March may mark the official bloom of spring, but Albertans know better. We often experience all four seasons during this month simply because of where we live. We’re a hearty bunch.
No matter what the weather throws at us, spend some time exploring our wonderful province—from dazzling nighttime festivals to adrenaline-pumping skijoring races.
PADDLE A CANOE—AT NIGHT
This nighttime tradition in Edmonton takes flight March 1 to March 5. The Flying Canoe Volant celebrates the stories of Alberta’s Francophone, First Nation, and Métis heritage, while paying homage to the legend of the Flying Canoe. Explore the city’s Mill Creek Ravine during this evening event, with trails illuminated in colourful lights and bright works of art. You’ll spot actors rowing costumed-canoes along each path as they guide you through every corner. Watch canoers race down the Edmonton Ski Hill on March 4 and March 5, or venture down the slopes yourself on a snow tube.
MASTER CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Watch some of the world’s best cross-country skiing athletes take part in the Masters World Cup of Cross-Country Skiing in Canmore. This nine-day event, starting March 3, will attract about 1,200 master skiers from around the world—some of them as old as 90. Plus, there’s a lot to explore during the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park event, including its breathtaking mountain scenery. And cross-country skiing newbies can also learn a thing or two, including ways to improve their techniques. Need a hotel in Canmore? Don’t forget, AMA members get the Best Price Guarantee for select hotels in the Canadian Rockies.
SENSATIONAL SKIJORING
Witness horses launching skiers into the skies above Crowsnest Pass on March 12 at the Pole & Spur, a thrilling skijoring event. Skijoring is a sport that involves a trio of racers on each team: a horse, its rider and a skier that’s pulled by a rope tied to the animal’s saddle. Think of it as waterskiing on snow. Each racing team must quickly ride through an obstacle course that’s loaded with gates, rings and jumps. Chances are, you’ll see skiers soar through the air as each team tries to get through the race in the fastest time possible. Yee haw!
EXPERIENCE THE NIGHT IN BANFF
Stargazers still have time to experience the night skies at Banff’s Sulphur Mountain for Nightrise. Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of the summit at night, where multimedia artists and members of the Stoney Nakoda Nation light up buildings and mountain views with colourful projections and artistry. Discover fleeting wonders that emerge after dark during this event that wraps up March 12. Get your Parks Canada Discovery Passes at your nearby AMA centre. Members save $10 on family passes. You can also save $4 on annual adult passes or $2 on senior yearly passes.
MARCH INTO A MOVIE THEATRE
March’s blockbuster lineup includes a new Batman movie. This time, Robert Pattinson plays the title role in The Batman—in theatres March 3. If superhero movies aren’t your thing, Sandra Bullock plays a romance-adventure novelist in action-comedy The Lost City, premiering March 25. The movie has a star-studded cast that includes Channing Tatum, Brad Pitt, and Daniel Radcliffe. Speaking of action, fans of antihero typecast Jason Statham may want to mark March 18 on their calendars. Statham plays as another superspy in Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre. AMA members can save on Cineplex and Landmark movie passes for kids, adults and seniors when you pick them up from your local AMA centre. You can also purchase a Cineplex gift card at your local AMA Centre.
CHALLENGE AN ESCAPE ROOM
Grab a group of friends and solve your way out of a locked escape room, including Calgary’s Escape 60. But do it quickly as you’re running against the clock. At Escape 60, each room has its own theme that offers exciting storylines or action-packed silliness. Each room provides a guide who explains the rules of the game and answers questions before you begin your adventure. If you get stuck, don’t worry. Those guides are always willing to lend you a hint or two. AMA members can save 20% on all game room bookings at Escape 60, which offers 11 different live escape experiences.