Located between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains is Alberta. Many people consider this province to be the best place to live in Canada right now. Of course, this means that it is an excellent choice for immigrants as well. From its beautiful tourism areas to its growing economy, this article explores what it is like to live in Alberta. Additionally, it’ll cover some of the province’s immigration advantages.
Located between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains is Alberta. Many people consider this province to be the best place to live in Canada right now. Of course, this means that it is an excellent choice for immigrants as well. From its beautiful tourism areas to its growing economy, this article explores what it is like to live in Alberta. Additionally, it’ll cover some of the province’s immigration advantages.
Alberta's World-Famous Landscape
Whether you enjoy scenic mountains or fields that stretch to the horizon, Alberta has both. Despite being landlocked, like Saskatchewan is, Alberta has greater variety in its landscapes. The Rocky Mountains in the southwest of the province are an important tourist area. In fact, people come from all over the world to visit Banff National Park. The Prairies in the southeast offer unforgettable sunsets and expansive night skies.
Despite its beauty, Alberta has very polarized weather. This means that summer gets really hot, and winter gets very cold. Summer days can get as hot as 30°C and above. Meanwhile, winters are known to go as low as -40°C. Additionally, Alberta gets a lot of snow during the winter months before it melts in the Spring. Thankfully, society has adjusted and public transportation during winter months minimizes exposure to the cold in major cities. Keep the weather in mind if you decide to live in this beautiful province.
The People and Cities of Alberta
Alberta has a population of 4.4 million people. This makes it the 4th most populous province in Canada. Likewise, its main cities are some of Canada’s most important. Both Calgary and Edmonton have a population of about 1 million each. Of the three provinces in the Plains, Alberta is the most urban. However, most of it is still rural. Nonetheless, Edmonton is home to the largest mall in North America: The West Edmonton Mall. It even has a waterpark inside!
A part of the province’s culture also revolves around western traditions. This includes the rodeo and other activities performed by cowboys of old. In fact, Calgary holds an annual event called the Calgary Stampede. Impressively, it attracts over a million visitors every year. Surprisingly, this event goes back to the early 1900s. Thus, it is part of Alberta’s culture and heritage.
Is Alberta the Most Affordable Province?
There are many reasons why people say Alberta is the most affordable province. First, this province has very high wages. In fact, it currently has the second highest minimum wage at CAD $15.00/hr according to the Retail Council of Canada. Thankfully, it’s not just entry-level jobs that offer higher wages. The average wage in Alberta is much higher than Canada’s overall average. Additionally, Alberta’s unemployment is also lower than Canada’s as a whole. Further, Alberta has very affordable housing. Even in its largest cities, real estate is cheaper than in other major Canadian cities.
This province is an important center for oil, gas, and mining. In the last 20 years this industry has become a dominant force on Alberta’s economy. Thus, energy-related jobs are also common and important to the province. Forestry, agriculture, and tourism are also big parts of the province’s economy. Alberta’s mix of plains and mountains gives it diverse natural resources to benefit from.
Immigration and PNPs
Any immigrant that uses Express Entry or other federal programs can live in Alberta. However, every province has its own specialized immigration programs called PNPs. To learn more about PNPs, you can read this previous article. This province also has its own programs, which are aimed at immigrants with specific skills.
The AINP (Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program) is the province’s main PNP. It offers a variety of streams for skilled workers that can fill in-demand jobs. Additionally, it has options for entrepreneurs and business owners to immigrate more directly. It is a good idea to find which jobs are in demand, as it your own occupation could be beneficial.
Start a New Life in Alberta
This may be the most affordable province in Canada right now. Its natural beauty and financial benefits make it a compelling option for immigrants. If your goal is to live in this province then we can help. Once you feel ready to begin your journey, you can book a consultation here with any of our certified consultants. We hope to hear from you!
