Tuesday, July 2
The Journey from Great Falls, MT to Cardson, AB
The high temperature for the day reached the mid-70s, with light winds making for a pleasant drive.
Leaving Great Falls, MT, we headed north on I-15 toward the Canadian Port of Entry in Coutts, AB. The route initially took us through rolling plains dotted with agricultural fields, a landscape characteristic of central Montana. The terrain gradually opened into the vast and expansive northern Great Plains, where the horizon stretched endlessly, and patches of golden grassland dominated the view. Trees became increasingly sparse, and the land’s undulating contours smoothed out. To the west, we could see the outline of the Sweetgrass Hills, their distinct peaks standing out against the otherwise flat surroundings.
After 119 miles, we arrived at the Coutts border crossing. The process was straightforward and efficient. The border officers asked a few standard questions, such as whether we carried firearms or had food to declare. With everything in order, we were quickly cleared to proceed into Alberta.
Once across the border, we turned onto AB-501, heading toward Cardston. The highway took us through rolling prairies and fields, reflecting a pastoral charm with expansive farmlands and grazing cattle. As we traveled further, the terrain began to shift subtly. The flat plains gave way to gentle hills and shallow valleys. The road, a well-maintained two-lane highway, offered a smooth drive and beautiful views.
In the distance to the west, the majestic Rocky Mountains began to dominate the skyline, their snow-capped peaks contrasting with the grassy plains below. The sight was a stunning reminder of the dramatic geographical transition we were approaching as we moved closer to the foothills of the Rockies near Cardston.
Cardston, AB
Cardston is a picturesque town nestled in the foothills of southern Alberta, Canada, with a population of nearly 4,000. Established in 1887 by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) who journeyed north from Utah, the town takes its name from one of its founders, Charles Ora Card.
Located just 25 kilometers north of the Montana border, Cardston is uniquely positioned near the Kainai Nation (Blood Tribe) Reserve and is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the majestic Rocky Mountains and the renowned Waterton Lakes National Park.
Cardston also lies at the intersection of the Cowboy Trail, a scenic route celebrating Alberta’s ranching culture, and Canada’s historic Mormon Trail, which traces the migration and settlements of early LDS pioneers in the region.
Lee Creek Campground
We were assigned Site #45, next to the washroom.
It was a nice site with plenty of space for my trailer, a wooden picnic table, thick green grass, shade trees, and full hookups. The gravel pad was level. We had a back-in site against bushes on the edge of the campground. The washroom was spotless.
Remington Carriage Museum
The Caravan had a group tour scheduled that afternoon at the Remington Carriage Museum, just a short walk from the campground.
This museum is the largest of its kind in the world, housing an impressive collection of over 330 horse-drawn carriages, wagons, buggies, and sleighs. It all began in 1985 when Don Remington, a local man passionate about restoring and collecting horse-drawn vehicles, donated 48 carriages to the Government of Alberta. The museum officially opened in 1993, and his collection grew into the remarkable display we see today.
Our group was divided into two smaller groups. One group was taken to the working restoration shop and then to the museum, while the other enjoyed a carriage ride through the scenic Lee Creek Valley. Since we were there after hours, we had the entire place to ourselves, which added to the charm of the visit.
Lisa and I were part of the group that first toured the restoration shop. We learned about the meticulous restoration process, where original tools and methods are used to repair and restore the carriages to their former glory.
Afterward, we wandered through the museum’s main gallery, where our guide highlighted special carriages and exhibits. The main exhibit is arranged into a series of vignettes, each telling a story about late 19th and early 20th-century North American society and the vital role horse-drawn vehicles played in it. Historical information panels and hundreds of archival photographs accompany the carriages, carts, and sleighs. We learned that these vehicles had once transported royalty, celebrities, Prime Ministers, and even an American President. The guide’s storytelling made these historical treasures even more fascinating.
To wrap up the visit, our group took a brief carriage ride around the property, adding an authentic touch to our experience at this one-of-a-kind museum.
Cardson, AB
After leaving the Remington Carriage Museum, we took some time to drive around Cardston, exploring the town’s attractions despite knowing that most everything was closed due to the late hour.
Our first stop was an ATM, where we withdrew Canadian money to ensure we were prepared for any cash purchases or activities during our stay in Canada.
Next, we drove by the iconic Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) Temple. The Cardston LDS Temple is the oldest in Canada. Its construction was a significant achievement for the early settlers, who faced many challenges, including the remote location and limited resources. The temple’s construction began in 1913 and was completed in 1923. It was the first LDS temple built outside the United States and became a spiritual hub for the Mormon communities in the region. The temple stands as a testament to the pioneers’ faith and determination.
We then stopped and walked around the Historic Charles Ora Card Log Home, built in 1887. This log cabin was the home of Charles Ora Card, one of the founders of Cardston and a key figure in its early development. Although the cabin was closed to visitors, we enjoyed viewing it from the outside, appreciating its historical significance as a glimpse into the pioneer era and the town’s roots.
Finally, we drove by the Courthouse Museum which is located in the original courthouse building built in 1912. This building served as the administrative and judicial center for the surrounding region for many years. Although we couldn’t explore the museum, the building itself was a notable landmark in Cardston’s historic district.
Drive In
After driving around the town, we searched for local dining options and settled on the “Drive In.” Upon arrival, we realized it wasn’t a traditional drive-in but a small, cozy restaurant housed in a building that had once been a drive-in.
Curious to experience their menu, we decided to stay and try a couple of dishes that piqued our interest. Lisa went for their “Poutine Drive In Style,” a fun twist on the classic Canadian dish, topped with savory gravy and cheese curds. I chose the “Southern Alberta Flat Iron Steak,” a tender cut of perfectly cooked beef. Both meals were delicious.
After our meal, we returned to the campground.