CALGARY, ALBERTA

Myth: Albertans are all rednecked and ignorant.

Reality: Actually, Edmonton has a very strong liberal identity as well as an active arts and culture scene. Calgary boasts the highest education level per adult in the country - with 55% of adult Calgarians having attained some post-secondary education.

Myth: Calgary is a small-time hick town.

Reality: Calgary is actually the second largest city proper (area wise) in North America (Mexico City holds the first place), and has now grown to be the second largest head office city in Canada (Toronto has more head offices). Calgary has expanded their hold of the oil and gas business to include many manufacturing and import company head offices as well.

Myth: Alberta is nothing but dry prairie and cold mountains.

Reality: There are many different geographical regions within Alberta: tundra and muskeg, lakes and woods in Northern Alberta; green hills and prairie grasslands in Central Alberta; the sunny foothills and majestic mountains in Western Alberta; hoodoos and the cracked badlands in Southern Alberta. (Not to mention the dozens of Provincial and National Parks.) Geologists have even discovered saltwater below the surface of the land, suggesting that oceans covered portions of Alberta in the past.