Exploring the cities of Alberta

Edmonton

In Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, you’re at the center of government and cultural activities. This city is not just the administrative heart of the province but also a cultural powerhouse with over 30 festivals annually, including the famous Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, the largest fringe festival in North America. Edmonton’s commitment to arts and education is evident in its support of 60 public art projects and over 200 schools, including the University of Alberta, ranked among the top 5 universities in Canada.

Historic Fort Edmonton Park offers a view into its past as a fur trading hub, now serving as a living history museum. For art lovers, the Art Gallery of Alberta houses over 6,000 pieces in its collection and attracts around 100,000 visitors each year. For those considering a move, Edmonton presents an attractive choice with a median household income of approximately CAD 146,000 and housing prices averaging around CAD 626,000, making moving from BC to Alberta a great idea.

Calgary

Calgary, with a population of over 1.3 million, serves as a major Canadian economic hub. It boasts a diverse GDP of CAD 97 billion, primarily driven by sectors such as technology, energy, and manufacturing. Additionally, it hosts the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, contributing to its reputation as a center for education and research. Furthermore, the city is famous for the annual Calgary Stampede, which attracts over a million visitors each year. Calgary offers affordable living, with average home prices around CAD 612,000, and boasts efficient public transit options, including the CTrain light rail system. Moreover, outdoor and cultural activities are plentiful, supported by easy access to the Rocky Mountains and numerous local arts venues, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant and dynamic city.

Red Deer

Red Deer is strategically located halfway between Edmonton and Calgary. This city is an important hub in Alberta for commerce, agriculture, and distribution. Serving as a gateway to both major cities, it offers direct access to Edmonton’s dynamic economy.

For families considering a move with the help of long distance movers Vancouver Island, get ready to trade Pacific Rim Natural Park for something new, less crowded. The city has the extensive Waskasoo Park, with over 80 kilometers of multi-use trails and green spaces. It’s an ideal setting for both relaxation and active lifestyles, supported by community-focused amenities such as the Red Deer Museum and the vibrant Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, enhancing the local cultural scene.

Lethbridge

Lethbridge, known for its winds that average speeds of 20 km/h throughout the year, is also famous for mining and agriculture. Established as a mining town in the late 19th century, it has evolved into a hub for both traditional and renewable energy sources. Lethbridge’s heritage is showcased at the Galt Museum & Archives, where over 20,000 artifacts and 700,000 archival documents and photographs tell the story of its industrious past.

A standout attraction in Lethbridge is the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. Opened in 1967 to celebrate Canadian and Japanese friendship, this garden spans 3.75 acres and offers a serene environment meticulously designed with elements that reflect Japanese traditions and aesthetics.

The city’s architectural marvel, the Lethbridge Viaduct, commonly known as the High Level Bridge, was constructed in 1909. Spanning 1,623 meters and standing 96 meters high, it is the largest railway structure in Canada and offers stunning views of the Oldman River valley.

Culturally, Lethbridge doesn’t disappoint. The annual Lethbridge Jazz & Blues Festival, which started in 2011, attracts thousands of music enthusiasts each June. Additionally, the city’s art scene is dynamic, highlighted by venues like the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, which promotes contemporary creativity with exhibitions from local, national, and international artists.

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is affectionately known as ‘The Sunniest City.’ It lives up to its nickname with an impressive average of over 2,500 hours of sunshine annually. The city is a hub of energy, historically fueled by its vast natural gas fields—one of the largest reserves in Canada. Medicine Hat’s economic landscape is also marked by its celebrated clay industry. The Medalta Potteries Museum is housed in a restored factory. Additionally, it offers live demonstrations and interactive tours that attract thousands of visitors each year.

The city has a variety of parks, such as the sprawling Police Point Park. It spans over 400 acres and features trails and nature reserves ideal for wildlife spotting and serene walks. Golf enthusiasts revel in meticulously kept courses like the Desert Blume Golf Club.

Culturally, Medicine Hat enriches its community with events like the annual Tongue on the Post Folk Music Festival. Therefore, it showcases a diverse lineup of performers from across Canada and beyond. The average home price in the area is also affordable, at CAD 454,000.

Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie is a rapidly growing city in northern Alberta. It has a youthful median age of 30.3 and a population approaching 63,000. The city’s GDP growth outstrips the national average, fueled by retail and construction industries. Housing remains affordable, with a median home price of around CAD 438,000 in 2024.

Culturally interesting, Grande Prairie is home to the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum and the expansive Muskoseepi Park, offering extensive outdoor activities. The city also hosts major events such as the Reel Shorts Film Festival and the Street Performers Festival.

Which one of the cities in Alberta will you visit first?

Each of the cities of Alberta paints a unique picture of this province’s dynamic character. Alberta offers a variety of environments that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. For which one will you start packing moving boxes Victoria and make the move?