Drilling activity was up in Alberta in the first quarter of 2017.

According to a release from the Provincial Government, Alberta operators drilled 1,199 wells between January and the end of March, compared to 519 a year ago, a 131 per cent increase.

The number of active rigs was also up during that period, averaging 210 rigs drilling over the three months, a 101 per cent increase from 2016 levels.

The Petroleum Services Association of Canada estimates 3,320 wells will be drilled in Alberta this year which is 650 more than the next highest province.

The numbers coincide with improved resource prices.