With a history of ancient indigenous civilizations, missionary settlements, fur trading, "gold fever," and frontier development, Alberta thrives today as a vital industrial, agricultural, and recreational center. It possesses the widest variety of geographical features of any province in Canada, including a giant plateau "badlands" rich in dinosaur fossils, rolling prairie, and vast parkland. All along its western border are the magnificent Canadian Rockies, which cover 69,500 square miles (180,000 square kilometers) and encompass six national and provincial parks. Alberta is home to Canada’s largest mountain national park – Jasper, as well as Canada’s oldest national park – Banff. Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada’s largest national park, is home to the largest herd of free-roaming bison in the world.

Easily accessible from Montana, you can enter Alberta from Waterton Lakes National Park and drive north to Calgary, where you'll intersect with the Trans-Canada Highway and enjoy a variety of attractions. The view of the Rockies from the Calgary Tower and the excitement of the Calgary Stampede – a ten-day, annual event held each July – are not to be missed.

From Calgary, drive northwest to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park for some of the finest mountain scenery, outdoor activities, resorts, and restaurants on the continent.

Heading due north from Calgary, visit Red Deer, a town famous for agriculture, oil, and its beautiful parkland setting. Farther north is the provincial capital, Edmonton. A confident, multicultural city, it is noted for its oil, its Gold Rush past, and its parks, cultural activities, magnificent sports facilities, and rodeos. Northwest of Edmonton, Alberta provides paved access to Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, British Columbia. There is also paved access to the Northwest Territories—Canada's "frontier" land.

Drive southeast from Calgary and enter an entirely different scene: cowboy-and-Indian territory. Fort Macleod brings you back to the early pioneer days. Lethbridge is famous for its replica of the most notorious 19th-century whiskey fort—Fort Whoop-Up—and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens. Farther east, visit Medicine Hat, known for its parks, pottery, and rodeos. Alberta is truly a vacation destination for all seasons and tastes.

Alberta observes Mountain Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time in summer. Hunting is not permitted in national or provincial parks, and you need a separate license to fish in national parks. For information about hunting and fishing in other areas of the province, contact the Fish and Wildlife Division, Department of Forestry, Lands, and Wildlife, 9920 108th St, Edmonton T5K 2C9. In order to enter the national parks of Alberta, visitors must purchase a park entry permit for a daily fee (maximum charge is for seven days). Permits are available in both Banff and Lake Louise, at park gates and visitor centers. Daily fees run $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2.50 for children, or $10 per vehicle (2-7 people).

In addition to national holidays, Alberta observes Heritage Day (the first Mon in Aug) and Family Day (the third Mon in Feb).

Safety belts are mandatory for all persons anywhere in a vehicle. Children under 6 years of age or under 40 pounds in weight must be in approved child safety seats. For further information, phone 780/427-8901.