The Province Of Alberta
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Destinations.
Discover Alberta: Canada's Stunning Province
Alberta at a Glance
Sprawled over approximately 255,200 square miles, the Province of Alberta is brimming with breathtaking landscapes and rich natural resources. Flanked by Saskatchewan to the east, British Columbia to the west, Northwest Territories to the north, and Montana, USA, to the south, Alberta is a central jewel of Canada.
Time Zone and Key Cities
Situated in the Mountain Time Zone (GMT -7, and GMT -6 during Daylight Saving Time from April to October), Alberta is anchored by two major cities: Edmonton, the provincial capital in the north, and Calgary in the south. Edmonton lies roughly 300 kilometers north of Calgary, with a spirited rivalry between their sports teams. Other noteworthy cities include Lethbridge, Red Deer, Brooks, Medicine Hat, and the northern hub of Fort McMurray.
Diverse Landscapes and Recreation
Alberta's diverse landscape offers countless recreational possibilities. From expansive prairies and roaring rivers to turquoise lakes, glaciers, and the majestic Canadian Rockies, the region is a natural playground. Prime attractions like Banff and Jasper National Parks, along with the pristine Kananaskis Country, showcase Alberta's splendor. While Banff is a bustling hub with popular ski resorts like Mount Norquay, Sunshine, and Lake Louise, Jasper provides a more relaxed mountain town experience.
Scenic Drives and Natural Wonders
The world-renowned Icefields Parkway promises one of the most breathtaking drives on the planet, winding through dramatic mountain passes and past colossal glaciers and emerald lakes. Photographs scarcely capture the enormity and beauty of this route. Along the way, you can visit the Columbia Icefield and embark on snow coach tours across glaciers. The journey concludes in Jasper, home to Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon, with sightseeing opportunities like the Jasper Tramway to Whistlers summit, towering 2,470 meters high. A valid park pass is required for national park visits or travel along the Icefields Parkway.
Economic Powerhouse
Alberta boasts Canada's lowest taxes, with no provincial sales tax and a 10% provincial tax rate. Its economy thrives on vast oil and gas resources, with oil sands projects in the north holding potential reserves surpassing those of Saudi Arabia. Despite setbacks like the mad cow crisis affecting the beef industry, Alberta's economic performance is a pillar of Canada's financial resurgence. The province is debt-free, having paid off over $20 billion due to lucrative oil and gas revenues.
Education and Infrastructure
Alberta self-regulates its education system, with recent public pressure leading to increased investment. Freed from debt servicing, funds are now channelled into infrastructure, with billions earmarked for development. The Edmonton-based International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS) helps evaluate foreign qualifications, crucial for job applications and visa processes.
Additional self-regulated sectors include driver licensing, workers' compensation, social welfare, and immigration programs. The province's professional regulations are accessible through job search resources.
Healthcare and Governance
A significant concern is the provincial healthcare system, overseen by the Alberta government, led by Premier Ralph Klein and his conservative party. Though perceived to be declining, it remains better funded per capita than the UK system. The federal government is contributing billions to bolster services in the coming years.
Rich History and Heritage
Alberta's history stretches from the age of dinosaurs and the First Nations to Western settlement and the quest for independence. World heritage sites like the Royal Tyrrell Museum near Drumheller and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump near Lethbridge celebrate this legacy. The Tyrrell Museum is a leader in dinosaur exhibits, and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump offers insights into indigenous hunting techniques that shaped a sustainable lifestyle before Western settlement disrupted these practices.
A Welcoming Province
Alberta's dynamic lifestyle and economic potential continue to attract newcomers. With promising growth from the oil and gas industry and unparalleled recreational opportunities in the Rockies, Alberta is an exceptional place to live or visit.
For more details on living in or visiting Alberta, visit [One Stop Immigration Canada](http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/alberta.html).
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