About Alberta

Cities, regions, towns and communities

Map of Alberta showing Edmonton, the capital city and other major cities and rural centres.Over the past 100 years, immigrants from many countries have made Alberta their home. Now, immigrants make up a significant percentage of the Alberta population of over 3.2 million people. Approximately one third of Albertans live in and around the city of Calgary, one third live in towns and villages elsewhere in the province and one third live in the greater Edmonton area (which includes several smaller communities around the city).

Edmonton, the provincial capital, is located in central Alberta. Calgary is located 300 kilometres to the south. Smaller cities and towns are scattered throughout the province:

  • Lethbridge is 216 km south of Calgary.
     
  • Medicine Hat is 293 km southeast of Calgary.
     
  • Red Deer is halfway between Calgary and Edmonton.
     
  • Fort McMurray is 439 km northeast of Edmonton.
     
  • Grande Prairie is 456 km northwest of Edmonton.

Communities across the province offer business opportunities and a full range of health, education and recreation services.

For information about particular communities or regions, see the Community Profiles section of the Alberta First website. Visit the Service Alberta website for information about opportunities and services in rural Alberta.

Alberta communities are vibrant places, bustling with activity and life. From villages and hamlets to towns and cities of all sizes, Alberta communities offer a range of business options and lifestyle choices.

Alberta's Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDAs) support economic development throughout the province. To access information about each REDA and its member communities, visit the links listed below.

Related Information

Government of Alberta

Other Sources

Date Updated: Oct 27, 2008
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