You can take the Alberta Hunter Education course on the AHEIA website now, here's the link:
https://319.yssecure.com/conservatio...ucation-manual
Here's another link to the firearms licensing page on the rcmp website, they have a phone number there (along with other helpful stuff) that should be able to help you get squared away as far as a PAL goes
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/faq/lic-per-eng.htm
Cabelas is a great place to start looking for a rifle, if you can find other stores that post their inventory online you can sometimes find around a hundred dollars difference pricewise, never hurts to look around. I wish I could point you in the direction of some good public land down there but I'm not familiar with the area, I bet you'll get a pm or two that can help you
There's also a thread near the top of the forum that's for people looking for hunting partners, that could come in handy later especially since you could find someone that knows how to hunt a particular area well. There are a lot of guys on here that will gladly lend a helping hand to beginners, I know I've gotten a lot of great advice and help here. If you have any more questions, feel free!