Alberta General Information Area: 638,233 sq km (246,422 sq miles). Population: 2,696,826 (1996). Population Density: 4.3 per sq km. Capital: Edmonton. Population: 862,597 (1996). GEOGRAPHY: Alberta is the most westerly of the ‘prairie and plains’ provinces, bordered to the west by British Columbia and the Rockies, to the southeast by the badlands and prairie, while in the north, along the border with the Northwest Territories, there is a wilderness of forests, lakes and rivers. The western, Rocky Mountain border rises to 3747m (12,293ft), has permanent icefields covering 340 sq km (122 sq miles) and releases meltwaters which supply the Mackenzie River flowing into the Arctic Ocean and the Saskatchewan River flowing into Hudson Bay. Language: Although Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), English is more commonly spoken in Alberta. Time: GMT - 7 (GMT - 6 in summer). Note: Summer officially lasts from the first Sunday in April to the Saturday before the last Sunday in October. Public Holidays Public holidays as for the rest of Canada (see general Canada section), with the following dates also observed: Feb 17 2003 Alberta Family Day. Aug 4 Heritage Day. Feb 16 2004 Alberta Family Day. Aug 2 Heritage Day. Travel - International AIR: The province is served by Air Canada (AC) and others including Airtours, Air Transat, American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Horizon Air, Martinair, Northwest Airlines, Royal Airlines, United Airlines and WestJet. For fares and schedules, contact airlines. Lufthansa, SAS and United Airlines serve Calgary only. Approximate flight times: From Edmonton/Calgary to London is 8 hours 30 minutes, to Los Angeles is 3 hours, to New York is 5 hours and to Sydney is 15 hours. International airports: Edmonton (YEG) (tel: (780) 890 8900; website: www.edmontonairports.com) is 28km (17 miles) from the city. A bus service to the city operates every 20 minutes (travel time – 40 minutes). Calgary (YYC) (tel: (403) 735 1200; website: www.calgaryairport.com) is 20km (12.5 miles) from the city. A bus service to the city operates every 30 minutes (travel time – 45 minutes). Both Edmonton and Calgary also receive domestic services; and both have duty-free shops, banks, restaurants and car parking. RAIL: VIA Rail (tel: (888) 842 7245) serves Edmonton and Jasper three times a week. The Canadian, the Western transcontinental train, crosses the province thrice weekly originating from Toronto, Ontario in the east through Edmonton and Jasper, to Vancouver in the west and vice versa. This train connects with the Skeena service at Jasper with a thrice weekly service to Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The seasonal Rocky Mountain Railtours is the only other rail service operating into the province. This is a two-day, all-daylight tour from either Calgary, Banff or Jasper to and from Vancouver, running between mid-April and mid-October (tel: (800) 665 7245). ROAD: Coach: Greyhound Canada (tel: (800) 661 8747) runs coach services into Alberta, thereby connecting Edmonton with all other major capitals. The main Greyhound terminals are at Edmonton, Banff, Calgary, Red Deer, Grand Prairie, Fort McMurray and Lethbridge. Coaches are also operated in Alberta by Brewster Transportation and Tours (Banff) and Gray Line Sightseeing Tours (Calgary), which organise coach tours in the area. A coach is operated between the two city centres of Calgary and Edmonton by Red Arrow (on behalf of VIA Rail) six times a day (tel: (800) 232 1958; website: www.redarrow.pwt.ca). Car hire: Available in all large towns and at Edmonton and Calgary airports. National driving licences are accepted in Alberta. Note: When visiting in late autumn, winter or spring, travellers are advised to ensure their vehicle has snow tyres or to carry chains. It is also advisable to have an adequate supply of antifreeze when crossing through mountain passes. URBAN: Buses and the light rail system in Calgary are operated on a flat-fare system. Exact fares are required if tickets are purchased on boarding; pre-purchased single- and multi-journey tickets are available. Edmonton, where there is a similar fares system, has buses, trolleybuses and a light rail route. Local buses operate in all other major towns. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times from Edmonton (in hours and minutes) to other major cities/towns in Alberta. Air Road Rail Calgary 0.45 3.00 - Banff - 5.00 - Jasper - 4.30 5.20 Accommodation Accommodation ranges from top-quality hotels to motorway motels, lodge estates and hostels. Banff National Park is famous for its two baronial-quality hotels, offering approximately 2000 rooms. Many lodges offer various levels of self-catering, often in conjunction with fishing and hiking trips. Several agencies offer bed & breakfast and ranch vacations throughout Alberta. For information on bed & breakfast accommodation, contact the Alberta Bed & Breakfast Association (website: www.bbalberta.com); or Bed & Breakfast Association of Greater Edmonton (BBAGE) (tel: (780) 464 3515 or (800) 884 8803 (toll free in USA and Canada); website: www.bbcanada.com). Travel Alberta can provide a comprehensive guide to the province’s accommodation (see Contact Addresses section). Grading: A grading system is being introduced. However, much of Alberta’s accommodation is at present already supervised by the provincial government under a voluntary scheme to ensure high standards of cleanliness, comfort, construction and maintenance of furnishings and facilities. Look for the ‘Approved Accommodation’ sign which means that the establishment conforms to these standards. For more information on accommodation in Alberta, contact Travel Alberta or the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association, Suite 401, Centre 104, 5241 Calgary Trail, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5G8 (tel: (780) 436 6112; fax: (780) 436 5404; e-mail: info@ahla.ca; website: www.ahla.ca). CAMPING/CARAVANNING: The northern area of Alberta contains hundreds of lakes and forests, with abundant game such as deer, moose, bears and the rare trumpeter swan. There are numerous campsites in the National Parks. The permanent facilities tend to be more basic in the north. A number of companies can arrange motor camper rentals, with a range of fully equipped vehicles. For further information, contact Canadream Campers (website: www.canadream.com). Full details can be obtained from Travel Alberta (see Contact Addresses section); see also Camping/Caravanning in the general Canada section. Introduction Alberta is represented by six tourism regions, divided principally by their geographic characteristics. The province’s most famous region, the Alberta Rockies, takes up a relatively small part of the province and is identified by its numerous alpine attractions. Both of Alberta’s major cities are represented by their own tourism regions. Central Alberta EDMONTON: The capital of Alberta, located at the centre of the province, was originally established as a remote trading post by the Hudson Bay Company in 1795. From then on, Edmonton experienced relatively little growth until the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. Overnight, Fort Edmonton became the supply area for the thousands of gold seekers heading up the treacherous Klondike Trail to the Yukon. The discovery of oil in the Edmonton area in 1947 assured the city of its future, making it one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Canada. The spacious well-planned city is also famed for its huge parks, which sit on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Edmonton’s love affair with its past is reflected in Canada’s largest historical park, Fort Edmonton Park. This is a complex of reproductions of the city’s frontier days and reaches its apogee in the annual ‘Klondike Days’ extravaganza, held each July, when Edmontonians relive the days of the Gold Rush. West Edmonton Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world, with theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, amusement areas (including a miniature golf course, ice rink, swimming pool, waterpark and amusement park), aviaries, aquaria and museums. Edmonton also boasts Fantasyland, the world’s largest indoor amusement park, and Canada’s largest planetarium, the Space & Science Centre which also has an IMAX experience and Challenger centre. There are several theatres and art galleries. On a clear day, an estimated 6500 sq km (2500 sq miles) of Alberta can be seen from Vista 33 at the Alberta Telephone Tower. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is just outside the city. Other attractions include the Valley Zoo to the west of Edmonton and the John Janzen Nature Centre nestled in the River Valley Park. BEYOND EDMONTON: In the town of St Albert, 30km (19 miles) northwest from downtown Edmonton, is the historic log cabin of Father Lacombe and Alberta’s oldest surviving structure. It was at one time the centre of a thriving French-speaking Métis settlement (Native peoples of mixed heritage). Today St Albert is known for its extensive parklands, which include 40km (25 miles) of walking trails and groomed cross-country trails. Elk Island National Park is located approximately 45km (29 miles) east of Edmonton and can be reached via Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) from the south and Highway 15 from the north. Originally established in 1906 as an elk preserve, this completely fenced park is now home to over 44 different kinds of wildlife (including elk, moose, coyote, bear and beaver) as well as massive herds of plains bison. Camping is possible for a maximum stay of two weeks. Southern Alberta CALGARY: The province’s second city is situated at the western end of the Great Plains in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is probably the fastest growing city in Canada, and hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. The heart of the city is a pedestrian mall with excellent shopping and restaurants; the Glenbow Museum, art galleries and theatres are nearby. The Calgary Zoo and Prehistoric Park is one of the best in North America. Heritage Park offers a chance to explore an authentic Alberta frontier town as it was 80 years ago. There are panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains from the Calgary Tower. BEYOND CALGARY: Thirty kilometres (19 miles) west of Calgary sits the historic site of Cochrane Ranche, established in 1881. By 1888, operations had expanded to such an extent that the ranch billed itself as ‘the largest ranch in the Dominion’. The site is now an historic landmark. On Alberta’s southwestern border with the USA is Waterton Lakes National Park, joined to Glacier National Park in Montana to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Scenic views of the stunning lake and scenery can be experienced on a cruise boat tour around the lake. Visitors should note that the park is a natural habitat for many species of wildlife, including bears, and that caution, particularly with bears, should be exercised. The Canadian Heritage National Parks Department publishes leaflets on safety precautions in backcountry areas. For details, contact one of the travel authorities under Canada’s Contact Addresses section. In south central southern Alberta the remains of dinosaurs first discovered in 1874 in the banks of the Red Deer River, can be seen on the 48km (30-mile) Dinosaur Trail near Drumheller. Five minutes from the downtown area is the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, with hands-on exhibitions, ongoing site work and one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur remains. Southwest of Drumheller, the Dinosaur Provincial Park continues this theme with reconstructed skeletons of duck-billed dinosaurs. To the south of Calgary, 50km (36 miles) south of Lethbridge, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is among the largest and best-preserved jump sites in the world; it was used by the native people for more than 10,000 years to drive thousands of buffalo to their deaths, thus providing them with food, shelter and clothing. The top of the cliff provides an unparalleled view of the surrounding prairie. Western Alberta THE ROCKIES: The city of Calgary is the major stopping-off point en route to Banff National Park, 130km (80 miles) to the west in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff, the first of the country’s national parks and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a spectacular wilderness area with mountain, river and lake scenery – notably Lake Louise. Along with Jasper National Park to the north, it offers a huge range of activities, including boating, canoeing, raft tours, fishing and hiking. The major ski resort in the Rockies, it hosts the annual Banff Festival of the Arts. The small town of Jasper is mainly used as a stocking-up point for the numerous hikers on their way into the mountains. Set in magnificent mountain scenery, it is an ideal starting point for trips to Pyramid Lake, the Miette Hotsprings and Maligne Canyon as well as Maligne Lake. For the bold of heart, there is even alpine scuba diving. Horseshoe Lake, Patricia Lake and Lake Annette are three of the more popular locations. Divers should be experienced and employ the ‘buddy’ system as the water is cold and visibility is often limited. The local Rangers Station opposite the railway station can supply maps and other information. One-day permits for these parks cost C$5 per adult, with children aged 6 years and under admitted free of charge. The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), runs the length of the two parks affording magnificent views of the lakes, forests and the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, which incorporates the McKinley Glacier and the Columbia Glacier. Visitors can take a bus trip to the top of the latter or go on foot to the bottom edge of it. It should be noted, though, that the temperature drops noticeably when approaching the glacier and that the hiking trail can be difficult in parts. The Parkway provides the best access to the wilderness trails in the area. NORTHERN ALBERTA: In the far north of the province, the remote Wood Buffalo National Park straddles the border with Canada’s Northwest Territories. The park is located 1310km (819 miles) north of Edmonton and 228km (143 miles) north of Fort McMurray. Wood Buffalo is Canada’s largest national park (it is bigger than Switzerland) and was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1983. The park’s vast expanses of boreal plains make it a perfect habitat for many rare species of wildlife, including the world’s largest free-roaming bison herd. Within the park, the Peace-Athabasca Delta is one of the world’s largest inland freshwater deltas and a major nesting area for migratory waterfowl, such as the whooping crane. The park offers a variety of activities to visitors, including wildlife viewing, walks on secluded forest trails and canoe trips on the mighty Athabasca, Peace and Slave rivers. Sport & Activities Outdoor pursuits: The Rocky Mountains in the southwest of the province, the wilderness in the north, the large open spaces of the prairies and Alberta’s many lakes and rivers offer scope for a wide variety of outdoor activities. The four contiguous national parks situated in the southern part of the Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay) are an obvious starting point for visitors in search of the great outdoors. Skiing, both cross-country and downhill, is a major pastime in the Rockies in the winter. Snowboarding is also very popular. Other snow-based activities include dog sledding (trekking along mountain trails with teams of huskies under the supervision of experienced guides), ski-joring (being pulled along on skis by teams of huskies), wildlife tracking, igloo building and snowshoeing. Longer treks allow the visitor to penetrate deeper into the pristine wilderness. Accommodation is usually in log cabins or winter camps. Visitors should note that certain regulations apply to national parks and that some activities are not allowed (snowmobiles are prohibited for example); for further details see Sport & Activities in the main Canada section. Provincial parks, such as Kananaskis or Mount Robson may offer the visitor more freedom in this respect. Watersports: There are excellent facilities for whitewater rafting, fishing and canoeing in particular. Boats can also be hired privately for recreational purposes. Rodeos: The Calgary Stampede, one of Canada’s biggest rodeos, is held in July each year and attracts many competitors and spectators. Lasting for ten days, it includes stage shows and agricultural exhibits, and offers one of the largest prizes in North America. Many other rodeos are held in Alberta. Spectator sports: Ice hockey, baseball and football are very popular. The Calgary Flames, Alberta’s premier hockey team attract a large following. For general information about sport and activities in Canada, see the main Canada section. Social Profile Food & Drink: Alberta’s prairie is ideal for cattle rearing and its Western beef is world famous. Beef is barbecued, braised, grilled, minced and skewered with different complements such as onions, mushrooms, green peppers, rice, sauces and beans. Unusual beef dishes are stew (combination of diced steak, garden vegetables and biscuits cooked in rich gravy) and beef mincemeat (combines chopped suet, fruits and spices) used in pies and tarts and as a traditional Christmas dish served with ice-cream, cream or rum sauce. Wild berries and nuts are used in desserts. During the season, try the blueberry muffins from local bakeries. Honey is made from alfalfa and clover nectar and is a widely used sweetener and breakfast food. Apart from traditional foods, Alberta’s towns and cities offer an excellent range of international cuisine. Alcohol is sold in ‘liquor stores’, although beer may be obtained in the majority of hotels. The minimum legal drinking age is 18 years old. Nightlife: Both Edmonton and Calgary have a rich variety of night-time entertainment. Nightclubs, cabarets, taverns, lounges and that infamous Alberta watering hole, the beer parlour, combine to provide constant local and international entertainment. Calgary and Edmonton boast full-scale orchestras. Shopping: Alberta is the only province (apart from the Northwest Territories and Yukon) that does not apply an extra sales tax on all purchases over and above the general sales tax of seven per cent. Artwork available in the province includes pottery, ceramics, sculptures and paintings. There are numerous malls in Edmonton, including Heritage Mall and the huge West Edmonton Mall (see Resorts & Excursions). Speciality shops can be found in the Old Strathcona district, from boutiques to a farmers market. The Kensington district – Calgary’s village in the city – has over 140 excellent shops and restaurants. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1700; Sat 1000-2100 (malls are generally open until 2100). Special Events: For full details, contact Travel Alberta (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events held in Alberta in 2003: Jan Annual Snowmobile Rally, Two Hills. Jan 17-19 Ice Magic – Annual Ice Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, Banff. Jan 17-26 Canmore Winter Festival. Jan 24-Feb 2 Banff/Lake Louise Winter Festival, Banff. Feb Alberta Snowmobile Association Jamboree 2003, Bonnyville. Mar 7-9 Canmore International Ice Climbing Festival. May 20-24 Calgary International Children’s Festival. Jun 20-29 Jazz City International Music Festival, Edmonton; Calgary International Jazz Festival. Jul 1 Canada Day Celebrations. Jul 4-13 Calgary Exhibition and Stampede 2003, Calgary. Jul 24-27 Calgary Folk Music Festival 2002. July-Aug Banff Arts Festival 2003. Jul 31-Aug 1 Big Valley Jamboree 2003, Camrose. Aug 2 Canadian Death Run. Aug 2-4 Edmonton Heritage Festival. Aug 7-10 Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Aug 14-24 Fringe Theatre Festival, Edmonton. Aug 30 Canadian Death Ride 2003; Grand Cache and Edmonton. Oct Festival of Eagles, Canmore. Nov 1-9 FarmFair International, Edmonton. Nov-Dec Women’s World Cup Downhill Races, Calgary. Business Profile Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Alberta Chambers of Commerce, 1808 Merrill Lynch Tower, Edmonton City Centre, Alberta T5J 2Z2 (tel: (780) 425 4180; fax: (780) 429 1061; website: www.abchamber.ab.ca). Conferences/Conventions: Calgary, Banff, Edmonton and Jasper offer conference and convention venues. Information can be obtained from the Visit Canada Centre (see general Canada section) or Travel Alberta (see Contact Addresses section). The following organisations can also offer assistance and advice: Calgary Conventions & Visitors Bureau, Suite 200, 238 11th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0X8 (tel: (403) 750 2366; fax: (403) 262 3809; website: www.visitor.calgary.ab.ca); or Banff/Lake Louise Tourism Bureau, PO Box 1298, Banff, Alberta T0L 0C0 (tel: (403) 762 8421; fax: (403) 762 8163; e-mail: info@banfflakelouise.com; website: www.banfflakelouise.com); or Edmonton Tourism (see Contact Addresses section); or Jasper Tourism and Commerce, PO Box 98, 409 Patricia Street, Jasper, Alberta T0E 1E0 (tel: (780) 852 3858; fax: (780) 852 4932; e-mail: jaspercc@incentre.net; website: www.jaspercanadianrockies.com). Climate Summer, between May and September, is warm, while winters are cold, with particularly heavy snowfalls in the Rockies. Spring and summer evening temperatures can be cool. Required clothing: Light- to mediumweights during warmer months. Heavyweights are worn in winter, with alpine wear in mountains. Waterproof wear is advisable throughout the year. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.