Alberta is a province in western Canada, bordered by British Columbia to the west and Saskatchewan to the east. It is best known for its Rocky Mountain landscapes and for its oil sands, the large deposits of bitumen that have shaped much of the province's economy and its industrial character.
What a visit offers
- Mountain scenery: The Rocky Mountains run along the western edge of the province, giving visitors wide valleys, peaks and forested trails to explore.
- Two major cities: Calgary and Edmonton are the main urban centres, each a practical base for flights, accommodation and day trips.
- Industrial heritage: The oil sands are a defining feature of the province, and they are worth knowing about if you want to understand how Alberta developed.
Planning your trip
Alberta is large, so distances between the mountains and the cities can be considerable. Many visitors combine a stay in Calgary or Edmonton with time in the Rockies, travelling by road to see the landscape at a steady pace. Because the province spans a wide area, it suits travellers who enjoy long drives, open country and outdoor activity as much as city life.
