Canada is crazy about sports, and in particular ice hockey, or just hockey, as it’s referred to. Alberta is home to the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames, both teams in the NHL, the National Hockey League. Talking about hockey is a favourite subject for Albertans, and you will find it very easy to strike up conversation with people if you have an opinion about hockey. Arguably the best hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky, was born in Canada. 

If you get the opportunity, it will be a great experience to see local teams, such as the Wheatland Kings, the Bisons, or the Drumheller Dragons play live.

Winter sports is a very popular pastime throughout Alberta, including everything from cross country and downhill skiing, to snowshoeing and skidoo’ing (snow mobile). Alberta is host to some of the best skiing areas in North America from Banff and Lake Louise to Jasper and Fernie.