It's Time For A Little History Lesson

You've been able to see pictures and read a little about some of the places Jerry and I have visited on our trip across Canada into Alaska. I now thought it might be a good time to let you know a little more about the various Providences we've visited.

ALBERTA

Population, 3,375,800, the Capital is Edmonton and the largest city is Calgary with a population of 1,197,700. The Providence covers an area of 255,303 square miles.

The Providence of Alberta is bordered to the west by British Columbia, to the south by Montana, to the east by Saskatchewan and to the north by the Northwest Territories. Among the dramatic features of this geographically fascinating area are a stretch of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the Columbia Ice field along the British Columbia border.

Calgary is the home of the annual Calgary Stampede held on July 3 to 12. It's known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth". The 10 day celebration of Calgary's western heritage includes a parade, daily rodeo, chuck wagon races and an evening grandstand extravaganza.

Edmonton, in addition to being the Capital of the Providence, is home to the West Edmonton Mall. It's the world's largest shopping mall and entertainment center. It covers 38 square blocks and is four stories high. It features 800 stores and 100 restaurants,2 hotels, and 9 theme park attractions. There is an enormous indoor water park, an ice skating rink, 2 18 hole miniature golf courses, the Sea Lion stage and Sea Life Caverns.

There are of course many more cities and towns in Alberta but that would make this journal too long.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Population, 4,113, 487, the Capital is Victoria and the largest city is Vancouver. The size is 364,764 square miles.

Canada's most westerly, and 3rd largest Province, British Columbia stretches 813 miles from its southern border with the United States to the northern border with Yukon Territory. It is bounded on the east by Alberta and on the west by the Pacific Ocean

British Columbia entered the Dominion of Canada on July 20, 1871 as the 6Th Province.

Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway is located in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, not to be confused with Dawson City, Yukon Territory in the north-eastern part of the Province.