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What Albertans need to know about voting in the referendum
Alberta referendum: What voters need to know
THE CANADIAN PRESS/James Maclennan
Referendum day in Alberta is on Monday.
The provincial referendum has 10 questions about immigration policy, constitutional reform, and whether Alberta should remain in Canada or hold a binding, second referendum on quitting the country.
Advance voting locations opened Tuesday and close Saturday night.
Over 1,400 polling stations will be open Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Here's what to expect when you go to vote:
How long will it take?
Get familiar with the ballot questions ahead of time, which are on the Elections Alberta website. Officials say it will help avoid confusion and delays.
They say they're expecting a record turnout of between 80 and 85 per cent of Alberta's nearly three million electors.
You have as much time as you want to fill in the 10 ballots, but officials estimate it will take most people about two minutes.
What identification is needed?
You should get a "where to vote" card in the mail ahead of time if you're registered. Otherwise, visit Elections Alberta’s website to find out where to vote.
You must vote in your electoral division during advance voting or at your assigned location on Monday.
You’ll need one government-issued ID with your correct name, current address and photo, such as a driver's licence. You can use two pieces of ID that both have your full name, with one showing your current address.
There are 50 forms of acceptable ID listed on Elections Alberta’s website that can be one of those two pieces, from a library card or a hunting licence to a bank statement or vehicle registration.
Elections Alberta says it will accept expired forms of ID, including a certificate of Indian Status Card, provided it still has the correct name.
Another option, in special circumstances, is to bring an attestation form signed by an authorized person such as a First Nation band manager or a student housing staffer.
What if I’m not registered to vote?
A voting officer will ask you to sign a declaration that confirms your eligibility — including that you are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old and that you normally reside in Alberta.
How many ballots are there?
There are 10 ballots, in different colours for easy identification. You can mark some of them, all of them or none. Your choice.
The ballots go into separate boxes to make it easier to count them and to lessen the chances of a mistake spoiling one long ballot.
What if I’m still in line when the polls close at 8 p.m.?
Stay in line. Don’t leave. You will be allowed to vote.
How long before I know the results?
By law, the votes need to be counted by hand within 48 hours.
Question 10 — about separation — is to be counted first. Officials say early results are to be released after 8 p.m. Monday, with the final count announced in the early hours Tuesday.
The results of the other nine questions should be completed and announced by Wednesday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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This sugar-sand beach oasis is 3.5 hrs from Toronto and round-trip flights are under $350
You can escape the November chill. 🏝️
Leaves are falling from the trees, and the temperature has dropped, but beach days may not be as far away as you think.
Skyscanner has revealed its monthly Travel Hack Series, highlighting everything from the best time to book to the cheapest destinations and trending travel routes.
This dreamy destination, with sugary sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and sun-filled skies, was named among the cheapest places to fly to from Canada this November, with flights for under $350 round-trip.
Located just three and a half hours from Toronto, it's an idyllic spot to soak up some sun and escape the November chill.
The destination
Located on New Providence Island, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, boasting tropical scenery and beachy vibes.
You'll find crystal-clear blue waters, stretches of soft white sand, upscale resorts, and colourful coral reefs that make it a hotspot for snorkelers.
The fall months offer warm temperatures, hotel deals, and fewer tourists than in busier travel periods. You can trade chilly days up north for a little sunshine and beach time.
According to Royal Caribbean, shoulder season (May and November) is the best time to visit if you're looking for good deals and fewer crowds, while December to April is the best time to visit for weather.
"May and November bring a sweet balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds," the website says.
"You'll enjoy plenty of sunshine, occasional tropical showers and discounted hotel rates — perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace without the peak-season bustle."
Things to do
There's no shortage of ways to fill your days in Nassau, whether you're looking to soak up the sun or explore the island's history.
According to its tourism website, it's home to "one of the world's largest and most stunning coral reefs" and boasts around 300 days of sunshine each year.
You can spend an afternoon lounging on Cable Beach, make a splash at Aquaventure Water Park, or wander through Clifton Heritage National Park to discover historic ruins and scenic coastal trails.
For some local culture, you can head downtown to browse colourful shops and markets, climb the historic Queen's Staircase, or check out the Pirates Museum for a glimpse into the region's swashbuckling past.
It's also worth visiting Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre, home to tropical birds and other wildlife.
Cheap flights from Toronto
Getting to this tropical oasis doesn't require a lengthy plane ride. Direct flights from Toronto take around three and a half hours.
Depending on your travel dates and airline, round-trip fares can dip below $350, making a sunny getaway more affordable than you'd expect.
According to Skyscanner's press release, you can snag round-trip flights from Canada for as low as $321. However, some cheaper flights may include layovers and connections.
Prices fluctuate depending on the season and availability, so it's worth comparing dates before booking. Keep in mind that baggage charges and other fees may apply.
If you're ready to swap Canada's crisp autumn days for turquoise waters and sandy shores, this Bahamian getaway could be just the ticket.
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This gorgeous Ontario town was named among the top 10 destinations in the world for 2027
It's just road trip from Toronto.
If you're already planning some adventures for 2027, you'll want to keep this beautiful small town in mind.
With storybook streets, quaint shops, and old-world charm, it was recently named one of the world's top destinations to visit next year.
The best part is, you don't need to get on a plane or even leave the country to discover this gem. The town is located just a road trip from Toronto, so you can add a little getaway to your travel plans without venturing too far from home.
Expedia has just unveiled its largest travel report of the year, Unpack '27, which highlights the destinations and travel behaviours expected to shape the year ahead.
The 2027 Destinations of the Year list spotlights some of the world's fastest-rising travel hotspots, based on search data showing where travellers are most eager to go next.
Ontario's Niagara-on-the-Lake ranked ninth on the list, with searches up 35% year after year.
According to Expedia, it's "one of Canada's best-preserved 19th-century towns," and has "storybook streets" with"Victorian-era shopfronts and tea rooms."
You can spend a day wandering through the Heritage District, which looks like it was plucked from a postcard. The area is dotted with gift shops, gourmet cafes, boutiques, and more.
The town is also home to several spas and boutique hotels where you can relax and get pampered. Located about an hour and a half from Toronto, it's an idyllic spot for a weekend getaway or longer.
There are attractions to explore as well, from the Shaw Festival Theatre to Icewine Festivals and more.
One of Niagara-on-the-Lake's main attractions is the surrounding wineries. Nestled in the heart of wine country, the town is home to 40 distinct wineries, with even more to visit in the broader Niagara region.
Popular spots include Peller Estates Winery, Trius Winery, Two Sisters Vineyards, Inniskillin Wines, and Konzelmann Estate Winery, great for sipping, dining, and soaking up views.
Niagara-on-the-Lake was the only Canadian destination to make Expedia's 2027 Destinations of the Year list. South Lake Tahoe, U.S., was crowned the top destination for 2027, followed by Hyogo, Japan, and Punta del Este, Uruguay.
You can find the full ranking of Expedia's 2027 Destinations of the Year here.
With its historic charm, quaint streets, and stunning wineries, it's no surprise Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the world's top travel spots for 2027.
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