Alberta Immigration
If you’re looking for a high standard of living in Canada and you enjoy the Great Outdoors, you may want to consider Alberta immigration!
This scenic province, which is famous for its spectacular national parks and rustic rodeos, is located in the western region of Canada, with the provinces of Saskatchewan to the east and British Columbia to the west; Montana to the south in the United States; and Northern Territories to the north.
Alberta has a population of 4.4 million (2021) and its two largest cities are Calgary (metro population 1.58 million) and the provincial capital Edmonton (metro population 1.49 million). If you like NHL hockey, you may be happy to learn that both of these cities in Alberta have top-notch hockey teams (the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames).
Spectacular Scenery
One reason many foreign nationals choose Alberta immigration is the tranquility of its gorgeous natural landscape – particularly its national parks. Alberta is home to five of Canada’s 41 national parks: Banff (the first national park established in Canada and the world’s third national park), Elk Island, Jasper, Waterton Lakes, and Wood Buffalo. Three of these Canadian national parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Banff, Jasper, and Wood Buffalo).
If you decide on Alberta immigration, you’ll have many opportunities to go mountain biking, hiking, camping, backpacking, boating, waterskiing, horseback riding or simply enjoy a peaceful picnic on a nice day in any number of scenic settings in this amazing province. Alberta is also a great place to participate in winter sports, such as snow skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey and riding snowmobiles.
Calgary – Alberta’s Largest City
Another key reason to consider Alberta immigration is that it offers its residents a high standard of living in Canada.
Calgary, for instance, received the honor of being ranked as the 7th “Most Livable City” in the world (tied with Geneva, Switzerland), according to the EIU annual survey of 173 cities around the globe (June 2023). These cities were assessed according to 30 factors grouped into five major categories: stability, infrastructure, healthcare, education, environment and culture, with the overall scores ranging from 0 to 100 (with 100 being a perfect score). Prior to this, Calgary had been included in the world’s top 10 most livable cities for several years in a row.
Thus, if your Canadian immigration dream comes true and you are issued a Permanent Resident Visa for Canada, you might seriously think about moving to Calgary, Alberta – one of the planet’s top places to live!
If you want to experience a taste of the “wild west,” you can look forward to the world-famous 10-day Calgary Stampede (rodeo) held each summer. There are also several beautiful, relaxing and interesting outdoor venues to enjoy in Calgary, including the Calgary Zoo (which also has botanical gardens and a prehistoric park on the grounds); the Bow River (which flows through the middle of Calgary and has scenic parks and walking paths along its course); Heritage Park; Fish Creek Provincial Park; Prince’s Island Park; Bowness Park; the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary; and golfing at the D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club. A scenic 90-minute drive from Calgary is beautiful Banff National Park and spectacular Lake Louise.
Indoor activities in Calgary can include listening to a concert by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra or any number of popular bands and singers who perform in Calgary; visiting the Military Museums; seeing the exhibits at the Glenbow Museum; viewing the city from atop of the Calgary Tower (where you can also enjoy a meal overlooking the city); watching a Calgary Flames NHL hockey match; and going shopping at the historic Chinook Centre, the newer CrossIron Mills Mall, or other shopping centers. Calgary also has great places to eat or enjoy a drink!
Edmonton – The Provincial Capital
Speaking of shopping, the three-story West Edmonton Mall in Alberta’s capital city of Edmonton is the largest indoor mall not only in Canada, but in all of North America (and it was the largest indoor mall in the world until 2004). It has around 800 stores, the Ice Palace ice rink, several restaurants, as well as the Galaxyland amusement park (which includes an indoor roller coaster) and World Waterpark – the largest indoor water park on Earth! Each year, some 28 million people visit the West Edmonton Mall, which also employs around 23,000 people!
Edmonton is also a prime destination for Alberta immigration. Nicknamed the “Festival City” because of the several interesting festivals held in the city each year, Edmonton also boasts North America’s largest urban parkland area (the North Saskatchewan River Valley Park System), which is 22 times bigger than Central Park in New York City! It stretches 48 kilometers through Edmonton, has several parks (including the must-see Fort Edmonton Park), 11 lakes, three golf courses, bicycle and walking trails, the Edmonton Valley Zoo, and places to go camping. This huge “Ribbon of Green” and the West Edmonton Mall provide endless hours of pleasurable and interesting activities to enjoy for those who have chosen Alberta immigration and settled in Edmonton.
Other attractions for those who are issued a Permanent Resident Visa for Canada and move to Edmonton include listening to concerts by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at the beautiful Winspear Centre; visiting the Alberta Aviation Museum; learning more about the province at the Royal Alberta Museum; enjoying dinner and a show at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre; and, of course, watching an Edmonton Oilers NHL hockey match! Like Calgary, Edmonton also has excellent eateries and happening pubs.
Alberta’s Economy
One more reason to consider Alberta immigration after being granted a Permanent Resident Visa for Canada is Alberta’s strong economy and Canadian employment opportunities. For example, Alberta has averaged an impressive 3.4% annual growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the past 20 years.
Key contributors to Alberta’s economy include the following sectors: energy; finance and real estate; business and communication services; construction; retail and wholesale; transportation and utilities; manufacturing; health; tourism and consumer services; public administration; education; and agriculture.
As you research Canadian immigration and applying for a Permanent Resident Visa for Canada, this overview should help you weigh your options for where to live and work in Canada. Alberta immigration should certainly be a consideration, especially if you are seeking peace and tranquility in a beautiful, prosperous place that has a high standard of living. Come experience the beauty of Alberta!
Immigrate to Canada for a Beautiful Future!
DISCLAIMER: This guide is not and shall not be considered as professional or expert advice.
