Alberta: Fun in the Sun

Known as “Canada’s Sunniest Province,” Alberta receives more days of sunshine per year than any other province in the country. With plenty of nice weather, visitors will have ample opportunity to experience the impressive mix of prairies, parkland, forests and mountain regions that this province offers. No matter what your taste is, there is something for you in Alberta.

Each winter travellers gather in Jasper and Banff to experience some of Canada’s most engaging festivals and witness some the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. Ski, sled, and ice skate among the peaks and valleys of Canada’s open alpine range. After a day in the snow, retire to one of the many cozy winter retreats where you can curl up next to a warm fire or sit in an outdoor hot tub and let the northern lights put on a show for you.

In the spring and summer experience Alberta’s working ranches, farm families, and country towns that capture the essence of the old Western lifestyle. Join in the Calgary Stampede, and be part of an incredible world-famous exhibition that celebrates the Wild West with parades, carnivals, and a big-time rodeo.

If you prefer a more modern experience, head to the West Edmonton Mall – the world's largest shopping and entertainment complex. While in Edmonton get a taste of the local ethnic diversity by attending the Dreamspeakers Festival that features the art and culture of Alberta’s First Nations population. Later, sample a variety of delicious foods from around the world during Edmonton’s Heritage Festival.

From the Big Valley Jamboree, North America’s largest outdoor music festival, to the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world, Alberta remains one of Canada’s most intriguing provinces.

Holidays:
  • Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
  • April 9: Good Friday
  • April 11: Easter Sunday
  • May 24 (or closest prior Mon.): Victoria Day
  • July 1: Canada Day
  • Aug. (1st Mon.): New Brunswick Day
  • Sept. (1st Mon.): Labour Day
  • Oct. 11: Thanksgiving
  • Nov. 11: Remembrance Day
  • Dec. 25: Christmas Day
  • Dec. 26: Boxing Day
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Fast Facts
Population: 2,974,807
Size: 661,848 sq. km. (255,539 sq. mil.); ranks 6th
Capital City: Edmonton
Time Zone(s): Mountain, DST
Minimum Age for Unrestricted Diver’s License: 16 years
Minimum Age for Gambling: 18
Alcohol Consumption: Legal age is 18
Taxes: Alberta has no provincial tax. However, there is a 5 percent provincial rooms tax in addition to the 7 percent national GST.
Highest Point: 3,747 m/12,293 ft., Mount Columbia
Lowest Point: 183 m/600 ft., Salt River at border with the Northwest Territories
  External links
  Alberta
10155, 102 Street - Room 300, Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada T5J 4G8
1 800-661-8888

http://www.travelalberta.com


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