[6][7] In the past it was known as the "Hub of the West", connecting major cities together by the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Winters are long, cold and dry, while summers are short, but with average daytime highs that are warm to hot, though nighttime lows are cool.

Spring and autumn are quite short, essentially transition periods between winter and summer.

Wide diurnal temperature ranges are regular, due to the aridity and moderately high elevation.

Annual precipitation is very low, with an average of 311.6 mm (12.27 in), and is heavily concentrated in the warmer months.