The lower portion of the shield depicts the Rocky Mountains, grass prairies, and wheat fields – representing Alberta's landscape.

A royal warrant of King Edward VII granted the original arms, consisting of only the shield, on 30 May 1907.

[1] The arms were further augmented with supporters, a crest, and motto, by royal warrant of Queen Elizabeth II on 30 July 1980.

The shield, on a plain blue field, features in Alberta's provincial flag.

On 30 July 1980, Queen Elizabeth II augmented the armorial bearings by Royal Warrant with a crest, supporters, and a motto.