Alberta's horse drawn past at Remington Carriage Museum

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This is North America’s largest carriage collection with 270 horse-drawn vehicles

Karen Ung

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“We like to say that Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump and the Royal Tyrrell Museum are the battleships, and we are the Royal Yacht,” says Howard Snyder, manager of the Remington Carriage Museum with a twinkle in his eye. There is indeed a regal feeling about this grand building – at 64,000 square feet – full of carriages that have transported dignitaries such Queen Elizabeth II, Pierre Trudeau, and Ulysses S. Grant.

Since 1993, the museum in the foothills has been expanding its collection and mixing things up to keep visitors coming back. For Canada’s 150 celebrations, a new exhibit opened in May 2017 telling the tale of the largest carriage manufacturing company in the British Empire, founded by Robert McLaughlin in 1867. The first vehicle he built, a beautiful sleigh, is on display out front. It’s a work of art and I wouldn’t mind having one myself if I had land and horses. Snyder agrees, “[McLaughlin] had not only mechanical ability to build things, but artistic ability which shows in this vehicle.”

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Remmington Museum
Photo: Karen Ung

The McLaughlin Story: 150 Years of Carriages, Cars, and Canada

“At first, the automobile was the enemy… they were going to put carriage makers out of business,” Snyder says. Eventually, however, the McLaughlins came around, partnered with General Motors, and became the largest car manufacturer in Canada. If you’ve ever wondered why General Motors Canada is in Oshawa, you can thank the McLaughlins. And next time you have a Canada Dry Ginger Ale, raise a glass to its founder, John J. McLaughlin, Robert’s oldest son.

“Every vehicle has a story,” says Snyder. After working with the collection for 36 years, he knows them all – where each carriage came from, who owned it, what notable people have ridden in it, and what restorations have been made. “The Queen rode in this one,” Snyder says of an elegant carriage while lowering the steps, “and this is how she got in.” Unless you’re royalty, you’re not getting in, but you can get your photo taken in the stagecoach used in Shanghai Noon by Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu. Incidentally, the stagecoach is a fibreglass replica made by Don Remington, the museum’s namesake.

Remmington Museum
Photo: Karen Ung

Remington, a successful rancher and bridge builder from Cardston, started his carriage collection in the 1950s when he brought a sleigh to town for the Santa Claus Parade. He continued to collect and restore carriages over the next 33 years. In 1987, Remington donated 48 carriages to the province of Alberta in 1987 on the condition that they never be sold. His legacy lives on in the Remington Carriage Museum which now proudly displays 270 horse-drawn vehicles.

Know Before You Go

  • Free, guided tours are available. Interpreters bring the exhibits to life with rich stories.

  • Don’t miss blacksmithing, woodworking demonstrations, and more in the Carriage Preservation Workshop.

  • Children will enjoy Horse University’s games, videos, virtual caboose ride, and virtual mini-chuckwagon races.

  • Carriage and wagon rides are available in summer, weather permitting (extra charge). Experience the park-like grounds the way locals would have over 100 years ago.

 

Watch Getaway to  Pincher Creek on YouTube.

Remington Carriage Museum is only one of several attractions in the region; stay in Pincher Creek and make a weekend of it. This video will give you a taste of what’s waiting for you. 

Getting here

The Remington Carriage Museum is located at 623 Main St. in the town of Cardston, Alta, 25 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta or Glacier National Park, Montana.

More information

Dare to Explore: Click here for more information, including hours, admission rates and special events at the Remington Carriage Museum.

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Pick up an Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass for free admission to all of Alberta’s heritage facilities, including Remington Carriage Museum, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Brooks Aqueduct, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, The Royal Tyrrell Museum, Oil Sands Discovery Centre, Royal Alberta Museum, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, and more.

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