Cardston LDS Temple in front of Chief Mountain. Cardston and Area Trail History Cardston is named after Charles Ora Card, a Mormon who led one of the last covered wagon migrations of the century when he brought settlers from Utah in 1887. From Cardston, Chief Mountain dominates the horizon. The Blackfoot call it Ninastako – the mountain that stands apart. For them it is a sacred spot where vision quests and ancient stories took place. On a clear day (and there are many of them in this part of the country), you can see it for miles. From the north you can see the Chief in full headdress looking up into the sky. Big ranching in Alberta got its start here when the Cochrane Ranch moved large cattle herds here in 1883. The move followed a disastrous start to its venture on the original ranch at Cochrane where thousands of animals had perished due to the effects of two hard winters in a row without a supply of winter feed. The ranch was eventually broken up and sold to the Mormon Church. The land was opened to settlement by Church members who began the first irrigation projects in Alberta. Around Town In Cardston, not only can you enjoy the Remington Carriage Museum, which houses the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America, but you can end the day with fine dining at the Cobblestone Manor built by a mad man and then sit back and enjoy some live theatre on a warm summer evening at the Carriage House Theatre. The Lee Creek Valley Golf Course recently expanded to 18 holes and is a real treasure. The Les Furber design utilized the creek and hillside to create an exceptionally scenic and challenging course. Explore Cardston and you will soon be amazed by the wide streets originally designed so a horse drawn carriage can turn around. You are sure to also find the Alberta Temple an amazing architectural structure. Side Trails Head east a few miles on Hwy 501 to go river rafting on the St Mary River or check out the Whiskey Gap hills where NWMP and bootleggers competed to control the whiskey trade coming into Canada from Montana. West of Cardston on the way to Waterton is the scenic community of Mountainview, home of the Mountainview Market and close to Payne Lake. Pick up some picnic supplies to enjoy in this beautiful park. If you have a free evening head to Hillspring for a country hoedown at the Great Canadian Barn Dance in an historic 1913 barn. You’ll find local outfitters who offer backcountry adventure with menu specialties like buffalo and elk, a dip in the hot tub and soft beds at the end of the day. Phone: 1-888-434-3366 Web Site: www.cardston.ca Look for our Partner Logo at all participating venues in the Cardston Area. Mountain Meadow Trail Rides Trail rides, cowboy cookouts, raft and ride combo, overnight wilderness rides with private cabins, cedar hot tub, delicious meals. Next to Waterton Lakes National Park. Mountain View Market & Motel Peaceful, clean motel, 9 rooms. Convenience, gas and gift store. Located in Mountain View. Remington Carriage Museum One of the premier displays of horse-drawn vehicles in North America. Located in Cardston Thomson's Rangeview Ranch Working Guest Ranch - Live the life of the cowboy with as much "hands-on" as desired.