• Aden, Alberta/Whitlash, Montana

• Carway, Alberta/Peigan, Montana

• Del Bonita, Alberta/Del Bonita, Montana

• Wild Horse, Alberta/Wild Horse, Montana

• Coutts, Alberta/Sweetgrass, Montana

• Chief Mountain, Alberta/Chief Mountain, Montana

Electrical current

110 volts, 60 Hertz.

RV's and cars are all 12V DC systems.

Most RV's are supplied with AC to DC power converters that can be plugged into 110 volt receptacles.

Fishing In Alberta

The National Parks and the province of Alberta require a separate fishing license. If you want to go fishing outside of the National Parks you will need an Alberta Fishing License . This license can be obtained online or most sporting goods stores. Larger store chains such as Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire also sell provincial fishing licenses. If you want to go fishing in the National Parks you will require a National Parks Fishing Permit. This license can be obtained inside the National Parks at  information centres, ranger stations, hot  pools or larger campground kiosks, as well as some local retail outlets.

Alberta’s rules of the road may be a bit different than the ones you're used to. So here's a selection of Alberta highway and travel information to help you get around the province safely.

For starters, Alberta is accessible from the east and west by two officially designated Trans-Canada routes. Hwy. 1 crosses Alberta in the South and the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Hwy. (Hwy. 16) crosses central Alberta. North-South Travel is provided on the Queen Elizabeth II Hwy., or you may want to take the scenic route through the mountain parks on the spectacular Icefields Parkway.

Now that you know where you’re going, consult our maps section (located in the top right, under the plan menu) to plot your start and end points. You'll get a handy route map that you can print out and take with you on the road.

An excellent resource for getting around the province is the Alberta Inter-community Public Transportation Guide. For a map of accessible rest stops in Alberta click here.

For other current Alberta road conditions across the province visit the Alberta Motor Association (AMA). The AMA is connected with several international automobile clubs, including the American Automobile Association (AAA), and members can receive reciprocal benefits.

For additional information on Alberta's roads and highways, including maps and current road conditions, visit Alberta Transportation.

Infant car seats are mandatory in Alberta. Children who are less than 8 years or weigh less than 27 kg (60 lb) (whichever comes first) must travel in safety-approved car seats. Infants from birth to 9 kg (20 lb.) must travel in a rear-facing infant seat. Toddlers weighing from 9 kg (20 lb) to 18 kg (40 lb) must travel in a forward-facing child safety seat and those between 18 kg (40 lb) and 27 kg (60 lb.) should be strapped into a booster seat. It is recommended that all children under the age of 12 sit in the back seat of a vehicle with a front-seat airbag. Never place a rear-facing infant safety seat in a seating position equipped with an airbag.

Driving Documents

Driver’s licenses from all countries are valid in the province for up to three months. An International Driving Permit, available in your home country, is valid in Alberta for one year. If you're driving to Canada from the United States, bring the vehicle registration forms and a free Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card from your insurance agent, or the policy itself. The minimum combined liability insurance in Alberta is $200,000. If you're driving a borrowed car, bring a letter of permission signed by the owner. If you're driving a rented car, bring a copy of the rental contract.

Gas and Oil

Gas and oil are sold in Canada by the litre (1.0 U.S. gallon = 3.78 litres). The price of gasoline will vary in each province and territory, and on the grade of gasoline purchased (regular unleaded, mid-unleaded, premium unleaded). Diesel fuel is commonly available on major highways and in larger urban centres. Propane is easily available in most centres. Gas and fuel prices

Insurance

In case of accident involving death, injury, or property damage you are required to produce evidence of financial responsibility. You may also be asked to show proof of insurance if you are pulled over by an enforcement officer for any reason. Auto insurance must be carried by law. The minimum liability insurance requirement is $200,000; it is suggested however, that $1,000,000 in personal liability and property damage insurance be carried.

Motorcycles

Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and to drive with headlights on. Riding two abreast is prohibited.

Seat Belts

Seat belt use is mandatory for all drivers and passengers in Canada.

Tire Requirements

In Alberta there are no provincial regulations requiring the use of either snow tires or chains. These tires are "needed when conditions warrant it." Generally, this implies the routes to ski resorts. While it is legal in Alberta to use snow road technology such as chains and studded tires, these are usually only needed for extreme driving conditions on highways. The Rubber Manufacturers Association follows a standard in making snow tires. Any tire marked, "Snow tires," "Mud and snow," or "M/S" meets the standard.

In British Columbia provincial law states that vehicles in the mountains must be equipped with either snow tires or chains from November 1 – April 30.

National Park Tire Requirements

The National Parks Highway Traffic Regulations state that snow tires or chains are required on highways in Mt. Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho, Banff, Jasper and Kootenay National Parks, as well as the Icefields and Banff-Windermere Parkways. This is signed to that effect during any period the highway is covered with snow or ice. Roads signed as requiring snow tires or chains include the access roads to all ski areas in the Parks. These restrictions do not apply on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #1) from the East Gate to Lake Louise.

Right Turns on Red Lights

You can make right turns on red lights, unless signs indicate you can't. You must come to a full stop, then proceed with caution if the way is clear.

Speed Limits

Speed limits in Alberta are in kilometres per hour (km/h). Highways have a speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph); except in our Rocky Mountain National Parks, which have limits of 90 km/h(56 mph) due to wildlife crossings. Most other rural highways and country roads have a speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph).

As of 2005, motorists cannot speed past construction workers. Under the new amendments, motorists passing stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks must drive at 60 kilometres per hour, or at the posted speed limit, whichever is slower. Motorists passing construction workers must obey posted speed limits or be subject to double the traffic fines for a regular speeding offence.

Map (Click Here)

National Parks

There are five National Parks in Alberta. Banff, Island, Jasper, Waterton and Woods Buffalo. A valid National Parks permit must be purchased and visible when stopping or camping in the National Parks or when Traveling on the Icefields parkway highway 93.

See the Canada National Parks site for permit prices.

Pets

Pets must be accompanied by their owners when entering Canada. Owners of dogs and cats must bring a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian clearly identifying the pet and certifying that it has been vaccinated against rabies within the last 36 months. There are exceptions made for service dogs and puppies or kittens that are younger then three months old. If you plan to Kennel your dog, they will require Veterinarians proof of a Kennel Cough vaccination.

For more information on bringing pets to Canada see the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Postal Rates

The cost to mail standard items such as postcards and letters weighing up to 30 grams:

Canada $.52 cents

Untied States $.96 cents

International $1.60

See Canada Post for more info

Postal Codes

Prescription Drugs

If you are importing prescription drugs they must be clearly marked and identified. The drugs should be in their original packaging, with a label that specifies what they are and that they are being used under prescription. If this is not possible then carry a copy of the prescription and letter from your Doctor.

Phone information

Area Code: 403
Country Code: 1

Emergency 911
Phone directory

Cellular coverage is very good throughout the Province of Alberta except for the Rocky Mountains where the National Parks are located.

Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper have cell coverage. Canadians pay the highest cost in the world for cellular telephones and usage.

• 1 meter = 3.28 feet

• 1 kilometre = 0.62 miles

• 100 km/h = 62 m.p.h.

• 3.8 litres = 1 gallon

• Temperature 25°C = 77°F

• 1 Canadian gallon = 4.5 litres

• 1 American gallon = 3.8 litres

• Time Zone is Mountain UTC -7

Alberta's two international airports are located in the cities of Calgary and Edmonton. Flights to Alberta are available from most major cities worldwide. International travellers can visit the Packages and Tours section of this website for details on air carriers and charter companies.

Calgary International Airport
Location: 18 km (11 mi) northeast of downtown
Phone: 403.735.1200
Toll Free: 1.877.254.7427
Ground transportation:

Edmonton International Airport
Location: 29 km (18 mi) south of the city centre
Phone: 780.890.8382
Toll Free: 1.800.268.7134
Edmonton Jasper Connector

More Info:

For comprehensive information on Alberta-related transportation questions. please visit the Alberta Ministry of Transportation's Alberta Inter-community Public Transportation Guide.

For travelers with accessibility concerns, click here. For a map of accessible rest areas in Alberta, click here.

Be sure your driver’s license is current and that you always carry car registration papers, insurance and or rental contracts. If coming from abroad, check that your insurance policy covers travel in Canada.

Camper vans, RVs and travel trailers are another great way to travel in Alberta, without the worries of booking accommodation. Visit the Alberta Motor Association for driving tips, road reports and other essential reading if you're planning a camping or RV holiday in Alberta.

For comprehensive information on Alberta-related transportation questions, please visit the Alberta Ministry of Transportation's Alberta Inter-community Public Transportation Guide.

Weather in Alberta

Alberta, according to Environment Canada, has more sunshine annually than any other province or territory in Canada (312 days).  We also have the most sunny days in the winter months (115 days).  We're ranked number one for having the most comfortable weather, overall,  in Canada.

Be sure to bring sunglasses and sunscreen lotion. Rain or snow never lasts long and travel is rarely interrupted.

Summer Temperature Ranges (June to August)
15° C to 23° C (60° F to 73° F) 

Winter Temperature Ranges (November to February)
-8° C to -25° C (18° F to -13° F)

Precipitation, Annual Averages
Southeastern Alberta: 30 cm (11.8 inches)
Northern Alberta: 40 - 45 cm (15.7 - 17.7 inches)
Foothills Region: 55 - 60 cm (21.6 - 23.6 inches)

Sunshine, Annual Averages
Southern Alberta: 1900 hours
Northern Alberta: 2300 hours  

Monthly Temperature Ranges. (Calgary Seasons Photographs)

December/January/February

(-22 to -6 degrees) Full on winter with cold temperatures and frequent snowfall. February can be the coldest month of the year. Roads are icy and cars need to be warmed up. Winter activities are at there best. Superb skiing often in sunny conditions. Chinook arches are frequent with temperatures rising from -15 to +5 within a few hours.

March

(-9 to -2 degrees) Cold days and colder nights, winter clothing with some medium weight wear during the day. The feel of spring is in the air near the middle and the month. Best spring skiing as most of the snow falls now in the mountains. Everyone but skiers are tired of winter by now.

April

(2 to 5 degrees) Milder with cold evenings, morning frost. Medium weight clothing and shell jacket at night. The feeling of spring is here. Snow disappears except in high  mountain areas. Ideal Spring skiing conditions. with mountains still receiving a lot of snowfall. Snow has started to melt off the prairies. Canadian Geese can be seen during the day and heard at night flying North. The odd Robin starts to appear. Birds are building nests. Albertans are cleaning up their yards, lawn, flower beds, garages.

May

(8 to 11 degrees) Warm days with cool evenings chance of morning frost. Medium weight clothing at the beginning of the month and summer clothing near the end of the month. Outdoor spring and summer activities begin. Trees and bushes bloom. Gardens are planted near the middle of the month. Rivers still run clear as run off hasn't started from higher elevations. Moderate showers start near the end of the month. (2005 Record Flood). White Pelicans arrive from Florida, some of these spend their summer on the Bow River. Most campgrounds open by the end of the month.

June/July/August

(12 to 30 degrees) Warm and hot with warm to cool evenings. Sumer clothing with shell Jacket in mountain areas. In June the rivers run high and muddy from run off and some rain during the month. Rivers clear up near the middle of July and run clear until next June. (Bow River Seasons)

September

(9 to 13 degrees) Warm days with cool evenings. Light to medium clothing with shell jacket in evenings. Travel is ideal, parks are less crowded. Weather and skies are generally clear. Autumn foliage colors start at the end of the month. (Calgary Seasons Photographs).

October

(3 to 8 degrees) Cool days with cold nights. Medium to heavy weight clothing. Snow starts to fall. RV's and vehicles should be winterized. Night skies are clear most of the month. Canadian geese can be seen during the day and heard at night flying south. Night skies are clear most of the month.

November

(-8 to -1 degrees) Cold with morning frost. Snow now accumulates instead of melting. Ski resorts open and by months end winter is here.

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