Explore Destinations from YMM

Snow is on the ground and temperatures are dropping. As you sink into the realization that winter is here in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, you may be considering your next vacation. Perhaps somewhere sunny, with palm trees and sandy beaches. Or maybe you’re one to embrace your inner Canuck and head to the Rockies. Either way, YMM has you covered!



Skip the winter drive down Highway 63. Book with Air Canada or WestJet for endless connection options via non-stop flights to Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto. Your friends at YMM can’t wait to welcome you and provide you with the best travel experience possible.

Did you know? For the best WestJet Vacations packages, book from YEG, and call WestJet Vacations at 1-877-737-7001 to add your YMM-YEG flight.

YMM Welcomes Grainger’s Greens

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) wishes to extend a big, warm welcome to Edward, Shalayne Grainger and Isaac Grainger to Team YMM. The Grainger family is excited to open their family business: Grainger’s Greens. Located just past the YMM North Terminal (the old airport) on airport campus, Grainger’s Greens is an indoor farming container, which is similar to a living wall. 

Grainger’s Greens is fulfilling Ed’s dream to become an entrepreneur. With a goal to be fully operational be the end of Nov., Grainger’s Greens will supply local restaurants with produce. He has four restaurants he’s finalizing agreements with, with plans to continue “branching out.” The root vegetables, herbs, lettuce, etc., grown in the farming container, will be harvested and delivered to restaurants same-day and grown without the use of pesticides or GMO.

Ed spent two years looking for a suitable location in Fort McMurray. After exploring parking lots, lay-down yards, and even considering moving his family to Lac La Biche, the wonderful team at Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism put Ed in contact with Fort McMurray Airport Authority’s Vice President of Air Service & Commercial Development Michael Sieger.

“Michael was amazing to work with,” says Ed. “Just when I thought I might have to move my family, I was connected with Michael, and everything came together.” 

Ed is “planting the seed” for other entrepreneurs to explore the farming container space. “My mission is to leave this community in a better state than I found it in,” says Ed. “It’s been a complicated process to get the required permits and approvals to make this happen. I’m thankful to everyone who helped me along the way, and I look forward to helping anyone else interested in getting into the market.”

Visit YMM at the Chamber's Job Fair

FMAA will be at the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Job Fair to discuss current opportunities available at the Fort McMurray International Airport. Participants can check out the fair in-person or online. Click here to learn more about career postings with FMAA.

Santa Photos at YMM

Come to the Fort McMurray International Airport for photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus on December 9 from 1:45 PM to 4PM.



Photos cost a minimum donation of $10 for each print (plus tax), and all funds raised through ticket sales will go to Santas Anonymous, a student-led program facilitated through Father Patrick Mercredi Community High School. Note: One ticket equals one 5x7 photo.

Special appearances from Buddy the Elf and YMM's furry friends from PAWS (Pet and Wellness Society Wood Buffalo) will join in for the festive fun. Guests will also enjoy the holiday colouring station and the hot chocolate station with everyone's favourite Tim Hortons treats. Free parking is available for all event guests.

Please Note: A sensory-friendly timeslot is available from 1:45 to 2 PM for attendees with sensory sensitivities requiring a calm, non-stimulating environment.

New Menu Offerings: Elevating Airport Dining at Earls

In addition to the pizza revival, Earls Kitchen + Bar Restaurant at YMM has introduced a range of exciting new menu offerings that elevate the dining experience to new heights. 

Head Chef Moe Elawad was happy to showcase the new items, including the Tropical Thunder Pizza, Margherita Pizza and the California Burger with a beef or chicken option.

Be sure to visit Earl's Restaurant and indulge in their exciting new menu items. Don't miss the opportunity to rediscover their delicious pizzas and explore the diverse range of flavours and creations that will leave you craving more. 

Local HERO Foundation Survey for Rural RMWB

The Local HERO (Helicopter Emergency Response Organization) Foundation is currently conducting a survey on HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medevac Services) for the rural communities of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

HERO is seeking testimonials, to better understand how its services have impacted residents directly. HERO is the only Helicopter Emergency Medical Service serving our region and operates in partnership with RMWB Emergency Services.

Local HERO Foundation exists to promote and deliver 24/7 emergency helicopter services for the people of Northeastern Alberta. Using the best aircraft, technologies and aviation practices the organization enables emergency personnel to respond quickly for medical emergencies, search & rescue, law enforcement and environmental damage.

Please click the link below to fill out the survey. All entries will receive a chance to win a $100 gift card to the Smokin’ Butcher.’ The deadline to complete the survey is December 15, 2023. 

Festival of Trees Coming Soon!

Be sure to check out the Team YMM tree at the Northern Lights Health Foundation’s Festival of Trees from November 17 to 19! The winning bidder will enjoy a trip for two to Cabo San Lucas via WestJet. The prize package will include an aerial tour by Phoenix Heli-Flight with other exciting surprises!

Team YMM Spotlight on Gary Tam

Once a student intern from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Gary Tam embarked on a journey he could have never imagined. 

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver, B.C., he started with the Fort McMurray Airport Authority as a student in the summer of 2019. After graduating, he moved back to the city to take on the role as an Airport Operations Specialist with FMAA in January 2020.

Little did Gary know his first months in Fort McMurray would test his resilience. In March, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after, a devastating flood forced him to evacuate his new residence.

"The first half of the year, I experienced a lot of things I had never in my life. It wasn't an easy start, but I'm very grateful to the FMAA Team for their support, not just in the job but my well-being. It's the most humanistic team I have ever been a part of," Gary said. 

Reflecting on his position, Gary shared he was happy to be a part of the team responsible for attaining FMAA's accreditation for ACI's World Airport Health Program, as YMM was the first airport in Western Canada to receive it and re-accreditation in 2021.

"I was able to participate in this project and proud to be a part of the team to showcase to the rest of the world that we were, and still are, doing a good job and continue to encourage other airports to maintain their health and safe setting for travellers," he said.

Today, Gary continues to keep health and safety at the forefront of his work. He recently led a team in successfully facilitating Canadian Airports Safety Week at YMM.

Souvenir Shopping at Nicholby's

From keychain globes to toy replica trucks used in the oilsands, Ashley Dano of Nicholby’s Convenience shows off the variety of souvenir items available at YMM.

Gift your friends, families or yourself this holiday season. Nicholby's Convenience is located pre and post-security at YMM, making it easily accessible for travellers passing through the airport.

If you're short on time or simply prefer to do your shopping while waiting for a flight, you won't have to venture far to find a wide array of souvenir options.

Top 20 Under 20 announced at YMM

The 2023 recipients of YMM Parent Magazine's Top 20 Under 20 were announced in the Observation Area at YMM on October 29.

“YMM was pleased to partner with YMM Parent as the Top 20 Under 20 Event Launch Partner for the sixth year,” says Fort McMurray Airport Authority’s President & CEO, Denean Robinson. “On behalf of everyone at YMM, congratulations to all 20 award recipients!”

To view all the recipients and read their stories, check out the latest publication online.

YMM Pumpkins & Planes Family Fun Event raises over $3.2 for United Way

Thanks to the support from over 1,200 guests, the sold-out YMM Pumpkins & Planes Family Fun event raised $3,280 for United Way Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo on October 14. Special thank you to Team YMM, community supporters, and the fabulous team at United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo for making the event a success!

Inclusion Fair at Christina Gordon

YMM joined the Christina Gordon Public School Inclusion Advisory for their second annual Inclusion Fair on October 21. The purpose of the fair was to educate families and educators on what services are available to those with diverse needs in the region. 

FMAA's Dawn Booth spoke to dozens of families about the airport's accessibility amenities and newly launched Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program - which supports passengers with hidden disabilities travel through YMM with ease. 

YMM & Girls Inc. host Women in Aviation event for youth

Over 40 youth joined the Fort McMurray Airport Authority and Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta for the first Women in Aviation event on October 20 at YMM.

Guests spent the afternoon listening to leaders in aviation, including FMAA's President & CEO Denean Robinson, WestJet's Regional Manager Crystal Conway and Carolyn Spence of McMurray Aviation, to learn more about the opportunities available in the industry.

The event included a tour around the Fort McMurray International Airport terminal and a look at the helicopters at Phoenix Heli-Flight.

End of the Runway - Airport Humour