Remington Carriage Museum
Staff Writer
With over 240 carriages, wagons and sleighs, the Remington Carriage Museum houses the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America, and is widely recognized as one of the finest such collections in the world.
Located only minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, and Glacier National Park in Montana, it is open year-round, seven days a week. The 63,000 square foot facility features video displays, a fire hall, a carriage factory, a restoration shop, a working stable, carriage rides, carriage rentals, a restaurant and a gift shop.
The Museum provides visitors with an exciting look at horse-drawn transportation in North America, and by nature of its history, an intriguing glimpse into Carriage culture in Europe. Visitors are introduced to this bygone era by a multimedia presentation called "The Wheels of Change" which is shown regularly in the theatre. The story continues in the exhibit gallery where 16 displays feature over 55 vehicles to interpret a broad range of historical themes. Additional themes are presented in the vehicle storage room where the balance of the collection is housed. Then it’s off to the tack room, workshop and stable, coach house and corrals.
For 33 years, the museum’s benefactor, Don Remington, collected horse-drawn vehicles from all over North America and had them shipped to Cardston. He often worked on them early in the morning before he opened his construction business for the day. As his company specialized in building concrete bridges, the slack months of January and February allowed him to devote extra time to his developing his impressive collection.
In 1985, Remington offered to donate his collection of 49 vehicles to the Province of Alberta. When he died two years later, the Remington Carriage Museum was just starting to become a reality. The Province not only built the magnificent Museum but arranged to augment the Remington collection with vehicles from the Historical Resources Division of the Department of Community Development. In addition, a long-term loan of 130 vehicles from the Glenbow Museum in Calgary was arranged. With these additions, the Remington Carriage Museum earned its status as one of the largest collections in North America.
Don Remington was a self-made man who rose from Depression-era poverty to become a leading citizen of his hometown of Cardston. He looked very much at home in coachman's livery or a tuxedo, but was more often seen in jeans, a plaid shirt, and a battered cowboy hat. Don will always be remembered as the man whose vision and generosity provided the inspiration for the amazing facility.
Birthday packages, carriage rides, day-packages and group rates are available: party host, party themed room, birthday games, a cartoon in the theatre, a treasure hunt and prize bags for all participants, as well as choice of mini pizzas, hot dogs and fries or sandwiches with veggies and dip characterize memorable birthday parties here.
The Carriage Museum is also an excellent location for weddings and unique receptions with optional catering.
Carriage rentals are available for weddings, funerals, parades, anniversaries and other special occasions and events. You can choose from a Landau, Vis-à-Vis, Yellowstone Coach, Bronson Wagon or Mountain Democrat for your transportation needs. Our rentals include the carriage, a driver and groom in full livery and two horses. Prices vary depending on vehicles, length of ride and location. Please contact the Museum for availability and cost.
Check the website for upcoming events including Carriage Country Fair, Carnival, Easter Egg Hunt, Miniature horse Chuckwagon and more.