Final answer:
The province of Alberta is best categorized as a formal region due to its clear political boundaries and administrative recognition within Canada.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Canadian province of Alberta best fits into the category of a formal region. Formal regions are defined by governmental, administrative, or political boundaries that are clearly delineated and officially recognized. In the case of Alberta, it has defined political boundaries that separate it from other provinces and territories within Canada, making it distinctly identifiable as a political unit. Furthermore, Alberta has an official boundary, including cities within it that have formal boundaries, such as Edmonton, the provincial capital. It also exhibits characteristics typical of physical regions, such as prairie landscapes to the east and mountain ranges to the west.