Province of Alberta Local Customs

Spitz

by canuckmike

An Albertan business that has become an Albertan staple. If you attend an outdoor sporting event in Alberta most likely you will see sunflower shells on the ground. Spitz sunflower seeds are a delicious snack that comes in a variety of flavours. Whenever I go out in the field to work I always bring a bag to munch on. Spitz has definately become an Albertan custom.

Vistor Rebate Program

by sunnywong

All visitors may claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and/or, the harmonized sales tax (HST) which they paid on eligible goods, must provide proof that they exported their goods from Canada. This is referred to as Proof of Export.Proof of Export began at Canada's nine major international airports. Non-resident visitors departing from one of these airports, must have their goods available for inspection and their original receipts validated by a Canada Customs official as they leave Canada.

Inukshuk points the way ......

by kymbanm

The Arctic Circle, dominated by permafrost, has few natural landmarks so the inukshuk was central to navigation across the barren tundra. Inuksuit vary in shape and size, and perform a diverse array of tasks. The word inuksuk means something which acts for or performs the function of a human. It is a symbol with deep roots in the Inuit culture, a directional marker that signifies safety, hope and friendship.You'll find Inukshuk in just about every gift shop during your travels in the Canadian Rockies. The ones I purchased were hand carved of local rocks and strung upon leather or silk. I bought mine as inexpensive gifts for friends back home .. to symbolize their ability to find the right path.A structure similar to an inukshuk but meant to represent a human figure, called an inunguak ("imitation of a person"). An inunguak forms the basis of the logo of the 2010 Winter Olympics; its use...

Priorities ....

by kymbanm

An interesting difference between an American roadtrip, and my Canadian road trip is that it seems Canadians have their priorities toward nature over commerce. Drivining along the Highway, I wold go miles upon miles with only seeing trees, mountains, and other natural 'things' ... no towns, motels, gas stations, or other man made 'things' to be seen!! They were there ... but you had to leave the Hwy for a wee bit to find them.I was amazed at the ability of Albertans to hide towns, and display campgrounds :) This was seen everywhere, even when passing through the outer limits of Edmonton (the Provincial seat of government) .... I knew I was in a large city, but all I could see was green, trees, sky and such .........It does seem that Albertans honor mother nature a bit more than her neighbors to the south ....... and I like that :)

YEEEHAW

by canuckmike

As much as I am not in to this culture there is no denying that it is probaly the most significant one in Alberta, Westren. Cowboys is probaly the most recognised word associated with this. Although it is fast disappearing in the main cities, it is still very much alive in rural Alberta. There are still many bars around to support this and still a fair amount in the main cities. The Calgary Stampede is a festival celebrating this life style and rodeos can be found throuhout most of Alberta during the summer. So if you want to dress this style all you need to is pick up a pair of tight jeans (Wrangler and that style) a pair of cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and good ole size belt buckle and you will be set. Or you can visit a ranch to get a true feel for the lifestyle that helped build this province.

Canada Day Celebrations

by windsorgirl

Canada became a country on July 1, 1867. This is Canada Day. In every town, big or small across the country you will find parades, carnivals, picnics, bbqs, fireworks and more red maple leafs than you can shake a stick at!

Alberta Tartan Facts about...

by Shara.Buchan

Alberta Tartan Facts about Alberta: The Land The westernmost of Canada's three Prairie provinces, Alberta lies between the 49th and 60th parallels, at virtually the same latitude as the United Kingdom. Alberta is 1 223 kilometres from north to south and between 293 and 660 kilometres in width from west to east. Nearly equal in size to the state of Texas, the province covers an area of some 661 190 km2. Roughly half of the southwestern section of the province is dominated by mountains and foothills - striking reminders of the glaciers that, over millions of years, formed, moved and receded in the area. Peaks of the Rocky Mountains located in Alberta range from 2 130 to 3 747 metres in elevation. The foothills, which form a gentle link between mountain and prairie landscapes, feature heavily forested areas and grasslands used for grazing cattle. Beneath their surface, the foothills...

The Lodgepole Pine

by Shara.Buchan

The Lodgepole Pine

Petrified Wood

by Shara.Buchan

The Bull Trout

by Shara.Buchan