Alberta Historical

Calgary is a vibrant and growing city, known for it's western heritage and friendly people. It has fast become a cosmopolitan area with an increasing population that shows no sign of slowing down. Calgary's ideal location in the foothills of Canada's Rocky Mountains attracts visitors worldwide, offering breathtaking views and

The Canadian Rockies have a vibrant past - full of discoveries. The late 1800s gold rush brought men looking for fortune, and many of the communities they settled remain today. The other major factor in the settlement of the area was the creation of the Canadian Pacific Railway. There are numerous towns throughout that owe their existence to the railway, but this area proved to be one of the hardest for the railroad to develop. It was also during this time that many of the natural wonders that comprise the area's National Parks were found. The occurrences of the railroad settled the area, but the demographics were altered during the Second World War, when Japanese internment camps were set up here and some of those forced to move here chose to remain.

Belted out proudly by six-year-olds and fifty-somethings alike, the Hockey Song rings through the chilled air of hockey sanctuaries across the frozen north. Written in 1973 by prolific song-writer Stompin' Tom Connors, the song achieved anthem-like status after it was played at an Ottawa Senators' game in 1993 and then shortly thereafter at a Toronto Maple Leafs' game.

At the beginning of the 20th century, southwestern Alberta boomed when thick veins of coal were discovered underneath the Rocky Mountains. An ambitious group of workers and entrepreneurs arrived from all over Canada, as far away as Europe and even Russia for the chance to earn a respectable wage of $125 per month. An eclectic mix of miners, surveyors, engineers, doctors, nurses, wives and children set about building a new life for themselves in the valley of the Crowsnest Pass.