Alberta - Canada Maps

Alberta facts

Capital: Edmonton
Population: 4,262,635 (2021)
Date of Admission: 1905
Provincial Motto: Fortis et liber (Strong and free)
Provincial flower: Wild rose
Time Zone: Mountain (MST) – (GMT − 7 hours)
Total Area (Sq Km): 661,848
Total Area (Sq Mi): 255,541

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Quick links: About, Major places, History, Geography, Climate, Google Maps, Facts, What to do, Accommodation, Pictures, Useful information, Further readings.

Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a leisurely vacation enjoying the great outdoors, Alberta is the perfect place. In the winter, hit the slopes at one of Alberta’s world-class ski resorts or go for a snowshoe hike through a pristine forest. Spring and summer offer endless hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and fishing opportunities. Calgary is also home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Calgary Stampede, Folk Fest, and Sled Island. Alberta always has something to see and do whatever time of year you visit. So come and explore all that this great province has to offer!

About Alberta, Canada

Alberta is a prairie province in the west of Canada that stretches across the continental interior of Western Canada. To the north, the 60th parallel forms its boundary with the Northwest Territories, and to the east, the 110th meridian forms a boundary with Saskatchewan. The 49th parallel forms its boundary with Montana in America to its south and west, and the 120th meridian and the Rocky Mountains form the boundary to British Columbia.

Alberta is the fourth-largest province in Canada and is bordered by British Columbia to the west, Saskatchewan to the east, Northwest Territories to the north, and Montana on three of its four southern borders. Along with administering Alberta’s day-to-day needs and implementing legislation, the provincial government has shaped Alberta’s cultural identity. The provincial capital is Edmonton, which overlaps prairie and boreal forest on this extensive southward projection of the Canadian Shield.

Alberta’s prairie and parkland zones have had a history of development due to the early explorations by traders. The birth of agriculture led to population growth, which sparked urbanization and industrialization when explorers came across oil and gas, coal, and timber. Although sparsely populated, the province lacks industries requiring mass markets. Alberta is a jumping-off point for the development of Canada’s North, with its natural routes to the north. The scenery of the mountain parks in the west is internationally renowned. The area is 255,541 square miles (661,848 square km). Learn more about Alberta’s location here.

Principal cities and towns

The Canadian province of Alberta contains 18 “cities”. Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and St. Albert are the five most significant cities.

History

Alberta has been home to First Nations groups for over 10,000 years. European explorers first arrived at the area in the late 18th century, as the fur trade expanded across North America. Hudson’s Bay Company, competing with North West Company (NWC), built trading posts at important sites by major Canadian rivers from 1821 when both rivals merged into one company. This region was transferred to the Dominion of Canada in 1870 but was populated by First Nations and Métis.

Southern Alberta was first settled in 1870 after the arrival of cattle ranchers. The First Nations people were decimated by European diseases and the disappearance of the buffalo (the native population’s primary food source), so they were forced to sign treaties that relocated them to reserves. However, not before unscrupulous traders took advantage of them, leading to the creation of one of Canada’s most famous police forces: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was established in 1874 when it established its first outposts in Fort Macleod.

The Dominion Lands Act of 1872 and the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway both contributed to this population growth. By 1901, 73,000 people had migrated to the province; by 1911, 374,000 had. These early settlers found success in crop farming due to new wheat varieties that matured faster and were disease-resistant. This contributed to a shift from ranching to wheat production throughout most arable parts of the province.

Alberta had been a district of the Northwest Territories since 1882 until it was made a province in 1905. It became an important distribution center, with Edmonton as its capital. Calgary boomed after the discovery of oil in Turner Valley in 1914. Medicine Hat and Lethbridge also became important distribution centers, while railways spread over most provinces. Agricultural development and coal mining thrived.

During World War I, the growth of both population and the economy began to slow down. This postwar slump in wheat prices was a significant factor leading to political unrest and the election success of the United Farmers Party of Alberta in 1921. Years of depression followed and became even worse with a record-breaking drought in the 1930s that finally led to the Social Credit Party’s win in 1935. The Progressive Conservative Party took over power from them 36 years later.

Alberta’s once-depressed economy bloomed with oil and natural gas discovery in the postwar era. Growth continued into the late twentieth century, as Alberta became a hot destination for Canadians who wanted to work in these booming industries. Today, Alberta has two metropolitan centers, Edmonton and Calgary, which house about two-thirds of the province’s population. The future is bright for this prosperous province, thanks to its fame as one of the world’s leading oil producers.

Geography

The highest point in Alberta is Mount Columbia, which reaches 12,294 feet (3,747 meters). Numerous other peaks also surpass 11,000 feet (3,350 meters) in height. A narrow foothill zone lines the mountains to the east. Beyond that, the plains of Alberta drop from over 3,000 feet (900 meters) in the southwest to less than 1,000 feet (300 meters) in the northeast. The Canadian Shield and Precambrian rocks are found here. Notable exceptions include Ipsress Hill, Swan Hill, and Caribou Mountain.

Mountains to see: Mount Columbia, The Canadian Rockies, Mount Alberta, Mount Temple, Mount Yamnuska, and Mount Edith Cavell.

The Columbia Icefield, also known as “Icefields Parkway,” are two of Alberta’s major rivers. The Athabasca flows NE to Lake Athabasca and becomes the Slave River, a tributary of the Mackenzie River. It is joined by the Peace River and flows north to the Arctic Ocean. Alberta’s lowest point (570 feet [174 meters]) occurs in the valley beneath Mount Allan near Athabasca Falls. The North Saskatchewan flows east from Prince Albert National Park with its many waterfalls to Hudson Bay, where it is met by the Churchill River flowing west from Manitoba, which adds considerable volume for most of its journey.

Most of Alberta’s rivers flow in deeply incised valleys, along which the eroded, barren landscapes known as badlands may develop. The Red Deer River is famous for its rock-laden deposits of dinosaur remains, making up about 6,500 square miles (16,800 square km) of the province’s fresh water.

The rich and fertile Chernozems characteristically underlie the prairies, parklands, and mixed-forest regions of Canada’s south, east, and northeast portions. In contrast, the less fertile gray-wooded Luvisols characterize the forests that cover large areas of the foothills and north country.

Alberta has a variety of lakes, ranging from glacial lakes in the Canadian Rockies to small shallow lakes in the prairies. Alberta’s lakes include brown lakes in the northern boreal forest and muskeg, kettle holes, and large lakes with sandy beaches and clear water in the central plains. Alberta has thousands of lakes that are very unevenly distributed. It contains many water bodies in the wetter boreal plains in the north and very few in the semi-arid Palliser’s Triangle in the southeast.

Major lakes are Lake Athabasca (7,850 km2 / 3,030 sq mi), Lake Claire (1,436 km2 / 554 sq mi), Lesser Slave Lake (1,160 km2 / 450 sq mi), Bistcho Lake (426 km2 / 164 sq mi, Cold Lake (373 km2 / 144 sq mi), Utikuma Lake (288 km2 / 111 sq mi, Lac la Biche (234 km2 / 90 sq mi), Beaverhill Lake (139 km2 / 54 sq mi), Calling Lake (138 km2 / 53 sq mi), Pakowki Lake (123 km2 / 47 sq mi), Winefred Lake (123 km2 / 47 sq mi).

You might not know it, but Alberta has three big bodies of water- the Hudson Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Arctic Ocean. The amazing thing about Alberta is that even though it’s located directly north of the continental divide- which usually means no access to the Pacific Ocean- there are still no rivers in Alberta that lead to the Pacific Ocean. The vast majority of the water in Alberta flows toward Hudson Bay, except for some rivers that flow south, like the Milk River. Most of southern Alberta doesn’t have any running water.

Major rivers:

Arctic Ocean watershed: Athabasca River, Peace River, Slave River, Hay River, Petitot River
Hudson Bay watershed: North Saskatchewan River, South Saskatchewan River, Beaver River
Gulf of Mexico watershed: Milk River

Alberta is home to five national parks: Wood Buffalo National Park (a World Heritage site) in the northeastern part of the province; Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay National Parks, which are located in the Rocky Mountains near the border with British Columbia and together with two of that province’s provincial parks (Yoho and Glacier) have been designated a World Heritage site; Waterton Lakes National Park, which joined with Glacier National Park in Montana in 1932 to form the first international peace park (designated a World Heritage site in 1995); and Elk Island National Park, near Edmonton. These five federally-protected sites are heavily utilized by eager visitors who come to hike, canoe, ski, camp, and bird-watch.

Climate

The climate in Alberta is dry, sunny, and cold- perfect for people who love the outdoors. Winters are mild, but down south, it gets significantly warmer when warm Pacific air (called Chinook winds) hits Alberta’s eastern slopes. Summers are wet and hotter, with the occasional destructive hailstorm or tornado. Edmonton’s temperatures are below average, but when the summer arrives, Edmonton’s climate is nice and hot. An annual average of 18 inches (460 mm) of precipitation falls in Edmonton, while it rains 12 inches (300 mm) in dry regions, and more than 50 inches (1,270 mm) of precipitation falls in mountainous areas. About half the rainfall occurs from June to August.

Google Maps Alberta

Please click here for driving directions.

Google Street View is a technology featured in Google Maps and Google Earth that provides panoramic views from various positions along many streets in the world. It allows users to view and navigate through worldwide horizontal and vertical panoramic images of streets. Some interesting places to check out in Alberta on Google Street View might include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, and the Calgary Stampede. You may also find interesting views of the cities of Edmonton and Calgary, which are the two largest cities in Alberta.

Did you know?

The highest point in Alberta, Mount Columbia, is 12,294 feet (3,748 meters) above sea level. Many other peaks exceed 11,000 feet (3,350 meters).
The Columbia Icefield is the source of two major rivers in Alberta, the Athabasca and the North Saskatchewan.
Alberta has about 6,500 square miles (16,800 square km) of fresh water.
Alberta has many lakes and rivers, but because of the ecological damage caused by these projects has brought about a lot of controversies.
Those living in the Alberta province know the landscape is often rocky and dry. The deeply incised valleys and barren landscapes are known as badlands.
Winters are cold, sunny, and dry. In the south, however, the Chinook winds can raise temperatures quite quickly by 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 22 degrees Celsius.
Many mountain roads close during the winter because of heavy snowfall. Major passes, however, are maintained and usually stay open.
The dry, infertile, gray-dotted soils known as luvisols can be found in the vast forests of the Rocky Mountains.
Alberta is one of the most diverse provinces in Canada. It has a rich history and has been home to many nationalities, cultures, and religions.

Alberta’s most densely populated region is the corridor from Edmonton to Lethbridge through Calgary and Red Deer.
The lowest densities, averaging one person per square mile, are in the remote north. The foothills and mountains, combined, make up three-fourths of the province.
Alberta’s agricultural land covers about one-third of the province’s total land size. One-half is used to grow crops, and the rest is used for livestock.
Around 56% of the province is covered in forest. Aspen, white spruce, and pine are the main commercial species used for lumber, wafer board, newsprint, pulp paper, and paper.
Alberta contains the bulk of Canada’s fossil fuels. Many oil and natural gas are found in the province. Significant deposits of heavy crude oil and oil sands are exploited in areas like Lloydminster, Cold Lake, and Fort McMurray along the eastern border with Saskatchewan.
The manufacturing sector in Alberta is oriented primarily toward processing primary goods.
The leading industries in this field are food processing, chemicals, petroleum, and wood-related products.

What to do in Alberta

Alberta has an incredible amount of outdoor recreation and breathtaking scenery. During the summer months, June through August, it’s very popular. People flock to Banff since it’s known as Canada’s single most popular destination for foreigners. However, no matter when you visit, it’s necessary if you plan on traveling and have specific destinations in mind or lodging plans.

Banff and Jasper national parks have long been Alberta’s mountain recreation centers. You can easily make staying in a hotel easier to have a good time outdoors. Most concierge services can help arrange activities; many don’t require you to register very far in advance. Shuttle buses are also usually available, which helps if you need to travel to more distant points of interest.

Consider renting a horse when you want to experience Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise in all their glory from the perfect vantage point. You could ride to a mountain top or take an afternoon trail around the valley. If you’re not up for a white water adventure, scenic cruises on Lake Minnewanka and Maligne Lake will offer a more relaxing way to travel.

Accommodation in Alberta

Regarding accommodations, Banff and Jasper’s availability is very tight in the summer months. The Rockies are also booked solid for the Stampede. If you’re having trouble finding a place to stay, try our booking engine below, which offers an online reservation service for lots of B&Bs.

A bed and breakfast is perfect if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a hotel. A great resource is the Alberta Bed and Breakfast Association (https://www.bbcanada.com), which provides listings of member-inspected B&Bs available throughout Alberta.

Tips for accommodations:

Budget-Friendly	Mid Range	High End
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort	Buffalo Mountain Lodge	Royal Canadian Lodge
The Rundlestone Lodge	Fox Hotel and Suites	Peaks Hotel and Suites
Irwin’s Mountain Inn	The Hidden Ridge Resort	Rimrock Resort Hotel

If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Alberta, Canada, there are plenty of great hotels to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and budget.

Reserve a room

Alberta has excellent hostels, especially in the Rocky Mountain national parks. They’re often the only affordable lodging option, too. If you’re looking for a hostel, make sure to stop by one that’s run by Hostelling International Canada (www.hihostels.ca) in Alberta – they welcome guests of all ages!

Pictures

Useful information

Wide, 4-lane highways allow easy travel between major areas of the country. Cycling on roads is safe and comfortable because there are broad shoulders to accommodate cyclists. You can also find high-quality secondary highways for local trips and rural routes for exploring the outdoors.

Given the unpredictable nature of weather and construction activities, Alberta’s highways can be in different conditions. It’s essential to stay informed. For conditions, dial 511.

Travel Alberta (800/661-8888; www.travelalberta.com)

Alberta Motor Association (403/474-8601; https.ama.ab.ca)

Rail: VIA Rail Canada (888 842 7245, www.viarail.ca)

Bus: Red Arrow (800 232 1958, www.redarrow.ca).

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