The province of Alberta is located on the west side of Canada, east of the province of British Columbia. The state of Montana in the United States lies south, east is Saskatchewan and north is Canada's Northwest Territories.

Close to 3 million people live in Alberta, less than 10% of the 30 million plus Canadians. Economically sound, Albertans rely on their own natural resources for their income and sustenance. Alberta is rich in energy producing properties, such as oil and gas. Tourism generates about 4 billion each year.

The fourth largest province (255,303 square miles) in Canada, Alberta's terrain is mostly flat except for a narrow strip along the British Columbia border where a portion of the Rocky Mountains creates a formidable wall. Extensive history museums, restored heritage sites and a variety of exploration options focus on this spectacular natural and wild area, replete with bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, deer, moose, and elk. Not surprisingly, it is one of Alberta's most visited regions for its visual beauty and as a playground for skiers, hikers, mountain climbers and fishers.

Although not the furthest west, many Albertan's consider themselves cowboys, especially in the Calgary district where the world famous Calgary Stampede takes place every year. Other tourist attractions include the world's largest indoor mall - West Edmonton Mall; the world's largest music festival - Big Valley Jamboree; and the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex - Drumheller.

Weather is four seasons, with moderately hot dry summers and extremely cold dry winters. Albertans boast of more days of sunshine than any other province in Canada.