Discover. Explore. Enjoy new Horizons!
ALBERTA
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Famous for its soaring Rocky Mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, rolling prairies, and abundant wildlife, Alberta is one of Canada’s most spectacular provinces. Stretching from the snow-covered peaks of the Canadian Rockies in the west to the vast grasslands of the east, Alberta covers more than 255,000 square miles, making it the fourth-largest province in Canada. Despite its immense size, much of the province remains open wilderness, where forests, rivers, and mountain valleys provide a haven for countless species of wildlife.
Alberta experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures can vary dramatically throughout the year, particularly in the northern regions, where winter temperatures often fall well below 0°F. Yet these changing seasons create some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery. Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats roam Alberta’s national parks, while millions of migratory birds stop in the province’s wetlands each spring and autumn. Combined with its dramatic landscapes, this rich diversity of wildlife has made Alberta one of North America’s premier outdoor destinations.
Gateway to the Canadian Rockies
Long before European explorers arrived, Alberta was home to Indigenous peoples including the Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Nakoda, and Métis, who lived on these lands for thousands of years. Their deep connection to the region continues to shape Alberta’s cultural identity today.
European fur traders reached the area during the eighteenth century, establishing trading posts along the province’s rivers. In 1875, the North-West Mounted Police—later known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police—established Fort Calgary to bring law and order to the growing frontier. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s encouraged settlers from Europe and eastern Canada to establish farms, ranches, and new communities across the fertile prairies.
Alberta officially became Canada’s eighth province on September 1, 1905. During the twentieth century, the discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves transformed the province into one of Canada’s economic powerhouses. Today, energy remains an important industry alongside agriculture, tourism, forestry, and technology.
Dinosaurs and Mountain Adventures
Although Alberta is widely known for its mountain scenery, it is equally famous for preserving one of the richest collections of dinosaur fossils in the world. The dry badlands surrounding Drumheller have yielded hundreds of prehistoric discoveries, earning the region international recognition among paleontologists. Visitors can explore dramatic canyons, towering rock formations known as hoodoos, and museums showcasing enormous dinosaur skeletons that once roamed the province more than 70 million years ago.
In western Alberta, the Rocky Mountains dominate the landscape. Banff and Jasper National Parks attract millions of visitors every year with their crystal-clear lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and scenic highways. The Icefields Parkway, often ranked among the world’s most beautiful drives, connects the two parks while passing snow-capped peaks, ancient icefields, and abundant wildlife.
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, sits along the North Saskatchewan River and is known for its expansive river valley park system, festivals, and thriving arts scene. Calgary, the province’s largest city, has become an international center for business and energy while maintaining its western heritage through the world-famous Calgary Stampede, often called “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” The city also served as host of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, helping establish Alberta as a premier destination for winter sports.
From fossil-rich badlands and endless prairie skies to towering mountain peaks and glacier-fed lakes, Alberta offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. Whether exploring vibrant cities, hiking through alpine wilderness, or discovering traces of prehistoric life, visitors quickly understand why Alberta remains one of Canada’s most unforgettable destinations.
BECAME A PROVINCE
September 1, 1905
CAPITAL CITY
Edmonton
PROVINCIAL PARKS
Alberta has 460 provincial parks.
NATIONAL PARKS
Alberta is home to five Canadian national parks.
- Banff National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Waterton Lakes National Park
- Elk Island National Park
- Wood Buffalo National Park
FUN FACTS
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