Hi, I’m Renee Charbonneau — better known in motorcycle and travel circles as Belt Drive Betty. I’m a Certified Travel Agent based in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and I’m here to make your travel life easier, smarter, and a whole lot more adventurous.
I became a Certified Travel Agent two years ago through The Travel Agent Next Door and CMTA Travel Services — but the truth is, I’ve been living, breathing, and planning travel my entire adult life. Over 30 years of riding motorcycles across Canada and beyond has given me a level of destination knowledge, route expertise, and “what can go wrong” experience that no booking algorithm can replicate.
Why Work With a Travel Agent?
In a world full of booking apps and “best price” promises, a real travel agent is the person who picks up the phone when your flight gets cancelled, knows which resort actually delivers on its photos, and has contacts who can fix things when plans go sideways. I don’t just book trips — I advocate for you before, during, and after your travel.
Whether you’re planning a bucket-list motorcycle tour through the Canadian Rockies, a sun vacation for the whole family, or navigating a complicated multi-destination itinerary, I bring the same thing to every booking: straight talk, thorough research, and genuine follow-through.
More Than Just Travel
My background runs deep in heritage, community, and leadership. I’m the Executive Director of the Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association (CMTA) and the Canadian Indigenous MotoTourism Association (CIMTA), and I serve as Executive Director and Collections Manager for the Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre in Grande Prairie.
I created Beading a Soldier’s Story — an award-winning Indigenous-led heritage education program recognized in December 2025 — and I’ve spent years building partnerships, writing grants, and delivering community programs across Northwestern Alberta. When I say I know how to get things done, I have receipts.
A Few Things I’m Proud Of
- Award-winning program creator — Beading a Soldier’s Story, recognized December 2025
- Global Woman of Vision, 2019
- Knighted into the Order of St. George, 2018
- Letter of Commendation from the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, 2017
- Heroes of the Wildfire, Province of Alberta, 2016
- Chatelaine Maverick Women of the Year Runner-Up, 2011
- President Award, Grande Prairie Regional Tourism, 2009
- Published author: Quebec for the English Speaking Rider and Crossing Bridges: Being an Ally in the Heritage Sector
- Honorary Member, Canadian Army Veteran’s Motorcycle Units
Certifications & Training
I’m a Certified Travel Agent affiliated with The Travel Agent Next Door through CMTA Travel Services. My professional training includes collections management, museum operations, event management and marketing, Dale Carnegie Sales and Leadership, Incident Command System (ICS-100), Six Senses training (2024), and more than two decades of hands-on experience in program delivery and destination marketing.
Let’s Plan Something Worth Talking About
Whether you found me because of the Cuba travel alerts, the motorcycle touring content, or a friend’s recommendation — I’m glad you’re here. I’d love to be your travel agent.
