Alberta is the fourth largest province in Canada, sandwiched between the mountainous province of British Columbia to the west and the vast, flat prairies of Saskatchewan to the east. An area of diverse natural terrain, from boreal forests and ancient glaciers to grasslands, lakes and rivers, it features the oldest mountain ranges on the North American continent, crosses the Continental Divide and is home to five of Canada's 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Similar in size to Texas, it is almost purpose-built for the biggest of Big Rig RVs.
Geography
Alberta extends 764 miles from north to south and 412 miles from east to west, encompassing the second highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and six major ski resorts. Alberta's 3 million permanent residents predominantly live in the cities of Calgary and Edmonton, with smaller enclaves at Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. It is the vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness and five national parks that make it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.
Campgrounds
Whether you are planning a visit to Jasper National Park or want to stay on the outskirts of Edmonton, there is a Big Rig campground close by. The most northern Big Rig campground listed by Woodall's is the year-round County Roads RV Park in Grand Prairie. Sixty-one of its 115 sites offer 50-amp hook-ups, and there are hiking trails, horseshoes and an on-site playground. Hinton/Jasper KOA accommodates Big Rigs and features stream fishing, bike rentals and a full program of activities from May through September. The Whitemud Creek Golf & RV Resort south of Edmonton has a typical site width size of 45 feet, and a recreation area and golf are available on site.
Activities
Learn to master mountain bikes at Calgary's Canada Olympic Park. "Dirt Nuggets" lessons look after the little ones, giving them the confidence to take on the trails, while the more experienced can tackle dirt jumps and downhill rides. Ride horses on the Cowboy Trail in the Porcupine Hills or down the Icefields Parkway at Lake Louise. Or, head to the Grand Cache for white-water rafting and canoeing. Northern Alberta offers an abundance of wildlife-watching opportunities, llama ranches and First Nation sites to explore. In the summertime, 18 hours of sunlight a day makes for ideal golfing.
Attractions
Big Rig campers will find plenty of attractions within easy access of their campgrounds, especially close to the cities of Calgary and Edmonton and the major tourist resorts at Banff and Jasper. Explore a little further and you can join an archaeological dig for dinosaurs in the southern Alberta Canadian Badlands, stock up on organic treats from a network of 110 nonprofit farmer's markets, stroll around a Ukrainian Heritage Village and spot wild bison, moose, deer and elk at Elk Island National Park.
Practicalities
Alberta is a four-season destination and Albertans are generally unfazed by extreme weather. When snow falls they simply go skiing and you can follow in their footsteps. Be sure to winterize your vehicle and check for road closures to access the campgrounds. The government-run Alberta Parks gives details of campgrounds suitable for Big Rigs in the province's national and provincial parks, along with site fees, regulations and updates of any closures due to weather.
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