There are 4 really good places to stay in Alberta. Those would be Edmonton, Calgary, Banf and Jasper.

If you are more of an outdoors type person and enjoy camping, fishing or just admiring lan beuaty, Banf or Jasper would make great spots. They both are right close to the mountains and have various things to do. The only thing is that I would prefer maybe a larger city.

If you are not that kind of person, Edmonton or Calgary would be an excellent choice. In Edmonton (where I live) there are many things to do.

We of course have the worlds biggest mall which is always a marvel just to look at, but inside it also has a 2 movie theaters (Silver City I would recomend). an indoor water park and theme park. And why not catch an Oilers (hockey) ot Eskimos (Football) game.

In Calgary there is also much to do. Why not visit the Calgary tower, or catch a Stameders or Flames game.

Im pretty sure a brouser would be better help, but I hope that helps anyways.

It really depends on what you like to do. Given the wide variety of urban and rural environments throughout Alberta, it is likely there is somewhere in Alberta that would meet your needs.

As far as places to stay in Alberta goes, Here is my list.
1. Save up and stay at either the Banff springs hotel or the Chateau Lake Louise. Winter OR summer is great there. Hiking, Glacier walking, Mountain climbing and sightseeing in Summer. In the winter, Skiing(X-C,and DH) Snowboarding, Cultural activities. There is never a bad time to visit.

2. Calgary, It is a beautiful city. The winter Olympics were there and the money for their participation was well invested in beautification. It is Close to Banff and Lake Louise. There is a great sense of warmth from the locals, althoug it has a fairly significant young party atmosphere as well.

3. Drumheller in the summertime. The Tyrell Museum is simply amazing, and the entire area is very desert-like. Good for mountain biking, and hiking, Bring sunscreen. It is not uncommon to find fossils of dinosaurs on the ground as you travel around.

4. Edmonton. It is a large city with many sights and activities. The world’s largest mall, The Edmonton Queen riverboat, Highland games on Canada day, OUtside the city is Elk island park which is an excellent wildlife reserve, and Ukrainian village which is a terrific Ukrainian settler cultural center where people can see how Alberta became home to many settlers, and the ways that they lived and their struggles. Fort Edmonton park in the city is a great place to see a lot of historical buildings and artifacts from the time that Alberta was settled.

Alberta is a beautiful province and if you dig into the culture you will be surprised by its diversity.