Calgary & Edmonton: Alberta's Two Major Cities

Both cities lie in the province of Alberta, in western Canada's prairie-parkland transition zone:

• Calgary – Southern Alberta, ~290 km (180 mi) north of the US border (Montana). Elevation ~1,045 m. Gateway to the Rockies (Banff ~1.5 hrs west). Hosted 1988 Winter Olympics. Energy industry hub.
• Edmonton – North-central Alberta, ~300 km (185 mi) north of Calgary (via QEII Highway). Elevation ~670 m. Provincial capital. "Gateway to the North" for oil sands, diamonds, Arctic research. Home to West Edmonton Mall (largest in NA) and massive river valley park system.

The Calgary–Edmonton Corridor is one of Canada's most populous and economically dynamic regions, linked by highway, rail (Via Rail), and frequent flights (25 min).