Study in Alberta

Alberta offers a variety of activities and beautiful locations to visit. From the Rocky Mountains in the west to the badlands in the south to the forested areas of the north, each landscape offers a unique experience. Students can explore Alberta independently, with their host families or through school activities and programs. Travel Alberta, a government sponsored travel organization, has a wealth of information about traveling around the province.

Alberta's Natural Attractions
Alberta is home to the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia Icefield as well as over 600 lakes, 245 rivers and 78,000 square kilometers of parkland. Alberta is world-renowned for its beautiful parks and is home to three national parks, sixty-nine provincial parks and five of Canada's thirteen United Nations World Heritage Sites. The most popular sites are listed below.

Alberta's abundance of parks and natural areas provide endless
opportunities to hike, camp, ski, mountaineer and fish.

National and Provincial Parks	United Nations World Heritage Sites
Banff National Park Jasper National Park Waterton Lakes National Park Kananaskis Country Elk Island National Park	Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (Jasper, Banff and Waterton) Dinosaur Provincial Park Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump Wood Buffalo National Park Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

Alberta's Cultural Attractions
Alberta also offers a variety of educational and cultural activities for people of all ages. The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede and the Edmonton Fringe Festival are two of the most popular events. However, a variety of festivals and civic events are held throughout the province and throughout the year. Children in Alberta also enjoy the numerous science centers, zoos, and historical parks located throughout the province.

Alberta's Sporting Attractions
Like most Canadians, Albertans love hockey. Alberta is home to two professional hockey teams, the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames, both of which have won the Stanley Cup, the most prestigious prize in the National Hockey League (NHL). Many young people play hockey and it is not uncommon to find a hockey arena in even the smallest of towns.

There are also a number of other sporting events in Alberta. Soccer is becoming increasingly popular and indoor facilities have been built in some cities so that it may be played even during the colder winter months. While in Alberta, international students can also take in a professional game of lacrosse, Canada's national sport, or learn to play it themselves. Some Alberta high schools include lacrosse in their physical education programs, along with other activities including: North American football, basketball, volleyball and track and field. Click here for more information on activities in Alberta's schools.