Seize the chance to engage with the First
Nations Peoples and watch the fancy
footwork and rhythmic jangles of the dancers
competing at a powwow or performing at
one of the heritage sites and festivals.
The awe-inspiring peaks of the Rocky
Mountains enthrall visitors to the province's
west, while massive ranches and parklands
beckon to the east. The northern boreal
forests offer secluded hiking, paddling and
birdwatching, while the Canadian Badlands
lure visitors with its lunar-like landscape
and vast dinosaur bone beds.
Urban escape artists flock to Alberta's two
largest cosmopolitan cities, Edmonton and
Calgary, for retail therapy, gourmet dining,
rustic spas and shopping at North America's
largest shopping and entertainment
complex, West Edmonton Mall. Smaller
cities, including Red Deer, Grande Prairie,
Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge
and Airdrie, serve as important regional
hubs for shopping, government, tourism
and agriculture/industry.
BY SUSAN MATE
ALBERTA
Urban Art,
Alpine Vistas and
Cowboy Trails
The birthplace of the nation's Wild West
cowboy culture, Alberta is blessed with
abundant wildlife, jaw-dropping scenery
and must-do adventures that run right
through all four seasons. Check out trail
rides in the Rockies, guided ice walks
through frozen waterfalls or horse-and-
buggy tours through historic towns.
AB
44
4,480,486
Edmonton
www.travelalberta.com
Calgary International Airport,
18.4 km (11 mi.) from downtown
Edmonton International Airport,
30 km (19 mi.) from downtown
CITY HALL AND CENTRAL LIBRARY, CALGARY • SHUTTERSTOCK/ALBERTO TOLENTINO
