It was also the launching point for exploration and mountaineering of the Rockies. A destination for the settlers that came west over one hundred years ago to homestead in the Prairies, the province of Alberta presents a culture as diverse as the landscape.

For more information on the province of Alberta and tourist attractions, visit these links:

 http://alberta.ca/home/about_alberta.cfm
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta
 http://www.travelalberta.com/en/Pages/default.aspx

Alberta Facts
Capital City - Edmonton
Motto - (Strong and Free) Fortis et Liber
Flower - Wild Rose
Entered Confederation - 1 September 1905
Population - approximately 3.6 million
Land area out of Canada's total area - 6.6%

Cities

• Edmonton, a city of 863,000, is the capital of Alberta located in the centre of the province. It is home to the Parliament Buildings, the University of Alberta, the Edmonton Eskimos football team and the famous West Edmonton Mall.
• The southern city of Calgary, with a population of 1.04 million plays a large role in the economy of the province and the country. Calgary is home to the world famous Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Flames hockey team and the Calgary Stampeders football team.

Agriculture in Alberta

• Alberta is Canada's 2nd-largest agricultural producer, earning 22% of Canada's farm cash receipts and contributing about CAD 2.8 (or USD 2.4) billion to Alberta's gross domestic product.
• Alberta farmers produce just over one-third of Canada's total production of major field crops. Alberta accounts for 28% of Canada's wheat production; 27% of Canada's canola production and is the largest producer of barley in Canada (40% of production).
• Alberta leads Canada in cattle and calf inventories, with 5.9 million head as of January 2006 (or 40% of the Canadian total).  Cattle production accounts for about 39% of  Alberta's  total farm cash receipts and beef is Alberta's number one agri-food export (CAD 1.4 (or USD 1.2) billion in 2005).
• Alberta is also a large producer of pedigreed seed. 86% of the certified canola seed acres in Canada are found in Alberta. Alberta is also the largest seed producer in Canada of many forage and turf varieties, including bromegrass; wheatgrass; clover and fescues.

Alberta Tourism
Within a short drive from the Calgary city limits you can be in the heart of the Rocky Mountains or exploring dinosaur bones millions of years old.

Banff and Banff National Park
Banff (pronounced "Bamph") is located 144 km (90 miles) from Calgary. It is in the centre of Banff National Park and surrounded on all sides by the Rocky Mountains. A four-season destination, Banff offers cozy resorts, lively pubs and nightclubs, boutique shopping and fine dining experiences - as well as breathtaking outdoor adventures.

Jasper/Jasper National Park
Located deep in the Rocky Mountains, Jasper offers untouched wilderness. Mountain sheep, bears, wolves, elk and mountain goats can often be seen while driving down the road, depending on the season. The drive from Lake Louise to Jasper is breathtaking. Located 416 km (259 miles) from Calgary.

Drumheller and Royal Tyrell Museum 
Located 130 km (81 miles) northeast of Calgary, Drumheller is in the Badlands of Alberta, known for its unique topography - mostly barren terrain that includes grasslands, hoodoos, canyons and coulees. Home to the Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology, which is an exceptional facility dedicated to the study of dinosaurs. Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of preserved fossils, dinosaur displays and exhibits.

Columbia Icefield
Located on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Columbia Icefield is one of the largest snow and ice masses in North America. Covering an area of nearly 325 sq km, this accumulation of snow feeds eight major glaciers - all visible from the Icefields Parkway. Guided glacier tours are a must. A visit to the Icefield is easy to access from either Jasper or Lake Louise.

Lake Louise and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The Village of Lake Louise is located 57 km (35 miles) west of Banff. This quiet village offers a variety of dining, shopping and accommodations, as well as excellent access to many hiking trails. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers one of the most classic vistas of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and is a highlight for any visitor.