Yeah, I've spent time in that province also. No difference other than more douchebags the closer you get to Toronto. But go on.
A big beg to differ. There is a massive, massive difference between the two provinces - whether you're irreligious or religious. Either way, Alberta is 10x the province. Heck, maybe 20x.
If you're not a Christian:
- No provincial sales tax in Alberta (Harmonized sales tax in Ontario = 13%)
- Higher speed limits (up to 120 km/hrs, 110 km/hr on most highways, 100 km/hrs on secondary highways; Ontario is mostly 90 km/hr max except major freeways into Toronto where it's 100 km/hr)
- much less income tax
- If you drink alcohol, some liquor stores are open 24 hrs in Alberta, while many stay open after midnight. In Ontario the latest is 9 pm, some nights 5 pm. All liquor stores are government owned and regulated, so the prices are much higher with little variance for "sales" and there's no competition to drive down prices.
- Skiing is much better with the Rockies close st hand in Alberta (though this isn't a government or religious issue), and the beauty of nature hiking and camping is much closer at hand.
- tightness on free speech in Ontario, a general feeling of socialism in the air - from radio to television the socialist agenda is apparent
- remarkably, there is a western Canada trade route that coincides with western states. Hard to believe, but there is more product diversity in Western Canada (in Ontario very few A&W, no Panago, no Cheese Pleasers, few quality breakfast restaurant chains like: Denny's, Humpty's, Perkins, and Ricky's; fewer restaurants in general; different and fewer grocery chains).
- the cost of living including housing prices is far higher in Ontario (mainly the GTA).
- if you gamble, there are far more casinos in Alberta with much looser payouts. Ontario casinos are the tightest in North America - government cash cows that citizens will eventually wise to.
For Christians:
- there are noticeably far fewer churches in Ontario and there is much less of a feeling of spiritual vibrancy and life, honestly.
- most of the same benefits in Alberta listed for non-Christians.
My personal opinion is that more freedom, ironically exists where there is higher Christian representation and influence. The further a society drifts away from that, the more restrictive and socialist it becomes. Believe it or not. Finally, Bible belt doesn't necessarily mean there are more door-door evangelists, just that, mainly, there is a higher practicing Christian population. Saskatchewan and parts of BC are similar this way.
