• Our Name: after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Britian's Queen Victoria
• Size: approximately 2,500,000 friendly people spread over 661,185 square kilometres of fascinating landscape
• Provincial Flower: The Wild Rose - a simple, pink flower that grows just about everywhere in Alberta, especially in our ditches!
• Provincial Bird: The Great Horned Owl
• Provincial Tree: Lodgepole Pine
• Provincial Mammal: Big Horn Sheep
• Provincial Stone: Petrified Wood
• Provincial Motto: Strong and Free
• Provincial Tartan: The colours of the Alberta tartan tell the story of our land, and what it has given us: the green is for forest, the gold for wheat fields, blue represents clean skies and sparkling lakes, pink is for the wild rose and black is for oil.
• Capital City: Edmonton

It's good to know the dates of our public holidays, especially if you're planning on making hotel reservations. Albertans also celebrate many other holidays.

 New Year's Day (Jan. 1)
Alberta Family Day (Feb. 18/97)
Good Friday (March 28/97)
Easter (March 30/97)
Victoria Day (May 19/97)
Canada Day (July 1/97)
Heritage Day (Aug. 4/97)
Labour Day (Sept. 1/97)
Thanksgiving (Oct. 13/97)
Remembrance Day (Nov. 11/97)
Christmas Day (Dec. 25)
Boxing Day (Dec. 26)

You will need a valid passport to enter Canada, unless you are an American citizen (in which case you must provide proof of citizenship upon request). Persons under 18 years travelling without their parents should have a letter of authorization from a parent or guardian to travel into Canada. International visitors should check visa restrictions.

Each visitor may import, duty free, a maximum of 40 ounces (1.1 litres) of liquor, or 24 12-oz cans of beer or ale into Canada as personal luggage. Up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 400 grams of tobacco and 400 tobacco sticks may be allowed entry duty free. To import tobacco products, a person must be 18 years of age or over.

Visitors may bring sporting equipment and personal goods for their own use, duty free, by declaring them at entry. A visitor does not require a permit or certificate to import non-restricted firearms if the firearms are brought in: for sporting or hunting use while in Canada; for use in approved competitions; for an in-transit movement through Canada; or for a person's protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada. Individual licences are required for hunting and fishing.

Once in every 31 day period, after being in Canada for at least 48 hours US visitors may take back merchandise for personal or household use up to the value of $400 duty free. U.S. visitors spending less than 48 hours, may take back $200 worth of merchandise free of U.S. duty and tax. Other visitors should check the customs regulation of their own country prior to departure.

Alberta fishing and hunting is world famous, but you must have a licence!

Licences for fishing in our National Parks can be purchased at park information centres, administration, campgrounds, wardens offices and some fishing shops. The cost is $13 per year, or $6 for a seven day permit for all persons.

Fishing licences outside National Parks can be purchased from Fish and Wildlife offices, hardware and convenience stores, and department stores.

Canadian residents pay $15, visitors $20 for five days or $30 per year.

Catch limits are set in order to preserve fish populations. Alberta has a "catch and release" program whereby all anglers are encouraged to release any caught fish they do not intend to use.

Hunting regulations and special licensing requirements vary depending on the type of hunting. For complete information contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, 9920 - 108th St., Edmonton, AB TSK 2G6 or call (403) 427-6757. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Alberta is truly one of the last natural places on earth, and we value our wildlife. You are invited to fish and hunt in Alberta, but remember that doing so without a licence is a crime, and will definitely result in prosecution!

Canada uses the metric system. Distance is measured by kilometres (km), speed signs are in kilometres per hour (km/h), gas is sold by the litre (approx. 4 1/2 litre = 1 Imperial gallon and 3.8 litre = 1 U.S. gallon) and temperature is measured on the Celsius scale.

Miles x 1.6 = kilometres. Kilometres x 0.6 = miles.

Temperature Guide:

Bed and Breakfasts are a popular way to stay when visiting Alberta. Given the legendary hospitality of Albertans, you'll be treated to local stories as well as tips on the best places to see and things to do!

When booking a Bed and Breakfast, it is best to check out the facility in advance to see if it will meet your needs. Many have shared facilities such as bathrooms, or only a few rooms with private baths. Not all Bed and Breakfast proprietors are willing to take pets, so be sure to check first!

If you are planning on staying at a bed and breakfast and also wish to experience the hiking, biking, skiing or other activities in the area, check with the staff in advance. Many Bed and Breakfasts are able to arrange special packages for their guests and can provide reduced pricing on area activities.

Hostels provide an economical and fun way to stay in Alberta. Not all cities and towns in Alberta have a hostel, so be sure to plan ahead!

Hostels in Alberta are almost exclusively run by Hostelling International, and must conform to their high standards. The hostels provide accommodations that are safe, clean, and comfortable. They are supervised and unruly behaviour is controlled.

Semi-private rooms are available in many of the hostels. Groups and tours are easily accommodated in many Alberta hostels. It is important to note that not all of the hostels have the same amenities so be sure to check ahead if you have any special needs.

Many are remotely located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and are meant to serve hikers in the National Parks. Some hostels are only open at certain times of the year, or must be booked in advance; in fact at peak seasons in the mountains, the hostels are often full, and advanced booking is required.

Many think that Hostels are only for youth - this is not the case! Like most hostels in Canada, all hostels in Alberta have no age restrictions. In fact a considerable number have programs specifically geared to seniors.

Not only do many Alberta hostels offer accommodations, but they also offer various activity packages such as Senior's programs, Ski Packages, Hiking and various other adventure tours.

Alberta's campgrounds are legendary. Clean and well-kept, there are campgrounds available in every corner of the province. You can spend one night on the open prairies followed next by sleeping amongst the towering peaks of the Rockies. When camping in Alberta during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to book your campsite ahead by a day or two.

Campgrounds in Alberta may have restrictions. The following are common restrictions - be sure to check ahead first!

• Use of motorized boats are restricted on some lakes.
• Boats must be clean to prevent spread of water plants.
• Not all lakes have docks or a boat launch.
• Fishing limits and restrictions apply to all fishing activity.
• No overnight camping in some campgrounds.
• Many campgrounds charge for firewood and won't allow outside firewood due to blights.
• Campground gates open/close at certain hours.
• Quiet hours apply in many campgrounds.
• Firearms restrictions (no open firearms are allowed in any National Park.)

Alberta is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the World. Glistening mountain peaks and alpine meadows provide the backdrop to our Back-Country Lodges. Many lodges feature cuisine by award-winning chefs with a different menu prepared every day. To get to many Back-Country lodges may require that you hike or cross-country ski, but rest-assured the trip will be worth it!

As Canada is a northern country, many visitors are confused about our weather. Just so you know, Alberta is the sunniest province in Canada - even on the coldest days of winter, bright sunshine sparkles off the snow. Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen lotion.

Alberta is a comparatively dry province. Even on the hottest day of summer, you'll never feel oppressed by the humidity. When rain or snow comes, it usually doesn't last long, and travel is rarely interrupted.

The Following monthly guide tells you what to prepare for each month in Alberta.

Medium weight apparel. Enjoyable time for those who prefer spring travel. The country is green and spring flowers are in bloom generally by mid-month. Outdoor spring and summer activities begin.

Summer clothing with some medium-weight apparel for cool evenings. Ideal for travel and all outdoor summer activities (Note: insect repellent is a must for bush travel).

Light weight summer clothing. Ideal for travel and enjoying summer activities.

Light to medium weight summer clothing. Ideal for travel and photography as foliage takes on fall coloring toward the end of the month.

Medium to heavy - weight apparel. First touch of frost in the air. Excellent Weather for travel and photography of foliage. Autumn colors peek early this month.

Medium to heavy weight apparel. First sign of snow. Travel at this time is good. Motorists should have cars winterized and snow tires are recommended.

Winter apparel (overcoat, hat, boots, gloves). Heavy snowfall. Excellent months to enjoy the many winter sports activities. Cars should be winterized and snow tires are recommended.

Winter apparel with some medium - weight wear. Snow begins to disappear; however outdoor activities can still be enjoyed in winter resort areas. Winterized cars with snow tires recommended.