16 October 2009 x Close
Three blazes are threatening homes in Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland and residents of a small rural community near Rockhampton in central Queensland have been ordered to leave their homes as a bushfire approaches. Further south, campers on the New South Wales north coast who ignored calls to escape a bushfire burning out of control have narrowly escaped the flames, while in Broome the Fire and Emergency Services Authority made progress fighting a bushfire burning on the outskirts of the town after it earlier said homes and lives were under threat. Travellers in the area are urged to monitor local advisories.
The prairie with Rockies in the background © Tourism Alberta
Tourism in the Canadian province of Alberta is centred on its
famous Rocky Mountain region, which flanks it on its western border
with British Columbia and offers a host of alpine attractions. The
northern area is a sparsely inhabited wilderness of forests, lakes
and rivers; the provincial capital, Edmonton, is in the central
area, while in the east, on the border with Saskatchewan, the
atmosphere takes on a Wild West feel in the Badlands and
prairies.
Even in the cities and towns visitors to Alberta can be sure
that nature is never far away. Albertans love the outdoors and
urban environments are interspersed with plenty of lush river parks
and greenbelts. In fact the capital, Edmonton, has more parkland
per capita than any other North American city. An important aspect
of Alberta's heritage is its aboriginal culture. Home to 43 First
Nations this heritage has been preserved in 14 reserves and
educational attractions, ranging from the world's largest tepee to
native interpretive trails and exquisite handmade crafts.
The natural beauty of Alberta is world-renowned, so it is no
surprise to discover that the province boasts five of Canada's 13
World Heritage Sites: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump,
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Banff-Jasper National
Parks, Wood Buffalo National Park and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Wood Buffalo National Park is Canada's largest national park and
the second largest in the world.
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