Historical Flags of Our Ancestors - Canadian Provinces and Territories Note: If an image ever fails to appear - refresh your page, it really is there Canadian Provinces and Territories Canada has 10 provinces, and three northern territories. It is also divided into 11 historic regions. It is the world's second largest country by total area. Canada's common border with the United States to the south and northwest is the longest in the world. The capitol is Ottawa. 1965 Historical Region of Acadia Flag 1867 During the British conquest of New France, the British changed the name of the French colony of Acadia to "Nova Scotia" (New Scotland), much to the discuss of the French inhabitants. This rather French looking tricolored flag was introduced in the 1840's as a flag for the French in Canada, at first mostly in the Quebec region, but within 20 years became something of a national flag for all Canadian French-Catholic nationalists. The yellow star, the Stella Maris, is the symbol of Mary, the Acadian national symbol and patron of the mariners. It is set on the blue stripe, because blue is the color of Mary.

The yellow color of the star represents the Papacy. In the Great Expulsion of 1755-1763, mostly during the Seven Years' War, the British colonial militia deported more than 14,000 Acadians from the maritime region in what can only be called an early case of ethnic cleansing. Approximately one third perished, but many later settled in Louisiana, where they became known as Cajuns. Since 1965, the Louisiana Acadian flag has been flown throughout Acadiana - the 22-parish area of south Louisiana populated by the Cajun people. Although technically an "American" flag, it is shown here because of its historical "Canadian" connection. (Opening the question of "Are not Canadian's technically Americans also?" - although the thought probably would cause Canadian nightmares...) Alberta Flag Province of Alberta Flag Alberta, one of Canada's three prairie provinces, officially became a province in 1905. It is located in western Canada between British Columbia to the west and Saskatchewan to the east, and the Northwest Territories to the north, and borders the United States (Montana) to the south.

It is one of two Canadian provinces that is completely landlocked (the other being Saskatchewan). In 1958, the Alberta adopted its official flag with the provincial shield of arms in the center of a royal ultramarine blue background. Lt. Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta The official website of the Lieutenant Governor describes the flag as follows: "The Lieutenant Governor's flag is flown over the Legislature Building when the Lieutenant Governor is present. As well, it is flown at the Lieutenant Governor's official residence when the Lieutenant Governor is there, and it is mounted on the Lieutenant Governor's automobile when it is being used for official business." British Columbia Flag Province of British Columbia Flag British Columbia, the westernmost of Canada's provinces, became the sixth province of Canada in 1871. Known for its natural beauty, its name was chosen by Queen Victoria herself in 1858. The capital of British Columbia is Victoria, the fifteenth largest city in Canada, and located on Vancouver Island. At the top of the flag is a rendition of the Union Flag, defaced in the center by a crown, representing the province's origins as a British colony.

The three wavy blue lines symbolize the province's location between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, and the setting sun represents the fact that British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province. Some early versions of the flag were reversed, with the Union Flag on the bottom. Lt. Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia The official website of the Lieutenant Governor describes the flag as follows: "The Lieutenant Governor�s Flag is a royal blue flag with the shield of arms of British Columbia in its centre, surrounded by a circlet of 10 gold stylized maple leaves representing the 10 Provinces of Canada. Above the shield is a St. Edward�s Crown, signifying the Sovereign´s representative in the Province." "The flag was approved by the Governor General on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen on February 1, 1982. When the Lieutenant Governor is present, the flag is flown at public buildings, Canadian Forces� establishments, the Parliament Buildings, on Her Majesty�s Canadian Ships and at Government House." Manitoba Flag Province of Manitoba Flag Manitoba is another of Canada's flat prairie provinces whose major industries are agriculture, mining, forestry, and tourism due to natural beauties.

Although its main population is English Canadian, there is a significant Franco-Canadian minority with a growing Native-American population. Manitoba is one of the most important centers of Ukrainian culture outside Ukraine and home to the largest Icelandic community outside of Iceland. Manitoba's capital and largest city is Winnipeg, Canada's eighth-largest city. The Flag of Manitoba is a standard Red Ensign which bears the shield of the provincial coat of arms. This flag was chosen and then approved by Queen Elizabeth II in 1965, and first flown in 1966. The decision to adopt the flag was made after the federal government decided to replace the Canadian Red Ensign with the Maple Leaf flag. Lt. Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba As stated on the official website, "The Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba is the viceregal representative in Manitoba of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who operates distinctly within the province, but is also shared equally with the ten other jurisdictions of Canada and resides predominantly in her oldest realm, the United Kingdom." The Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba is appointed in the same manner as the other provincial viceroys in Canada and is similarly tasked with carrying out most of the monarch's constitutional and ceremonial duties.

New Brunswick Flag Province of New Brunswick Flag New Brunswick, one of Canada's oldest three Maritime provinces, is the only official constitutionally bilingual province (English and French) in the federation. The capital is Fredericton, but Saint John is the most populous city. The majority of the population is English-speaking, but there is also a large French-speaking minority (33%) mainly of Acadian origin. The province's name comes from the English and French partial transcription of the city of Braunschweig in northern Germany, the ancestral home of the Hanoverian King George III of Great Britain. The flag of New Brunswick is a banner modelled after the province's coat-of-arms and was adopted in 1965. The gold lion on the red field stretching across the top one-third of the flag represents New Brunswick's ties to the Brunswick region in Germany and the arms of the Monarch of the United Kingdom. The lower two-thirds of the flag depicts a Spanish galley representing shipbuilding, one of the province's main industries at the time the coat of arms was adopted. Lt.

Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick The official website of the Lieutenant Governor describes the flag as follows: "a royal blue flag, two by width and three by length, the shield of the Arms of the Province surrounded by a circlet of ten gold stylized maple leaves, representing the ten Provinces of Canada. Above all a St. Edward's Crown in proper colours, representing the Sovereign's representative in the Province." "This flag is flown at Government House, and from the Legislative Buildings whenever the Lieutenant-Governor is in Fredericton. It is also flown from public buildings throughout the province whenever the Lieutenant-Governor happens to be in residence." Newfoundland and Labrador Flag Province of Newfoundland and Labrador Flag Newfoundland and Labrador is located on the Atlantic coast of Canada consisting of the island of Newfoundland and Labrador on the mainland. It became the tenth province in 1949, at first simply named Newfoundland. In 2001, the province's official name was changed to Newfoundland and Labrador, although most Canadians generally still refer to the province as Newfoundland and to the region on the Canadian mainland as Labrador. The "Golden Shaft" flag of Newfoundland and Labrador was designed by the Newfoundland artist Christopher Pratt in 1980.

The blue color represents the sea, the white color represents the snow and ice of winter, the red color represents the effort and struggle of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and the gold color symbolizes their confidence in themselves and the future. The blue triangles represent the Union Flag and their British heritage. The two red triangles represent the two areas of the province. The gold arrow points towards a "brighter future" with the arrow becoming a sword, honouring the sacrifices of Newfoundlanders in military service when the flag is draped as a vertical banner. The red triangles and the gold arrow form a trident, symbolizing the province's dependence on its fisheries and the resources of the sea. Lt. Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador The Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador is the viceregal representative in Newfoundland and Labrador of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who operates distinctly within the province, but is also shared equally with the ten other jurisdictions of Canada and resides predominantly in her oldest realm, the United Kingdom. The Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador is appointed in the same manner as the other provincial viceroys in Canada and is similarly tasked with carrying out most of the monarch's constitutional and ceremonial duties.

Northwest Territories Flag Northwest Territories Flag The Northwest Territories is located in northern Canada. It borders two other territories, Yukon to the west and Nunavut to the east, and the three provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Since 1967 Yellowknife has been the territorial capital. The original flag of the territory was the Hudson's Bay Company until 1950. It was replaced by a standard royal blue ensign with the territorial coat-of-arms placed in a white circle on the fly that was used between the years 1950-1969. The current flag, without the union jack in the canton, is the result of a flag design contest and reuses the coat-of-arms from the old flag, but places it on the wider center stripe of new tricolor blue-white-blue design. The blue represents the Northwest Territories waters, and the white represents snow and ice. Territorial Commissioner´s Flag Flag of the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories According to the official website, "The Commissioner of the Northwest Territories serves a pivotal role in the governance of the Northwest Territories.

Appointed by the Governor-in-Council of Canada on the recommendation of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Commissioner is the federal government�s representative in the north and the Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Territories." "Unlike the provinces, the Northwest Territories is not given the authority to govern under the Constitution Acts. The position of Commissioner is created by the federal Northwest Territories Act and exercises a function similar to that of a provincial Lieutenant Governor." Nova Scotia Flag Province of Nova Scotia Flag Nova Scotia (New Scotland) is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The provincial capital is Halifax. In 1604, French colonists established the first permanent European settlement in Canada and the first north of Florida at Port Royal, founding what would become known as Acadia. The British Conquest of Acadia happened in 1710. At this time the Capital Port Royal was renamed Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. The capital of Nova Scotia moved from Annapolis Royal to the newly established Halifax in 1749. In 1867, Nova Scotia was one of the four founding provinces of the Canadian Confederation.

The current Flag of Nova Scotia, created in 1858, is based on the coat-of-arms granted to the Scottish colony by Charles I, King of Scots. The flag, a blue saltire on a white field, is a simple color reversal of the flag of Scotland, bearing the royal arms of Scotland, a gold shield with a red lion. The royal arms were added to the Nova Scotia flag to distinguish the flag from the Naval Ensign of Russia which is also a blue saltire on a white field. Nova Scotia was one of the few Canadian colonies to be granted its own coat-of-arms, and the flag is the only one of the Canadian provinces dating back to before confederation. Lt. Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia is the viceregal representative in Nova Scotia of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who operates distinctly within the province, but is also shared equally with the ten other jurisdictions of Canada and resides predominantly in her oldest realm, the United Kingdom. The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia is appointed in the same manner as the other provincial viceroys in Canada and is similarly tasked with carrying out most of the monarch's constitutional and ceremonial duties.

Until 1786 the vice-regal representative in Nova Scotia normally held the rank of Governor, and only occasionally Lieutenant Governor. Since then, all have been Lieutenant Governors. During periods where no vice-regal representative was in office, an Administrator was in charge. Nunavut Flag Nunavut Territory Flag In 1992, a referendum was passed authorizing the separation of the eastern half of the Northwest Territories to create a new autonomous territory, to be called Nunavut (pronounced noo-na-voot), which is Inuktitut for "Our Land." Nunavut officially came into existance as a Canadian territory on April 1, 1999. It is both the least populous and the largest geographical unit of all the provinces and territories of Canada. Nunavut's Chief Executive is a Commissioner appointed by the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Territorial Commissioner´s Flag Flag of the Commissioner of the Nunavut Territory As in the other territories, the Commissioner's role is symbolic and is analogous to that of a Lieutenant-Governor. While the Commissioners are not formally a representative of Canada's head-of-state, they have a role representing The Crown in a territory.

Ontario Flag Province of Ontario Flag Ontario is the second largest Province of Canada located in the east-central part of Canada. The province is named after Lake Ontario, which is thought to have been derived from a Huron word meaning "great lake." The province's largest city is Toronto, is the capital city of Ontario, and the national capital of Canada, Ottawa, is also located in Ontario. Ontario is bordered by Manitoba, Hudson Bay, Quebec, and by three states of the United States (Minnesota, Michigan, and New York), and Lake Erie. The Flag of Ontario was first used in 1965. The flag is a defaced Red Ensign, with the Union Flag in the canton and the Ontario coat-of-arms in the fly. Lt. Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario The official website of the Lieutenant Governor describes the flag as follows: "The Standard is a royal blue flag featuring the shield of the Arms of Ontario encircled by ten gold maple leaves to represent Canada�s provinces and surmounted by a Crown to symbolize the role of the Lieutenant Governor as The Queen's representative. The Standard is flown outside the Lieutenant Governor's Suite at Queen's Park when His Honour is in the provincial capital.

It is displayed in his office and in the Music Room, where ceremonies take place. It is mounted on the car in which His Honour travels and is flown outside of buildings where he is on an official visit." "In Ontario, the Lieutenant Governor�s standard takes precedence over all other flags, except for the standard of The Queen and, on some occasions, that of the Governor General. Created at the request of the Ontario government, this standard was approved by the Governor General in 1981, as the first in a series of vice-regal standards now introduced in all provinces." Former Lt. Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario 1959-1965 This was the Standard of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1959 to 1965. The office of Lieutenant Governor of Ontario was established in 1867, replacing the position of Lieutenant Governor of Canada West. The office became a target for Government cutbacks in 1837 by the Liberal Party and Ontario Government House was closed until 1985 with the Viceroy working out of a suite at the Legislative Building.

In 1959, this unusual red ensign was put in use by Lieutenant Governor J. Keiller Mackay to show his support for the campaign to make the Canadian Red Ensign of 1957-1965 the national flag of Canada. This was the only Canadian Lieutenant Governor�s flag of this pattern. This new Lieutenant Governor�s flag, introduced in April of 1959, was used at Queen�s Park and on his car. After 1965, the previous defaced Union Jack, similar to that used today by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, was restored. In 1981, the present Lieutenant Governor's Flag was adopted and replace the earlier versions. Prince Edward Island Flag Province of Prince Edward Island Flag In 1873, Prince Edward Island became the seventh Canadian province consisting of Prince Edward Island and several other smaller islands. This maritime province is the smallest in the nation. The island was named for Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (1767�1820), the fourth son of King George III and the father of Queen Victoria. The flag of Prince Edward Island is modelled after the provincial arms.

It is bordered by alternating bands of red and white, with the upper third of the flag the English lion which appeared both on the coat-of-arms of Prince Edward, and on that of King Edward VII. The lower two-thirds show an island on which appear three small oak saplings representing the three counties of Prince Edward Island under the protection of a great oak tree which represents Great Britain. Lt. Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island The post of Lieutenant Governor was established in 1769 as part of the initial administration of the Island colony. The British North America Act of 1867 created Canada and a national (or federal) government, and local (or provincial) governments in the former British North American colonies. The Lieutenant Governor, who had formerly reported to the Colonial Office in London, became initially, an officer of the Government of Canada. In Prince Edward Island, this change took place in 1873 when the colony exchanged its earlier status for that of a province of the Dominion of Canada.

Since the Statute of Westminister of 1931, Canada has been a fully sovereign country; however, Canada has chosen to remain a member of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of independent states representing approximately 25 percent of the world's population. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, is Canadian Head of State and thus, The Queen of Canada. Quebec Flag Province of Quebec Flag Quebec is a province in east-central Canada. Most of its inhabitants live in urban areas near the Saint Lawrence River between Montreal and Quebec City, the capital. It is the only Canadian province predominantly French-speaking and the only one whose sole official language is French. The flag of Quebec, called the Fleurdelis�, was adopted for the province by the government of Quebec during the administration of Maurice Duplessis. It was the first provincial flag officially adopted in Canada in 1948. Lt. Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec The Lieutenant Governor of Quebec is the viceregal representative in Quebec of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who operates distinctly within the province, but is also shared equally with the ten other jurisdictions of Canada and resides predominantly in her oldest realm, the United Kingdom.

The Lieutenant Governor of Quebec is appointed in the same manner as the other provincial viceroys in Canada and is similarly tasked with carrying out most of the monarch's constitutional and ceremonial duties. By virtue of a Royal Commission, the Lieutenant Governor has all of the constitutional powers of a head of state and gives force of law to the policies determined by the government Saskatchewan Flag Province of Saskatchewan Flag Saskatchewan is a prairie province in Canada, which is bounded on the west by Alberta, on the north by the Northwest Territories, on the east by Manitoba, and on the south by the American states of Montana and North Dakota. The provincial capital is Regina, but the largest city is Saskatoon. Saskatchewan was first explored in 1690 and settled in 1774, but prior to that, it was populated by several native tribes. It became a province in 1905. The flag of Saskatchewan features the coat-of-arms in the upper quarter with the floral emblem, the western red lily, in the fly. The upper green half of the flag represents the northern Saskatchewan forest lands, while the gold lower half symbolizes the southern, prairie wheat-fields Lt.

Governor´s Flag Flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Canada�s Constitution recognizes The Queen as the Head of State. The Lieutenant Governor represents The Queen in the Province of Saskatchewan. The Lieutenant Governor plays an important role as the representative of the Head of State, reading the Speech from the Throne, formally appointing Premiers and Cabinet Ministers, opening and proroguing (closing) Legislative Sessions, approving legislation, and bestowing honours. In addition to constitutional duties, the Lieutenant Governor is involved with many organizations in the role of honorary patron. The Lieutenant Governor attends hundreds of events each year and receives diplomatic visitors. Vancouver Island Flag Historical Region of Vancouver Island Flag The historic Island of Vancouver is located in British Columbia. It is named after British Royal Navy Captain George Vancouver, who between 1791 and 1794 explored the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. Captain James Cook spent a month during 1778 on Vancouver Island and claimed it for England. In 1789, Esteban Jos� Mart�nez explored Vancouver Island for Spain. The Spanish established a settlement and a fort at this time. This was the only Spanish settlement ever established in Canada.

To counter this Spanish interest in the area, Captain Vancouver was sent to the Pacific Northwest to negotiate with the Spanish. Shortly thereafter, in 1846, the Oregon Treaty was signed by the British and the U.S. to settle the question of the U.S. Oregon Territory borders. It awarded all of Vancouver Island to the British, despite a portion of the island lying south of the 49th parallel. In 1849, the Colony of Vancouver Island was established. Yukon Territory Flag Yukon Territory Flag The Yukon Territory is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The territory's capital is Whitehorse. The territory was created in 1898. The largest ethnic group in the territory is English, followed by First Nations. Yukon law recognizes First Nations languages, but only considers French and English as official languages. The flag of Yukon is a green, white, and blue tricolor with the coat-of-arms of Yukon at the center above a wreath of fireweed, the territorial flower.

The Flag of Yukon was officially selected from a territory-wide design competition in 1967, with the winning design adopted in 1968. Territorial Commissioner´s Flag Flag of the Commissioner of the Yukon Territory The Commissioner is appointed by the Government of Canada. Her role is very similar to a provincial lieutenant governor. The Commissioner is Yukon's head of state and generally acts on the advice of elected officials. One of the Commissioner�s most important responsibilities is to ensure Yukon has a Premier at all times. If the Office of the Premier becomes vacant due to a resignation or death, it is the duty of the Commissioner to ensure the post is filled. If the government resigns following a defeat in the legislature or in an election, the Commissioner has the same responsibilities. Alberta Population 2016 - World Population Review World Population Review 11.19.2016 Alberta Population 2016 Alberta is a province of Canada in western Canada. It's one of the 3 Prairie Provinces in Canada bordered by British Columbia to the west, Saskatchewan to the east, the Northwest Territories to the north and the U.S. state Montana to the south.

The capital of Alberta is Edmonton, located near the center of the province and 180 miles north of Calgary, the largest city of Alberta. Alberta is the 4th most populous province of Canada and the most populous of the prairie provinces. Alberta has an estimated population of 4.08 million, up from 3.645 million in 2011. The province has a population density of 6 people per square kilometer, or 15 people per square mile. Cities in Alberta Calgary is the largest city with an estimated population of 1.1 million and a metropolitan population of 1.21 million. This makes it the third-largest municipality and the 5th largest census metropolitan area (CMA) in the country. Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and located on the North Saskatchewan River. As the second-largest city in Alberta and the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the country, Edmonton has a population of 815,000 in 2014. The Edmonton CMA has a population of 1.16 million. It is the northernmost city in North America with a metro population of at least one million.

Red Deer, in central Alberta, is the third largest city and it's located midway in the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor. Red Deer is the center for agriculture and oil distribution in the country with an estimated population of 98,000. Lethbridge is the 4th most populous city in Alberta and located in Southern Alberta, southeast of Calgary with an estimated population of 90,000. Alberta Demographics About 81% of Alberta's population lives in an urban area with just 19% in the rural areas. The most urbanized area is the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor, which is also one of the most densely populated areas in all of Canada. In 2006, the racial and ethnic composition of Alberta was 80.3% white, 13.9% belonging to a visible minority group and 5.8% Aboriginal (3% First Nations, 2.6% Metis, 0.1% other Aboriginal). Visible minority groups include: Chinese: 3.7% Canada Provinces Canada Provinces Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters Thanks, You're in! There was an error. Please try again. Please select a newsletter.

Please enter a valid email address. Did you mean ? Before You Go To Canada | Language in Canada | When To Go to Canada Canada provinces number 10, with three territories to the north. The provinces are, in alphabetical order: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick,Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The three territories are Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. The difference between a province and a territory has to do with their governance. Basically the territories have delegated powers under the authority of the Parliament of Canada; they are grouped together and ruled by the federal government. The provinces, on the other hand, exercise constitutional powers in their own right. This imbalance of power is gradually being rectified, with local decision-making powers being granted to the territories. Each province and territory has its own unique draw for visitors and own tourism organization to facilitate your trip. The following is a list of the 10 provinces in Canada, from west to east, followed by the territories . 1. British Columbia British Columbia is the country's most western province. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, B.C.

as it is more commonly known, has some of the most temperate locations in the country, coastal islands and a mountainous interior. B.C.'s diverse geography draws adventure seekers, including skiers, kayakers and mountain bikers from around the world. continue reading below our video America's Best Foodie Cities 2. Alberta Alberta is one of Canada's three prairie provinces. It shares the Canadian Rocky Mountain range with its western B.C. neighbour and is therefore famous as a ski and hiking destination. Alberta is the primary supply and service hub for Canada's crude oil industry, Athabasca oil sands and other northern resource industries. Alberta is famous for hosting the Calgary Stampede, which showcases the province's distinct cowboy culture. Major Cities: Edmonton (provincial capital), Calgary, Banff , Jasper Best Known For: Calgary Stampede, Edmonton Folk Festival, Edmonton Mall, Rocky Mountains, Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Alberta travel guide - Wikitravel Time Zone UTC -7 Alberta [1] is the second westernmost of the 10 provinces in Canada . (only British Columbia is farther west) It includes parts of the Canadian Rockies and is known for its oil and natural gas fields and cattle farming.

Alberta has a lot to offer visitors. It is a surprisingly diverse province in many ways, from the beauty of the Rockies to the serene flatness of prairie to the wilderness of the northern forests. The two largest cities, Calgary and Edmonton offer the amenties that most cities in North America have, and also have some unique attractions of their own. Other destinations[ edit ] Banff National Park - probably the most famous national park, and home to the town of Banff which holds unique shopping and entertainment. Outside that, there's Lake Louise and world class skiing, hiking, and camping Jasper National Park - beautiful mountain and shopping attractions without the hustle of Banff Kananaskis Country - Major natural recreation area in southern Alberta at the foot of the Rockies south of Calgary Lake Louise - Major ski resort and village just to the north of Banff, noted for its very blue lake Waterton Lakes National Park - A true natural gem in the Rockies in Alberta's extreme southwest Prairies to Peaks - Rugged Rocky Mountain Back Country and Rural Small Towns Understand[ edit ] Alberta was formed as a province in 1905.

Its capital is Edmonton , located roughly in the middle of the province, while the headquarters of most oil companies are located in Calgary to the south. Most of the population of Alberta lives along the "Highway 2 Corridor" between Edmonton and Calgary , although Lethbridge to the south, Grande Prairie to the northwest, and Fort McMurray to the northeast are also major centres. The original inhabitants were the First Nations People, but significant immigration occurred when the Canadian Pacific Railway was built and the Government offered incentives for settlers to come to Alberta. Since then the province has enjoyed steady immigration and population growth, though it is notable that there are few groups who immigrated in vast numbers such as the Chinese to Vancouver did. This is currently the richest province in Canada. Its wealth is derived mainly from Crude Oil production, though historically farming and cattle raising were important. Ranching maintains a high place in the economy culture, particularly in Southern Alberta. Seventy percent of the Canadian Herd (of cattle) is located in Alberta. In 2003 the price of oil rose beyond $55 a barrel making the vast reserves of oilsands in the Northern part of the province economically viable.

Since then Alberta has enjoyed rapid growth, but also experienced significant problems along with that growth. It is also noteworthy that Alberta is widely considered to be the most conservative area of Canada, however this is a complicated issue. Regional politics affected Alberta significantly, including the much hated National Energy Program in the 1980s. So the region votes Conservative both as an expression of regional preference as much as politic preference. This won't affect the average traveller, and many benefit as Alberta's taxes are lower than that of the rest of Canada (there is no PST: Provincial Sales Tax). Talk[ edit ] English is the main language spoken by most people in Alberta. Significant minority languages include Ukrainian, German, Chinese, Arabic, Russian and Hindi. French is uncommon but available at all Federal Governmental institutions. There is a French-language university in Edmonton - the Faculté Saint-Jean, now a part of the University of Alberta, which offers undergraduate degrees in several disciplines with instruction completely in French. First Nations languages such as Cree, Déné, Blackfoot, etc. are spoken to varying degrees among those communities as both mother tongue and as a second language. By Air[ edit ] Both Calgary and Edmonton have international airports.

Calgary's is the third largest in Canada (by passenger volume). It serves as the base of low-priced airline Westjet, which provides service to North American (mainly Canadian), Mexican and Caribbean destinations. Edmonton's is the fastest growing in Canada, with multiple expansions in place. International Service is provided by multiple carriers at both locations, including multiple direct flights to London and Frankfurt each day. Other destinations are usually connecting through Vancouver or Toronto. Both airports act as collection points, Calgary for the prairie provinces, and Edmonton for regions in the Canadian North like Grande Prairie and Yellowknife . By Car[ edit ] Alberta is quite large, as are most Canadian provinces. Also noteworthy is that most Albertan cities, and especially Calgary have historically grown horizontally rather than vertically and are thus really big. Car travel is essential unless you plan on staying within Edmonton or Calgary (where you can walk, bus, transit). However most towns and cities in rural Alberta are more than accesible by Greyhound Bus. Driving regulations are the same as in most of Canada. Turning right (far right lane into far right lane) on a red light is allowed.

It goes without saying that drunk driving is taken very seriously, but is disproportionally seen in rural areas--take care when driving there at night. Wildlife is another major concern. When driving on the highways, maintain a reasonable speed and look for sudden movements on the side. The most common animal hit is the deer, which is usually not fatal for the car. But running into an elk or moose could possibly be so. Elk and moose are very dark coloured so keep a close eye out for them. If you see animals on the side of the road it is common to want to slow down. Do so in a safe manner and don't needlessly impede traffic. Don't get out of your car to see the animals. The AMA (Alberta Motor Association) is a good source of specific information and offers the most widely used driving courses. Both Calgary and Edmonton offer traffic radio stations - government funded radio that only reports accidents, construction and weather. Watch for signs featuring the frequency in these cities. Do not heed any warning about Albertan drivers being the most aggressive drivers in Canada - a common myth. They are not more so than Toronto and certainly are nothing compared with Southern Europe. High speeds and lane changes without signaling are generally the worst it gets.

By Bus[ edit ] Greyhound Canada offers service between almost all centres, large and small. Be aware that Greyhound does the so-called "milk runs" stopping at almost every location, usually to drop off or pickup passengers and cargo. There are other bus lines offering service between major centres, such as Red Arrow between Edmonton , Calgary , Fort McMurray , Jasper and Banff . By Rail[ edit ] VIA Rail is the only passenger rail service into Alberta, and it goes into Edmonton from Vancouver , British Columbia and Saskatoon , Saskatchewan . There is no passenger rail service into Calgary. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Driving west out of Calgary towards British Columbia , the Rockies rise dramatically and quickly. The drive through Banff , Jasper or Glacier National Park can be quite spectacular. The Icefields Parkway between the towns of Banff and Jasper is definitely not to be missed. In Edmonton , West Edmonton Mall is one of the province's larger attractions. With over 800 retail shops and the world's largest indoor entertainment centre, it's entertaining even for the non-shoppers. Also Edmonton is dubbed, "Canada's Festival City" to the exceedingly high number of festivals of every kind.

The city also boasts North America's largest urban parkland system, which is very beautiful and completes the skyline over the North Saskatchewan River Valley. It also has other shopping, other great attractions and has Canada's only Indy. Calgary offers the Calgary Stampede, the wild west-themed festival held every July complete with rodeos and fairs. One should also check out the Calgary Zoo and get a view from the top of the Calgary Tower. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] The ski resorts of Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Norquay, all in Banff National Park dish up almost every kind of terrain for the hardcore skier, yet allow novice skiers to have fun through green runs and long cruisng runs. If the crowds bother you, there are a number of other ski areas in the province. Great hiking can be had in the Rockies , and there are a few lakes that allow one to do boating, jetskiing or most other watersports despite Alberta's landlocked nature. There are many excellent golf courses available to the public across the provinces.

Areas of particular interest include the mountain parks where Banff Springs, Jasper Park Lodge, Kananaskis Country, Stewart Creek, and Silver Tip are recognized as some of Canada's best courses. Central Alberta also offers several excellent courses, including Wolf Creek and Alberta Springs. In the Edmonton area, popular courses include the Northern Bear, Cougar Creek, The Ranch, and Goose Hummock. In Drumheller, the back nine of the Dinosaur Point Golf Course features several very dramatic and spectacular holes. Dinosaur Provincial Park two hours southeast of Calgary (the closest notable city being Brooks)can be rather interesting. There is camping available and general admission is free, however to see many of the restricted areas one must pay for a guide. There are many trails and hoodoos to climb, the scenery is fantastic and it is generally just a very fun place to be. There are a few safety precautions to take into consideration if you do choose to visit however. A large abundance of rattlesnakes, scorpians, and black widow spiders call this park home so exercise caution if you ever run into them. Also it gets very hot during the summer so you should bring some sunscreen and a water bottle (if you forget there's a concession as well).

Cacti can also be a bit of a nuisance if you decide to climb the hoodoos so just keep your eyes out. You should note that a very large percentage of the worlds dinosaur bones have been found here, and it's very common to find small bone fragments on the ground as you explore (however it is strictly against the rules to take any)! However most of the greatest discoveries made here are displayed at the Royal Tyrell Museum located in Drumheller. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] There is a surprising array of restaurants to choose from, especially in the major cities. Tastes range from simple burger joints to haute cuisine in the finest restaurants. Alberta is world renowned for its beef and the steak can be considered the regional dish for Alberta. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] The legal drinking/purchasing age of alcoholic beverages 18. Alcohol is available from the many private liquor stores and beer/wine stores throughout the province. Unlike other provinces, liquor retail is privatized. Unlike most American states, you cannot buy alcohol directly in grocery stores, although many grocery stores have liquor stores located in unattached buildings nearby. Stay safe[ edit ] The following areas of Alberta are considered higher risk areas with respect to crime.

Calgary - walking during night hours should be avoided in the East Village, Victoria Park, and the Bow River Pathway between Eau Claire Market and the Calgary Zoo. These areas are prone to drugs and prostitution. There are panhandlers on various downtown streets. Edmonton - an area during northeast of downtown is a prostitution stroll. There is also a stretch of Whyte Avenue that can be a problem after 7pm, given its high bar concentration. Otherwise, Alberta as a whole is a relatively safe area. However common sense should be applied. Do not leave valuables visible in vehicles and lock all vehicle doors. Growth in urban centers in Alberta has led to increased traffic. Allow plenty of time to reach a destination, especially during rush hour or during adverse weather. Alberta's weather is very changeable and volatile, especially in the mountains and the foothills and also during the spring season. Driving conditions can deteriorate quickly. Before going out, always check the local forecast. Road conditions are available through the Alberta Motor Association . Strong chinook winds in the foothills, especially south of Calgary, can blow a vehicle off the road.

Highways 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22 and 23 south of Calgary are the most vulnerable to these conditions, with Highway 22 usually being the worst. Extra caution is advised, particularly for higher-height vehicles such as trucks and SUVs. Alberta has had cases of the West Nile Virus. In the spring and summer, it is wise to be protected using Deet-based repellants. The area within and around the mountain parks is bear country. Hikers, hunters and campers in these areas should follow all bear safety tips . Campsites should be kept clean, all dishes properly washed, and all tables wiped clean after a meal. Never leave any food or garbage loose or unattended. Hikers should travel as a group, make noise regularly and stay on established trails. Pets should be kept out of bear country. Taxis can be in short supply in Calgary and Edmonton at times, especially during holidays, poor weather, and on weekends. It is advisable to phone ahead in the daytime for a reservation if you realize you may need a taxi. In most cases, taxis are easily available at the airports.

Get out[ edit ] Though probably the 2nd most beautiful province in western Canada, neighboring provinces have much to offer. British Columbia has the best scenery and climate in Canada, as well as world-class cities like Vancouver and Victoria . To the east is Saskatchewan , which has a large amount of grassland but is also home to over 100,000 lakes and offers some of the most beautiful skyline. With the more action packed Regina and Saskatoon This is a usable article. It gives a good overview of the region, its sights, and how to get in, as well as links to the main destinations, whose articles are similarly well developed. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow !

Question: Alberta is one of two Canadian provinces that is land-locked. What is the other?
Answer: Saskatchewan