The Canadian province of Alberta is located in the western region of the country. Is covers a land area approximately the same size as the state of Texas. The capital of Alberta is Edmonton although its largest city is Calgary. Other major metropolitan areas include Banff and Medicine Hat. Alberta is the 6th largest province of Canada in terms of area and the 4th largest in terms of population. It is bordered by The Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and British Colombia and to the south, the US state of Montana.

The arctic weather systems coming from the north mean that Alberta often has extremely cold winters and average temperatures can reach as low as -24 degrees. Summer temperatures can reach an average of 24 degrees.

Alberta – Employment

There is a useful state government website that both expats and Canadians can use to search for employment in the state. There are opportunities in the medical field as well as teaching, the oil industry and any number of skilled trades. Those who are job seeking can also ask advice from career professionals through the site. Expats who are looking to settle in Alberta can use the site to check if their skills will help them to obtain the relevant visas and work permits.

Some of the main industries in this part of Canada include mining, agriculture and tourism. There are opportunities for those who have experience in these areas. There are some skills shortages in teaching, construction and medicine and those who are properly qualified and experienced can apply for a visa on that basis.

Alberta – Property

Alberta has several major cities which are ideal for those who are looking to begin a new life in Canada. The city of Edmonton has much to offer for families with a wide variety of neighbourhoods to choose from. The district of Castle Downs is situated in the north-west of the city and has developed over the last 25 years. Due to the fact that these have been recently developed there are many green spaces, with parks and lakes for recreation. Some residential neighbourhoods have properties which have relatively low prices with a mix of family homes and apartments available. There are some residential areas which have higher prices, but they are still on a par with the average for the city. The Castle Downs district has several primary schools, but high schools are a short distance away.

The district of Abbotsfield and Rundle has several older neighbourhoods and there is a wide range of houses and apartments available. As with Castle Downs, there are primary schools but high schools are a short distance away. The area has good leisure and shopping facilities. Property prices are a little higher than in Castle Downs, but are still reasonably priced.

The Edmonton area of Lessard Park and Jamieson Place is still undergoing development and there are many residential developments to choose from. There are some areas which are considered to be exclusive, such as Wedgewood Heights, where property prices are above average. There are several primary schools in the district but high schools are located out of the area. The district has some large shopping malls and plenty of leisure facilities such as cinemas, golf courses and several leisure centres.

The city of Calgary is very popular with expats and the Arbour Lake district is one of the newest parts. Building is ongoing and there will be a total of 3000 homes when the district is finished. Most homes will have lake or mountain views and most will be single family homes. Families should note that there are currently no schools in the district and children travel by bus to neighbouring areas to attend schools there. There is an association which maintains the area and organises events and activities in the area.

The Country Hills and Panorama Hills areas of Calgary are both ideal for those who need to travel regularly into the city and offers a range of accommodation to suit all needs. Most homes are single family homes and the area dates back only to the 1990s and most are aimed at the executive market. Prices are on a par with the regional average. Schools are located a short distance outside the district. The area has good shopping facilities and many opportunities for leisure.