• Living it up on the island of Crete
• The heart of your vehicle
• Travel advice, local hot spots and more!
SPRING 2023
PLANTING TREES TO CELEBRATE OUR 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Fresh new look!
When your heart needs to race
When your heart needs wild
When your heart needs quietBLOODVEIN RIVER KAMUCHAWIE LAKE THERM Ё A BY NORDIK SPA-NATURE PHOTO: DUSTIN SILVEY
There’s nothing gloomy about rainy days. That is, when you have WeatherTech FloorLiners. Laser measured for your specific vehicle, the WeatherTech FloorLiner is guaranteed to provide a perfect fit and the ultimate carpet protection, for as long as you own your vehicle. So when Mother Nature is at her worst, don’t worry because we’re at our best.
PHOTOGRAPH: GIANNIS GOUTZAMANIS/UNSPLASH
GOOD
She’s a fantasy novelist, universitylevel researcher and holder of multiple patents.... How old is Naila Moloo? Take a guess.
ELECTRIC
AMA
member
WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, magazines played a huge role in how I understood the world. Their vibrant pages provided a glossy gateway to news, travel, entertainment, style and everything in between.
The problem was, I didn’t recognize any of the people interviewed, nor had I travelled to any of the featured destinations; in fact, I didn’t take my first plane trip until I was an adult. Every page was aspirational.
When we set out to refresh AMA Insider, we wanted you to truly see yourself within these pages. To find your community in our content, along with news and insights that feel personally meaningful. A magazine you can pick up and say with pride: “This is Canada. This is Alberta. This is AMA.”
Nearly a million members strong, the AMA family is as diverse as our province itself. That needs to be reflected here—from the stories we share to the people we feature, as well as the offers we promote. We can’t simply be an automobile magazine or a travel magazine. First and foremost, we must be a member magazine.
That means if you read about a local restaurant, you’ll get to know the chef, the farmers, or the foragers behind it. If you read a travel story, it will focus on the emotional experience—emphasizing people, culture and connection. And if you see products or services featured in a story, it’s because we’ve curated them for Albertans just like you.
As we continue to evolve how we communicate—reflecting the needs and preferences of all our members—we’ll be focusing equally on the digital side of the magazine through online-exclusive articles at AMAInsider.com. From monthly roundups of things to do in Alberta and compelling member profiles, to ways to get the most out of your membership, you’ll find it on our website.
But we also know many of our members love the experience of leafing through the print edition, often leaving it on the coffee table or clipping favourite stories. If that’s you, you can feel good knowing that our magazine partners share AMA’s commitment to the environment.
Fully 98 percent of our publisher’s paper purchases are from recycled product or are third-party-verified to have been sourced via sustainable forestry practices. That means the paper used in AMA Insider won’t negatively affect long-term forest health, thanks to replanting and other efforts to retain original forest cover.
For decades, magazines have been a portal to other worlds, expanding our knowledge of places and people unseen. But there’s also something exciting about a magazine that’s informed by everyday life—encountering local restaurants you love, neighbours you admire, corner retailers you enjoy, and travel destinations endorsed by your fellow Albertans.
I hope you like our new look and invite you to share your thoughts at AMAInsider@ama.ab.ca AMA
Michelle Chimko President and CEO
OF BEAUTIFUL —
// AI-generated review of Montréal, based on thousands of visitor comments_
You’ll get it once you’re here
Waheeda Harris has been a traveller from a young age, thanks to her road trip–loving parents. She has since been happily chasing the sun as a freelance journalist. Her assignments have taken her to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean islands and the Pacific coast of the Americas. She is a regular contributor to The Globe and Mail, NUVO, Travelweek and Vacayou. When not abroad, Waheeda is exploring her home province of British Columbia.
Matt Bubbers is a columnist and car critic for The Globe and Mail and the automotive editor at Sharp magazine. Writing about cars, culture and the (increasingly electric!) future of transportation takes him around the world test-driving new vehicles on racetracks, sand dunes, frozen lakes and Alpine passes. Matt lives in Toronto, where he tries to maintain a small collection of needy old cars and to avoid the streets on CAA’s list of Ontario’s 10 worst roads.
Editor Dick Snyder
Executive Art Director Lionel Bebbington
Copy Chief Dali Castro
Managing Editor Emily Rivas
Senior Editors Karen Eull, Jen Mallia
Editorial Assistant Alexis Ramlall
ART
Senior Designer Lauren Livingston
Junior Designer Zoë Rod
PRODUCTION
Production Manager Kim Latreille
FINALLY CONTENT
President Eric Schneider
Creative Director Abi Slone
Account Director Tobiasz Woroniecki
Vice President, Media Sales Laura Maurice laura.maurice@finallycontent.com
National Account Manager Dana Francoz dana.francoz@finallycontent.com
Account Manager Rachelle Vaughan rachelle.vaughan@finallycontent.com
AMA INSIDER
Managing Editor Nichol Saboe
Associate Managing Editor Allison Bench
CONTRIBUTORS
Beth Hitchcock is a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry and, most recently, has been named editor-inchief of Canadian House & Home magazine. She frequently writes for national newspapers and magazines, including The Globe and Mail and Chatelaine, and is the co-creator of the best-selling design book series Collected by Sarah Richardson (Simon & Schuster Canada). Beth has an MFA in creative nonfiction from the Univesity of King’s College and lives in Dartmouth, N.S.
Aileen Brabazon, Brendan Burden, Matt Bubbers, Erin Campbell, Candy Chesterton, Emma Davidson, Sean Deasy, Sunny Eckerle, Liz Fleming, Paul Gallant, Peter Grundini, Waheeda Harris, Vawn Himmelsbach, Beth Hitchcock, Valerie Howes, Steve Ketner, Pat Lee, Andrew Penner, Josie Portillo, Sabrina Pirillo, Kate Rae, Debra Smith, Jenn Smith Nelson, Janice Tober, Danielle Tocker, Vivian Vassos
Advertising in AMA Insider does not indicate an endorsement by AMA. ® AMARewards, AMA Road Reporter, AMA Road Reports are trademarks of the Alberta Motor Association. ® CAA, CAA Plus, CAA Plus RV and Approved Auto Repair Services are trademarks owned by, and their use granted by, the Canadian Automobile Association.
Subscription rates: Canada $19.95 per year, plus applicable taxes; outside Canada $26.95 per year, no tax. Rates quoted are for non-members only. Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42494512. AMA Insider Magazine is published four times per year by: Finally Content Inc.; 6D-7398 Yonge St, Unit 131, Thornhill ON, L4J 8J2; on behalf of AMA. © 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form without the consent of AMA. Printed in Canada by TC Transcontinental.
In the winter issue on pages 53 and 57, we highlighted the Ice Magic event as part of the 2023 SnowDays Winter Festival in Banff. However, the Ice Magic event did not take place this year. AMA Insider regrets the error.
Genacol® Pain Relief reduces joint pain with results you can feel in just 5 days†! This supplement, supported by patented technologies, combines ultra-hydrolyzed AminoLock® Collagen with Natural Eggshell Membrane. These are two naturally sourced ingredients with clinically proven effectiveness for joint health.
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We were at Seventh Avenue and Eighth Street in Calgary, 1952, when my dad and I had just come in from Cochrane. I had just passed my driver’s exam and gotten my farm driver’s permit. At the time, there was a two-storey white building at this intersection that was home to the Alberta Motor Association. I love to reminisce about those times. My membership was 50 cents. I remember paying for it with the allowance my dad gave me for doing chores. The fee we paid for my driver’s permit earlier that day had only cost my dad a dollar. One gallon of fuel was only 18 cents. That was 70 years ago. I have 8 children, 26 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom are AMA members.
–Chester Ferris
We recently took this photo at Edmonton South AMA with our 50-year-old car, a 1972 Dodge. We went to buy gift cards for our grocery purchases and, as always, the customer service was excellent. Also, the phone customer service for our car insurance is always very friendly and professional.
–Kathy and Marty Rissi
I wanted to write a quick thank-you to express how much I love reading AMA Insider magazine. With all the headaches surrounding travel now and hearing others’ nightmare stories, it feels like such a deterrent to travel again until life returns to normal. Reading the magazine gives me inspiration as to where I can go next and to start planning. I’ve used AMA Agents in the past for travel planning and had a great experience.
–Laura ThevenazMy membership was 50 cents. I remember paying for it with the allowance my dad gave me for doing chores.
Ringing, buzzing, clicking, swishing — whether you’re an avid concert-goer, work in a loud environment or are experiencing age-related hearing loss, these symptoms may sound all too familiar. However you experience tinnitus, know that you’re not alone. In fact, the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) found that 43 percent of Canadians ages 16 to 79 have experienced tinnitus at some point in their lives.*
Tinnitus is a common issue often described as ringing in the ears with no external sounds present. It can last for weeks, months or even years at a time and can affect people of all ages.
There are two types of tinnitus: subjective and objective. If the noises and sounds you hear can only be perceived by you, this would be considered subjective. Ninety-nine percent of tinnitus cases fall into this category. While the categories vary, the leading causes are often the same: noise-exposure, age-related hearing loss, earwax buildup, jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ), and neurological disorders, to name a few.
Don’t let these facts scare you, though. Dealing with tinnitus can feel overwhelming, but innovative, modern and discreet hearing solutions are available to relieve the condition’s symptoms. Here are two to consider.
AMA members save up to $2,000 on a pair of Select level hearing aids**, plus more exclusive benefits:
15 percent off everyday listening products
Five years of free batteries with hearing aid purchases
AMA members always get our lowest price
There is a strong correlation between hearing loss and tinnitus. Hearing aids can relieve tinnitus symptoms by improving your hearing, so you can better perceive external sounds and shift your attention away from the tinnitus. Depending on the severity of your tinnitus, your Hearing Care Professional will recommend a wireless hearing aid with a tinnitus masker feature to create a sound-enrichment environment that can distract you from the typical ringing or buzzing with pleasant sounds instead.
This is a process in which the brain gradually stops reacting negatively to tinnitus and interprets the buzzing or ringing as unimportant sounds. The combination of tinnitus management therapies and sound therapy are very effective to facilitate the habituation of tinnitus. The ultimate goal? To retrain your brain to no longer be bothered by the sounds associated with this condition.
What’s next?
Having your hearing tested is just as important as going to the dentist or optometrist. With locations across Canada and innovative hearing solutions available for every budget, Connect Hearing makes it easy to take your health into your own hands.
By Andrew Penner
1 3 2 4 5
From rugged, wavesmashed coastlines to beautiful boreal forests, our country is a hiker’s dream. And, given the incredible variety of terrain, there’s something for every soul who loves to saunter. Here are five fabulous full-day treks you’ll want to lace your boots up for.
Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park, British Columbia
From start to finish, Yoho’s signature ramble serves up a smorgasbord of stunning scenes. Glaciers, thundering waterfalls, hanging valleys—the list goes on.
21.7 km
1,053 m elevation gain
Crypt Lake, Waterton National Park, Alberta
This epic adventure requires a boat ride to the trailhead. When all the happy hikers disembark, they’re in day-hiking Disneyland.
Centennial Ridges Trail, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
True, given the kaleidoscope of colour, this is a fantastic foray in the fall. But, thanks to dozens of scenic lookouts from the rocky outcrops, it’s beautiful in every season.
Mont Albert Loop, Gaspésie National Park, Quebec
It’s knock-your-socksoff scenery throughout this challenging wilderness trek. A caribou sighting will ice the cake.
Green Gardens Trail, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Sea stacks, sheep, beaches, ladders, waterfalls, mountains —what more do you want? Bring good lungs and legs for the journey home.
18.8 km 878 m elevation gain
10.9 km 482 m elevation gain
20.4 km
1,101 m elevation gain
TAKE TO THE RIVERS of Europe or stay closer to home on Ontario’s Rideau Canal. Le Boat houseboats are simple to operate—even for those without boating expertise—and give the opportunity to experience a destination in a way you just can’t enjoy from the road. With options for two to 12 passengers, you can keep it intimate or invite the whole gang. Talk to an AMA Travel counsellor for details on combining your Le Boat cruise with flights, pre/post-trip hotel nights, ground transfers and travel insurance to complete your vacation.
11.3 km
414 m elevation gain
Cruise into savings. AMA members pay less for Le Boat. Your member discounts applies, even with promotional rates, when you book with AMA.
Nominate a Localer. We’d love to hear about people doing great things in your community. Send ideas to AMAInsider@ ama.ab.ca and they could be featured in an upcoming issue.
Acting local, thinking global.
THE POWER OF A RIVER to sustain a community is something Charles Buchanan often thinks about. It’s his metaphor—a vision, if you will—for doing good. In the six years since his Calgary-based company began helping not-for-profit organizations transition to the digital world, his approach to ending “technology poverty” has evolved. The president and CEO of Technology Helps now sees the lack of digital literacy as a systemic global problem. One of the company’s first clients was Children’s Link, a service that matches special-needs children with service providers. Buchanan’s team helped them move from an inefficient homegrown application to a secure cloud-based system where resources are at their fingertips, allowing them to concentrate their energies on helping their clients.
Technology Helps has worked with more than 200 non-profits. Now Buchanan has set his sights on building a “single-system” solution that can be scaled and used by organizations facing similar tech problems. His vision now: “Imagine, if you will, a river, and all these organizations we serve are sitting on the banks of the river, drawing from it, according to their needs.” Like a river, Buchanan’s vision has far-reaching implications—and benefits.
–Debra SmithMake a splash in Jayne Mansfield’s heart-shaped tub, be the host with the most in a candy-colour kitchen or chill out in a groovy rec room. Step into the display “vignettes” to play and pose in the newly opened Modernism Museum in downtown Palm Springs, California. Curated by artist, designer, philanthropist and local style maven Tracy Truco, the museum showcases 12,000 square feet of bold design from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. psmodernismmuseum.com.
Whether you’re packing a gym bag or a suitcase, or just trying to keep your between-shower hair looking good, this locally-made dry shampoo is the product you need.
A non-aerosol dry shampoo, which travels well
Vegan, silicone-free, no sulphates, colour-safe.
Edmonton-based, Indigenous-owned business.
Canadian-made with ethically sourced ingredients and a zero-waste production process.
Want some? Jack59 Dry Shampoo is available online at jack59.ca and at select Edmonton farmers’ markets and national retailers.
Downtown Edmonton’s ICE District heated up with the recent opening of Birdog (century hospitality.com/birdog), a convivial restaurantlounge that should appeal to guests on the hunt for sophisticated global flavours. Comforting favourites are elevated — wings sauced with kimchi, baked brie kissed by truffles, and perogies comforted by pearl onions. Sharing plates of oysters, devilled eggs and salmon crudo serve the snacking set, while hungrier diners can tuck into gourmet pizzas, steak frites or “Millionaires” Maui ribs. The cozy speakeasy vibe gets animated later on—and, with a tempting menu of snacks and treats, night owls will find Birdog an inviting place to roost.
You’ve got to love people who refuse to take themselves too seriously. Despite being a Juno-nominated producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Edmonton-based Ari Rhodes is such a person. With his love of experimental recording techniques, tinkering with analog gear and blending genres to create new pop sounds, it is entirely likely that Ari will continue “playing” and being a kid-at-heart forever. When it comes to the weighty matter of creating a playlist perfect for a road trip, Ari shows up with some seriously great tunes.
Put some pep in your pedal with an electric-assist bike.
WINNING THE TOUR DE FRANCE may not be in your future, but getting from the garage to the grocery store in record time with an electric-assist bicycle (aka the e-bike) may be the next best thing. Equipped with a motor powered by a rechargeable battery, the e-bike provides extra pep in your pedal.
These days, you have a lot of choice. Range, speed and capabilities vary by manufacturer, but there are some key commonalities — for example, a more powerful motor (which can help you keep step with traffic and can haul cargo) means more battery burn and a shorter range. Like conventional bicycles, e-bikes are categorized as mountain or road, urban or cargo.
Here are our three favourites from AMA partner, Pedego Electric Bikes. We considered factors like body type as well as pedal-assisted kilometres and hours of battery life you can expect to help your decision on which e-bike is best for you.
The Avenue is the ideal combination of sleek design, efficient performance and high value. With an integrated battery for easier handling and ergonomic throttle, it is built to perform on any city street.
With fat tires, a mid-frame integrated battery for additional balance, and a suspension seat post, the Trail Tracker Gorilla Edition is made for a smooth ride, no matter the terrain.
For a weekend getaway or an afternoon of exploring in your own backyard, the Boomerang Platinum Edition is all about comfort. The step-over frame, quick-release handlebar stem for ideal placement, whisper-quiet battery and supreme suspension make this ride rad.
Ready to Ride? Members save up to 15% on e-bike rentals and can get free fenders and a bike bell on select purchases at Pedego Electric Bikes (ama.ab.ca/ rewards/partners/pedego-electric-bikes)
DO YOU HAVE a prima donna heart? Are you an operatic diva yearning to be unleashed? Get an up-close look at the hard work that goes into being an opera singer. Throughout the season, Calgary Opera hosts masterclasses and invites the public to observe a leading vocal coach work with operatic artists-in-development and novice singers from the community. Classes run about 2.5 to 3 hours and are free to observe. The next one takes place on April 16. Reserve your ticket at calgaryopera.com/ masterclass and take a peek behind the curtain.
AFTER THE PANDEMIC SHUT BORDERS and a war broke out, and time apart turned into an extended separation, a couple desperate to reunite realized they had the makings of a compelling theatrical production. Real-life husband-and-wife Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova co-wrote and share the stage in the dramatization of their Ukraine-to-Alberta love story. First Métis Man of Odesa (translated from Ukrainian, the spelling of the port city’s name has one s) celebrates the outlandish lengths lovers will go to, so they can be together. April 22–May 13. The Citadel Theatre, Edmonton. citadeltheatre.com
CANADA’S AIR PASSENGER BILL OF RIGHTS covers flights to, from and within Canada and addresses delays, overbooking and lost or damaged luggage. AMA and CAA continue to advocate for improvements to the system to better serve Canadians in a more timely fashion. If you find yourself stuck, what should you do?
Insurance for Fido and Fluffy. Cover your four-footed friend with pet insurance through AMA (amainsurance .ca/pets)
Itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing and wheezing… It’s not just humans who can suffer from seasonal allergies. Pets can, too. According to the American Kennel Club, the most common allergy symptoms in dogs include skin reactions (itchiness, hives, inflamed or red skin), swelling of the face, lips, eyelids or ear flaps, and runny eyes. Cats with seasonal allergies can also suffer these symptoms.
If you notice your pet scratching or licking itself more than usual, sneezing or showing signs of swelling this spring, a visit to the vet may be in order. Your vet may want to rule out other possibly serious causes before diagnosing the problem as a seasonal allergy.
Luckily, you can help alleviate the misery by limiting your pet’s exposure to allergens, like pollen or snow mould, and with prescription medications. Your vet will be happy to advise.
TALK TO THE AIRLINE. They may be able to resolve your problem without needing to go further.
SUBMIT A COMPLAINT TO THE AIRLINE IN WRITING. You must allow 30 days for them to respond.
IF YOU ARE STILL UNSATISFIED, file online with the Canadian Transportation Agency at rppa-appr.ca
AMA continues to advocate for improvements to Canada’s Air Passenger Rights system to better serve Canadians.
Plan to leave a smaller footprint—even before you arrive. Here are five tips on how to do it.
By Valerie HowesMOST TRAVELLERS, BY NATURE, care about the world around them. So it’s no surprise that more and more travellers are looking to plan “green” trips and booking hotels that share their eco-minded sensibilities. Here are some tips on how to make informed choices when deciding where to stay:
A hotel that cares about environmental stewardship will be eager to share its mission with guests. Ask the following questions before you book: What is your plastics policy? Do you operate paperless? Do you have energy- and water-saving measures in place? Is your accommodation certified for environmental sustainability? This way, you’re gathering data and also sending a message that regenerative practices matter.
Any property with a strong environmental commitment will clearly reference its practices. Setting a high benchmark is Trout Point Lodge, in Nova Scotia, whose site details eco-conscious design and construction choices. They also use grey water in the garden, launder sheets less often and encourage staff to carpool or bike.
LOOK FOR THIRD-PARTY CREDENTIALS FROM A TRUSTED ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION.
Not all green accreditations are created equally. Here are two you can trust. Ottawa-based Green Key Global rates (and audits) hotels, based on criteria such as energy and water conservation, waste management and building infrastructure. The widely used certification system LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) recognizes excellence in green design and construction
practices. In Alberta, the Element by Westin Calgary Airport is the first LEED-certified hotel. It has recycled cork floors in its gym, electric car–charging stations and water-efficient faucets.
Regenerative travel destinations, such as Vancouver Island’s Inn at Laurel Point, work with other businesses to set a higher bar. This carbon-neutral inn is the first hotel in North America to join The Climate Pledge network, a collaboration of companies tackling climate change. The Inn at Laurel Point even recycles sheets for use as bandages in developing countries and utilizes ocean water for hydrothermal heating and cooling.
Vacationing, surrounded by nature, using only renewable energy sources and composting toilets, is an option that’s both rewarding and environmentally sound. Algonquin Eco-Lodge, in Ontario, fits the bill. It’s fully powered by micro-hydro electricity generated by waterfalls. It also offers an eco-volunteering summer program for guests interested in projects like clearing out overgrown streams or building trail bridges. AMA
An AMA Travel counsellor can help you find eco-friendly accommodations. It’s easy to connect with a counsellor at amatravel.ca
A happy battery makes for a happy vehicle.
By Matt Bubbers | Illustration by Peter GrundyA DEAD BATTERY is one of the most common reasons drivers call AMA for help. It’s no surprise really. Canada’s sub-zero winters are like kryptonite to your car’s battery, and high-tech features—like cameras, keyless entry and automatic engine stop/start—can put additional strain on the system. Having knowledge of your car’s battery and electrical system can go a long way in preventing problems down the road and help you feel better equipped to interact with your mechanic or AMA professional.
In a traditional vehicle, a 12-volt battery— often located in the engine bay or under a cover in the trunk—is responsible for supplying power to a starter motor that spins the engine to life. Once the engine is running, it powers an alternator, a tiny generator that turns the engine’s rotating mechanical force into electrical energy. The alternator usually
powers accessories such as headlights and wipers, and it also maintains the charge in a healthy battery (but can’t recharge a severely depleted one). Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by massive lithium-ion batteries— often positioned under the car’s floor—but they also have a smaller 12-volt battery to power accessories such as headlights, windows and wipers.
A 12-volt lead-acid battery (as found in most cars) usually has a lifespan of three to five years, but drivers should always be on the lookout for signs of failure. Those include warning lights on the dashboard, dim headlights, a sulfur or rotten-egg smell, a weird-sounding horn, and corrosion, which looks like white or blue-green gunk on the battery itself.
A dead or dying battery can (although not always) point to a problem with the alter-
nator. Alternator failures are less common than battery issues, but signs to watch out for include a whining or growling noise from the engine bay, a burnt-rubber smell, and flickering or dim headlights.
To avoid battery problems, don’t run your vehicle’s accessories for an extended period while the engine is off, and check that you haven’t accidentally left the vehicle’s lights on before walking away. If your car will be parked for an extended period, consider installing a “smart” battery charger/maintainer to keep it in good shape. The best way to prevent a dead battery, however, is simply to use your car. Try to drive for at least 20 to 30 minutes once a week.
If all else fails, AMA Mobile Battery Service will test, replace and recycle your old car battery from your home, workplace or even from the side of the road. AMA
Check your battery? AMA Mobile Battery Service will come to you with no-charge testing for all members.
If you end up replacing your battery, your appointment won’t count as one of your annual roadside assistance calls. Call 1-800-222-4357 or use the app to request assistance.
One of Europe’s oldest cities, Chania is a sun-splashed destination on the coast of Crete that combines ancient charm with modern comforts. And, yes, (almost) all roads lead to the beach.
By Beth Hitchcock | Photography by Tom ParkerFOR SUN-SEEKERS, the city of Chania was once a means to an end—a stopover en route to the world-class beaches of Crete, Greece’s largest and southernmost island. Now, this bustling city on Crete’s northwest coast has earned the spotlight on its own merits. Just an hour’s flight from Athens, Chania (pronounced “hahn-yah”) is both a destination, thanks to a historic harbour and local delicacies, and an ideal jumping-off point to explore the culture, geographic diversity and this lush island’s Instagrammable beaches. For admirers of history and architecture, Chania itself is an irresistible draw. First inhabited around 1700 B.C. by the Minoans it was later claimed by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans, which helps explain the city’s wide-ranging historic architecture. Walking into town from the Venetian lighthouse (a listed archaeological site) at Chania’s port, you’ll pass a fascinating mix of neoclassical buildings, Byzantine castles and monasteries dating back to the 11th century.
It’s at the new Archaeological Museum in the nearby suburb of Chalepa that you begin to understand how the city’s traditional spirit and contemporary edge coexist so comfortably. Here, inside a modern building designed according to sustainability and bioclimatic principles, you can view artifacts and learn about Cretan life from prehistoric times.
Though the city’s historic covered central market is closed for renovation until late 2023, there are open-air farmers’ markets to discover and picturesque alleys to wander, all populated with shops purveying local delights—artisanal leather goods, ceramics and hand-embroidered textiles, olive oil, tea and honey.
Kurkuta is a fun souvenir shop full of kitschy novelty items, while Mitos Art has more sophisticated offerings that range from modern gold and silver jewellery to ceramics and bronze sculptures created by local artists and designers. Roka Carpets Weaving Shop is where master weaver Mihalis Manousakis and his wife, Annie, craft intricate traditional rugs on their 400-year-old loom.
Don’t miss the chance to sample Cretan delicacies, like kalitsounia, a salty or sweet cheese pastry, and dakos, a fresh salad of tomatoes, creamy sheep’s- or goat’s-milk cheese atop barley rusks soaked in olive oil. Kolokithokeftedes is another item you’ll see on menus—traditional zucchini, feta and mint fritters popular on the island. Raki, a Cretan brandy distilled from grapes, is served at just about every taverna and enjoyed neat alongside mezes (a selection of small appetizers or snacks).
One of Chania’s most famous pastry shops is a family business that has been baking fresh bougatsa—a phyllo pastry with a sweet or savoury filling—for 100 years. Stop by Bougatsa Iordanis any time after 6 a.m., when the oven gets fired up, for the original sweet version—with a creamy custard filling—dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and best enjoyed with a strong coffee.
For a more modern take on breakfast
(or lunch or dinner), head over to Ginger Concept, a chic bistro in the Old Town— and an idyllic place to start the day with kagianas (an eggs-and-tomato dish) and people-watching. And for the freshest seafood and best sunset views, book a dinner reservation at Thalassino Ageri, or try Salis, where the creative chef reimagines old classics with seasonal local twists.
Take your pick of accommodations—coastal, city or countryside—to suit your personal preference and itinerary.
Just outside of Chania, on an organic farm, is Metohi Kindelis, with its rosecoloured exterior and three spacious guest houses, replete with fully equipped kitchens (and fridges stocked with local goodies) and private saltwater pools.
With its clean-lined beach house interiors punctuated by primary colours and cheeky pop art, Ammos hotel is the physical embodiment of a wink. This beachfront favourite just five kilometres from the Old Town features cozy studio rooms as well as larger suites to accommodate families of four.
Boutique luxury hotel Casa Delfino is housed in a refurbished 17th-century Venetian mansion and has 24 elegant guest rooms with stunning views of Chania’s Old Harbour.
Contemporary accommodations are available at the centrally located Samaria Hotel, which is close to the Old Town and shop-lined cobbled streets.
Rent a car and venture out from Chania to view more breathtaking landscapes and explore the local attractions. The roads can be narrow and winding, but most are clearly marked with signs in English—and you'll
For a more modern take on breakfast (or lunch or dinner), head over to Ginger Concept, a chic bistro in the Old Town—and an idyllic place to start the day with kagianas (an eggs-and-tomato dish) and peoplewatching.
find plenty of friendly locals who will help steer you through a tight spot.
The jewel in Crete’s historic crown is Knossos, believed to be Crete’s largest Bronze Age archaeological site and Europe’s oldest city. You can still experience the tiered platforms of the palace, the restored fresco depicting a charging bull, and the majestic Minoan columns constructed from the trunks of cypress trees—all just a scenic two-hour drive away. Break up the trip back to Chania with a stop at the Arkadi Monastery, a 16th-century church that blends Roman and Baroque elements and was a refuge during the Cretan resistance to Ottoman rule in 1866.
A hike at Samaria Gorge is a must. The 16kilometre trail will lead you past abandoned villages, tight passages (one is only three metres wide and 100 metres high) and 450 species of plant and animal life, which makes the gorge a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. For a shorter hiking alternative, check out the Imbros Gorge, an 11-kilometre canyon trail about an hour’s drive from Chania.
Crete has a deep tradition of pottery and nowhere is it more evident than the village of Margarites, in the centre of Crete’s rolling Rethymno region. Stroll the winding streets and you’ll notice artists’ handthrown pots displayed outside, spilling onto the sidewalks and window sashes, and indoors. At Keramion, you can observe Minoan-era firing techniques and embellishments on the humble-yet-stunning vases, jugs and plates. And if you’re artistically inclined, consider taking a short workshop to learn how to throw clay on a wheel or hand-build a pottery piece.
When you’re ready to cool down with a swim at the beach, Chania offers bountiful
options. There are lots of lovely beaches near the city, but the real gems are just a short trip away. Many beaches are family-friendly but some are hard to access— do some research if you're travelling with small children or have mobility issues.
Prepare to swoon at the shimmering pink sands (thanks to crushed shells) and crystalline waters at Balos. Apart from its otherworldly appearance, what sets Balos apart is its shallow lagoon that’s perfect for wading. Though you can drive the 51 kilometres to Balos, some of the roads are rough, as is the final hike to the beach. The easiest arrival is via the Kissamos ferry. There’s a beach bar, but items are limited and go fast, so pack your own water and snacks.
If one pink beach isn’t enough, venture to Elafonisi. Shallow turquoise waters dotted by islands and coves make the one-kilometre-long coastline a popular spot. Elafonisi offers sunbeds and beach umbrellas, beach bars and, during the busy summer season, lifeguards.
Falassarna, located at the western base of the scenic Gramvousa Peninsula, is another crowd-pleaser, thanks to an abundance of rental umbrellas, snack bars and volleyball courts.
Where there are great beaches, there are bound to be great water sports. With a plethora of equipment-rental companies operating at most sites, you can easily find canoes, stand-up paddleboards, windsurfers and jet-skis. If you’d rather enjoy the ocean by boat, head to nearby Hora Sfakion and take a trip to Loutro, a charming seaside village inaccessible by car. Or drive to Kalypso Beach in Rethymno—a rocky cove with inky blue waters that once served as a pirate hideaway. Rent scuba or snorkel gear and marvel at marine life in the Libyan Sea.
Whether you’re Greek island-hopping or plan to spend your whole vacation on Crete, you’ll find plenty to do and see—with sweeping seaside vistas so stunning, it can be hard to keep your eyes on the winding cliffside roads. AMA
Elafonisi, with its pink dunes and clear blue water, is frequently listed as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Minimize currency exchange fees and buy euros before your trip—you can order currency online at amatravel.ca/currency-exchange and pick it up at your local AMA Centre or any airport in Canada with an International Currency Exchange location. While in Greece, pay with cash or use a credit or debit card with low or no foreign transaction fees. No matter what, avoid airport kiosks at both the beginning and end of your journey; they charge a premium for the convenience.
Since some foreign car rental agencies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), check with your intended provider before setting out on Crete’s winding roads. The IDP is valid for one year after purchase, so it’s handy if you plan to extend your trip to other destinations—or have additional trips planned in the coming year.
AMA is the exclusive provider of IDPs in Alberta, whether you’re a member or not. Get more information at amatravel.ca/articles/ what-is-an-international-driving-permit
We can help you book flights, cruises, hotels, cars and activities for your next big adventure. Learn more at amatravel.ca .
Traveling light is an art form. Here’s how to carry-on the essentials and still explore your destination in style:
Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane: jeans, sweater, jacket and comfortable walking shoes or boots.
Limit packed footwear to a pair of casual shoes or shoes that can be dressed up, plus flat sandals or flip-flops for the pool and beach.
Check what amenities your hotel provides, so you can leave unnecessary toiletries at home.
Choose versatile clothing—lightweight trousers, skirts, good-quality tees—that can be layered to suit the temperature or occasion.
Bring a selection of small accessories (think scarves, jewellery, sunglasses) to smarten up your basics. And don’t forget a hat for sun protection!
A luxury cruise on one of the world’s grandest rivers pampers the body and soul.
By Erin CampbellTO THE SOUND OF VIGOROUS DRUMMING and clashing cymbals, a traditional lion dance lights up the upper deck of our ship as it crosses from Vietnam into Cambodia. This is the halfway point of our cruise on the Mekong River, and the colours and cacophony of the ceremony—múa lân in Vietnamese—presents a delightful spectacle. It’s also a blessing for our journey—and it bodes well for the events to come.
We are just a few days into a week-long cruise and our 279-foot-long ship has become our home away from home. Every day the chatter among the guests becomes more excited. We are past introductions at this stage. Most likely, many long-lasting friendships are being forged—for there is a lot to talk about. That spectacular dance, for one.
A lion dance is performed to mark a special occasion. In our case, the animated movements are intended to bestow happiness, wealth and good fortune upon the guests on the ship. For this we are grateful. And we can feel the results—guests relax and sip local Angkor beer while taking in a view of the silk-producing town of Tân Châu. A sense of calm and relaxation melds with the excitement for everything that the mighty Mekong will allow us to experience.
A river cruise feels like the perfect way to travel, as our ship meanders the seemingly endless waterway. Daily shore excursions take us to floating markets, temples and wildlife sanctuaries. Every day we see something new, and every evening the discussions among the guests turn to convivial recollections of the day’s remarkable sights, sounds and flavours.
Just a few days earlier, when the ship departed at sunset from Ho Chi Minh City, we were a group of strangers setting out on an adventure, full of anticipation but not entirely sure what to expect. No amount of reading and Web surfing can prepare you for such a visually rich setting, unfolding day by day and uploading new additions to our visual memory banks.
For many, this river cruise is like no other excursion. Some first-time river cruisers remark on the unique blend of cultural immersion and daily activities mixed in with ample time for leisure and social interaction. With 34 staterooms onboard, the ship can carry up to 68 passengers. Not too many and not too few…the optimal number, really, affording opportunities for social gatherings and time for peace and quiet, as you prefer. Perhaps a rejuvenating Cambodian Khmer massage at the end of a day of sightseeing? This can be arranged.
The Mekong River is the world’s second-most biodiverse river system after the Amazon basin. It travels 4,350 kilometres south from China to the Mekong Delta in southwest Vietnam, passing through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia along the way. The surreal and misty landscapes that we casually drift past are home to innumerable small villages and rice paddies that yield 25 million metric tons of rice a year. The aquatic biodiversity rivals that of the Amazon and is the most concentrated per hectare of any river in the world.
Here are some tips for booking your own Mekong river cruise.
For maximum comfort, travel during the dry season—from November to April, when temperatures and humidity are lower.
Add extra days to tour around destinations like Angkor Wat, adjacent to the city of Siem Reap, or Ho Chi Minh City.
Pack light moisture-wicking clothes, comfy shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen and a good camera and binoculars for wildlife-spotting.
Booking extra days before and after your cruise lets you experience more of the region and helps you acclimate before the cruise and unwind afterwards. For example, before departing on a Mekong cruise like this one, take the time to navigate Ho Chi Minh City’s sea of motorbikes. Visit the Saigon Central Post Office and the neo-Romanesque Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, whose 19th-century architecture evokes the French Indochina era. See the Independence Palace, which was captured in 1975 by North Vietnamese forces to end the Vietnam War. There is so much to see— get in touch with AMA Travel to arrange the perfect “extra” days on your vacation.
We discover all of this as we journey. The ship—and all its glorious trappings—is one thing. The shore is something else.
Most river cruise itineraries include daily shore excursions. This is the time not only to stretch your legs but also to immerse yourself in the local culture. In Sa Déc, once the largest city on the Mekong Delta, we savour lotus tea and candied ginger at the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for Marguerite Duras’ 1984 novel, The Lover. At the nearby market, vendors sell fresh watermelons and bamboo shoots, live river prawns and mangrove crabs. We enjoy local ingredients both on land and back on the ship, where the menu reflects regional cuisine, such as duck breast with red cabbage and tamarind. Fresh, fruit-centric desserts are irresistible: the mango sticky rice with coconut sorbet is a particular guest favourite. On another day, a visit to the 850-hectare Tra Su Bird Sanctuary presents a visual feast, with hill mynah birds and painted storks soaring above wetlands accessible by small boats via narrow canals.
Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh demands more than a day to take everything in. Afternoon tea at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Built in 1929, the hotel showcases French colonial architecture accented by the works of local artisans. Tea at the Elephant Bar pairs scones and clotted cream with a cognac-and-champagne cocktail called the
Femme Fatale, created for Jackie Kennedy when she visited in 1967.
This is the beauty of our river cruise—the ability to combine luxury indulgence with visits to significant sites and monuments. We wander the gilded century-old Throne Hall at the Cambodian Royal Palace, decorated outside with statues of Buddhist deities and inside with ornate thrones and golden busts. An exhilarating 300-step climb brings us to the seventh-century hilltop temple at Wat Hanchey and the sight of cheerful young monks, their orange robes contrasted against a striking blue pagoda. For many in our group, the adventure peaks at the ruined temple of Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots cling to the walls and doorways of this 12th-century Buddhist site, to eerie effect. But then we visited Angkor Wat—at 162 hectares, the largest religious monument complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is awe-inspiring.
This is a lot to take in over the course of a week. But the adrenaline surge that results from visiting these iconic sites becomes a daily addiction—you just want to see more and more. And being able to retreat to a luxury ship at the end of the day provides time to decompress, reflect and review…made all the more rewarding with a delicious cocktail and the company of people who started out as fellow guests and are now fast friends. AMA
Take me to the river. Book a river cruise adventure with AMA to discover its wonders for yourself. An AMA Travel counsellor can help you find a cruise that’s just right for you. Visit AMAtravel.ca to get started.
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A river cruise feels like the perfect way to travel, as our ship meanders the seemingly endless waterway.Buddhist monks from all over the world pilgrimage to the majestic Angkor Wat. Sip a gin cocktail (made with your pick of over 100 brands in their “ginventory”) at the historic Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh. PHOTOGRAPHY: (OPENING PAGE) GÁBOR KOVÁCS/ALAMY, (LEFT PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM) DICK HOSKINS/UNSPLASH, (BOTTOM LEFT) COURTESY RAFFLES HOTEL LE ROYAL, (RIGHT PAGE) HONG HANH MAC THI/ALAMY
Medically Necessary/Urgent Eye Care
“When
Eye infections? Eye injuries? Visit your optometrist. They are trained to diagnose, treat
Community gardens provide access to healthy food along with a social support system. Find out what’s growing in a garden near you.
By Waheeda Harris
In her children’s novel Anne of Ingleside, Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote: “Nothing ever seems impossible in spring.” And for community gardeners from coast to coast, the allure of getting their hands in the soil and planning the seasonal bounty of flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables renders an experience that’s even better when shared.
Coming together to witness small green shoots stretch skyward and thrive in the sunshine, community gardening is also a way for local residents to increase food security, share culture and traditions, and
pledge their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.
For Albertan Devin Bateman, creating the Clairmont Community Garden in 2020 may have been a nudge to his fellow residents to get planting, but at the time, he never imagined his project to be this massively successful.
It all started with the realization that, in the hamlet of Clairmont (population: 2,800), just north of Grande Prairie, there are those who need a helping hand to put food on the table. Last year, the garden yielded 800 pounds of potatoes, 250 pounds of carrots
and 40 pounds of tomatoes, as well as pumpkin, onion, zucchini and beans for donating to the local food bank.
The 5,000-square-foot greenspace has 26 raised beds, where, soon, strawberries, sugar snap peas and corn will grow, along with an orchard of 40 fruit trees, plus raspberry, blueberry, gooseberry and haskap berry bushes. Plans for a greenhouse are in the works to expand growing opportunities, plus a classroom for a gardening program geared to Clairmont Community School’s students in Grades 1 and 2. Bateman hopes to expand beyond what he and his team started in Clairmont. He envisions a multitude of gardens “dedicated to growing fresh food for local food banks,” he says, “and educating children in the community.”
Here are three other community-garden initiatives in Alberta that showcase how greenspaces are vital to healthy cities and towns:
This garden in the core of southwest Edmonton’s Riverbend community is just one in 80-plus success stories of urban gardens in Alberta’s capital city. Volunteers here regularly weed, water and harvest and, on Saturdays, gather for morning coffee and share gardening tasks. Their Wednesday Watering Club is often powered by the students from nearby St. Monica Catholic School. A second prospering garden is located at a nearby housing complex.
More than 20 plots plus communal gardening beds are available here for those interested in growing their own vegetables and herbs in the residential neighbourhood of Sunalta in southwest Calgary. Participants benefit from workshops led by AMA’s Good to Grow community participant Janet Melrose, (aka Calgary’s Cottage Gardener) who covers topics like composting and saving seeds. Volunteer residents also help out at the Sunalta Community Wildflower Garden, situated on land donated by a former resident. Immersive events on-site include “Weeding on Wednesdays,” which encourages neighbours to socialize while tending to the garden and learning more about stewardship of the local landscape.
Overseen by the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, these on-campus gardens at the University of Alberta serve as an outdoor classroom in Edmonton for students and faculty (and for staff to enjoy) and bridges the gap between academic research and real-life issues on food security. One of the three gardens is the 1.5-acre Prairie Urban Farm, where some 50 volunteers pitch in to help and share the bounty. The gardens’ produce is also donated to the Campus Food Bank for food hampers, snack stations and the weekly free breakfast. Last year, a market-box subscription of weekly harvests was launched for local residents and students. AMA
Contact your local community organization for information on existing gardens in your area.
Many community gardens use Facebook rather than stand-alone websites. If you wish to volunteer, a quick search there may lead to fruitful results.
Download the Community Gardens Handbook from Alberta Health Services (albertahealth services.ca/nutrition/page11409.aspx)
AMA’s Good to Grow community is a place to learn, share, and connect with other gardeners. See ama.ab.ca/GoodToGrow for more.
AMA members earn 2% back on their online purchases at Rona and Home Hardware. ama.ab.ca/rewards/offers
Community gardening offers a way for residents to also increase food security, share culture and traditions, and pledge a commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.
The high cost of medical equipment can be a shock to families in need. That’s where The Lending Cupboard steps in.
By Vivian VassosTHE LENDING CUPBOARD in Red Deer operates like a regular library, but instead of books, people come to check out muchneeded medical equipment—the kind they wouldn’t be able to afford on their own.
A wide range of equipment is made available to those in need, like crutches, bath chairs, wheelchairs and hospital beds. The registered charity’s service is simple to use, says its executive director, Lori Shatto. “Come with a requisition from your doctor and you can borrow what you need.”
It was Jacqui Joys, founder of The Lending Cupboard, who came up with the concept when her husband became ill and she couldn’t find the medical equipment for his daily care. “Jacqui started knocking on doors and she persevered,” says Shatto. Joys enlisted a group of friends and service clubs to canvas hospitals, medical facilities and donors, and the idea of a lending resource spread from Red Deer to Lethbridge. Joys no longer runs the charity but is still a big supporter.
Early in her career, Shatto herself worked for hospital foundations and discovered a passion for helping people find what they need in health care. She credits that drive to what she sees in her colleagues and how they make a difference in people’s daily lives. “The simple act of providing crutches or a wheelchair—it’s hard to explain. It’s
something within you. You can’t let it go.”
The Lending Cupboard, which served 22,000-plus clients last year, stocks 15,000 pieces of medical equipment, all meticulously maintained, cleaned and inspected for safety. More than 60 volunteers keep the place running.
It’s the welcoming environment that counts, Shatto explains. “Clients are coming at a vulnerable time, so it’s important to treat everyone with respect and kindness.” Lending an elderly lady a walker that comes with a seat and brakes is just one example. It allows her to keep going to her weekly bridge game and see her friends. Things like that are impactful, especially because confidence and mental health go hand in hand. “To allow people to live with dignity,” says Shatto, “there’s nothing better.”
Learn more at lendingcupboard.ca AMA
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To allow people to live with dignity —there’s nothing better.
✓ First walk-in tub available with a customizable shower
✓ Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots to offer a seated shower option
✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub
✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price Now
As EVs hit the consumer mainstream, they’re also being put to work. Watch for these new vehicles on a highway or job site near you.
By Matt BubbersELECTRIC VEHICLES are hot right now. Sales are booming and public opinion in Canada has shifted in their favour, in part because battery-powered vehicles aren’t just for commuters anymore.
Electric vehicles (EVs)—also known as battery electric vehicles, or BEVs—are gearing up for work. Electric pickups and long-haul trucks are already on highways and job sites, while electric snowmobiles are patrolling ski slopes, and made-in-Canada electric delivery vans could soon be bringing packages to your doorstep.
Light EVs—including Ford’s much-hyped F-150 Lightning pickup—account for 6.5 per cent of all new passenger vehicles sold in this country, up from just 1.9 per cent in early 2019, according to the latest figures
from market research firm S&P Global. Adoption of medium- and heavy-duty EVs has been slower, but the shift is happening as major fleet operators—including Canada Post, FedEx, Amazon and Calgary-based power utility Enmax Corp.—commit to electrification.
More important than sales—which experts say have been limited by supply constraints— is the fact that a growing number of Canadians want an EV. They’ve gone mainstream. Even the Super Bowl is saturated with ads for electric vehicles these days.
“At a high level—and this has been pretty consistent for a few years now—roughly 6 in 10 Canadians are inclined to buy an EV over a gas car when they purchase their next vehicle, with roughly 3 in 10 being cer-
tain of that decision,” says Trevor Melanson, a spokesperson for Clean Energy Canada, a think tank at Simon Fraser University.
There are a multitude of reasons why public opinion is shifting, but the simple fact is that EVs improved to the point that they can no longer be ignored. Today, EVs are some of the very fastest, smoothest, most reliable, most powerful, cheapest to operate and whisper-quiet machines on the road. They can, however, cost more to purchase, but there’s a good chance you’ll make up the difference in terms of gas savings. Check out ama.ab.ca/EV where you'll find resources to help you evaluate whether it's time to consider buying an EV.
And your choices are not limited to compact cars or expensive luxury sedans anymore.
Ford’s F-150 Lightning pickup—with its front trunk and ability to provide power to your home in an electrical outage—is rolling off production lines now, although not fast enough to meet booming demand, even at a starting price of $79,000.
Chevrolet will fight back with the 2024 Silverado EV WT work truck. It’s aimed at fleet operators and slated to arrive in early 2024 with a starting price of $55,197. And, earlier this year, Ram showed off a concept— the Ram 1500 Revolution—that previews its first electric pickup coming in 2024. Tesla’s much-delayed Cybertruck should join the fray soon(ish), too.
Aside from this wave of new work-ready models, high gas prices are also pushing drivers to consider EVs. “Often, the higher the gas prices, the higher the interest in EVs,” notes Baris Akyurek, director of analytics at AutoTrader Canada. In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, for example, when gas prices skyrocketed in 2022, Akyurek says that AutoTrader’s website saw an 89 per cent increase in searches for EVs.
Vehicle fleet operators are especially focused on costs, which is why many major companies have started shifting to EVs. For example, Enmax in Calgary put two medium-duty (Class 6) electric trucks on its fleet last year.
“When compared to a standard gas or diesel vehicle, the total cost of EV ownership over the life cycle is about 50 per cent less for maintenance and operational expenses,” Jana Mosley, president of subsidiary Enmax Power, noted in a news release last spring. The company’s goal is to electrify its entire fleet by 2030.
The cost of purchasing and running a battery-electric or hydrogen-powered commercial truck is expected to be on par with their diesel equivalents by the end of this decade, even without government rebates, according to a recent report by the California Air Resources Board, which monitors vehicle emissions standards.
Walmart, Hertz, Verizon and DHL Express Canada have all placed orders for
Interior of Ram 1500 REV. Ford F-150 Lightning.fully-electric, Canadian-made delivery vans. BrightDrop, a subsidiary of General Motors, began producing its electric vans last year at a facility in Ingersoll, Ont., Canada’s first full-scale electric-vehicle manufacturing plant.
When it comes to larger, long-haul semi-trucks, electrification is more challenging. The energy required to propel heavy loads over long distances necessitates enormous batteries, which add weight and detract from payload capacity. Nevertheless, Winnipeg-based Bison Transport recently tested a pair of fully electric Freightliner semi-trucks, and Tesla delivered its first semi late last year to PepsiCo. These electric giants are already on the road.
Meanwhile, at the smallest end of the professional-EV spectrum, FedEx expanded its successful electric cargo-bike delivery program to Calgary and several other Canadian cities. The company uses Danishdesigned Bullitt e-bikes, which have a range of roughly 180 kilometres.
“With any new technology, exposure and usage are key to adoption,” says Colin Fritz, AMA’s director of automotive services.
The sheer diversity of jobs done by trucks, vans, e-cargo bikes and buses means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for decarbonizing these vehicles. Some vehicles (school buses, delivery vans) are more suited to current EV technology than others (long-haul trucking).
Semi-truck makers, for example, are still divided on whether EVs are even the right solution. Some major manufacturers are investing in fuel cell technology, which converts hydrogen into electricity and emits only water vapour. One benefit is faster refuelling, but there are currently only six public hydrogen fuelling stations across the country and none in Alberta, according to Natural Resources Canada.
Whether it’s hydrogen or battery power that wins the day, it’s clear that more supporting infrastructure will be needed if Canada is to meet its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets.
By 2030, with deliveries on the rise, freight emissions are expected to surpass passenger-vehicle emissions in Canada. Even today, heavy-duty gasoline and diesel vehicles are responsible for over 30 per cent of Canada’s transportation emissions.
In an effort to reduce climate-change-causing emissions, the federal government’s new program—Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (iMHZEV)—offers rebates of up to $200,000 on the purchase or lease of more than 200 eligible vehicles, ranging from compact electric vans and buses to semi-trucks. Canada wants all new roadgoing medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold in this country to be zero-emissions by 2040. (The deadline for light-duty and passenger vehicles is 2035.)
With such incentives—combined with ongoing advances in technology, infrastructure and the stream of new EVs flowing into showrooms— interest in EVs appears to be on a continual upswing. If you're into emerging technologies, expect exciting times ahead. AMA
EV curious? Visit ama.ab.ca/EV to find out all about electric vehicles and determine if there’s an EV for you.
“EVs are a growing segment in Alberta,” says Colin Fritz, AMA’s director of automotive services. “As a mobility organization, we aim to serve all members and we want to ensure we can offer relevant services to them, regardless of their mobility choices.” Those new services for EV drivers include:
• EV charging stations are available at AMA's centres in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Edmonton South—with more to come this year
• AMA Driver Education's recent addition of two EVs to its fleet to help train Alberta’s first generation of EV learners
• a pilot program in Edmonton and Calgary providing emergency roadside top-up charging for stranded EV drivers, similar to how AMA delivers fuel to members who’ve run out of gas
• an online EV Buyer’s Guide offering impartial, authoritative guidance for drivers
AMA’s new podcast is live. Check out EV Life with host Krystal Maharaj, as we dive into topics that matter to you and answer all your questions about EVs. Curious as to how these vehicles withstand our frigid temperatures? Can the power grid handle the charging demands? Are EVs affordable for most Canadians? Visit ama.ab.ca/ EVLife to give it a listen.
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By 2030, with deliveries on the rise, freight emissions are expected to surpass passenger-vehicle emissions in Canada.
You’ll go back in time exploring all that Rocky Mountain House has to offer, with its attractions and rich history. Stretch your legs on an interpretive hike at the Rocky Mountain House Historic Site for some hands-on learning. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic sign on your way into town.
Illustration by Sunny Eckerle1. Copper Creek Cafe—The place to start for all the morning classics, along with hot sandwiches and pies. They are serious about coffee and very dog-friendly.
2. Rocky Mountain House Museum—Step into the shoes of the pioneers who settled here. Visit this museum featuring a 100-year-old cabin and schoolhouse. 3. Riverside Park—Get some fresh air at this small community park with views of the North Saskatchewan River. 4. Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site A variety of interpretive experiences demonstrate the town’s history.
Experience Métis culture and traditions, such as fur trading, beading, fiddling and jigging. 5. Brierley Rapids—Perfect for wave-watching or something more active. Canoers, kayakers and rafters make good use of this popular spot.
6. Restaurant Nineteen—The restaurant at Pine Hills Golf Club has lots to choose from, but regulars swear by the Buffalo Chicken Poutine. 7. Crimson Lake Provincial Park—With 10 kilometres of trails and an inviting place to swim (or fish), this is a park worth a linger—and perhaps a stay at one if its 150 campsites.
It’s just like a fairytale. But if the animals start talking to you, be concerned.
It’s a different world up here. Learn why.
Every AMA reward dollar equals $1 CAD, which can be used for movie passes, gift cards—or toward your next vacation and travel merchandise at any AMA centre.
Read more on page 38.
That dream concert or overseas vacation may be closer than you think.
By purchasing gift cards from AMA for popular retailers including Uber, Air Canada, Sobeys, Safeway and Indigo, members can earn reward dollars redeemable for most AMA products and services.
Reward dollars are exclusively for AMA members. Every reward dollar equals $1 CAD, which can be used for movie passes, gift cards—or toward your next vacation and travel merchandise at any AMA centre. Reward dollars can also be used to pay for or upgrade your AMA Travel Insurance policy. Or they can be automatically applied when you renew your membership.
With more than 165,000 participating retailer locations worldwide, members will find offers virtually anywhere they go. And
shopping online with some of your favourite brands can mean earning reward dollars right from home.
To earn reward dollars, simply present your valid AMA membership card or the app at retail partner locations. Or, if you’re shopping online through the AMA eStore, simply enter your membership number and start browsing. When you check out,
your reward dollars will be added to your account within 90 days.
To check your account balance, simply sign up or login to your account. Reward dollars never expire. The more you use your membership card, the more those reward dollars will grow.
Learn more at ama.ab.ca/rewards/about.
Independence is one of the main draws of solo travel. The freedom to do what you want, when you want to, can be a welcome change from the obligations of your day-to-day life.
TRAVELLING ON YOUR OWN can be intimidating. But those who’ve taken the plunge will often continue to go it alone. “It’s exhilarating because every single day is yours to go where you want and do what you want,” says solo travel pro and senior tour director at WestWorld Tours, Koral Hrominchuk. “I find my senses are more heightened to experiences, perhaps because they have to be.”
Thinking it’s time for your first solo? Here’s some advice.
Independence is one of the main draws of solo travel. The freedom to do what you want, when you want to, can be a welcome change from the obligations of your dayto-day life. Go solo and nobody else’s needs or preferences are your problem—and that
can be a vacation in itself. It’s time to put yourself first.
First time out? Keep it simple. Try a short trip, maybe to somewhere you’ve already been. Or try this: Take a few days apart from
The first time member Vivian Vassos fell in love with solo travel.
It started in a hotel restaurant in Brisbane 20 years ago. Having requested a table—for one (gasp!)—I was escorted to a corner by the cleanup station. The host noisily piled up the extra place setting; a clattering that diners nearby noticed. Heads turned. Eyes spied the empty chair opposite me. Then I saw it. A seat at the bar. Under the watchful eye of the bartender, all the guests looked happy and attended to. I made my move. Conversa-
your travel companion—go where you want, do what you want—before meeting up again.
Set up regular check-ins with someone at home or at your hotel and share your itinerary. Giving the impression that someone is waiting for you makes you seem less vulnerable. Register with the Canadian government (travel.gc.ca/travelling/ registration). Don’t be a conspicuous target for robbery—forget the flashy jewellery and be discreet with cash.
A group tour can be a revelatory solution, balancing solo travel with social support. “Travelling solo in a group often appeals to people who do not normally travel alone, but still want to get out there,” says Lois Sarkisian, group tours manager at Journeys by CAA Niagara. “In a group, a solo traveller has the option to participate in extra activities on their own or with someone in the group, which can be particularly great during mealtime.”
AMA Travel counsellor Tammy Allen suggests speaking to one of their counsellors who specialize in solo travel. “We can find the best value for our solo travellers, and can make recommendations to help ease stress and anxiety.” One example is the advice to pack light, keeping your baggage to only carry-on. Struggling with more than you can manage on your own is a challenge you don’t need.
The number one tip for solo travel though is just take the leap and go.
tion flowed. A group of loners—but not alone in this moment—were trading cocktail picks, local tips, even where to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.
As a woman who often travels solo, I now always prefer the bar, even if I’m dining and not drinking. There’s a convivial spirit that also feels safe.
And Brisbane? I tried the cocktails, took the tips and, yes, snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef.
AMA Driver Education can prepare you for amazing Alberta roadtrips like this one.
ROADTRIPPING through the Badlands of southeast Alberta is an adventure every Albertan should experience. The drive between Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park and Dinosaur Provincial Park takes about 2.5 hours and reveals spectacular sights. The retreat of glaciers at the end of the ice age fast-tracked the process of erosion, exposing the fossils that Dinosaur Provincial Park is famed for, and leaving the steep rock walls and hoodoo formations you’ll see at the parks and along the way.
The best roadtrips leave lots of time to stop and explore whenever the mood strikes, so give yourself plenty of time for the journey. This trip’s abundance of striking vistas will make you want to pull over to take it all in. Make sure you also have time to spend at the interpretive centres at each site, detailing their millenia-old history. Book a tour to see petroglyphs that mark the special relationship the Siksika Nation and other Indigenous peoples have with the land at Writing-on-Stone, then scramble over the rocks at Dinosaur Provincial Park…keep your eyes out for dino bones. Now, get ready for some amazing roadtrips of your own. AMA’s refreshed online driver training takes you on a roadtrip across Alberta and introduces you to some of the province’s great landmarks. Alberta is waiting to be explored.
Take a virtual roadtrip with AMA’s newly redesigned roadtrip-themed online course. Explore all New Driver Program options at ama.ab.ca/NewDrivers
AMA offers a lot more than roadside assistance. Here are just some of the member services we provide:
MOBILE TIRE CHANGE If you live in Calgary, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge or Red Deer, our expert technicians will come to your home and change your on-rim winter tires to summer tires.
AMA APPROVED AUTO REPAIR SERVICE (AARS) SHOPS We’ve partnered with trusted auto repair facilities in Calgary, Edmonton and around Alberta. Each AARS shop is thoroughly vetted, so members can feel confident about the service they receive.
SPECIALIZED REGISTRY AGENTS Members can meet (in person or by phone or email) with one of 150 registry agents at any of our 17 centres across Alberta. Our agents can help you register for all the essentials, from birth certificates and driver’s licence tests to marriage licences and starting your own business.
EV BUYER’S GUIDE Our EV Buyer’s Guide provides information about more than 90 electric vehicles on the market, including facts and advice on purchasing, charging and owning an EV in Alberta. Get the guide here — ama.ab.ca/ev.
EV CHARGING AMA Level 2 charging stations are available at our Edmonton South, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge centres. More locations wil be available later in 2023.
DRIVING COST CALCULATOR Whether you buy new or used, there’s more to the cost of your vehicle than purchase price. This calculator can help you understand the ongoing costs of owning a vehicle by brand and category (including gas, hybrid and electric models).
Impaired driving is one of the leading criminal causes of death in Canada. It’s time to weed out misconceptions about driving under the influence of cannabis.
MYTH 1 Driving high is not as dangerous as drinking and driving. Your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash can double if you’re under the influence of cannabis. According to CAA research conducted by McGill University, cannabis slows your reaction time and reduces your ability to stay in a lane or avoid obstacles. It also affects your ability to make accurate decisions.
MYTH 2 Cannabis is legal, so driving while high is just a slap on the wrist, right?
Wrong. Impaired driving is a serious offence because it threatens your safety and the safety of anyone else on the road. Your first offence comes with hefty fines, a suspended license, an impounded vehicle and possible jail time. And penalties get much steeper with subsequent infractions.
MYTH 3 There’s no way police can enforce the laws. Police officers across Canada are trained to identify signs of drug impairment and can administer approved drug-screening tools. While
roadside, they may start with a Standardized Field Sobriety Test to check your eyes or see if you can stand on one foot. You may also be asked to provide a saliva sample for an Approved Drug Screening Equipment device that can detect multiple substances, including cannabis. Failing these tests means you’ll meet with a Drug Recognition Expert who will conduct a 12-step evaluation to determine if you’re impaired and what drugs you’ve taken. Refusing these tests will result in criminal charges.
MYTH 4 I’m fine if I wait an hour or two before driving. The McGill research found that young drivers were at risk of a collision even five hours after ingesting cannabis. Your reaction to cannabis varies each time you take it, depending on product potency and your method of consumption. Edibles take longer to kick in and some studies suggest they can remain in your system for up to 12 hours. There’s no clear-cut answer on how long to wait. It’s not worth the risk—take a cab, rideshare or opt for a designated driver.
Learn more about cannabis-impaired driving at ama.ab.ca/DriveHighDUI.
Twenty percent of Albertans aged 15 and older have consumed cannabis in the past three months, according to Statistics Canada, versus the national average of 16 percent.
Save on auto insurance with AMA MyRide.
With AMA MyRide, great driving means great savings. This new app scores your driving performance and provides feedback related to acceleration, hard braking, speeding, distracted driving and cornering.
This program is available to all Alberta Motor Association Insurance Company customers with auto insurance. It’s also completely voluntary, so if your current auto insurance is working for you as it is, there is no obligation to change.
By enrolling in AMA MyRide, eligible drivers immediately save up to 10% off their auto insurance just for participating. Plus, in the future you could receive an even bigger discount if you have high scores!
There is no downside. This is a discount-only program, so even if your scores aren’t what you hoped, you’ll just receive a smaller discount (but still a discount!).
The app is perfect for young drivers who feel they get a bad rap when it comes to safe driving. AMA MyRide gives them the chance to prove everyone wrong while saving on insurance.
Learn more at AMAMyRide.ca and get started by talking to an AMA Insurance advisor at 1-800-615-5897.
“I’m thinking of buying a used car. With the way the market is, is now a good time to sell my car and trade up?”
Colin Fritz, director of automotive services at AMA, answers:
NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO SELL YOUR VEHICLE. It’s a seller’s market and you can get top dollar for your used car or truck. On the other hand, it has never been more expensive to be on the buying side. Inventory is really lacking right now. It’s likely that things are going to stay this way for another year, at least. When the market adjustment comes—which it will—prices will normalize for used and new vehicles.
The bottom line? Wait to buy a new vehicle if you can.
So, if you are going to be hanging on to your vehicle for the time being, make sure you are taking care of it, so it will last. Perform regular maintenance on it and have it inspected as needed. Be aware of anything out of the ordinary, like noises or rattles. Get your battery load-tested if it’s three to five years old and replace it if needed. In Edmonton, Calgary, St. Albert and Sherwood Park, you can book a mobile service to test and replace your battery. A new battery is one of the easiest repairs that can be made, and it will save you trouble, especially in cold weather.
Have a question for our expert? Send it to amainsider@ama.ab.ca
Why navigating roundabouts is the way forward.
No, you’re not getting the runaround. Canadian drivers are increasingly likely to encounter roundabouts—those circular intersections that can reduce accidents when used correctly. Roundabouts hearken back to the U.K., in the mid-1950s, with the construction of the first “yield-at-entry” detours. Within 10 years, Australia and other Commonwealth countries followed suit.
In Canada, the first roundabout was built in 1998 in Montreal. There are now more than 400 nationwide. About a quarter of them are in Quebec, and most can be found in B.C., Ontario and Nova Scotia. But the roundabout capital is Calgary, which has 55, followed by Ottawa’s 51.
Why is the roundabout so popular? Simply put, these orbital roadway innovations make traffic move better—and, typically, more safely. Roundabouts provide an effective way of moving vehicles through an intersection; there are no left-turn delays, no running through red or amber lights and fewer traffic delays. They also demand driver attention, with a focus on the road. And since motorists do not typically have to stop (or stop for long, which means less eco-unfriendly idling), delays are minimal compared to signalized intersections and four-way stops.
Ultimately, roundabouts are designed to cause drivers to slow down and reduce the number of conflict points in an intersection. And where those points do occur, the traffic is intersecting at a shallow angle, rather than a right angle as at traditional intersections. All these features can help reduce the number of serious accidents where injuries or fatalities result.
So, here’s some advice. Yield, merge right and stay safe.
Travel insurance can be confusing, but we’re here to help you.
Dealing with a travel insurance claim is not on anyone’s bucket list, but if the need for insurance coverage comes up, here is some helpful information.
AMA Travel Insurance is supported by underwriters and a claims management service. When going through the claims process, you may deal with our underwriters at Orion Travel Insurance and their claims management company, Global Excel Management. Their role is to support you through the claims process, start to finish. This includes answering questions about coverage, next steps and how to submit a claim. They will also help you determine what documentation is required for a claim and tell you whether a claim is payable and why.
the assistance line to ask if your scenario is an insured risk. They may assign a case number that you will need to include when you submit your claim.
GATHER DOCUMENTATION The insurance team can also help you figure out what documentation you will need. It’s crucial to have it all; the review of your case can’t happen until all the documentation needed to substantiate the claim has been submitted.
SUBMIT YOUR CLAIM
The best way to submit a claim once you have all of your supporting documentation is by registering online at claimportal.globalexcel.com and selecting “Notify Us of a Claim” to begin. From there it will walk you through next steps, with assistance available whenever you need it.
CONFIRM COVERAGE
It all starts with assessing your situation, whether it’s a medical emergency or simply the need to cancel a trip. Every policy has specific wording that speaks to specific scenarios that are listed as insured risks, exclusions and conditions—a submitted claim will be reviewed against these to determine if it is payable under the policy. You can call
Learn More. We’ll be digging deeper into what you need to know about travel insurance over the next few issues. And you can always visit AMATravel.ca/TravelInsurance for more details.
AMA
AMA Rewards partners have everything you need to perk up your home.
Is it time to jazz things up in your household or garden? Or maybe in your wardrobe? Perhaps just a little spring cleaning and a new coat of paint? AMA has a large network of Reward partners with products and services that can help brighten things up for you and your family. Happy spring!
If there’s a renovation project—big or small—on your to-do list, you’ll find everything you need at Home Hardware, including tools, building supplies and garden accessories.
Earn 2% in reward dollars online
Bouclair
Add a little flair to your home with something from Bouclair’s collections of modern furniture, stylish accents, window treatments, wall art, bedding and more.
Save 5% in-store and online
Yardly
SHOW YOUR CARD
Don’t forget to use your AMA membership card to save money with AMA Rewards partners. You can earn and save at more than 165,000 locations.
SPRING CLEANING?
You don’t have to lift a finger with Just Junk—get rid of furniture, appliances, renovation debris and more. AMA members save 20% when booking online or by phone.
With so much to do this spring, consider leaving your lawn care to the professionals at Yardly. Seamless online ordering makes it easy. Save 5% on lawn care online
Ashley HomeStore
From small spaces to home offices and bedrooms to living rooms—and outdoors too— you’ll find something to refresh your home at North America’s number one furniture store. Earn 2% in reward dollars online
Dulux
Time for a fresh coat of paint? Dulux has everything you need—including expert advice and tips on the latest colour trends and equipment. Save 25% and earn 3% in reward dollars in-store
Stokes
From table- and kitchenware to unique décor items that’ll perk up any room, Stokes features irresistible items that also make great gifts.
Save 5% in-store
Linen Chest
Here’s a one-stop family-owned shop for perfect home accessories, from top-quality bedding and bathroom furnishings to kitchen accessories and home décor.
Earn 5% in reward dollars online
Earn & save with AMA when you shop with our partners. See offers and find out more by visiting ama.ab.ca/rewards
Changing lives as a contracted driving instructor.
LEARNING TO DRIVE is one of life’s big milestones. And as a contracted AMA driving instructor, Aileen Waldie has been part of that experience for hundreds of Albertans. This Calgarian instructor gets a front-seat view of our province’s future as she helps students of all ages gain freedom and independence.
Some of Waldie’s favourite teaching moments are when she finds herself instructing the sibling of a previous student. “It feels like you’re a part of the family’s journey,” she says. “I love seeing the kids become independent, seeing them realize their responsibility as drivers.”
Waldie’s previous job was as a sales coach at Royal Bank of Canada for 40 years. She now uses those skills in a different way, coaching her driving students to become confident and assured behind the wheel—an “amazing, nothing-like-it responsibility” that makes her excited to get up in the morning.
And it’s all done on her own schedule. She picks the days she works, typically booking three two-hour lessons for a shift. Though she prefers weekends, her flexibility as a contractor means she can work nearly full-time in a customizable way—sometimes slotting in evening shifts to accommodate eager students looking to learn after school. She’s her own boss, with ongoing training and support from AMA.
“There’s truly nothing like watching my students—once anxious behind the wheel—become safe, confident drivers who are excited to take their road test and start their next big adventure.”
Are you a patient person, eager to help drivers of all ages become safe drivers for life? Start your rewarding teaching journey at ama.ab.ca/TeachDE.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
Get your bebop, swing and Dixieland fix in April at the JazzYYC International Jazz Days Festival. Artists from across the globe will be playing in Calgary for your listening pleasure. April 28–30. jazzyyc.com/international-jazz-days-festival
Watch out for scammers who would make you a moving target.
WHETHER IT’S ACROSS THE COUNTRY, across town or just across the street, moving is stressful. But one thing it shouldn’t be? A scam.
According to Nancy Irvine, president of the Canadian Association of Movers, one of the most prevalent scams starts online. A sophisticated algorithm pushes out several lowball quotes from “different” moving companies, but they’re actually all from the same scammer. Seeing what appears to be a variety of places with similar rates not only gives you a sense of security (“all these places can’t be a rip-off!”), but also increases the odds you will pick them. Once the truck is loaded, the driver pressures you into paying a highly inflated rate, then drives off holding your belongings hostage until you pay.
How can you protect yourself?
• Get three quotes— in writing—from different sources.
• Ensure that your mover is legit. Google the address to make sure it exists.
• Contact the Canadian Association of Movers to check the reputation of your mover.
Alberta Ballet presents romantic favourite Giselle in Edmonton, March 9–11, and in Calgary, March 16–25. Then the troupe will take on the world premiere of choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa in Botero
Performances are in Edmonton, May 5–6, and Calgary, May 11–13. AMA Members save 15% at Alberta Ballet. ama.ab.ca/rewards/ partners/alberta-ballet-edmonton
Ensure that your personal documents are destroyed securely at one of AMA’s Shredding events this spring at various locations throughout the province. Bring papers that have personal information you don’t want to fall into the wrong hands. For details, check ama.ab.ca/events/shredding
AMA members can earn reward dollars on local and long-distance moves with AMJ Campbell, plus get a price-match guarantee, special member pricing on long-term storage and use of moving supplies for local moves. ama.ab.ca/rewards/partners/amj-campbell
Putting off that first spring ride for fear of a roadside flat? Your AMA membership includes Emergency Roadside Assistance for you and your bike, whether you need a pick-up or a fix-up. Our 24/7 Bike Assist service can help with basic fixes or transport for more serious repairs. It’s all covered under your annual roadside assistance calls.
Our service vehicle operators are skilled in basic maintenance, such as inflating flat tires or resetting bike chains. But if your bike requires more extensive repairs, we’ll provide a ride home or to a bike repair shop.
Visit ama.ab.ca/BikeAssist to learn more.
AMA will plant 200,000 trees to celebrate its 100th Anniversary.
By Debra Smith
EVERY GOOD PARTY NEEDS SOME PLANNING. AMA has partnered with Project Forest to plant 100 hectares of centennial forest to commemorate AMA’s 100th anniversary. Over 200,000 seedlings will be planted on parcels of land throughout Alberta, transforming non-productive fields into budding forests in time for the celebrations in 2026.
No matter where our individual stories began, we can all be proud to call Alberta home,” says Jane Flower, vice president of corporate purpose at AMA. “This project is about giving back to the land we love and helping preserve it for generations to come.”
AMA chose to honour its Alberta home by returning underutilized land to its natural state for all to enjoy, a process known as rewilding. And it has many benefits: the emerging forests will filter and clean water, improve soil, and support wildlife and even microbial and insect life. In Alberta, birds are typically the first vertebrate species to return after rewilding, and as a field becomes a forest, it creates a home for wildlife like bear, elk, deer, wolves and coyotes.
“A full 80 percent of our members have shared they are concerned about climate change,” says Flower. “But it’s also about community: creating spaces for Albertans to enjoy nature together, improve their health and well-being, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.” At maturity, AMA’s centennial forests will remove an average of 100,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year, roughly equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 20,000 vehicles.
The forests will grow native species on land designated by the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA). “We will plant food-bearing plants and shrubs as well as trees, using a local seed source, so we know that they are properly adapted to the climate and will grow based on the site conditions,” says Mike Toffan, executive director of Project Forest.
The commitment to rewilding is a long-term investment in the province. It’s about doing as much as possible now in order to leave a legacy for the next generation of Albertans. “That’s the intention of a project like this,” says Flower. “You plant the seedlings, and you might never know the people whose lives are touched. And when you partner with a thoughtful and experienced group like Project Forest, you’re in the right hands to make a difference.”
As an AMA member, you can feel a sense of pride visiting these forests that are guaranteed to be protected from development, creating recreational opportunities and enriching the natural world for our children, grandchildren and generations to come. That’s a plan we can all celebrate.
AMA can help you get settled as a new citizen of Wild Rose Country.
Moving can be stressful and there are always many more details to sort through than anticipated. Make sure you add these important to-dos to your list.
• Apply for the Alberta Health Insurance Plan.
• Get a driver’s licence or government ID.
• Register your vehicle.
The good news: As a registry agent for the Government of Alberta, AMA can help our members do all of the above. We can get you processed and set to go from any of our 17 centres. You can also register for automatic vehicle registration renewal—another thing to check off your list.
If you've consumed alcohol or drugs, don't drive.
Things can become when you’re impaired.
We’ll handle all the details.
We’ll give you great travel advice.
We’ll take care of you before, during, and after your trip.
We’ll save you money.
together, we’ve got this.
With over 50 years of travel expertise and the ability to customize itineraries to every continent, Goway Travel are the trusted specialists to help plan every globetrotting adventure.
From $4,899 incl. air from Edmonton or Calgary
Book by May 31st to receive $100 off per couple
11 days — March through December 2023
Includes: Roundtrip air from Edmonton or Calgary | Transfers throughout | 2 nights in Auckland | 2 nights in Rotorua | 3 nights in Queenstown | 1 night in Christchurch | Sightseeing | 1 lunch & 1 dinner
It’s nice to get tips and advice from someone who’s actually been there. Our travel counsellors have travelled the world and will use their vast knowledge to help you create an amazing vacation.
With Insight Vacations, you get authentic experiences that feed the soul. Explore beautiful destinations with local experts, stays at stylish hand-picked accommodations, and mouthwatering local cuisines curated by expert guides.
9 days — April through September 2023
From $4,195 tour only
City Visits: Edinburgh | St. Andrews | Blair Atholl | Culloden | Inverness | Loch Ness | Wick | Thurso | Orkney Islands | Skye | Glencoe | Loch Lomond | Glasgow
Travelling with a tour often allows experiences that one may not receive while travelling on their own. Some tours include visits to local homes or have front-of-the-line passes to museums and attractions. You’re taken care of from beginning to end, allowing you to take in the full experience of your vacation.
Kerri Archer Edmonton
With Exotik Journeys, you can customize your trip so you can get the most out of your experience. With adventures in Europe, Asia, North America, and the South Pacific and Middle East, there’s a destination for every traveller.
suPreMe egyPt
12 days — March through November 2023
From $2,830 tour/cruise only
Includes: 8-nights hotel accommodation | 3-nights Nile cruise including all excursions | All transfers in private vehicle with AC | Sightseeing with entrances to visited sites | Domestic flights Cairo to Aswan/Luxor to Cairo | 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners
Small group and private departures are available.
Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine staying overnight in a renovated Franciscan monastery in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.
Best of ItAly
13 days — April through December 2023
From $4,925 tour only
City Visits: Rome | Vatican City | Pompeii | Sorrento | Isle of Capri | Assisi | Venice | Milan | Lake Maggiore | Lake Como | Pisa | Florence | San Gimignano | Verona
Onboard Rocky Mountaineer is where the call of the wild meets luxury. Indulge all of your senses as you wind through breathtaking scenery, complemented by gourmet cuisine, vibrant storytelling by dedicated hosts, and impeccable service.
Journey through the clouds clAssIc goldleAf servIce From $3,048
4 days — April through October 2023
City Visits: Vancouver | Kamloops | Jasper
Exclusive AMA Member Benefits: Receive $150 off per couple on 2023 packages of 4 days or longer on Canadian routes.
Luxury Gold provides limited-edition, small-group journeys. Enjoy the finest end-to-end experience with magnificent locations, extraordinary dining, curated excursions, and unmatched care from travel concierges.
MAJestIc JAPAn
11 days — March through November 2023
From $9,895 tour only
City Visits: Osaka | Hiroshima | Kyoto | Tokyo | Sendai | Tsugaru | Oirase
I love the wealth of knowledge and expertise the drivers and tour directors offer. I can just sit back, relax, and enjoy my traveling experience without missing out on any detail. Not only do I get the opportunity to visit incredible places during my holiday, but I also learn the history of the destination, monuments, and sights we visit and share that memory among other travellers from around the world.
1.866.667.4777 | AMATravel.ca
All pricing is current at time of printing; all rates are quoted in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated, are per person based on two sharing, and are subject to change and availability at time of booking. Offers are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Rates do not include airfare, taxes, fees, fuel supplements or insurance (unless indicated). Taxes are subject to change. Some restrictions may apply. Professional consulting fees apply to in-person and phone bookings and are not included in the advertised prices. The CAA Member Benefit of $75 off per person/$150 off per couple is valid on all Canadian routes of 4 days or longer booked and travelled in 2023.
Whether you journey through Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, or Egypt the staff and crew go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable experience. Enjoy a shore excursion in each port visit, local wine & beer with lunch & dinner onboard, free Wi-fi, and more!
rIches of the Mekong From $4,987 incl. port charges
Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam aboard AmaDara
7 nights — April 2023 through December 2024
Based on October 9, 2023 sailing in category B, French balcony stateroom
Port Visits: Kampong Cham (Cambodia) |
Angkor Ban (Cambodia) | Oknhatey (Cambodia) | Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | Oudong (Cambodia) | Kampong Tralach (Cambodia) | Tan Chau (Vietnam) | Sa Dec (Vietnam) | Xeo Quyt (Vietnam) | Cai Be (Vietnam) | My Tho (Vietnam)
Exclusive AMA Member Benefits: Save $300 per person (included in price) and $75 onboard credit per person.
Travel against the current and away from the ordinary with Avalon. Cruise along the world’s most mesmerizing waterways in luxurious suites with breathtaking views and enjoy delectable culinary delights on your unforgettable river cruise.
seven rIver Journeys through euroPe From $34,223 incl. port charges
Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Giurgiu, Romania board AmaMora
49 nights — April 22 – June 10, 2024 in category E, fixed-window stateroom
Country Visits: The Netherlands | Belgium | Germany | France | Switzerland | Luxembourg | Austria | Hungary | Croatia | Serbia | Romania | Bulgaria | Moldova
Includes: A dedicated cruise manager throughout | Complimentary gratuities onboard and ashore | Daily small group choice excursion | Exclusive experiences | Fine dining | Complimentary laundry services throughout | Commemorative gifts | Additional surprises and delights
Exclusive AMA Member Benefits: Save $360 per person (included in price).
From $4,866 on dAnuBe dreAMs incl. port charges
Deggendorf, Germany to Budapest, Hungary (or reverse) aboard Avalon View
7 nights
Based on October 31, 2023 sailing in category D, river-view stateroom
Port Visits: Passau (Germany) | Linz (Austria) | Ybbs (Austria) | Vienna (Austria) | Bratislava (Slovakia) | Budapest (Hungary) [overnight]
Exclusive AMA Member Benefits: Savings of $100 per person (included in price).
Our Cruise Specialists work closely with cruise lines, keep up to date on their offers and promotions, and know exactly what to recommend for the trip you’d like — from destination to the ship to the excursions.
Tammy Allen Sherwood Park
From $6,585 incl. port charges
Arles to Paris (or reverse) aboard Avalon Poetry II
9 nights — May through September 2023/2024
Based on August 1, 2023 sailing in category E, river-view stateroom
Port/City Visits: Port-Saint-Louis | Arles | Avignon | Viviers | Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon | Lyon (overnight) | Paris (2 hotel nights)
Exclusive AMA Member Benefits: Savings of $100 per person (included in price).
I love “country collecting” when I travel, so cruising is the perfect opportunity to explore so many destinations in one trip with the luxury of unpacking only once. I love how many of our cruise line partners offer inclusive fares, so a cruise is an even better value! Whether you stay on or off the ship, your vacation is as exciting or relaxing as you make it to be, while making memories to last a lifetime.
Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland RIVER CRUISESet sail with carefully crafted journeys with more than 500 itineraries to select from. Now you can “Have It All” with Holland America. Included in your fare: shore excursions, drink package, secialty dining, and Wi-Fi.
AlAskA InsIde PAssAge From $1,273 + $325 taxes & fees
Vancouver roundtrip aboard Koningsdam
7 nights — May through September 2023
Based on August 26, 2023 sailing in category L, interior stateroom
Port Visits: Scenic cruising The Inside Passage & Tracy Arm Inlet | Juneau | Skagway | Scenic cruising Glacier Bay | Ketchikan
Have It All Pricing includes: Signature beverage package, specialty dining, Wi-Fi package, and one shore excursion valued up to $100 USD per person.
Exclusive AMA Member Benefits: $100 USD onboard credit per person.
With sleek, modern ships, first-class service, and incredible entertainment, Celebrity offers guests an elevated cruising experience.
Savour delicious meals, bask in onboard luxury, and relax in sophisticated staterooms.
AlAskA huBBArd glAcIer From $1,726 + $277 taxes & fees
Vancouver roundtrip aboard Celebrity Eclipse
7 nights | May through September 2023
Based on July 23, 2023 sailing in category O2, ocean-view stateroom
Port Visits: Scenic cruising The Inside Passage | Sitka | scenic cruising Hubbard Glacier | Juneau | Ketchikan
All Included Pricing includes: Classic beverage package, gratuities, and unlimited basic Wi-Fi package.
Exclusive AMA Member Benefits: Receive $25 USD onboard spending credit per stateroom.
vIkIng sAgAs & northern Isles
From $4,432 + $494 taxes & fees
Amsterdam, The Netherlands roundtrip aboard Rotterdam 21 nights
Based on August 19, 2023 sailing in category L, interior stateroom
Port Visits: Scenic cruising Oslofjord | Oslo (Norway) | Kristiansand (Norway) | Stavanger (Norway) | Scenic cruising Sognefjord | Flam (Norway) | Amsterdam (The Netherlands) | Bergen (Norway) | Molde (Norway) | Akureyri (Iceland) | Scenic cruising Eyjafjordur | Isafjordur (Iceland) | Scenic cruising Isafjardurdjur | Reykjavik (Iceland) [overnight] | Lerwick/Shetland Islands (United Kingdom) | Invergordon/Inverness (Scotland) | South Queensferry/Edinburgh (Scotland) Have It All Pricing includes: Signature beverage package, specialty dining, Wi-Fi package, and one shore excursion valued up to $100 USD per person.
Exclusive AMA Member Benefits: $100 onboard credit per person.
ItAly, turkey & Best of greece From $2,473 + $152 taxes & fees
Venice, Italy roundtrip aboard Celebrity Constellation
10 nights
Based on September 4, 2023 sailing in category O2, ocean-view stateroom
Port Visits: Katakolon (Greece) | Santorini (Greece) | Ephesus/Kusadasi (Turkey) | Mykonos (Greece) | Athens (Greece) | Chania (Crete) | Zakynthos (Greece)
All Included Pricing includes: Classic beverage package, gratuities, and unlimited basic Wi-Fi package.
Exclusive AMA Member Benefits: Receive $25 USD onboard spending credit per stateroom.
Cruise Specialists
Karen Claxton Calgary
Ocean cruising is a great way to explore the world with so many itineraries to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a small ship that can visit ports that the larger ships can’t reach, a large ship with a wave pool and bumper cars, or an expedition ship in Antarctica, there is a cruise line and ship to meet everyone’s needs. A cruise can be as busy or as relaxed as you wish; you unpack once, enjoy the entertainment and dining onboard, meet fellow travellers, or find a quiet spot to curl up with a good book.
1.866.989.6594 | AMATravel.ca/Cruises
Fares listed are for cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy (unless otherwise specified) and are subject to availability at time of booking. Discount offers are included in the listed price. Land programs, airfare, taxes, government fees, port charges and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated. AMA member benefits are applicable to select sailings and categories. Maximum two onboard credits per stateroom. Offers are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Valid on new bookings only and subject to availability and may not be combined with other offers. Some restrictions may apply. See applicable supplier brochures for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings and special offers. Professional consulting fees apply to in-person and phone bookings and are not included in the advertised prices. Additional terms and conditions apply, see AMA Travel for full details. Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. Holland America Line Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.
Ajaccio, Corsica OCEAN CRUISEIn this new series, we’re sharing stories about Canadians making change that ripples from coast to coast to coast. For this inspiring, young eco-inventor, planet Earth is the study hall.
By Sean Deasy | Photograph by Brendan BurdenIF A HANDS-ON APPROACH is the best way to learn, then Naila Moloo has taken that adage into the stratosphere.
This Ottawa-based eco-innovator has a long string of inventions to her name, notably a flexible solar panel and a bioplastic made from an aquatic plant. Moloo works out of two different university labs in Ontario. And she co-hosts a podcast called Curiosity to encourage youth interest in STEM.
Oh, and Moloo is 16 years old. It was an assignment when she was in Grade 5 that led her to researching clean energy— intensely. She soon developed a passion for renewables. Then, just three years later, in 2019, her work at a nationwide science fair caught the attention of The Knowledge Society, an after-school program that puts select Canadian prodigies through a demanding 10-month grind to help them maximize their ability to create change. There, Moloo started developing her solar-cell project and researched fusion energy.
In addition to building solutions and advocating for the environment, Moloo is also becoming a powerful spokesperson for her generation. She has already made it to the Women’s Executive Network’s 2021 list of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and delivered a TEDx Talk at age 15. Her message? “Start working on projects. Look for opportunities in your community, start talking to experts, and formulate your own ideas to bring forward.” Learn more at nailamoloo.com AMA
We’re celebrating those doing good in their communities—here in Alberta and across the country. Know someone? Send their story to amainsider@ama.ab.ca and they could be featured in an upcoming issue.
This is a place like no other, where more than just flowers bloom. Let your curiosity lead you through unforgettable moments. Where you’re connected to nature, each other and a local culture full of creativity and history that welcomes everyone. Your story continues in Victoria. Explore more at tourismvictoria.com
