Area Information

Area Information

Welcome to Morden

Millions of years ago mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, giant turtles and other marine animals swam in the prehistoric Western Interior Seaway. The Seaway spanned from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico covering Manitoba. This seaway disappeared and millions of years later retreating glaciers gave way to fresh water Lake Agassiz.

When Lake Agassiz retreated, it left the soil rich in nutrients, in which grew saskatoons, plums, all types of berries, wild herbs, flowers and shrubs. Centuries later the Mound Builders came and grew corn, squash, pumpkins, beans and tobacco. The Chipewayan, Cree and Assiniboine were among those who came to inhabit this part of the country after the Mound Builders left.

In 1874, a United Empire Loyalist by the name of Alvey Morden left Walkerton, Ontario to settle in the west with his wife, four sons and one daughter. When the CPR arrived in the winter of 1882 they set up a temporary station 5 kilometres east of the Morden's land, which they named Stephen after CPR president George Stephen. To ensure a water supply for its engines, the Railway Company soon abandoned Stephen and, receiving a favourable price from Mr. Morden and his sons, proceeded to build a water tower and lay out a street plan for a town. The CPR named the original stopping place Mort Cheval and later changed the name to Morden.

The town of Morden is unique in that it absorbed the population of 3 neighbouring communities (Nelsonville, Mountain City, & Stephen) as a result of the establishment of the railroad in this location.

Today, the community boasts a dynamic industrial sector and an appealing business district featuring warm brick sidewalks, trees, shrubs, parks, and over a mile of specialty stores and services. A large number of unique fieldstone mansions and heritage buildings grace the community and are a featured part of local tours. We invite you to come to Morden, a community not only rich in hospitality, but also in culture and heritage - a place where visitors become friends.

Location & Area

The Town of Morden is located in south central Manitoba, 120 km from Winnipeg via PTH #3 or PTH #75, in the middle of one of the province's richest agricultural areas. It is only 19 km from the U.S. border. Our elevation is 302 meters and the exact geographical location is Longitude: 98 6' W Latitude: 49 11' N.

Local Accommodations

Hotels & Motels

Bed & Breakfast

Camping & Park Facilities

Climate

Morden enjoys over 2,200 hours of sunshine per year and seasonal temperature averages are: January -- 17.3C, April - 3.8C, July - 20.3C, October - 7.3C. The annual rainfall is 349.4 mm, the annual snowfall is 174.7 mm and the area has 129 frost-free days annually.

Population

There are approximately 7,500 residents in Morden with a trading area population of more than 45,000.