and its interior by old-world woodwork, authentic Tiffany glass lamps, and lighted china cabinets. The home’s original fireplaces light up the on-premises restaurant and the Manor’s bed and breakfast.
Court House Museum
3 Ave & 1st Street
403 653-4322
See displays of pioneer memorabilia in a 1907 stone courthouse. Open Mon- Sat 10 am to 5 pm from June 5 to August 31. Allow 1 hour. Schedule an off-season tour by phoning (403) 653-3366. Donations accepted.
Remington Alberta Carriage Centre
623 Main St
(403) 653-5139 Fax: (403) 653-5160, Toll Free in AB 310-0000 then 653-5139
This is one of North America’s largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles, with over 200 vehicles, begun by Don Remington back in the 1950s and donated to the Province.. This interpretive centre will take you back to “horse and buggy” days, showing carriage making, harnessing a horse, horse racing, wagons circled at a prairie campfire, and an elegant coachman-driven Landau. See quarter horses, Clydesdales, Canadians, and Percherons in their horse herd. You can also take a carriage ride and take an interpreter-led tour the grounds (in summer). Restoration of horse-drawn vehicles is ongoing. Open: May 16 – Sept. 1, daily 9 am – 8 pm; Sept. 2 – May 15, daily 9 am – 5 pm. Admission fee.