Moving From BC to Alberta

So you’ve decided to move from British Columbia (BC) to Alberta. Whether you’re looking for stunning prairies, vibrant cities like Calgary and Edmonton, cheaper housing, lower taxes, new job opportunities, or a quieter life in the countryside, there are plenty of great reasons to relocate to this province.

It’s essential to be prepared to ensure a seamless move from BC to Alberta. This guide covers everything you need to know about moving from BC to Alberta, from planning your move to adjusting to your new life in this beautiful province.

What Are The Essential Steps For Moving From BC To Alberta?

Planning a move from BC to Alberta is similar to any other long-distance move. It requires a lot of planning and thought to make sure everything goes smoothly. To help you out, we’ve put together some essentials to guide you through the process.

Hire a Reputable Long-Distance Moving Company

Hiring a reliable moving company is a crucial step in planning long-distance moves. Start by researching reputable long-distance moving companies, looking specifically for the ones that offer the moving services you need.

Reach out to each one for a quote and be as detailed as possible about your needs to get the most accurate estimate. You’ll need to provide basic details like the services you require, the addresses of your current and future homes, and the items being moved. Some moving companies even offer a free detailed evaluation of your home, either in-person or virtually, to give you a precise quote.

If you’re unsure which company to choose, consider factors like their reputation, reliability, safety, flexibility, and customer service. Here at Atlas Van Lines, we take pride in all of these qualities.

In fact, Atlas Van Lines is proud to be the first van line in the country to introduce a quality program that sets specific standards for our moving consultants and agent companies on every move. Our Quality in Motion program is built on three pillars: Education, Expertise, and Reward. Additionally, we’re the first van line in Canada to implement a nationwide background check program, ensuring that all staff working on your move are thoroughly vetted and cleared for service.

Sign Up For Your Alberta Utilities

Before moving day, it’s a good idea to set up your water and hydro utilities, so they’re ready when you arrive at your new home.

Alberta offers a variety of energy solutions for your home, with many companies providing energy and power services. In fact, there are more private companies than regulated ones, offering competitive rates.

Unlike hydro in BC, Alberta’s electricity market isn’t regulated by the provincial government. This means you can choose your natural gas or electricity services from any retailer you prefer. For more information about available retailers in Alberta, you can call or visit the government website.

Set Up Phone, Internet, and Cable

In Alberta, TELUS and Shaw are the leading providers of internet, phone, and cable plans. They both offer competitive rates and cutting-edge technology. You can choose packages tailored to your needs, so you only pay for what you actually want. Signing up with either TELUS or Shaw is easy—just visit their websites or give them a call.

Apply For Your Alberta Health Card

Your BC services card won’t work in Alberta. Instead, you’ll need to apply for an Alberta health card through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), the provincial institution for public health care. 

Luckily, they’re easy to get, but unfortunately, you cannot apply online. To apply, you’ll need:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship
• Proof of Alberta residency
• Valid identification
• A completed AHCIP application form

Once you have all that, you can visit your closest Registry Agent location or mail it in.

Update Your Driver’s License

Once you’ve moved to Alberta, you must exchange your current license for an Alberta driver’s license within 90 days. You can do so at your local Registry Agent, where you’ll have to surrender your current license. The Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation under the Traffic Safety Act mandates that individuals must surrender all out-of-Alberta driver’s licenses before they can be issued an Alberta license.

You’ll also need to provide:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship
• Proof of Alberta residency

If you hold a Class 3, 4, 5, or 6 license, you will receive an Alberta driver’s license of the same class. However, if you haven’t had a Class 5 (standard driver’s license) or Class 6 (motorcycle) license for at least 2 years, you might be placed into the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

Swap Your Car Insurance

Unlike the government insurance you’re used to in BC, Alberta has private car insurance. You’ll want to shop and gather quotes from different car insurance companies around to find the right coverage for the best price. In Alberta, you’re required to have at least third-party liability, accident benefits coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage. Finding a locally licensed insurance broker can help save you time and money.

Sign Up For Home or Renters Insurance

Speaking of finding a local insurance broker, now that you’ve moved to a new province, your old home insurance provider likely can’t cover you anymore. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare options to find the best home insurance for your needs, or you can ask a broker to do it all for you. Also, if you’re renting, it’s highly recommended that you get renter’s insurance, as your landlord’s insurance won’t cover your belongings if something happens.

Change Your Address

Assuming you’ve already found a place to live, whether it’s a home or a rental, don’t forget to update your new address with important companies like your bank, credit card companies, Canada Revenue Agency, and any other billing companies.

You can also set up mail forwarding through Canada Post. This way, you won’t have to worry about any mail being sent to your old address once you’ve moved to Alberta. Plus, as you receive your forwarded mail, you’ll know exactly which places still need your updated address.

What Are The Differences In Cost Of Living Between British Columbia And Alberta?

Major cities like Calgary and Edmonton have a great variety of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes, all at much lower prices than in BC. In fact, the average house price in Alberta’s capital is less than half of what it costs in Vancouver. For instance, the average house price in Calgary is under $500,000, while Vancouver’s average is $1.3 million.

As for the rental market, you’ll also see a significant drop. For instance, the average rent for a three-bedroom in Vancouver is $3,721 per month, whereas in Calgary, for a similar three-bedroom, you’re looking at an average price of $2,566 per month.

In general, living in Alberta costs less than in British Columbia. You can earn about 22% less each month and still enjoy the same standard of living as you did in BC. This means you’ll be saving money on things like entertainment, rent, housing, and dining out, as they’re all typically cheaper in Alberta than in BC.

What Are Some Tips For Adjusting To Life After Moving From Bc To Alberta?

Even though BC and Alberta are both part of Canada, there are some differences between the two. Here are some tips to help you adjust to your new life in Alberta.

Read Up On The Healthcare System

Our first tip is to make sure you read up on Alberta’s healthcare system. It is publicly funded and run by Alberta Health Services (AHS). The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) gives eligible residents access to essential services like hospital care, physician services, and dental and oral surgery. Known for its high quality and accessibility, Alberta’s healthcare system ensures residents have timely access to a wide network of healthcare professionals and facilities.

Prepare For A Different Climate

Unlike in British Columbia, Alberta’s climate features extremes on both ends of the spectrum, with cold winters and mild summers. This offers a wide range of outdoor activities year-round. In the winter, you can hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding at popular resorts like Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Marmot Basin.

When the weather warms up, outdoor lovers can explore Alberta’s vast Provincial Parks, which offer camping, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing options. And if you’re worried about missing that scenic BC mountain view, the stunning Canadian Rockies also provide a beautiful backdrop for these activities in Alberta.

Enjoy The Arts, Culture, and Festivals

Just like in BC, Alberta’s arts and culture scene is vibrant, with plenty of galleries, museums, and theatres in its major cities. You can visit the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton or the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, for example. The province also has a thriving community of artists and local creators who add to the lively market scene with their artisanal goods. Alberta’s strong communication networks keep residents connected to both local and global cultural trends.

Alberta is also known for its festive spirit, with numerous yearly events and festivals. Edmonton’s Fringe Festival, the second-largest in the world, offers a platform for theatre artists and playwrights to shine. The Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival, draws millions of visitors and immerses them in Western Canadian culture.

Get Out and Explore Alberta

Our final tip is to get out and explore! Alberta boasts five national parks, 470 provincial parks, and countless wilderness areas, offering endless recreational experiences for nature lovers. From the iconic Banff National Park to the many provincial parks and ecological reserves, Alberta’s vast green spaces have something for everyone to enjoy.