Agriculture remains the dominant force in the regional economy. An elaborate irrigation infrastructure and the presence of considerable sunshine have resulted in the intensive use of farmlands. Other dominant industries in the Prairie Region include agricultural processing, oil and gas development, timber harvesting, service industry, and tourism. The major urban centres in the Prairie Region are Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. Numerous towns and villages are spread throughout the region.
Settlements tend to be clustered in areas where agricultural activities are most intense.
A modern transportation infrastructure system connects centralized and outlying communities and makes connections with the adjoining provinces and the State of Montana. In the protected areas such as Beauvais Lake Provincial Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, you can experience cultural and natural history from both the western and eastern edges of southern Alberta. A reconstructed North West Mounted Police Post can also be found within the park evidence of the region's recent past. Further west, still within the Prairie Region, Waterton Lakes National Park and the Castle Special Management Area connect the grasslands with the majestic Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the special features and sights on a hike within these protected areas.