St. Albert, AB
St. Albert is the second largest city in the Edmonton Capital Region, having a population of over 65,000 people. But it wasn’t always like this, in the past St. Albert was a Métis settlement of around 300 people. The city grew in the 1980s with the expansion of Edmonton and today it is a suburb of the larger city, but with its own industry and charm. In fact, is has a vibrant art and cultural scene, a strong economy and numerous opportunities to enjoy recreational activities.
St. Albert is one of the top places to live in the country, as unemployment is low and there is very little crime. Much of its employment is in skilled labour, though many residents do commute to Edmonton for work. Over half of the population has completed some sort of post-secondary education, while two adult learning centres help the residents that have not. In terms of education for the kids, there are 17 public schools in St. Albert as well as two Francophone schools for those that want their children to study in French.
Many Alberta residents chose to live in St. Albert, as it is a beautiful city with lots to offer, especially in terms of arts and culture. In fact, Downtown St. Albert is renowned for this, with St. Albert city locals always steering people to this area for community events and festivals. The area is also home to the Musee Heritage Museum, the Arden Theatre and the St. Albert Public Library. It is also one of the trendiest areas of the city, home to funky boutiques, local art galleries, coffee shops and fabulous restaurants. Plus, top festivals like the Northern Alberta International Children's Festival are held here, and it is home to the magnificent Outdoor Farmers' Market.
St. Albert is no stranger to recreational activities, with hockey being one of the main franchises in the city. The Red Willow park also has a strong hand in the city’s recreation, having trails that wind through the whole city that connect its parks, schools and residential areas. Also worth exploring is the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, visit the St. Albert Botanic Garden and enjoy the Woodlands Water Play Park on a sunny day. All of these are accessible by public transit, with St. Albert Transit (StAT) operating 16 routes through the city, six of which go right into Edmonton.