I actually escaped from Edmonton in 2008 (I'm now living in San Francisco), and while I don't miss it terribly, it, like Calgary, is one of those places that you can really love once you get to know. Actually, I've spent plenty of time in both cities, and I prefer Edmonton (sorry, OP), but I've grown to love both.

I think the keys are digging a bit below the surface and also just getting out into your new city rather than sticking close to home. Whereas in a place like Vancouver, there are always lots of things happening, and the weather is nicer, so it's easier to get outside, and it's easier to hear of interesting things happening, in places like Calgary and Edmonton, you need to keep your ear a bit closer to the ground. It's also easier to want to go out in a 9 degree Vancouver winter than it is in a -35 Alberta one, but once you just force yourself to get out of the house, even though it's cold, it feels great.

Oh, and the other thing is be sure to check out your local libraries, coffee shops, music stores, book shops, and bike shops. All those places can be community hubs, and nothing makes you feel more at home like finding friends and a sense of community. Also, read the free weekly papers - there are always listing of things going on, which are useful, but you also can get a feel for the issues people are concerned about in town, which I always find makes me feel more engaged with my surroundings.

I don't know how new either of you are to Calgary and Edmonton, but if either of you is interested, I'd be happy to post some of the good places I know there if that would be helpful!

All in all, Alberta is a weird place, and I can imagine it's the kind of place that takes a while to "get," but it can also be a wonderful place to live that people become very, very attached to, so I hope you both come to love it!