A听 mother grizzly bear attacked a pair of hikers in British Columbia, but both are expected to survive after being treated at a nearby hospital. The attack occurred on October 12 while the duo was hiking Farm Cabin Trail in the McGregor Mountains, a roughly ten-mile out-and-back route that leads to a remote alpine cabin.

British Columbia鈥檚 Conservation Officer Service (COS) reported on that the hikers were听seriously injured after encountering a grizzly sow with two cubs. In light of the incident, the trail has been closed until further notice.

鈥淔ollowing an investigation, the COS Predator Attack Team determined the bear鈥檚 actions were defensive,鈥� said COS. 鈥淒ue to the location and nature of the incident, no action will be taken against the bears.鈥�

Bear attacks on humans are rare, but can be serious. Defensive attacks by female bears, or sows, are particularly common in late spring, when they are hyper-protective of their newborn cubs. According to the , 70 percent of all fatal attacks by grizzly bears, specifically, are instances of female bears defending their cubs. Adult bears of both sexes are often more aggressive in the autumn, when they enter a period known as hyperphagia, dramatically increasing their food intake to stock up on calories in advance of winter hibernation.

In September, a听bear attacked a hiker in Yellowstone National Park, which park officials believed to be a grizzly, and two more hikers were attacked in Alaska鈥檚 Kenai Fjords National Park later that month.

In August, 国产吃瓜黑料 reported on two instances in Montana and British Columbia where hikers used bear spray to deter aggressive bears. The tool is considered a must-have deterrent when venturing into bear country, though questions remain about its efficacy compared to firearms in fending off charging bears.

Along with their post on the October 12 attack, the COS published a list of guidelines for those heading into bear country.

• Stay Alert & Make Noise: Talk, sing, or clap regularly to avoid surprising a bear鈥攅specially near streams, dense brush, or when visibility is low.
• Travel in Groups: Hike in groups whenever possible. Bears are less likely to approach larger groups.
• Carry Bear Spray: Keep bear spray accessible (not in your backpack) and know how to use it. It鈥檚 highly effective in deterring aggressive bears.
• Keep a Clean Camp: Store food, garbage, and scented items in bear-proof containers or hang them at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from tree trunks.
• Avoid Bear Habitats: Steer clear of areas with fresh tracks, scat, or animal carcasses. These may indicate a bear is nearby.
• Respect Closures and Warnings: Obey trail closures and posted signs. They鈥檙e there for your safety and the bears鈥� protection.
• Never Approach Bears: No matter how calm or curious they seem, keep your distance. Use binoculars or zoom lenses for viewing.

In the instance of a bear encounter, the COS advises hikers, 鈥淪tay calm and don鈥檛 run. Speak in a calm voice and slowly back away.鈥�

鈥淚f the bear charges, stand your ground and use bear spray if necessary,鈥� the organization adds.

The post Two Hikers in British Columbia Were Hospitalized After a Grizzly Sow Attack appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Ever come across an incredible hotel that stops you mid-scroll and makes you think,听 Wow, wouldn鈥檛 it be something to stay there?听We do, too鈥攁ll the time. Welcome to听Friday Fantasy, where we highlight amazing hotels, lodges, cabins, tents, campsites, and other places perched in perfect outdoor settings. Read on for the intel you need to book an upcoming adventure here. Or at least dream about it.

After a long day of travel, I woke up and walked outside my cedar yurt overlooking the Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island. The still green water perfectly reflected the tree-covered hills and mountains on the opposite shoreline, as the heavy fog slowly gave way to sunlight. A few anglers prepped their boats for a day of fishing, while a lone sea lion briefly made an appearance before disappearing under the water. Two chatty kayakers paddled across the bay, while some double-crescent cormorants made a momentary appearance before disappearing into the fog. I could have sunk into a lounger and watched the scene for hours, but there were too much to get into here to stay idle any longer.

This July, I traveled more than 2,500 miles to catch some wild Pacific coho salmon and check out two fishing lodges I鈥檇 been hearing so much about. and , both owned by Nootka Marine 国产吃瓜黑料s, are located on the coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, surrounded by Sitka spruce forests and the Pacific Ocean鈥攁nd minutes from 鈥渟almon highway,” a prime spot to catch salmon on their migratory path June though September.

Lodging

The two lodges each have their own appeal. Moutcha Bay is a little bit fancier, with the cedar yurts and waterfront chalets almost demanding you slip into a fluffy robe, sink into a comfy chair, and stare out into the surrounding beauty. Newton Cove is more remote, only accessible by seaplane or boat. Comfortable outdoor seating areas, each surrounding a propane fire pit, encourage camaraderie among the anglers. It is the perfect spot for spinning stories about the ones that got away.

My first day on the water was mostly spent looking for bears and other wildlife, eventually making do with a gaggle of sea otters floating across the water and the occasional bald eagle overhead. The other boat passengers and I eventually made our way to Yuquot, a small First Nations village where we briefly chatted with Sanford Williams, a master carver of totem poles as he labored on his newest creation, and then hiked to a rocky beach where we had a light lunch.

After two nights at Moutcha Bay, I took a 45-minute boat ride to its sister property Newton Cove, a floating resort just off the Esperanza Inlet. At first glance, the surroundings seem a bit non-descript, but when I entered my room and the various common areas, I felt immediately comfortable, like being wrapped in a Winslow Homer painting. Everything was impeccably clean and well organized. Enjoying听a cocktail around the fire pit in the evening, while watching the sun disappear behind the mountains and hearing the shoreline come alive with life, was a great way to cap the day.

Fishing Along Salmon Highway

I came all this way to fish, and it was finally the day. Rolling out in one of the resort鈥檚 fishing boats, we traveled where the fish had been biting recently, a stretch of unprotected water where the waves kept bouncing the front of the moving boat like an angry trampoline. I rarely ever get seasick when fishing, but by the time we reached our destination and began trolling, I was vomiting off the side of the 32-foot boat. But that wasn鈥檛 going to stop me from catching fish.

Soon I watched the fishing rod directly in front of me violently jerk up and down, signaling a fish had taken the bait, inadvertently setting the hook in its mouth. With wobbly legs, I stood up, grabbed the rod, and started reeling. The fish had other ideas though. As I took a quick rest, I watched as the line zipped off the reel, as the wily fish dove deeper into the ocean, trying to escape. For the next few minutes, I鈥檇 fight for a bit, then it would fight, and back and forth until the salmon had exhausted itself. I finally lifted my defeated adversary into the boat, and after a moment of compassionate unpleasantness, placed it in a cooler with the rest of the day鈥檚 fish.

When fishing in British Columbia, you need to be cognizant of the province鈥檚 regulations. Chinook and coho salmon must be hatchery-raised and larger than 45 cm (17.7 inches) and 30cm (11.8 inches), respectively, to keep. You can keep a maximum of two per species per day. That meant that most of the fish we caught needed to return to the ocean. I reeled in at least a dozen while keeping three, while my buddy caught just as many and kept one massive chinook that had me green with envy (or maybe that was just the seasickness). Upon returning to Newton Cove, we compared our catches with the other boat that docked around the same time, happily sharing fish stories from our day on the water.

The resort staff will clean, filet, and freeze your catch, boxing it for your return trip home. The next time I鈥檇 see my coho would be on a plate, drenched in butter and lemon, atop a bed of asparagus, while the rockfish would be diced, seasoned with Tajin, and served on tortillas. I couldn鈥檛 help but smile, again.

国产吃瓜黑料 Intel

If you鈥檙e new to saltwater fishing, Nootka Marine 国产吃瓜黑料s offers an which pairs guests up with experienced guides who will not only get you 听some fish, but also teach you about marine safety, how saltwater tides affect fishing, where to fish, and more. Upon graduation, there鈥檚 no cap-and-gown ceremony, but you will receive a discount on boat rentals during subsequent visits.

While fishing is the main attraction for both resorts, there are plenty of other options for fun. Folks driving to Moutcha Bay traverse the so-called Tree to Sea Drive from Gold River. The fairly rough gravel road is just over 36 miles, with Moutcha Bay around the middle, the Tahsis village at the terminus, and opportunities for adventure scattered throughout. I crossed at least a half dozen creek and river access points that made me kick myself for not bringing my fly rod and waders.

About 10 miles along the road, you鈥檒l find a trail leading to Upana Caves, where you can do a self-guided tour through the caverns, leading to both a waterfall and an underground river. Given my rather crippling claustrophobia, I chose to ignore that sign, but luckily there are three other above-ground waterfalls along the route that you can hike to and capture听some beautiful selfies in front of the flowing water.

Malaspina Lake is a great place to swim, fish for stocked rainbow trout, or watch wildlife like bald eagles, black bears, and the occasional cougar. Leiner River Recreation Site offers some fun hikes, while the Boulder Patch Trail leads to a popular rock-climbing spot along the river.

Wildlife watching is a must at the floating Newton Cove Resort.听 Start your mornings at the beach, looking for brown bears foraging for clams, sea lions, and various aquatic wildlife. Most boat rides also include a wildlife watching element, where you can see bears, whales, and sea otters among others.

Kayak and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent at both locations. Nothing beats a quiet, solitary paddle through gorgeous environments to get you centered and ready to start your day.

Room Intel

Moutcha Bay鈥檚 cedar yurts are gorgeous and modern, featuring a bedroom with an听attached bathroom which is, in turn, also attached to the living room and kitchen area. A second bedroom is located in an upstairs loft.听 Massive windows look over the bay, but if you鈥檇 rather breathe in the sea air, you can relax on a lounger on the deck, which also boasts a grill and outside dining area.

For folks on more of a budget, Moutcha Bay offers a small campground with several waterfront sites as well.. The 28 RV-friendly sites have both water and power hookups and are located a short walk away from washhouses with flush toilets and hot showers

The rooms at Newton Cove are a bit more basic than Moutcha Bay鈥檚 yurts, but still very clean and comfortable. The scenery surrounding the resort makes it nearly impossible to not be outside enjoying it.

Eat and Drink

Being a floating resort makes food deliveries more difficult, so Newton Cove鈥檚 breakfast menus are fairly limited鈥攐melets, breakfast sandwiches, and the like. While dinners are typically pre-prepared by the chef and customized based on allergies and dietary restrictions. During my visit, each three-course dinner was more amazing than the last. The perfectly prepared scallops were a personal favorite, as well as the steak and broccolini dish that served as my party鈥檚 send off. Meals and drinks are part of Newton Cove鈥檚 all-inclusive package, so you鈥檙e encouraged to get your money鈥檚 worth.

At Moutcha Bay, meals are a la carte, leaning heavily on upscale pub fare like ling cod tacos, tuna tataki, pizza, and poutine. (It鈥檚 still Canada, after all.) My friends and I paired our meals with a variety of Vancouver-area craft beers and custom cocktails.

If you ask the staff at either resort nicely, they may even cook your freshly caught fish that evening for your dinner.

When to Go

Moutcha Bay Resort is open from June to September, while you can stay at Newton Cove from July to September. July and August are generally the prime months for salmon fishing.

How to Get There

Fly into Comox (YQQ) on Vancouver Island, then drive approximately three hours to Moutcha Bay. The last 45 minutes to an hour will be on a lumpy dirt road, but the bumps and jostles will be worth the trip. Reaching Newton Cove requires a less than one-hour boat ride from Moutcha Bay. You can reach either resort by direct seaplane flight from Seattle, Vancouver, or Gold River.

Details and How to Book

Prices at Moutcha Bay start at around $949 CAD per person for a basic two-night stay, with a three-night stay with two days of self-guided fishing beginning at $1,849. Newton Cove rates begin at $5999 CAD for a three-night fully guided fishing trip in a private suite for two guests, three full days of guided fishing, fish processing services, and meals.

offers standard itineraries for individual lodges, but they can also do custom bookings that include combinations of听 both Moutcha Bay, Newton Cove, and a third lodge, Nootka Sound.

The post These Remote Lodges Are a Dream Escape for Anglers and Wildlife Lovers appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Hikers in British Columbia and Montana used bear spray to fend off attacking bears in two separate incidents this week, supporting use of the deterrent in backcountry settings.

In a听, hiker Shalee Super said that she was camping near Assiniboine Lake in British Columbia when a grizzly bear visited her campsite. The Michigan native was alone鈥攕he had been backpacking with her partner, but he had set out before sunrise to climb a nearby mountain. Super had stayed at the campsite and was planning to hike out to the trailhead that morning. As she was getting ready to leave the tent to use the restroom, she 鈥渉eard something that sounded very big outside.鈥�

Remaining as quiet as possible, Super grabbed her bear spray, an aerosol repellent loaded with the chemical compound capsaicin, which is also found in human pepper spray.

鈥淔ive seconds later, I had a bear claw in my tent,鈥� she said, recounting seeing a grizzly bear 鈥渁bout one foot from me, staring me in the face.鈥�

Super sprayed the bear in the face, point-blank, deterring it long enough for her to escape the tent and scramble up a nearby loose-rock talus slope. Soon after, the animal returned with another bear and ransacked the tent as she watched from a nearby hillside a few hundred feet away. The event occurred on August 21.

In a separate incident on August 28, a pair of hikers in Montana鈥檚 Glacier National Park also came face-to-face with a bear.

鈥淭he hiking party of two was hiking westbound near Lake Janet, when a medium brown colored bear with two cubs charged out of the brush, toward the woman,鈥� NPS wrote in a .

鈥淭he woman dove off the trail, while covering her head. The bear swiped at her, injuring her shoulder and arm.鈥� The woman鈥檚 hiking partner quickly deployed bear spray, and almost as soon as the bear had attacked, it was gone. The woman was only mildly injured, and 鈥渢he entire incident lasted fewer than 30 seconds.鈥�

NPS did not identify the species of bear involved, noting that it could have been either a black or grizzly bear. No punitive action is to be taken against the animal, as there was no indication that the bear听was behaving more aggressively than usual.

鈥淭he encounter was a surprise to a sow with two cubs that reacted defensively,鈥� the NPS said. 鈥淭he area of the trail the hiking party was on is confined by the lake and dense brush, which the bear came out of.鈥�

The release added that visitors to Glacier National Park should exercise extra caution when hiking during the fall months, when bears are more active while they consume more food in preparation for their winter hibernation.

The Efficacy of Bear Spray

Some experts suggest that is more effective than firearms when it comes to fending off an aggressive bear鈥攕o听long as a person doesn’t accidentally spray themself in the face. Bear spray can also be lighter, less expensive, and easier to use than a firearm.

However, 国产吃瓜黑料 columnist Wes Siler wrote that many studies supporting bear spray鈥檚 efficacy show discrepancies between the spray鈥檚 utility in deterring a curious bear, like the one poking its head into Super鈥檚 tent, and fending off a full-blown attack.

A decade-long study of bear spray found that 鈥渋n 15 of 16 close encounters with aggressive brown bears, bear spray was effective in stopping the bear鈥檚 unwanted behavior.鈥� In six of those cases, 鈥渢he bear hung around and continued to act aggressively.鈥� In another three cases, the bear attacked the human after being sprayed, despite receiving what the study refers to as 鈥渁 substantial dose of spray to the face.鈥�

Bear spray is shown to be 85 percent effective at deterring a curious bear, another study found. However, when it came to stopping a bear that was already charging, success dropped by one-third.

鈥淭he exaggerated effectiveness of bear spray is getting in the way of more important advice on bear safety,鈥� Siler concluded in his 2019 report.

Being Bear Aware Saves Lives

For both hikers in the incidents this past week, however, carrying bear spray prevented an attack. Super said that although the bear destroyed most of her and her partner鈥檚 belongings, she harbored 鈥渘o ill will鈥� towards the animal.

鈥淚 am well aware that I was the outlier in his home, the unfamiliar weed in his garden,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ear vs. man debate? Still bear, every time. Although I would like to never see one even remotely close again.鈥�

The post In Separate Attacks, Two Hikers Fend Off Bears with Easy-to-Carry Deterrent appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I鈥檝e tackled sections of the Pacific Crest Trail鈥攂ackpacking, day hiking, and trail running鈥攂ut to think of taking months off to complete all 2,650 miles of this trail, which climbs mountain passes and traverses remote California, Oregon, and Washington, feels overwhelming. A long-distance walk, on the other hand, feels more manageable, like something any of us could pull off, given some time. They mostly involve days and weeks rather than many months, and are at more consistent elevations.

I鈥檓 not talking about a mountainous thru-hike where you plan out food caches and sleep on the ground. I鈥檓 talking about a meandering or purposeful walk that goes on for days, weeks, or maybe months. A big commitment, yes. A physical feat for sure. A mental and emotional pilgrimage of sorts. But not so strenuous that most people couldn鈥檛 do it, building up their mileage.

These long walks, on byways and moderate terrain, are more like scenic tours of spectacular landscapes, or adventurous journeys through cities and forests. They are not so much to be completed as experienced.

And I think they’re the most beautiful in the world.

1. Best Urban Trail

Empire State Trail, New York

It took four years to link up and complete the entire , one of the longest multi-sport pathways in the United States, officially finished in late 2020. The route runs 750 miles across the state of New York, from New York City north to the Canadian border and from Albany west to Buffalo. Three quarters of the trail is on off-road pathways. You can walk on converted rail trails through the Hudson River Valley, stroll beside the historic Erie Canal, or move through wetlands and fields along Adirondack Park and Lake Champlain. Eventually the trail will include a 200-mile greenway across Long Island; construction of the first 25 miles of that section begins this year.

Pick a section of this largely urban route, which is also popular with bicyclists, and walk it one direction, then hop on a train back to where you started鈥擜mtrak stations are located in 20 towns and cities along the way. Find community with others traveling the trail or seek tips on good trailside lodging or camping from .

Don鈥檛 Miss:听 听More than 200 craft breweries dot the Empire State Trail, in an aggregate known as the . Get a brewery passport and pick up stamps at the places along the way to earn rewards like a T-shirt or cooler bag. In the Hudson Valley, spend a night at (from $195), which has cabins, canvas tents, and a cedar sauna just a short walk from the trail.

听听

2. Best Pilgrimage

El Camino de Santiago, Spain

Each year, over 300,000 people embark upon sections of this legendary pilgrimage, on a network of trails dating back to pre-medieval times and roadways that vary from cobbled to paved. The most popular route is the Camino Frances, a 500-mile pathway that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and takes travelers about four to five weeks to walk, passing through the Pyrenees mountains and La Rioja wine region, La Meseta arid range, and through eucalyptus forests into Galicia and Santiago itself. The Camino Portugues, heading up the northern coast of Portugal is another top choice, stretching between 140 and 380 miles depending on your starting point, and crossing through fishing villages such as the UNESCO Heritage Listed cities of Lisbon and Porto. No matter which route you choose, all roads听on the Camino lead to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where the remains of the Apostle Saint James the Great are allegedly buried.

You can walk the Camino year-round鈥攖he most popular season is mid-summer鈥攂ut aim for spring or fall for mild temperatures and fewer crowds, and be aware that many lodges and albergues close in winter ). offers guided walks on the Camino through Portugal and Spain lasting from a week up to 22 days (from $1,436), or, if you鈥檇 rather go on your own, has self-guided options (from $718).

Don鈥檛 Miss: Once you reach Santiago de Compostela, head to the Pilgrim鈥檚 Office for your official stamp of completion, having received a pilgrim鈥檚 passport from your entry point to be stamped along the way. Bagpipes will be playing nearby as you enter the gates of the holy Santiago de Compostela.听The cathedral has a Pilgrim鈥檚 Mass at noon and 7:30 p.m. daily; go early if you want a seat. On , await the ancient ritual of the swinging brass Botafumeiro, or cauldron, which is filled with incense and coal and so heavy eight men are required to move it.

3. Best Waterfront Route

Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden

Opening in October 2023, the 167-mile connects new and existing pathways across 20 islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, the largest archipelago in Sweden and home to over 30,000 islands. To walk the whole thing, you鈥檒l need to use a series of public ferries and private boat taxis. You can also pick a section and just walk a few islands at a time; each has an average of about nine miles of trails. You鈥檒l travel along gravel roads, forest paths, and beaches, and through remote fishing and farming communities.

Along the way, camp or stay in hotels or B&Bs. offers a seven-day, self-guided journey on the trail (from $1,095) in spring, summer, or fall that includes lodging in locally owned hotels, luggage transfer, and daily routes that max out at about nine miles.

Don鈥檛 Miss: On the island of Tranholmen, a celebrated chef named David Enmark opens up his home to diners every Friday night鈥�. Or visit the island of Furusund, which contains about five miles of trail and is site of a famed 19^th-century summer resort, now a 16-room boutique hotel: the (rooms from $121), which welcomes guests who arrive by boat or on foot.

4. Best for History Buffs

Lycian Way, Turkey

Traversing the rocky Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey, the 472-mile Lycian Way winds through the ancient maritime republic known as Lycia. Mountains rise from the turquoise sea as the route follows old roads, footpaths, and mule trails through long-gone civilizations. You鈥檒l pass by lighthouses, beaches, historic sites like Roman amphitheaters and rock tombs, and lagoons over underwater ruins of sunken cities that can be toured by boat.

Most people take on just a section of the Lycian Way. has five- to 14-day guided tours (from $1,187) that include lodging and luggage transfer, or leads seven-day treks (from $995) with an English-speaking guide. Best to do this historical walk in spring or fall, from February to May or from September to November to avoid the high heat of summer.

Don鈥檛 Miss: 罢耻谤办别测鈥檚 illuminates Lycia鈥檚 ancient capital city of Patara after dusk, making it a magical place to explore by night. Best lodging on the trail: the (from $240), built in 2005 on a hillside, has glass windows, viewing hammocks, and saunas overlooking the Aegean Sea.

See Cheap Flights to Antalya Airport

See Cheap Flights to Dalaman Airport

5. Best for Conservationists

John Muir Way, Scotland

Not to be confused with California鈥檚 more demanding John Muir Trail, the is a relatively new route (established around 10 years ago) that stretches coast to coast across Muir鈥檚 home country of Scotland. This 134-mile walk begins in the western waterfront town of Helensburgh, where quotes from the famed Scottish-American environmentalist mark a commemorative stone bench. The trek ends around 10 days later in the eastern seaside town of Dunbar, where Muir was born in 1838.

On the way, you鈥檒l walk through the cobbled streets of the capital city of Edinburgh, along the shores of , and by the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift in central Scotland. has self-guided itineraries (from $1,827) for the entire route, including accommodations.

Don鈥檛 Miss: Stay in (from $417), a restored 16th-century castle听just off the trail 20 miles east of Edinburgh. The trail鈥檚 eastern terminus is at Muir鈥檚 birthplace, a humble three-story home in Dunbar that鈥檚 now a historic and free to visit.

See Cheap Flights to Glasgow

See Cheap Flights to Edinburgh

6. Best for Self-Reflection

Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan

This circular walk across the Japanese island of Shikoku visits 88 temples and sacred sites where the Buddhist saint known as K奴kai is thought to have trained in the 9^th century. The entire route is about 745 miles鈥攎ostly using roads, but also on select mountain trails鈥攁nd takes around six weeks to walk. Or you can choose just a section.

The traditional approach starts at the first temple, Ry艒zenji, in Tokushima prefecture and proceeds clockwise until you reach the last temple, 艑kuboji, in Kagawa prefecture. Many pilgrims dress in traditional attire, including a white cotton robe, scarf, and straw hat, and carrying a walking stick; they also carry pilgrims鈥� books, to be stamped after worshipping at each temple. leads an eight-day tour of the pilgrimage (from $2,303), where you鈥檒l walk up to eight miles daily with an English-speaking guide, staying at guesthouses and temple lodging.

Don鈥檛 Miss: One of the hardest temples to reach is number 21, Tairyuji, or Temple of the Great Dragon. You can ride the tram to reach this mountaintop temple or hike to the site on a steep three-mile trail through limestone rocks and an ancient cedar forest. There you鈥檒l climb a marble staircase leading into the temple gates and visit a bronze statue of K奴kai meditating.

See Cheap Flights to Tokushima Awaodori Airport

7. Best for Wildlife Spotting

Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Australia

The 42-mile point-to-point leads through the beaches and bluffs of Yuraygir National Park in New South Wales. You鈥檒l start in the village of Angourie and follow the sign-posted track, as trails are called in Australia and New Zealand, south to the red-tinted cliffs of Red Rock. Most people take four to five days to do the whole route. Along the way, you鈥檒l spot turtles and whales, swim in the Pacific Ocean, and walk through coastal headlands and the biodiverse Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Spend your first night on the trail camping at the , which is only accessible on foot. Or if you鈥檇 prefer sleeping in a bed, book a guided walk that includes shuttles to trailside properties like (from $234) or (from $125). leads a guided five-day walk of the trail (prices vary according to group size and season) for private groups from November to April that includes luggage delivery, boat and bus transfers, national-park fees, and accommodations. If you鈥檇 rather go it on your own, you can base out of the family-owned in Wooli, and the owners will arrange for lifts to the trail each day (from $499, including lodging and hiker shuttles).

Don鈥檛 Miss: Stop into the beachfront , about halfway through your route, for a sausage roll or pizza. Spend some time at the and estuary, a breeding site for endangered shorebirds including the pied oystercatcher and beach stone-curlew. The trail along the Station Creek estuary is lined with scribbly gum and corkwood trees, and if you鈥檙e lucky, you鈥檒l spot an Australian crane or coastal emu.

8. Most Adventurous

Te Araroa, New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its stellar tracks, and , also called the Long Pathway, is the country鈥檚 most ambitious trail project yet. It鈥檚 a 1,900-mile journey crossing the length of New Zealand鈥檚 North and South Islands, from Cape Reinga at the north end to Bluff at the southern tip. The trail itself climbs mountain passes, crosses verdant plains, and travels through small cities and remote villages. Roughly 2,000 people walk the whole trail each year, taking between three and six months. Most hikers go north to south, starting around October, which is springtime in New Zealand. If you don鈥檛 have that kind of time, pick a section or a single island; the South Island is considered the more challenging of the two due to its more mountainous terrain.

While this video shows a Te Araroa thru-hike, some choose a section or decide to hike either the North Island or South Island. The South Island is more remote and considered more difficult, the North Island route longer but with more road walking. (Video: 国产吃瓜黑料 TV) 听

Before you go, ($34) to receive the latest maps and a Te Araroa walker-information packet. Buy a (from $110) for access to over 70 Department of Conservation-managed backcountry huts and campsites along Te Araroa. The trail also has 听to help you plan and navigate, and the trail notes for each section give details on the route and where to stay and resupply. Or you can book a guided 12-day trip with (from $8,595) and let the outfit take care of the logistics, including hotel bookings.

Don鈥檛 Miss: On the North Island, you鈥檒l climb the extinct volcano of Mount Pirongia and descend to the valley below, where you鈥檒l walk by the glowworm-studded , which are worth a stop; you can see the illuminating glowworms in their grottos by boat. On the South Island, spend a night at the 12-bunk, first-come, first-served near Wanaka, which has stunning views from the porch overlooking the Motatapu Valley and a nice swimming hole in the adjacent creek.

See Cheap Flights to Gisborne (GIS) Airport

9. Best Way to Explore Indigenous Cultures

Vancouver Island Trail, Canada

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is a rugged and densely forested place, and the 500-mile is among the most challenging routes on this list. The trail goes from the capital city of Victoria on the southern end of the island to Cape Scott on the northern tip, crossing rocky beaches and through lush rainforests and territories sacred to First Nations tribes, including the Songhees in the south and the Tlatlasikwala to the north. The trail is broken up into seven distinct sections, from paved pathways through urban areas to logging roads, hiking trails, and rail trails. Each section takes around five to 10 days to walk鈥攐r you can spend two months doing a complete thru-hike. Some sections of the trail are still being completed and not well marked, so plan on some skilled route finding or that鈥檚 better delineated. If you鈥檙e walking the trail northbound, you鈥檒l end in , where the Cape Scott Lighthouse has been shining light for mariners since 1960.听听

Don鈥檛 Miss: Book a cabin or pitch a tent at the First Nations-owned , between the northern towns of Port McNeill and Port Hardy. At the center of Vancouver Island, you鈥檒l walk through Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia鈥檚 oldest park, dotted with high-alpine lakes and jagged snow-capped peaks. The , on the outskirts of the park, has eight seasonal campsites and a sauna.

See Cheap Flights to Victoria International Airport

10. Best New Trail

Camino de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

You鈥檒l walk from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean on the 174-mile-long , or the Costa Rican Way, which was inspired by Spain鈥檚 El Camino de Santiago. This relatively new trail鈥攅stablished in 2018 by the nonprofit Asociaci贸n Mar a Mar鈥攖ravels through coffee plantations and rainforests, over the Continental Divide, and among tiny villages that rarely see tourists. Plan on around 16 days to hike the whole thing.

The trip starts on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, in the town of Barra de Parismina, at the base of Tortuguero National Park, known as a nesting ground for leatherback turtles. It ends in Quepos near Manuel Antonio National Park, filled with coral reefs and white-sand beaches. Stay in guesthouses, campsites, and hotels along the way. You will want to hire a guide, as much of the trail is sparsely marked. leads guided hikes ranging from eight to 16 days (from $1,675) that include meals and stays at local homes and guesthouses.

Don鈥檛 Miss: In the Orosi Valley, stay at the (from $59), which has private casitas and rooms close to the trail. In the town of Orosi, you can visit Iglesia de San Jos茅 Orosi, the oldest church in Costa Rica, dating back to 1743, and its Religious Art Museum, and the .

See cheap flights to Juan Santamar铆a International Airport

11. Best Paved Trail

Paul Bunyan State Trail, Minnesota

Most popular with cyclists, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is still a great long walk for those who want a paved, accessible pathway. The route begins at in Brainerd and ends 115 miles later at in Bemidji, home to a famous giant statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, Babe. This is the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country, moderate in grade throughout as it follows the former Burlington Northern Railroad, abandoned in 1983. You can camp at and Lake , or stay in hotels in the various trail towns along the way.

Don鈥檛 Miss: You鈥檒l walk through the town of Hackensack, where every September chainsaw carvers turn hunks of wood into art in the annual Chainsaw Event. The (from $89) in the town of Nisswa has rooms and lakefront cottages steps from the trail on Lower Cullen Lake. In Pequot Lakes, stop into the trailside for a scoop of ice cream.

12. Best for Foodies

Cinque Terra, Italy

Cinque Terre or 鈥淔ive Lands鈥� refers to five coastal towns鈥擬onterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore鈥攐ver the the Ligurian Sea, all linked by about 75 miles of hiking trails. The most popular route is the Sentiero Azzurro, known as the Blue Trail, which is less than 10 miles and can be done in a day. You can start in Monterosso or Riomaggiore and work your way in either direction, passing through lemon groves and walking staircases directly down to the sea.

For a more expanded tour, consider five- or eight-day self-guided hiking trips in Cinque Terre, where you鈥檒l stay in curated hotels, dine on pizza and gelato from locals鈥� favorite spots, and ride trains to reach new trails each day. If you鈥檙e hiking on your own, be sure to check the for updates on closures (landslides have closed sections of the trail), and grab a (from $7 a day) for access to the two paid hiking trails鈥攆rom Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia鈥攁nd for use of the bus lines within Cinque Terre National Park.

Don鈥檛 Miss: Climb the stairs to Doria Castle, a medieval fortress near the village of Vernazza, to see the remains of one of the oldest surviving towers on the Liguria coast. The five-room guesthouse (from $208) in the Unesco World Heritage Site of Vernazza makes for a good midway stop on your hike.

13. Most Accessible

Cotswold Way, England

The is a quintessentially English experience, where you鈥檒l walk from the historic market town of Chipping Campden, once a busy center for traders, to the steps of the Late Medieval church of Bath Abbey, crossing through farmlands, country parks, and beech woodlands. Stop and admire fields full of sculptures or study English Civil War sites. This well-marked 102-mile trail can be traveled in either direction, taking between seven and 10 days. has both guided and self-guided walks (from $1,154) ranging from between seven and 12 nights, where you鈥檒l sleep in limestone cottages and guesthouses.

Don鈥檛 Miss: Climb the hill to the Broadway Tower, an 18th century tower within a 200-acre estate of parkland offering expansive views across the valley; enjoy afternoon tea at the Tower Barn Caf茅 afterward. The trail also passes by Bill Smylie鈥檚 butterfly reserve, home to some 30 species of endangered butterflies, and , a historic garden filled with seasonal flowers and a lavish mix of Classical, Gothic, and other architecture.

See cheap flights to Bristol Airport

Megan Michelson is an 国产吃瓜黑料 contributing editor and avid traveler who once lived in England for a year and went on a lot of long rambles through the countryside. She recently wrote about trips that may help you live longer and her favorite new backcountry hut in Colorado.

The post The 13 Most Magical Long Walks In the World appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If you’re asking yourself where you should go on vacation this year, you’re not alone. And there鈥檚 no shortage of 鈥渨here to go鈥� lists this time of year鈥攃ompeting compendiums of new hotels and resorts, trendy neighborhoods, and cultural hotspots to check out in the year ahead.

This is not that list. Not exactly, anyways.

As adventure addicts, we wanted to craft a roster of amazing destinations where you can get outdoors, camp, paddle, surf, hike, and crush some dynamic singletrack. Our overriding parameters determining what made the cut was simple: what鈥檚 cool and fresh in the world outside?

The answer? Plenty.

Here鈥檚 Where to Go on Vacation in 2025, If You’re Into These Outdoor Pursuits

Every one of these destinations promises an amazing adventure, whether that鈥檚 carving down a fresh-cut ski run, tackling a section of a new thru-hiking terrain, or releasing turtles on the beaches of Mexico. These trips all come with good food, great vistas, and unforgettable cultural experiences. And yes, a few even have luxe places to crash at night, too.

Many of these destinations are in the beginning phases of executing ambitious goals, and we included them to offer a glimpse of what鈥檚 to come. Others are perennial favorites that have simply been overlooked by online-influencer culture and thus remain indelibly cool in real life. In other words, we鈥檙e offering up some new options and some classic standbys. We also included both domestic and international destinations for each type of adventure, in case you鈥檙e feeling particularly wanderlusty (or a staycation).

Together, they prove, once again, that there鈥檚 no shortage of fun to have outside. Here鈥檚 where to travel in 2025 if you鈥檙e up for it.

1. Long Walks (or Runs)

Stay Domestic: Cross Texas Trail, Texas

Beginning this year, Texas will get its own thru-hiking epic, the new Cross Texas Trail, a proposed 1,500-mile-long haul that stretches from the Louisiana border in the east, near the town of Orange, to El Paso in the west. Among the many highlights of the planned xTx, as it is known: panoramic views of Hill Country, the rugged peaks of Big Bend Ranch State Park, East Texas barbecue joints, the crystal-clear Devil鈥檚 River, and the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, at 8,751 feet.

The trail, designed for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, is a work in progress, but the route features a mix of singletrack and paved and gravel backcountry public roads. You can ride much of the route now, but the nonprofit behind the xTx鈥攍ed by bike advocate, former community design consultant, and state representative Charlie Gandy鈥攊s currently working on access to some private ranch land so that riders can more easily enter some sections of state and national parks. In the future, there could even be trailheads equipped with picnic areas, water stations, and campsites, but for now, it鈥檚 all a self-supported, DIY affair. The trail has a long way to go to match the history of the Appalachian Trail or the sheer beauty of the Pacific Crest Trail, but it could be one of the best, if longest, ways to experience the hardscrabble charm of the Lone Star State.

Go Abroad: Palmilhar Portugal, Portugal

Portugal is about to get its own version of Spain鈥檚 Camino de Santiago, a new 3,000-kilometer (1,850 miles) loop trail that is being billed as the world鈥檚 longest circular hiking route. The trail, called (or 鈥淲alking Portugal鈥�, in English), will eventually pass through over 100 off-the-beaten-path attractions around the country, from windmills and vineyards outside Lisbon to mountain peaks in the north. Most of the trail is still under construction, but initial sections opened last summer, and new routes are being added regularly throughout 2025. While mostly a hiking trail, Palmilhar Portugal will have some sections open to cyclists, too. The team behind Palmihar Portugal plans to launch an app later this year, , that will help visitors look up information about the route and the services along the way, including places to stay, restaurants, and points of interest.

2. Fat-Tire and Mountain-Biking Fun

Stay Domestic: Killington Bike Park, Vermont

In the fall of 2024, , in Vermont’s Green Mountains, was purchased by a passionate group of local investors who promised big changes to New England鈥檚 iconic ski area, including a in capital improvements over the next two seasons. Those upgrades include an expansion to its already impressive bike park, with 30 miles of lift-accessed mountain-biking trails.

Beginning in 2025, the park will get a new trail, accessed by the Ramshead Express Quad, and other improvements are in the works. The new trail (dubbed Ramshead, construction on which starts this spring) will start at the top of the lift and snake down the mountain for more than two miles. Even without the new upgrades, the bike park is one of the best in the East, with features like berms, tabletops, and bridges that cater to intermediate and advanced riders alike. Its signature trail, 鈥�,鈥� is a steep, technical descent with rock gardens and big jumps, but there are plenty of smoother trails for beginner downhillers, too. (One-day passes begin at $65.) Off the trails, Killington鈥檚 base area is buzzing with its new enhancements on the horizon, and everything points to this year being the start of upgraded riding to come for Killington.

Go Abroad: Mogo Trails Project, Australia

Like many areas rich in adventure bona fides鈥擝ritish Columbia, South Africa, New Zealand鈥擜ustralia is investing heavily in new trails for mountain bike aficionados, and one the largest ongoing projects is , in New South Wales.

The expansive trail network, roughly four hours south of Sydney, is being developed near the town of Mogo, a tiny outpost adjacent to the area鈥檚 temperate rainforests.听 Mogo Trails is being designed for various skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders, with a mix of park-style gravity trails with jumps and cross-country trails.

Currently, there are about 70km of singletrack ready for riders, with a total of 130km planned to be completed in 2025 and beyond. Finished trails are listed on, along with descriptions of each one. If you鈥檙e coming from Sydney, you鈥檒l need to book lodging nearby. Batemans Bay, a version of an Oregon beach town Down Under, has excellent options, including , an upscale motel that also offers easy access to surf breaks just down the beach. (From $140 per night.) The much larger town of Canberra, the capital of Australia, is two hours away. Other nearby mountain bike trails, like the new Narooma Trails, which opened in 2023, are making the area a legitimate international destination for MTB enthusiasts.

3. Fresh Piste

Stay Domestic: Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Over the next few years, Park City鈥檚 Deer Valley Resort is undergoing a , with a new base village, 100 new trails on 2,600 acres of fresh terrain, and more than 10 new lifts to access it all, including a 10-passenger gondola. When it鈥檚 all said and done, the resort will double in size to over 5,700 acres, making it one of the ten largest ski resorts in the United States.

The transformation is already under way. Debuting for the 2024鈥�2025 season are three new chairlifts, 300 acres of terrain, and freshly cut trails leading to the new East Village. When it鈥檚 complete, the East Village will offer the same level of premium service that Deer Valley has become known for, with restaurants, retail shops, and an ice-skating facility, among other facilities. Of course, for day skiers, perhaps the biggest draw of the new East Village is that it鈥檚 located on U.S. Route 40, which allows you to avoid driving through the heart of Park City itself, often crowded with traffic.

For now, the brand-new , with 381 guest rooms and suites, anchors the East Village, and it鈥檚 the only place to stay on that side of the resort. (From $270 per night.) But the hotel has more than enough amenities to keep you comfortable, including a restaurant and bar, a downstairs speakeasy-style lounge, a coffeeshop, a heated outdoor pool, three hot tubs, and a partnership with Ski Butlers to offer white-glove ski valet service when suiting up for the day. There鈥檚 even a , a High Tea service but instead of tea and hand sandwiches, you get hot chocolate paired with s鈥檓ores cookies, chocolate snowballs, and other baked goods.

Go Abroad: Andermatt Ski Area, Switzerland

Unknown to most Americans, the combined ski resorts of , an hour and a half south of Zurich, is poised to become one of Europe鈥檚 premier ski destinations. Over the last handful of years, more than $2 billion has been invested in upgrades, with ten new lifts that allowed you to ski all three by accessing any one of them. Combined, the resorts have more than 100 miles of trails.

The historic village of Andermatt, with cobblestone streets and a very Swiss vibe, has also been undergoing a series of renovations to accommodate the influx of skiers. This winter, for example, it unveiled a brand-new shopping and dining district featuring 35 stores and 10 restaurants. The resort is also on track to become carbon neutral by 2030, a hugely ambitious goal for such a large operation.

For American skiers, it鈥檚 also become easier to shred: In 2022, Vail acquired majority ownership in the resort, which means that it鈥檚 now . With over 12 feet of average annual snowfall, a range of terrain鈥攆rom blue and yellow runs to steep couloirs and powder-filled bowls鈥擜ndermatt is one of the best resorts in all of Europe. And with a master plan mapped out for the next 30 years, now is the time to go, before the hordes descend.

4. Beach Vibes

Stay Domestic: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

As part of North Carolina鈥檚 Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras is known for its expansive East-Coast beaches, world-class kiteboarding, and laid-back charm. It鈥檚 also now home to one of the more exciting Atlantic Coast lodging conversions in years: , a 14-room wellness-oriented hotel that faces Pamlico Sound, a vast expanse of shallow water good for both paddling and kiting. The hotel opened last year after owners bought a failed, two-story strip mall and transformed it into a chic hotel with suites designed by world-famous interior designer Jonathan Adler.

If that turns you off, don鈥檛 let it. The result is a quirky mashup of coastal kitsch and beach sophistication with a focus on outdoor recreation. There鈥檚 even an outdoor deck featuring cold plunges, a sauna, and a hot tub for relaxing in after a long day on the saltwater. (From $179 per night.) And its location, adjacent to the entire length of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore鈥攚here windswept dunes and unspoiled stretches of sand offer endless opportunities for surfing, fishing, and paddleboarding鈥攍eads to a perfect blend adventure and tranquility in one of the most celebrated beach destinations in the U.S.

Go Abroad: Nicaragua鈥檚 Pacific Coast

听 Nicaragua鈥檚 Pacific Coastline has long been considered one of the best stretches of remote coastline in Central America, with excellent surf breaks framed by undeveloped sand beaches and tropical forest. Now, thanks to an ongoing , it鈥檚 about to get much easier to access much of the coastline.

The country鈥檚 new Carratera Costanera Highway, or Emerald Coast Highway, will stretch more than 350 kilometers (217 miles) from the Gulf of Fonseca in the north to Playa El Naranjo in the south, making it smoother and safer to travel along the coastline. Construction has already , near San Juan del Sur, which is known as the country鈥檚 surf capital, because of its proximity to some of Nicaragua鈥檚 best breaks. Up and down the coastline, you鈥檒l find a variety of waves, from mellow beach breaks to beefy points, with consistent year-round swell (although the summer months remain the best).

The promise of easy access is already drawing development interest to the coastline and new tourist offerings, like the newly refreshed and reopened , which was the country鈥檚 first true luxury eco-resort when it opened in 2013. (From $776 per night.) The resort has direct walking access to a world-class surf break just off of its private beach. While funding is secured for the road construction, the pace of progress is nearly impossible to predict, so don鈥檛 expect to be driving down a long stretch of empty, freshly paved highway this year. (Also, the U.S. State Department has a for the country, in part because of the government’s arbitrary enforcement of laws, although like Costa Rica or Panama, Nicaragua is generally safe for tourists if you exercise caution). But if you want to experience the surf breaks before the rush on the rapidly developing coastline, now is the time to go.

5. Paddling Pristine Backcountry

Stay Domestic: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

In January 2023, the Biden administration helped ban mining and geothermal exploration on over 225,000 acres of land in the Superior National Forest, preserving the integrity of the Rainy River watershed and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the process.

With President Trump in power again, however, advocates are once again worried that the BWCAW, one of the most pristine landscapes in the Lower 48, could return to becoming a political football. If so, it could be tossed back into the hands of the Chilean-owned mining conglomerate that has been seeking to open a copper-sulfide mine in the area for years. All of which is a good reason to explore the area now, to see firsthand just how special this landscape is.

Spanning over a million acres of North Woods forest dotted with thousands of lakes, this is a paddler鈥檚 paradise, with more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes and 2,000 campsites, most of which are paddle-in only. If you want a break from modern life and all its real-time annoyances and aggravations, the BWCAW has always been one of the best places to do it, and now you can show your tacit political support for the area simply by enjoying a weekend paddle through it.

Go Abroad: Pacuare River, Costa Rica

The Pacuare River, roughly 60 miles east of San Jos茅, is not only one of the best tropical rafting trips on the planet鈥攁nd by extension one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica鈥檚 wild side鈥攊t鈥檚 also 鈥渉ome鈥� to the perennial favorite . With 20 suites, a restaurant, and a spa set along the riverbank, the lodge has set an impossibly high standard for eco-luxury in the heart of the rainforest. (From $949 per night.)

The best part, however, is that arriving at Picuare requires getting on the water first. With no road into the property, guests float down the Pacuare鈥檚 class II鈥揤 rapids, through canyons and untouched jungle, and arrive via boat on the lodge’s front steps. Despite its remoteness, it鈥檚 full of amenities. Each suite has a range of luxuries like outdoor showers, spring-fed fountains, and plunge pools. The restaurant serves exceptionally high-quality, fresh ingredients and the spa has wellness programs that include open-air yoga sessions and treatments inspired by indigenous traditions. The surrounding forest is home to toucans, sloths, and howler monkeys, and non-river activities include guided rainforest hikes to see the wildlife, zip-lining, and visiting local Cab茅car communities. The lodge itself is worthy of a visit alone, but combined with its entrance theatrics鈥攁 float down the whitewater of Pacuare River鈥攖he experience may just offer the perfect balance of adventure and indulgences for a weekend jungle-induced rejuvenation. Pura vida indeed.

6. Camping (with Creature Comforts)

Stay Domestic: Yosemite, California

Outdoor-oriented hospitality group is expanding once again, this time to an 80-acre camp near Yosemite National Park. Ever since it started with a single glamping resort in West Yellowstone in 2012, the company has grown year over year to offer overnight access to some of America鈥檚 most iconic destinations, including Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, and Moab (thanks to its luxury offshoot ULUM Moab).

is the company鈥檚 first foray into California, and it will feature the same safari-inspired tents鈥攚ith king-size beds, a private deck, and ensuite bathrooms鈥攖hat have made its 13 other locations so popular. There will also be regular activities in the camp, such as live music, morning yoga, and nightly fires with s鈥檓ores. (The seasonal camp runs from May 15 to October 27 in 2025, and rates start at $349 per night, meals not included.)

But perhaps the best reason to book a stay here while visiting Yosemite National Park is the easy access it affords. The camp is located just ten minutes from the west entrance to the park and, more importantly, across from a bus stop for the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS). Without a reservation in summer, you are no longer allowed to enter the park by car. So staying at Under Canvas Yosemite means you not only get all the amenities, but you also get easy, car-free access to the park.

Go Abroad: Playa Viva, Mexico

On a remote beach 35 miles south of Zihuatanejo lies one of the most ecologically sensitive, off-grid, wellness-focused resorts on the planet: . This is far from camping, but the 19 open-air treehouses and casitas, designed with bamboo and other sustainable woods, will make it feel as if you鈥檙e poaching a nap on the last stretch of perfect sand in all of Mexico.

Each room has unobstructed views of the beach, with nothing to be seen either direction besides palm trees, Pacific waves, and the occasional breaching whale. Set on 200 coastal acres, Playa Viva is home to a vibrant turtle sanctuary, a regenerative farm, and mangrove forest. The resort supports local communities through various initiatives and actively works to help restore surrounding ecosystems. Guests can even participate in activities like helping release baby sea turtles (during the fall hatching season).

The on-site restaurant even serves farm-to-table dishes that celebrate the region鈥檚 culinary heritage. Think fresh-caught seafood, handmade tortillas, and tropical fruits picked just steps from your casita. Daily beachside yoga classes and a variety of massage services round out the offerings. Again, you鈥檙e not exactly roughing it, but the resort is a world away in a wild, pristine corner of Mexico. (Summer low-season rates begin at $240 per night.)

7. Wildlife Encounters

Stay Domestic: American Prairie Reserve, Montana

When it was established in 2004, 鈥攁 private, nonprofit effort to create the largest wildlife reserve in the continental U.S. at three million acres鈥攕eemed like nothing more than a pipe dream. But the group has steadily managed to acquire an impressive amount of land on Montana鈥檚 Northern Great Plains in their effort to reestablish a functioning ecosystem that supports free-roaming wildlife.

In December, APR , which brings their total to over half a million acres of deeded land and leased public property. Thanks to all the efforts over the years, the reserve is now home to a wealth of iconic wildlife, including herds of bison, elk, and pronghorn. It also contains some of the most remote areas of the lower-48 states, with a diverse landscape鈥攆rom sagebrush plains to riparian areas to the steep hills of the Missouri Breaks鈥攖hat offers visitors the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

The APR鈥檚 National Discovery Center has excellent exhibits about the prairie ecosystem, and is the best place to learn about the reserve鈥檚 hiking, biking, and camping opportunities, especially considering that it continues to expand its offerings, which includes interpretive programs. But as a quick-start option, one of the best ways to experience the wildlife is by camping at , located four miles north of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge on the rolling shortgrass prairie. (RV sites are $19 per night and tent sites are $13.) Here, you鈥檙e almost certain to see plains bison and pronghorn roaming past prairie dog towns and get a much deeper connection to one of the most overlooked landscapes in the U.S. The American Prairie Reserve isn鈥檛 just a trip, it鈥檚 a chance to witness (and participate in) conservation history in the making.

Go Abroad: Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Columbia

Tucked into a Pacific Ocean inlet on Vancouver Island鈥檚 wild west coast, is perhaps the most luxurious gateway to British Columbia鈥檚 wildlife-rich temperate rainforest. It may also be the best way to see the area’s charismatic, iconic species, from black bears and eagles to whales and otters.

The lodge鈥檚 25 canvas tents, which are lavishly appointed with specially made furnishings, king-sized beds, and wood-burning stoves, offer guests the perfect blend of off-grid seclusion and high-end comfort. (From $3,300 per night.)

Meals focus on hyper-local, foraged ingredients crafted into exquisite dishes. Committed to sustainability, the seasonal lodge operates with an extremely light footprint, relying on renewable energy to power the camp. It also supports local First Nations communities through cultural exchange programs and eco-tourism partnerships. All of which makes staying here feeling as if you鈥檙e part of a very lucky family.

But the real reason to come are the wildlife excursions, which includes hiking or horseback rides in the forest to see and sea kayaking outings on the inlet, where it鈥檚 common to spot whales, porpoises, seals, and sea lions. And this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the lodge鈥檚 eco-adventure program. For those seeking a communion with nature that has more than a dash of indulgence, Clayoquot offers an unforgettable escape into the wild heart of British Columbia.

Ryan Krogh is a writer and editor who lives in Austin, Texas. Among the dozens of destinations that he traveled to in 2024, including Iceland, England, and a road trip through Mexico鈥檚 highlands, his favorite was a weekend fly-fishing trip to the Texas Coast. In 2025, he鈥檚 hoping to see Nicaragua and Portugal for the first time, which is why they鈥檙e included here, but he also has plans to explore the new 鈥淕ulf of America鈥� coast, whatever that is. He has recently written about the world’s best airports with cool outdoor spaces, the beginner’s guide to carry-on luggage, and the most dog-friendly beaches in the U.S.

The post The 14 Best Vacation Spots in the U.S. and Abroad for 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If there鈥檚 one travel thing I splurge on each year, it鈥檚 amazing hotel stays. I鈥檝e no regrets, because they so often make for a next-level vacation.

This year 国产吃瓜黑料 sent me and some of our other travel writers and editors to check out new, recently revamped, or iconic properties that have been on our radar. Talk about unique adventuring in gorgeous locations鈥攐ne is in a deep red-rock canyon, another in a secluded dark-sky area, and still another has its own private entrance to a national park.

These are the places that blew us away. We鈥檇 return to any of them again.

Enchantment Resort

Sedona, Arizona

Price: From $400

Set amid the stupefying red-rock wonder that is Boynton Canyon, one of four major vortex sites in Sedona, my fall stay at Enchantment was emotional but also grounding. I hiked with one of the resort鈥檚 vortex experts, whose sage ceremony at a viewpoint overlooking the high-desert landscape made me feel lighter than I had in months. And my chakra-balancing treatment and sound bath at the guests-only Mii Amo spa were as fantastically spiritual and woo-woo as I hoped they鈥檇 be.

You could easily spend four days hiking or mountain-biking around Sedona. The property鈥檚 on-site Trail House is home to equipment and guides for both, and staff can organize far-flung excursions to the Grand Canyon in a helicopter and Prescott for climbing adventures, if your time and budget allow.

The resort鈥檚 Southwestern adobe architecture is designed to blend into the surrounding scenery, the indoor-outdoor restaurants are upscale but not stuffy, and the range of outdoor activities and classes is impressive: pop between its four pools, play tennis or pickleball, or sign up for yoga or . Staff are incredibly friendly, which is to be expected at destination resorts, but one thing that really stood out for me.

Of all the trips I took in 2024, my memories of this property have stayed with me most. And since my review came out, I鈥檝e received feedback from other guests who shared similarly moving experiences at Enchantment. It鈥檚 that powerful a place.

What I鈥檇 do differently if I returned: I wanted to head to one of the pools late at night and float around staring up at the stars, since Sedona is a Dark Sky Community. But the hiking and spa treatments had me fairly worn out by day鈥檚 end鈥攁nd sleeping soundly through the night.

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Cannonville, Utah

Price: From $525

When Alison Osius visited this new Clear Sky Resort in August, she was ready to spend hours admiring the starry skies鈥攖he main draw for guests who look forward to gazing up at the firmament from their own geodesic dome. Unfortunately, it rained during her short stay.

But Osius didn鈥檛 let bad weather dampen her exploration of Bryce Canyon National Park, just a 20-minute drive from the property. She motored around the park with a fourth-generation guide, hitting highlights like Natural Arch and the Bryce Amphitheater, both beautifully shrouded in mist, and got a hoot out of hearing about local escapades of legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy. Eventually, the clouds did clear and she was able to hike the 1.8-mile .

Clear Sky has some unique amenities, including a robot concierge who offers outdoor-recreation beta, a caf茅 with a gleaming boomerang-shaped bar, fire pits and cornhole, and stargazing tours. The domes themselves are fun, futuristic, and encourage group visits. Osius was surprised to learn that one has a dance floor, disco ball, and flashing lights.

Off-site, she was won over by the barbecue in a joint called in the town of Tropic, and loved the live cowboy music at in Bryce Canyon City. Her vacation gave her different viewpoints of the West and an appreciation of this area鈥檚 otherworldly landcapes, which include the greatest concentration of hoodoos in the world.

What Osius would do differently if she returned: A second visit would ideally happen when the stars were out and shining, said Osius, though she did think it was cool to watch rivulets of rain run down her dome. And the next time, she鈥檇 stay longer and hike way more in Bryce Canyon.

Lodge at Marconi

Marshall, California

Price: From $299

I鈥檝e visited several outdoor-adjacent properties in the Bay Area over the years, but none within a state park. The experience felt like a sophisticated, laid-back,听 improved version of summer camp. Lodge at Marconi is a newly remodeled, 45-acre property that spans from the water鈥檚 edge of eastern Tomales Bay鈥攁n hour鈥檚 drive north of San Francisco on Highway 1鈥攖o bluffs with incredible views westward to Point Reyes National Seashore and north to the Pacific Ocean.

The weekend I was in town, the property was hosting an indoor-outdoor wedding as well as young couples there with their toddlers and dogs, day-trippers picnicking beneath shady oaks, and friends using it as a base camp for a local foodie tour. Come dusk, everyone gathered around the massive communal fire pit and hung out for hours, occasionally popping into the on-site store for a bottle of regional wine.

This is a fantastic place to do some wildlife- and bird-watching. Wild turkeys were running around while I was there, and I spent 15 minutes one morning looking down at a huge school of fish feasting on bugs in the bay. Tule elk wander Point Reyes and elephant seals laze on its beaches. Bring your best binoculars.

One of the best things about Marconi, though, is its quick access to fantastic eating in these parts. The waterfront Marshall Store is just a mile away, the must-visit Hog Island Oyster Company a mile farther (take the tour and then have lunch), and, after that, Nick鈥檚 Cove, where I love to have a casual seafood dinner and drink. This trip I also wandered around the town of Point Reyes Station, eight miles south, where I discovered buffalo-milk soft serve and a sandwich shop with 18 gooey melts. Delicious, both.

What I鈥檇 do differently if I returned: The next time, I鈥檓 bringing my girlfriends, renting out Marconi鈥檚 spacious A-frame cabin, and enjoying an evening at its cute new little cocktail bar and restaurant, Mable鈥檚, which I missed because it opened two weeks after my visit.

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Phantom Ranch

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Price: From $213.50 for two people

It鈥檚 really hard to get a reservation to Phantom Ranch, a group of historic cabins and dorms at the floor of the Grand Canyon, and you have to try for one 15 months in advance. But Stephanie Vermillion lucked out and snagged a last-minute winter opening. Her review of the property offers tips to scoring a stay there, too.

If you are able to book Phantom Ranch, you also have to be prepared to get there. Vermillion chose the easier route down, from the South Rim: a seven-mile (one-way) zigzagging descent via the South Kaibab Trail that you have to then ascend after check-out. Pack light鈥攏o need to bring food, because you can pay for hot meals at the ranch鈥攁nd take your trekking poles. It鈥檚 about a vertical mile of elevation gain each way.

Worth it, said Vermillion, to stay in the stone cabins designed by renowned architect Mary Jane Colter. And to amble along the mightly Colorado River; if you have more than one night at the property, Vermillion suggests hiking the to Phantom Overlook. It鈥檚 nine miles round-trip but you鈥檒l see parts of the canyon seldom explored by visitors.

What Vermillion would do differently if she returned: I鈥檇 go lighter on the camera gear I brought鈥攖he weight of two cameras and a bulky tripod made the tough uphill return trip even more challenging.

Dunton Hot Springs

Dolores, Colorado

Price: From $1,165 for two people

We鈥檙e recommending this ghost-town hot-springs resort, because it鈥檚 a secluded slice of the Wild West where you can not only soak to your heart鈥檚 content but also fish for trout, hike and bike the Rockies, and dine at a saloon. Writer Emily Pennington said it was the best wellness retreat she鈥檇 ever been to.

Dunton is located in southwestern Colorado, about 30 miles from beautiful Telluride. In the late 1800s it was a mining settlement, and Butch Cassidy actually scratched his name into the bar, which you can pony up to while you鈥檙e visiting. The 15 log cabins are cozy and encircle the wooden bathhouse home to a pool with rich mineral waters and decorated with a hammock and a small fireplace. When Pennington visited in March, the snow was coming down and the hot springs were just the respite she was looking for.

As anyone who lives in Colorado can tell you, March does not mark the end of winter. Pennington took a cat-ski ride up to Dunton Meadows and spent a few hours snowshoeing (the resort loans out gear). The next morning she took a yoga class. She made use of her room鈥檚 clawfoot tub. And she and the other five guests there at the time ate incredible meals, including blue-corn johnnycakes and house-cured bacon for breakfast, a hearty Mexican posole and tostadas for lunch, and a multi-course dinner that featured bison one evening. The whole experience was something she鈥檇 looked forward to for months鈥攁nd it did not disappoint.

What Pennington would do differently if she returned: As an avid hiker, Pennington loves the idea of exploring the stunning San Juan Mountains in the summer months. And that steamy, historic hot-spring building would look even more tantalizing after a thigh-busting trek, she said.

The Nami Project

Ucluelet, British Columbia

Price: From $343

Western Vancouver Island is a known storm-watching destination, and 国产吃瓜黑料 travel columnist Jen Murphy had to experience it firsthand herself. So we sent her to Nami Project, a collection of suites that overlook the ocean, to watch the winter swells roll in from her room鈥檚 floor-to-ceiling windows.

But the views were too stunning for staying holed up inside. Murphy donned rain gear and set out to explore neighboring , hiking amid the tall Sitka spruce on a trail that hugs the coast. During the wildest storms, you can watch 20-foot-high waves crash into the coast. After braving the elements, Nami Project鈥檚 cedar hot tubs, sauna, and heated floors felt pretty great.

Tide-pooling, surfing, and hiking through the rainforest are popular activities year-round, and in the warmer months, you can rent a bike and pedal the 15 miles up to Tofino. Murphy, who is a foodie, also raved about the area fare, especially the hyperlocal tasting menu at the restaurant .

What Murphy would do differently if she returned: Witness the world’s largest gray-whale migration while soaking from her room鈥檚 hot tub. As many as 20,000 whales can be spotted swimming offshore beginning in February.

The Swag

Waynesville, North Carolina

Price: From $875, all-inclusive

Graham Averill and his wife spent a few glorious days holing up at The Swag and hiking from its 250-acre premises directly into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a perk that offers your own private entrance to a lesser visited corner of America鈥檚 most visited national park.

The couple, who visited in late summer, spent an afternoon trekking through rhododendron tunnels and past a waterfall, topping out at a knob with valley views. Averill also did some trail running along a 5,500-foot ridge with spectacular panoramas to the distant Black Mountains. There were lawn games and a pool, and Averill鈥檚 room had a fireplace and an outdoor shower. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were in regular rotation on the house playlist.

Needless to say, you can work up an appetite here, and the reward is getting to indulge in home cooking. Averill couldn鈥檛 get enough of the grilled pigeon. And the iced tea. And the smoked Old Fashioneds. And the chocolate-chip pie served with ice cream. 鈥淓very course set in front of me was the best thing I鈥檇 ever had, until the next course came out and it became the best thing I鈥檇 ever had,鈥� he wrote.

The experience鈥攖he scenery, the proximity to the park, the opening drive from parking to the property in an electric Volvo XC90鈥攚as top-notch from start to finish. 鈥淚magine if your grandmother had generational wealth, exceptional taste, and lived to spoil you鈥攖hat鈥檚 what a stay at The Swag feels like,鈥� he said.

What Averill would do differently if he returned: The Swag鈥檚 super complex wooden jigsaw puzzle baffled Averill on his last visit, and he鈥檇 like to spend more time sipping cocktails in front of the fireplace while trying to put it together.

Tasha听Zemke is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 managing editor and a member of the 国产吃瓜黑料 Online travel team. She still has yet to satiate her wanderlust, and next year she鈥檚 most looking forward to attending Mountainfilm, in what her colleague called Colorado鈥檚 most beautiful town; hiking with friends in Ireland; and kayaking off Baja Sur, Mexico.

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After hours of bushwhacking through dense Canadian alder trees, Langdon Ernest-Beck was catatonic. That was before he lost his helmet in the scrub. Ernest-Beck, 23, and his climbing partner Ben Spiers, also 23, had ridden their bicycles 1450 miles across 9 days north from Seattle, WA, to Tatla Lake, where the road ended. Then they听started walking toward their destination: 13,186-foot Mount Waddington in British Columbia.

The duo had spent the prior five days hiking through harsh shrubbery toward Mount Waddington and still had not yet seen a view of the peak. 鈥淎s far as the hellish bushwhack, we were not prepared,鈥� Ernest-Beck said. 鈥淚t was definitely the most brutal thing I鈥檝e ever experienced.鈥�

Mount Waddington is one of the most imposing and difficult-to-reach big peaks in North America. It’s not only the tallest mountain in the Coast Range, it鈥檚 also the highest peak that stands entirely within the boundaries of British Columbia. Waddington is so far off the beaten path that it didn鈥檛 even exist on a map until 1925 when it was first spotted (by a non-indigenous person) in the distance by听a local couple named Don and Phyliss Munday. They called it 鈥淢ystery Mountain.鈥� The few people who do choose to climb Waddington each year are often flown in by helicopter.

Riding a bike to the peak and then scaling it felt like a suitable challenge for Ernest-Beck. In 2023, he navigated the Cascade Range from the seat of his bicycle听along with his friend and mentor Jeff Hashimoto. The two rode across hundreds of miles of trails, highways and forest roads to reach and then ascend Washington State鈥檚 100 tallest peaks. Then, they climbed them all. After completing such a massive adventure, the question inevitably arises: what鈥檚 next?

Mount Waddington felt like the perfect challenge. 鈥淢y first-ever introduction into bigger mountains and mountaineering was in a course I did while I was in high school in the Waddington Range,鈥� Ernest-Beck said. 鈥淚 always had it in the back of my head that I wanted to go back there.鈥�

Motivated by his concern for the climate, Ernest-Beck has been looking for ways to lower his carbon footprint while pursuing big climbing objectives.鈥淚 think climbing in general can be seen as a selfish pursuit, so being able to do it in a way that鈥檚 environmentally responsible is nice,鈥� he said.

The bike trip alone was a major adventure. When the two charted the journey prior to the trip, they estimated they would need to听pedal 1,450 total miles from their homes in Central Washington to Waddington and back. The return trip would take them across Vancouver Island.

The two began planning their expedition in May. Then, they departed their homes in Ellensburg, Washington on June 25 and began riding toward the peak. But they hit their first big snag just three days later in Bellingham, Washington before crossing the U.S. border with Canada. Ernest-Beck had mailed all his climbing gear to a remote post office in B.C. to save听weight on his bicycle. But he received a tracking notification that his equipment was stuck in customs thousands of miles away near Ontario.

鈥淚t was like the second day of the trip,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 called my mom and told her to pick out everything that was left in my closet. She drove up to Bellingham and handed me the clothing. Then I borrowed some ice tools and crampons from some friends.鈥� Ernest-Beck made it to Canada with enough gear鈥攈e just had to carry it all the way there.

Once across the border, the pair braved the Trans-Canada highway, pedaling north until they reached Tatla Lake where they spent the 4th of July. 鈥淚t took us ten days to bike up there,鈥� Ernest-Beck said. 鈥淎nd even when we got to the ranch where we left our bikes, we were kind of in the middle of nowhere鈥攂ut we felt even more remote than we were because it had taken us so long to arrive.鈥�

The route from Tatla Lake to the base of Mount Waddington traversed 55 miles, but there was no established trail. For nearly a week, Ernest-Beck and Speirs hacked and scratched their way through an immense jungle of Canadian wilderness while lugging around 100 pounds of food and equipment.听On the听fifth day of bushwhacking, Ernest-Beck lost his helmet. The setback听nearly broke them.

鈥淲e had started that day in the alpine and dropped into a valley called Pocket Valley, which is kind of the path to the base of the Scimitar Glacier,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檇 gotten back into this really thick slide alder and vine maple and at some point during that bushwhack, my helmet was ripped off my pack without me noticing.鈥�

Ernest-Beck tried to retrace his steps to find the helmet, but ended up walking in circles. It seemed like the loss was a big enough disaster for them to turn back. 鈥淭hat was the worst night of the trip,鈥� Ernest-Beck said.

Unsure of what to do, Ernest-Beck messaged his former climbing partner Jeff Hashimoto on his satellite phone and asked for advice. Hashimoto, 52, told the pair to get some sleep and take their journey one step at a time. If it felt unsafe to keep going without a helmet, he said, then they could always just turn around. 鈥淭hat was the best thing someone could鈥檝e said,鈥� Ernest-Beck said.

They slept 12 hours that night, and the next morning the duo felt mentally and physically recharged. They decided to push ahead. After another few hours of climbing they were able to see above the treeline. 鈥淭he first time we got into the alpine and had a view, it didn鈥檛 take long for us to get super stoked again,鈥� Ernest-Beck said. After so many days and miles of bushwhacking through tangled wilderness, the pair were beyond relieved to begin their trek over Granite Pass, across the span of several glaciers, and into the Waddington Range itself.

After the days of hiking through dense foliage to reach the 9,900-foot Waddington-Combatant col, the climb to the summit felt straightforward by comparison.听鈥淚t took just under 30 hours,鈥� Ernest-Beck said. 鈥淲e got so lucky with the conditions.鈥� Waddington is notorious for its fickle weather鈥攖he peak is regularly hit by storms off the Pacific Ocean that freeze the summit in rime ice. But when the duo reached the top, the ice was mostly melted, and the听pair were able to save time climbing the peak with a running belay, not stopping to pitch out sections.

The crux of the ascent occurred when the two had to chart听a route across an intimidating bergschrund, a crevasse between the glacier and the base of the rock face, to get to the base of their intended route to the summit: the Angel Couloir. 鈥淲e spent four hours in the middle of the night walking up and down it, trying to cross, getting into it and starting a pitch to the other side,鈥� Ernest-Beck said.

After an hour of searching, they found a small cave in the ice. Speirs led a pitch into an ice chimney, shoving his body through an opening of solid water-ice to one side, and softer snow ice on the other. Eventually, they got through. 鈥淏en was like, 鈥極h, I see the stars!鈥�…After that, everything else was pretty smooth.鈥�

Ernest-Beck has been to the top of all the tallest peaks in Washington State. He knows a good view. Even he thought the scenery atop Waddington was听special. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e close to the ocean,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 see water, but you can see where the fjords coming in are. Huge glaciers as far as you can see. It鈥檚 probably the best summit view I鈥檝e had. Zero sign of people.鈥�

Well, maybe not zero. Several weeks after their ascent, the two learned that they weren’t alone on Mount Waddington that day. 鈥淎 party actually gained the summit two or three hours after us,鈥� Ernest-Beck said with a laugh. 鈥淭hey had gotten flown into a glacier on the south side of the mountain. One of the guys reached out to me afterwards and was like, 鈥榊eah, we could hear you on the summit.鈥� I guess as we were hooting and hollering when we made it. We had no idea anyone else was there. I guess we weren鈥檛 that remote after all!鈥�

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Canada鈥檚 westernmost province, British Columbia spans a whopping 364,764 square miles. That鈥檚 enough room to swallow California whole, then gobble up Oregon and Washington and still have space left over for a dessert the size of Maine.

It鈥檚 also one of the most beautiful areas in the world to take a road trip.

More than 40,000 islands and islets dot B.C.鈥檚 meandering coastline, which encompasses everything from sandy beaches to rock cliffs. Ten iconic mountain ranges, from the Coast Mountains on the province鈥檚 west side to the Canadian Rockies along its eastern border with Alberta, create a seemingly endless connection of peaks and valleys that serve up every outdoor adventure imaginable.

I moved to B.C. from Colorado in 2017, drawn by the vast wilderness, rugged beauty, and low population density. I live in the small town of Nelson, located deep in the interior, in a subrange of the Columbia Mountains, sandwiched between the West Arm of Kootenay Lake and an inland temperate rainforest. I learned to slow down while driving, not just for the scenery and the absence of multi-lane highways, but because anyone behind the wheel in B.C. will undoubtedly cross paths with a bear, a moose, or a bighorn sheep. Sometimes all in the same day.

This is prime road-tripping country. I suggest starting and ending in Vancouver, home to one of Canada鈥檚 largest airports and half of the province鈥檚 5 million people. My recommended route quickly moves away from the crowds. It sticks to the lower third of the province, where there are enough roadways and infrastructure to make this trip possible. There are multiple ferry crossings navigating the province鈥檚 numerous coastal inlets and, in the interior, the lush Columbia River Valley.

This route hits all of southern B.C.鈥檚 best destinations for outdoor adventure, from sea kayaking to rock climbing to alpine hiking and mountain biking. Because there are more than 200 distinct First Nations here, each with its own unique traditions and history, the road trip includes Indigenous cultural experiences wherever possible.

If you鈥檙e planning to go electric, 听provides electric vehicle resources, including links to EV service networks to find available charging stations.

What follows is my favorite B.C. road trip, broken down into daily segments. You can drive it comfortably in eight days, or stay longer in each place and stretch it out. The best time to go is in the shoulder seasons, just after the snow melts in the late spring, or before it starts to fly again in the late fall.

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1. Vancouver to Port Renfrew

Distance: 136 miles, including ferry

Route: Once you鈥檙e out of the city, the idyllic Juan De Fuca Hwy/BC-14 W traces Vancouver Island鈥檚 remote southwest coast.

You鈥檒l kick off with a car ferry ride across the cobalt blue waters of the Salish Sea, from the city of Vancouver to Swartz Bay on mountainous Vancouver Island. Drive past Victoria, B.C.鈥檚 bustling capital city, and follow the West Coast Highway along the island鈥檚 rocky southern shoreline to Port Renfrew, a hamlet of fewer than 200 people.

Port Renfrew calls itself the Tall Tree Capital of Canada, and it鈥檚 hard to argue. The coastal community is situated at the end of a finger-shaped inlet on the rainy southwest side of Vancouver Island, where some of the biggest trees in the country have been discovered. Formerly a logging town, Port Renfrew has since rebranded itself as an ecotourism destination, with the Pacheedaht First Nation leading the effort to increase amenities for visitors.

The Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in Port Renfrew

Two of Vancouver Island鈥檚 greatest coastal hiking trails start (or end) in Port Renfrew: the 29-mile , to the southeast, and the 47-mile , to the northwest. Portions of the Juan de Fuca can be done as point-to-point day trips with a car. The West Coast Trail is more remote, with no road access beyond Port Renfrew.

Visit to meet 鈥淐anada’s gnarliest tree,鈥� a 200-foot tall red cedar that鈥檚 buttressed by an enormous tangle of roots, and other charismatic old-growth giants. Volunteers with the Ancient Forest Alliance built and maintain the short-but-rugged trail that traverses the grove鈥檚 boggy bottom.

Drive up the logging road to admire 鈥淏ig Lonely Doug,鈥� the second-largest Douglas fir in Canada, appearing even taller than its 230 feet among the stumps of a clearcut.

To see the Red Creek Fir鈥攖he largest living in the world at nearly 44 feet in diameter 鈥攜ou鈥檒l want a high-clearance vehicle and the confidence to follow a particularly rough logging road for about 7 miles sans cell phone coverage. Don鈥檛 forget to look up, all the way up. Big Red鈥檚 crown spans 75 feet.

Botanical Beach, one of the richest intertidal zones on the entire west coast of Canada, is a five-minute drive from town. The tide pools here teem with marine life, from anemones to urchins.

For the best surfing on the south side of the island, drive head east to Sombrio Beach or Jordan River. Wetsuit required.

Where to Stay in Port Renfrew

If you鈥檙e dreaming of a log cabin at the end of the world, Wild Renfrew鈥檚 at Snuggery Cove are hard to beat. The upscale dwellings come in a variety of sizes, some with kitchens, private beaches, and fire pits (from$259, two-night minimum stay required).

For a single night (and more budget-friendly) stay, head to the recently renovated (from $129). Dogs are welcome.

Pacheedaht Campground, owned and operated by the Pacheedaht First Nation, occupies a gorgeous strip of sandy beach where Gordon Creek empties into the inlet. Choose from forest sites, beach sites, or RV sites.

Where to Eat and Drink in Port Renfrew

is the place for gourmet comfort food like Renfrew Lager battered cod and chips, craft beer on tap, and wildlife watching (harbor seals and bald eagles are guaranteed).

For breakfast and lunch, opens at 4:30 a.m. to fuel even the earliest adventure. There are no grocery stores in town, so plan accordingly.

2. Port Renfrew to Tofino

Distance: 213 miles

Route: Take Pacific Marine Rd to Cowichan Valley Hwy to the Trans-Canada Highway, which follows the bustling east coast of the island before you exit west to Tofino.

The westernmost road in all of Canada dead-ends in Tofino, a small town at the tip of a peninsula on Vancouver Island鈥檚 rugged, mostly uninhabited west coast. Tofino鈥檚 surrounding 20-plus miles of flat, sandy beaches and consistent waves are an anomaly in Canada, making it the country鈥檚 unofficial surf capital.

While surfing is a big draw, it鈥檚 not the only reason to make the drive. Tofino is located inside the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and at the northern gateway to the vast coastal temperate rainforests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, enabling a variety of world-class wilderness adventures.

The Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in Tofino

Tofino is situated in the ha’houlthee (traditional territory) of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. Visit the to learn about Indigenous history and culture, marine life, and the coastal temperate rainforest ecosystem.

Get in on a group surf lesson with , a Tofino institution since 1999, taught by female-only instructors. Wetsuit and surfboard included. All genders are welcome.

Experienced surfers can head straight to Chesterman Beach, Cox Bay, or Long Beach. Cox Bay is the site of all the big annual competitions, including the Rip Curl Pro Tofino/Canadian Surf Championships in April, and the Queen of the Peak Women鈥檚 Surf Championships in October. For gentler waters for stand-up paddleboarding, hit MacKenzie Beach or the Tofino Inlet.

Kayaking the wild coastline of Clayoquot Sound draws paddlers from all over the world. Tofino has nearly as many kayaking outfitters as it does surf shops, with options for all experience levels.

A wildlife-watching boat tour is a must while in Tofino. Black bears emerge from the rainforest to munch on mussels, and each spring, more than 20,000 gray whales swim through Clayoquot Sound while migrating north from Baja. Orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, sea otters, and a variety of aquatic birds like puffins also call these waters home.

Trails for hiking, running, and biking surround Tofino, winding through old-growth forests, dropping down to hidden beaches, and climbing up to scenic viewpoints. The recently completed (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) trail, is a paved, multi-use 15-mile path through Pacific Rim National Park, connecting Tofino to the hamlet of Ucluelet.

Where to Stay in Tofino

Tofino鈥檚 newest accommodation, Hotel Zed, cultivates a playful 70s vibe with its hip d茅cor and unexpected amenities (from $255). Think: retro arcade, psychic鈥檚 den, and sunken living room lobby. Its restaurant , where locally-sourced ingredients are cooked by live fire, is already a local favorite.

In addition to 63 chic, modern guest rooms, (from $309) offers the 听in town. Its curates some of the top ocean experiences in the area, including guided deep-sea fishing for halibut, tuna, salmon, and lingcod; trips aboard a luxury powerboat to reach further-flung kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding destinations in Clayoquot Sound; and access to a private floating sauna in a hidden cove accessible only by boat.

The , located three miles outside of town on Chesterman Beach, is legendary for storm watching during the colder months of the year.

Where to Eat and Drink in Tofino

For a remote town of just 2,000 people, Tofino punches above its culinary weight. Several of its restaurants could hold their own in the world鈥檚 greatest cities. One of the newest, founded by a couple originally from South Korea by way of Vancouver, brings a modern take on Korean classics to the island. creates meals inspired by the local fishing and foraging culture like 鈥渟eacuterie,鈥� a platter of tuna conserva, boiled mackerel, and smoked salmon pastrami served alongside various breads, tapenades, and salsas.

The , located on Chesterman Beach, dishes up a fine-dining experience using British Columbia-sourced meat, fish, and produce, served with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. On the Rocks Bar, located on the restaurant鈥檚 upper level, is perfect for hand-crafted cocktails sipped during sunset.

3. Tofino to Powell River

Distance: 165 miles, including ferry

Route: Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 E winds its way through the rainforest, back to the east coast. There, both the Inland Island Highway or Island Highway W will get you to the ferry station鈥攃hoose Island Highway West to be closer to the water, so long as you don鈥檛 mind the slower pace.

Take the car ferry from Comox (B.C. Ferries Little River Terminal) to reach the B.C. mainland, and post up in the coastal town of Powell River. The original townsite is a National Historic District, with more than 400 buildings remaining from the early 1900s, including Canada鈥檚 oldest continually operating theater. Initially a paper mill town, Powell River has since been resettled by artists, adventurers, and entrepreneurs seeking an alternative to big-city life in Vancouver.

Some 13,000 people call remote Powell River home, navigating logging roads to access the abundant hiking, mountain biking, and rock-climbing in the Coast Mountains behind town. The Salish Sea sits on Powell River鈥檚 front doorstep, and up the coast to the north, Desolation Sound鈥攖he largest marine park in B.C.

The Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in Powell River

With 16 backcountry huts set along its 112 miles, the is Canada鈥檚 longest hut-to-hut hiking trail. For a day trip, trek uphill through a mossy forest of arbutus trees and Douglas fir to the Manzanita Hut. The eponymous bluff provides a panoramic view of the Salish Sea, looking out to the Copeland Islands and Savary Island.

Powell River鈥檚 regional district is known as qathet, meaning “working together, bringing together” in the Central Salish language of the Tla’amin First Nation. Here, volunteers maintain more than 200 miles of mountain biking trails. Connect with the for trail maps, to join a group ride, or to hire a guide.

The Eldred Valley鈥檚 vast granite walls soar 3,000 feet above the valley bottom. Picture Yosemite National Park, but in the rainforest, with no people and no amenities, save for a rustic campsite. Get beta (and a guidebook) at the . Then drive the Goat Lake Mainline logging road for 34 miles to reach the CAD campsite, named in memory of Colin Arthur Dionne who, along with his partner Christie, pioneered climbing in the area.

Rent a sea kayak from at the Lund marina for a short but scenic paddle over to the Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park archipelago. For Desolation Sound, Terracentric offers multi-day guided kayaking and camping expeditions for groups of four or more.

The Powell Forest Canoe Route is a wilderness adventure covering 35 miles across a chain of eight backcountry lakes, backed by the craggy Coast Mountains. Plan for at least five days, and five portages through old-growth forests where black bears still roam.

鈥淶unga鈥� is a word that originated in Powell River, referring to catapulting yourself into a body of water via a rope swing (the water gets surprisingly warm during the summer season). Ask around for the best spots, or stop in at Townsite Brewing, which named its pale ale after the practice.

Where to Stay in Powell River

Indulge in Powell River鈥檚 historic charm with a stay at the , a boutique heritage hotel with modern sensibilities like a washing station and storage for your mountain bike (from $165). in nearby Lund puts you a stone鈥檚 throw from launching a kayak in the Salish Sea. The cabins require a three-day minimum stay during the summer season (from $85).

Where to Eat and Drink in the Area

Boaters flock to Nancy鈥檚 Bakery, located at the Lund marina, known up and down the coast for its blackberry cinnamon buns. In Powell River, Basecamp Coffee combines great coffee, local ingredients, and qathet region art. Dine at Coastal Cookery for views of the Salish Sea and to-die for Salt Spring Mussels, served in a tangy white-wine creole butter broth. Most locals鈥攚hether they drink alcohol or not鈥攅nd up at apr猫s outdoor adventure. The first microbrewery on the Sunshine Coast puts just as much care into its small-batch kombucha as it does its craft beer. Kids are welcome.

4. Powell River to Squamish/Whistler

Distance: 121 miles, including ferry

Route: Pleasant driving along the Sunshine Coast Hwy/BC-101 S followed by the stunningly scenic Sea-to-Sky Hwy/BC-99 N

It takes two car ferry crossings to navigate the inlets and fjords that keep Powell River so blissfully isolated from the rest of the B.C. mainland. Both crossings are exquisitely scenic, with little development to interrupt the natural coastline of rocky bluffs and cedars set beneath the snow-capped Coast Mountains.

The wilderness splendor doesn鈥檛 stop there. The Sea-to-Sky Highway is arguably the most picturesque road in all of BC. It traces Howe Sound north to Squamish, the rock-climbing capital of Canada, then continues on to Whistler, North America鈥檚 largest ski area. These two mountain towns are separated by 36 miles, yet deeply intertwined in terms of outdoor adventure. It鈥檚 nearly impossible to live in one without also recreating in the other.

Similarly, the Squamish and Lil鈥檞at First Nations, the first stewards of these lands, are also strongly connected. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, located in Whistler, celebrates these ties and is a must-visit. Time your trip to have lunch at the Centre鈥檚 Thunderbird Caf茅; order the Bannock tacos.

The Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in Squamish and Whistler

Stawamus Chief Mountain, at 2,300 feet, presides over Squamish. Its massive cliff face is among the largest granite monoliths in North America. Climbers from all over the world come to test their mettle on 1,000+ climbs and bouldering routes in the area, many soaring high above Howe Sound. Mountain Skills Academy teaches brand new beginners, along with more advanced courses in multi-pitch climbing and rock rescue. The new enables non-climbers to ascend the Chief, using ladder-like rungs and safety cables.

Hikers can summit the Chief via a steep trail on the south side. Even more popular is the adjacent Sea to Summit Trail, an equally steep 4.5 mile trek that ends at the top of a tourism gondola, with a viewing platform for panoramic photos of Howe Sound and its surrounding peaks, and a well-appointed caf茅. Pro tip: Catch the gondola down. It鈥檚 a fun, spine-tinglingly steep ride with killer views (and saves your quads).

Whistler Bike Park opens in May and is widely considered one of the best destinations for lift-assisted downhill mountain biking on earth. For everything else, Squamish serves up five world-class riding zones with more than 300 trails. Beware the local sandbagging. Blues are more like blacks, or at the very least, dark blues. Visit to rent gear, to hire a guide, and get tips on which area is right for you.

B.C. is the birthplace of heliskiing, and once the snow melts, it becomes a prime heli-hiking and heli-biking destination. has been flying adventurers into the peaks surrounding Squamish and Whistler for 30 years now, and is the world鈥檚 first carbon neutral full-service helicopter company.

Squamish鈥檚 wilderness spa, , offers hot and cold therapy in the outdoors鈥攊n a meadow beneath a mountain cliff, or in the forest beside a stream. A wellness facilitator guides a private, three-hour immersive experience for you and your friends, alternating between the hot sauna and the cold plunge pools.

Where to Stay in Squamish

In downtown Squamish, the provides 20 comfy rooms alongside a craft brewery with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the Chief (from $170). For apartment-style suites with full kitchens and in-room laundry, choose the contemporary (from $389). To be in nature, but still close to town, book a chalet at .

Where to Eat and Drink in Squamish/Whistler

You can鈥檛 miss at , a long-time favorite for brunch (served from 9am to 3pm every day). The doles out casual gourmet grub from a food truck, with indoor/outdoor seating and a buzzy atmosphere that includes a full-service bar. Get the Bahn Mi, featuring Johnston鈥檚 farm seasoned pork loin and belly. For farm-to-table fine dining, head to in Whistler (reservations recommended).

5. Squamish to Revelstoke

Distance: 354 miles

Route: Relatively straightforward mountain driving on BC-99 N and the Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E

Driving east into the vast B.C. interior, the flora shifts from coastal temperate rainforest to the semi-arid grasslands and ponderosa pines of the Thompson River Valley. As you get closer to Revelstoke, it morphs back to the same lichen-draped Western red cedar, spruce, and Douglas fir trees seen on the coast.

Welcome to B.C.鈥檚听inland听temperate rainforest, a rare ecosystem kept moist year-round by the abundant snowfall. An average of 35 feet of snow falls on Revelstoke every winter. Mount Copeland, a nearby peak, holds Canada鈥檚 record for the most snowfall in a single season鈥攁 mind-bending 80 feet. Needless to say, most of the town鈥檚 8,200 residents are avid skiers and snowmobilers, and numerous professional snowsports athletes live here, like Leah Evans and Greg Hill.

But the fun doesn鈥檛 end when the powder melts. Some say Revy gets even better, with alpine hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. It鈥檚 also a hotbed of environmentalism, with locals working to preserve what鈥檚 left of the region鈥檚 old-growth forests from logging. B.C.鈥檚 newest conservancy, the Incomappleux, protects more than 140,000 acres of ancient trees in the wilderness southeast of town.

The Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in Revelstoke

While Revelstoke has some easy trails in the greenbelt alongside the听Illecillewaet and Columbia rivers, it鈥檚 the area鈥檚 alpine hiking that鈥檚 considered among the best in Canada. The above-treeline trails are plentiful in听Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and nearby . The local rite of passage is to trek to the top of (4.8 miles one-way). You can see Begbie鈥檚 unmistakable triple peak from almost anywhere in town. The trail is relentlessly steep, but pays off at the top with a bird鈥檚 eye view of the Columbia River and the seemingly endless peaks of the Monashee Mountains.

From lower-elevation trails through the mossy rainforest to alpine adventures in the Monashee and Selkirk mountains, Revelstoke鈥檚 mountain-biking scene is legendary. Start at听, where the Revelstoke Cycling Association maintains 25 miles of quintessential Revy singletrack interconnected with logging roads. Don鈥檛 miss Flowdown (blue), a local favorite for its playful, old-school flow.听Progress to , arguably one of the greatest alpine mountain-biking experiences on the planet.

Revelstokians paraglide from Revelstoke Mountain Resort year-round. Visiting pilots can check with听听for the essential information. Newbies can get a taste for the experience by booking a tandem flight to soar with an experienced pilot from Mount Mackenzie down to the banks of the Columbia River鈥攖he highest vertical commercial tandem paragliding launch in North America.

Starting in May, Revelstoke鈥檚 longest running river rafting outfitter,听, guides half-day trips through the thrilling class IV whitewater of the听Illecillewaet River. Wetsuits provided.

Where to Stay in Revelstoke

听has a range of accommodations including camping and RV sites, cabins ranging from rustic to upscale, and luxury geodesic domes (from $54).

Revy鈥檚 newest high-end accommodation,听, has an ideal location on the banks of the Columbia River (from $159). Walk across the street to access the trails of Revelstoke National Park.

Where to Eat and Drink in Revelstoke

, one of the original microbreweries in the area, is still a favorite more than 25 years later. Ask if any experimental beers are available. Locals get their coffee at听, along with their trendy eats like avo toast and gluten-free soups.听, a delicious, upscale caf茅 open for breakfast and lunch, sources its ingredients from Terra鈥檚 organic farm, located 3 miles away. Everyone loves the 听for its mix-and-match menu of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, not to mention its Caesar, the national cocktail of Canada, made with El Jimador Reposado instead of vodka.

6. Revelstoke to Nelson

Distance: 156 miles, including ferry

Route: A single-lane highway parallels the scenic shorelines of Upper Arrowhead and Slocan lakes.

You鈥檙e heading to my hometown! And I鈥檓 going to share some of my favorite things to do. From Revelstoke, follow the rugged river valley between the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, then skirt the northern edge of Valhalla Provincial Park to reach the West Arm of Kootenay Lake and the notoriously laid-back Nelson, where shops still close for powder days. This quaint town of 10,000 boasts a surprisingly robust sailing community, world-class skiing, and a food and arts scene that rivals cities ten times its size.

During the Vietnam War, the hippie enclave of Nelson became a haven for American draft dodgers, drawing even more progressive idealists and non-conformists, and cementing the town鈥檚 contrarian Zeitgeist. Artists, naturalists, writers, and adventurers continue to find their way to Nelson. It鈥檚 the home of magazine, the , and the 鈥攁n annual 4-day campout and rave at a 500-acre farm along the Salmo River.

The Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in Nelson

When the snow melts out, Whitewater Ski Resort transforms into a hiker鈥檚 paradise. The classic day hike is summiting (pronounced why-murr), the iconic ridgeline that overlooks the resort. Don鈥檛 be fooled by the short distance of 4 miles out-and-back鈥攊t鈥檚 a steep, challenging trek, compounded by exposure and a bit of scrambling. From the top, you can look into both Valhalla and Kokanee provincial parks, an endless string of peaks stretching all the way to the horizon. For a less taxing route in the vicinity, try the new Bird Queen Trail (6.3-miles out-and-back) leading to the summit of White Queen.

The West Kootenay bouldering scene is arguably the fastest growing in Canada, with tons of high-quality gneiss and granite coupled with talented, motivated locals establishing new routes faster than anyone can document. The latest has close to 1,000 bouldering problems, and since it was printed in 2020, multiple new areas have been developed containing nearly 600 more routes. Get the latest updates at . Or go bouldering with the guidebook author himself, Allen Rollin, who is also the founder of . Transportation and bouldering pad included.

Nelson is the only town in the BC interior that鈥檚 fielded a , an epic annual event where teams race 746 miles from Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaskan through Canada鈥檚 Inside Passage. The , a non-profit group of local sailors, hosts friendly competitions at the local marina including the Beer Can Races, held every Wednesday and Sunday from May to October. They are always looking for crew, including brand new beginners. Captain Penny Caldwell teaches private and small group lessons through her company . Want to continue your road trip with a unique camping sailboat in tow? Nelson-based is the only commercial SCAMP builder in Canada.

The sand beach at Nelson鈥檚 Rotary Lakeside Park is the perfect place to launch a stand-up paddleboard. In the summer months, rent a SUP by the hour at the Nelson District Community outbuilding located at the water鈥檚 edge. Or for $65 a day from in town. Paddle east to reach Red Sands Beach, Nelson鈥檚 infamous nude beach located on the edge of the forest; or go west to explore the wildlife-rich bays adjacent to Nelson鈥檚 waterfront walking trail, then paddle straight across the West Arm to the rock cliffs on the other side to see the petroglyphs (look for the hidden cave inside the rock wall).

Mountain bikers love Nelson for its distinct type of trails, nostalgically referred to as classic BC-style (Read: highly technical singletrack with long vertical descents full of airs, bridges, steeps, roots, and rock slabs). Many of the town鈥檚 surrounding trail networks were hand-built, and some have been around for longer than any of the people who ride them. The builds and maintains 180+ trails spanning 168 miles. Hit their website for trail maps and conditions reports.

Take a scenic drive along Kootenay Lake to reach , owned and operated by the Lower Kootenay Band, Yaqan Nukiy, which means 鈥渨here the rock stands.鈥� Besides the large hot springs pool overlooking the lake and the peaks beyond, Ainsworth features a rare natural hot springs cave. Walking through the cave鈥檚 various chambers, among the otherworldly-formations created by the mineral rich water, is a different kind of adventure. Public entry is Wednesday through Sunday and by reservation only. Leave time for lunch (or dinner) at Ktunaxa Grill to experience Indigenous-inspired cuisine like skillet-roasted Salt Spring mussels with wild boar sausage served alongside house made bannock.

Where to Stay in Nelson

Nelson鈥檚 more than 300 heritage buildings give its downtown core a distinct charm, exemplified by the at the corner of Vernon and Ward streets (from $170). The elegant Hume harkens back to 1898 and, in addition to its boutique hotel rooms, offers two standout restaurants, an English-style pub, the Spirtbar nightclub, and a luxury .

The Hummingbird Lodge and Campground opened in July 2023. It is located at the boundary of Whitewater Ski Resort and , offers RV and tent 15 forested camping sites, 10 RV sites, a stylish two-bedroom suite, and a caf茅 (from $35).

Where to Eat and Drink in Nelson

Nelson boasts more restaurants per capita than San Francisco. A stroll down Baker Street, the main drag, validates that claim, with multiple restaurants and cafes on every block, and spilling over into the side streets. is a favorite with both locals and visitors for its casual atmosphere and yummy street-style tacos. Newcomer occupies a stylish space with a contemporary Italian-inspired menu to match. Its pizzas are the best in town.

Foodies head to for craft cocktails and healthy farm-to-table gourmet like free range half roasted chicken for two with seasonal vegetables. is an authentic Japanese restaurant with exceptionally good sushi served in a friendly, unpretentious setting.

7. Nelson to Vancouver

Distance: 410 miles
Route: Crowsnest Hwy/BC-3 W听to听Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 W over two un-intimidating mountain passes.

Halfway between Nelson and Vancouver lies Osoyoos, the southern gateway to the Okanagan Valley, Canada鈥檚 most celebrated wine region. The south Okanagan is a rare (for Canada) desert ecosystem, specifically a shrub-steppe semi-desert. Its warm, sunny days, low humidity, and cool nights create ideal conditions for growing red varietals, and Osoyoos produces award-winning merlots, cabernet sauvignons, and cabernet francs.

Imagine the best of California and Colorado wine countries combined into a single dreamscape of lakeside vineyards and orchards, with rolling foothills covered in sagebrush and pine set against a backdrop of arid mountain peaks. The cerulean-blue waters of Osoyoos Lake are said to be the warmest of all of Canada鈥檚 freshwater lakes, reaching 75 degrees in the summer.

The Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in Osoyoos

Visit the (pronounced in-ka-meep), a state-of-the-art interpretive center, to learn about the past, present, and future of the Osoyoos Indian Band. Explore indoor and outdoor cultural and ecology exhibits (including meeting a rattlesnake up close), hands-on displays, and two multi-media theater experiences. In the late spring and summer, interpretive guides lead walking tours through the grasslands of the 50-acre property, which includes a traditional village complete with a pit house and sweat lodge.

The scenic backroads and gently rolling terrain of were made for wine-tasting by bike. Starting in April, South Okanagan E-Bike Safaris offers daily tours of local vineyards astride a Cube Hybrid One. You鈥檒l be able to go farther and faster thanks to the pedaling boost from a 250-watt Bosch Performance series electric motor.

The rock-climbing season at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, located 45 minutes north in Penticton, starts as early as March courtesy of the warm, dry climate. More than 60 crags encompassing about 1,000 routes鈥攎ostly mid-grade sport climbing鈥攃an be found here. Skaha gets busy in the summer, but spring is blissfully mellow. are the local experts for the area, with more than 30 years in the biz.

Don鈥檛 miss the pullout off of Highway 3 West to view Spotted Lake, a sacred site for healing known as k艂lilx鈥檞 by the Sylix Okanagan People. The small lake has an usually high mineral content, and as the weather gets warmer, the water begins to evaporate, leaving behind rich mineral deposits in an explosion of color ranging from blue to green to yellow.

Where to Stay in Osoyoos

The 226 adobe-style condos and villas of , located adjacent to the Nk鈥橫ip Desert Cultural Centre, come with full kitchens and fantastic views of Anarchist Mountain or Osoyoos Lake (from $284). There are EV charging stations on site and dog-friendly suites by request. Plus the , which specializes in treatments using local ingredients like sage oil.

offers roomy, condo-style suites in a variety of configurations, many with BBQs and private outdoor patios overlooking the water (from $200). Dogs are welcome, and have easy access to the pet-swim area of the local beach, located one block from the resort. The resort鈥檚 is the South Okanagan鈥檚 newest destination restaurant, dishing up regional cuisine with fine wine pairings, like 63 Acres braised short ribs with cabernet sauvignon.

Where to Eat and Drink in Osoyoos

is the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America. In the spring and summer, the award-winning winery also serves food alfresco style. Enjoy your wine with farm-to-table cuisine like wild mushroom gnocchi from the winery鈥檚 outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard and Osoyoos Lake beyond.

at Spirit Ridge Resort dishes up modern regional classics with an Indigenous flair. The restaurant鈥檚 name refers to the influence of the 鈥淔our Food Chiefs,鈥� representing the four elements of Indigenous cuisine, according to the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation: Bear, Salmon, Bitterroot, and Saskatoon Berry. Its weekend brunch is really something special, with options like Beetroot Cured Salmon Benny and Banana Bread French Toast.

Located just above town on what鈥檚 known as the Black Sage Bench, is an organic and biodynamic estate vineyard. Its restaurant offers unforgettable two- or three-course fixed menus featuring Okanagan Valley meats and produce, and sweeping desert and vineyard views.

stands out for putting a taproom in a wine country town. (And for doing it in 2020, and surviving the pandemic). Besides craft beer served in 鈥渃rowlers,鈥澨� jumbo-sized cans that hold about two pints, North Basin Brewing Co. also serves live music and comedy, hosts food trucks, and provides a huge outdoor patio that鈥檚 family- and dog-friendly. Patrons are welcome to BYOF (bring your own food), either from home or by ordering delivered from a number of participating local eateries.

Hope to see you on the road.

Jayme Moye (on Instagram ) has driven portions of this B.C. route dozens of times since relocating to Canada. She finally drove the entire thing in one go last year. And this past summer, she took a week with her husband and their dog to sail the length of Slocan Lake.

The post This Local Reveals Her Favorite British Columbia Road-Trip Itinerary appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

My knees shake and my fingertips cling to the rock. I can鈥檛 bear to move my laser-focused gaze anywhere beyond the metal rung that鈥檚 just out of reach. A moment before, I was climbing up a ladder, but now I feel like I鈥檓 hanging off the edge of a cliff (because, well, I am).

鈥榃hy exactly did I think this was a good idea?鈥� I think to myself. A hike would have been nice.

It鈥檚 June, and I鈥檓 perched on a precarious ledge of granite 75 feet above the forest floor on the new Eagle Cliff Via Ferrata in the Shawangunk Mountains, just 90 miles outside of New York City. Though I鈥檓 currently frozen on this ledge, I somehow summon the grit to keep moving鈥攕weaty palms and all. One hour and a few leaps of faith later, to my delight, I finish the via ferrata feeling accomplished and ready to jump into Lake Mohonk, beckoning from below.

A few weeks later in Italy, I鈥檓 ready to tackle another, much higher鈥� although, surprisingly, less physically taxing鈥攙ia ferrata in the Dolomites.

I climbed my first via ferrata on Whistler Peak鈥檚 a decade ago, when I was younger and more fearless. But in trying out some of the world’s most spectacular ferratas since, I always come to the same realization: they are as fear-inducing as they are exhilarating and rewarding. That鈥檚 why I keep signing up for more.

What Is a Via Ferrata?

A via ferrata (Italian for 鈥渋ron way鈥�) is a protected climbing route with fixed steel cables, metal rungs and ladders that make traversing steep and rocky terrain accessible, but certainly not without challenge. The beauty of via ferratas is that you can experience the highs rock climbers do without needing technical experience.

While there are numerous via ferratas around the world you can climb on your own, I recommend going with a guide as it鈥檚 not only safer, but supports local tourism economies鈥攁nd perhaps you鈥檒l learn a thing or two about where you are. And as long as you鈥檙e reasonably fit, and you don鈥檛 have a paralyzing fear of heights you鈥檒l survive, and you might even enjoy it. (Some level of fear is okay, too. It keeps you vigilant.)

While via ferratas are most common in Europe, with a majority in Italy and Austria, they are growing in popularity around the world鈥攅specially in the United States, where private landowners, resorts, and cities are building routes through incredible terrain. And though this is not a definitive list of the world鈥檚 best, we鈥檝e hand-selected a few spots that are ideal for most adventurous people looking to climb via ferratas. Think: locales as far flung as the Middle East and Kosovo, to well-known meccas like the Dolomites, and a few classics, new and old, here in the U.S.

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Piccola Cir Via Ferrata, Dolomite Mountains, Italy

Best For: Travelers who want to try multiple routes in the via ferrata motherland

There鈥檚 no better place to try a via ferrata than in its birthplace. The roots of via ferratas come from World War I, when climbing routes were strategically created by the Italian army as a way to evade attacks and traverse jagged peaks in the Dolomite Mountains. Over the decades, these paths were reinforced with metal rungs, and today they鈥檙e used for recreation and sport.

In the Dolomites alone, there are over 600 via ferratas. I tried one of the popular and more beginner-friendly ascents this summer, . While the 2.3-mile loop trail is relatively short for the Dolomites, it鈥檚 still a challenge at spots because of its sheer height alone.

The reward? Totally worth it. When you reach the top at 8,504 feet, a sweeping 360-degree view of the Dolomites awaits you: the Sella massif and the entire Val Gardena valley stretches out below. I also loved seeing the summer panorama of the famous Sassolungo peak, which I skied down earlier this year.

More 国产吃瓜黑料s Nearby: , a four-seasons adventure company, arranges guided, multi-day via ferrata trips featuring some of the most classic routes in the range (from roughly $1,400, depending on duration and number of people in your group). The company also offers mixing via ferratas with hiking and biking (prices vary).

Eagle Cliff Via Ferrata, New York, U.S.

Best For: Travelers who want a convenient mountain escape from the city

New York鈥檚 new via ferrata, buried in the Shawangunk Mountains (better known as the 鈥淕unks,鈥�) is the northeast鈥檚 first resort-based route. It鈥檚 located at the 155-year-old Mohonk Mountain House, and sits just 90 miles from New City City, making it a convenient and accessible way to experience one of the top rock climbing spots on the East Coast. I climbed the this summer soon after it opened in May, and while it鈥檚 not as high as its West Coast rivals, I found it physically and mentally challenging鈥攁nd beautiful, to boot. The Nature Conservancy even this mountain range as 鈥渙ne of the last great places on Earth.鈥�

Securely connected to cables, you鈥檒l traverse nearly a half mile across rocky landscapes and quartz ledges. The secluded route then follows the natural features of the conflated rock, and showcases views of Lake Mohonk and verdant forests below. Climbing it in autumn brings a glorious array of the northeast鈥檚 famed fall foliage, too. (Book with Mohonk from $295 per person.)

More 国产吃瓜黑料s Nearby: 85 miles of trails within Mohonk Mountain House鈥檚 grounds provide idyllic hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. And if you鈥檙e working your way up to the via ferrata, try the less challenging and also new Pinnacle Ledge Tour (from $75 per person), which features an aerial bridge walkway. Note: you鈥檒l have to to book via ferrata and Pinnacle Ledge tours (rooms from $695 per night, including meals, most activities, and wellness classes).

Panorama Via Ferrata, the Balkans, Kosovo

Best For: Travelers looking for adventure and culture further afield

While many parts of Europe battle overtourism, one of the Balkans鈥� most unexplored mountain ranges beckons outdoor adventurers who ache to get off the beaten path.

Last summer, I trekked portions of the newly established , a 225-mile-long route that connects three former conflict countries: Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia. My trekking guides, Taulant Hoxha and Arian Krasniqi, the owners and co-founders of , grew up in Prizren during the Kosovo Conflict in the late 90s. And later, they helped develop both this trail and several new via ferratas around it, deep in Kosovo鈥檚 Sharr Mountains.

Before we started hiking the High Scardus, we warmed up on the nearby Panorama Via Ferrata. This 1640-foot climbing route that鈥檚 less than three miles long sits just outside the historical city of Prizren, and overlooks the ridges of Sharr Mountain National Park and the Lumbardhi River. It only took us two hours, but SuperXplorers can take you on much longer and challenging routes as well.

More 国产吃瓜黑料s Nearby: Go the distance and take a 9-day guided hike of the High Scardus Trail with SuperXplorers (from $1270), or ask about the company’s through these less-trodden mountains and gorges.

Telluride Via Ferrata, Colorado, U.S.

Best For: Experts or those with nerves of steel

You might not want to make the your first, unless you don鈥檛 mind hanging at 500 feet on an exposed canyon wall in southwest Colorado鈥檚 San Juan Mountains. It’s possible to go without a guide on this technical climbing route (it鈥檚 one of the only free and open-to-the-public via ferratas in the U.S.) but it鈥檚 highly recommended to opt for guided expertise.

Pam LeBlanc, an avid outdoors writer, recommends booking a tour with (from $205 per person, depending on group size). The company provides gear, knowledge, and moral support, before taking you over a series of fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and bridges along the east end of Telluride canyon to the backdrop of stunning views of Bridal Veil Falls and the Telluride Valley below.

鈥淚t was terrifying, and I鈥檝e got a fear of heights so clinging to a 330-foot sheer rock wall, nose pressed to gritty rock, knees clicking like castanets, made me want to curl up in a ball and sob. Or barf,鈥� LeBlanc says. 鈥淏ut I was glad I did it, because I felt like a badass afterward.鈥�

More 国产吃瓜黑料s Nearby: Telluride is a full-fledged, four-season town with lots of other fun outdoor activities. LeBlanc recommends ice climbing, as it鈥檚 less crowded than nearby Ouray, as well as mountain biking, downhill skiing, and fatbike touring through the snow. When you鈥檙e finished, warm up with a hot toddy at tasting room.

Al Jabal Akhdar Via Ferrata, Oman

Best For: Travelers looking for a far-flung luxury adventure

Sure, a luxury hotel in the Middle East might not seem like a place for a via ferrata. But surprise, surprise: there鈥檚 a stunning route that鈥檚 actually near two hotels, and , located 6,500 feet high in Jabal Shams, the tallest peak in Oman.

This (from $91 per person) traces the highest protected climbing path in the Middle East, and includes a traverse down a sharp vertical rock face and through a tiny cave to end on a tightrope wire cable bridge suspended 65 feet over the valley below.

Catherine Gallagher, co-founder of , did this via ferrata in Oman and recommends going just before dusk. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so cool,” she says. “The exposure, the sunset, the physical challenge, the mental challenge… When you finish, you top out at the bar where people are enjoying sundowners.鈥� Or you can head to the cliffside infinity pool for a dip.

More 国产吃瓜黑料s Nearby: Hike to Jabal Al-Nab墨 Shu士ayb, the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula at 12,030 feet, take a to see 800-million-year-old granite rock features ($130 per person), or try Gallagher鈥檚 favorite: off-roading across the dunes in the Wahiba Sands desert鈥攐ne of the world’s most beautiful places you’ve never heard of.

Whistler Peak Via Ferrata, British Columbia, Canada

Best For: Travelers who want to reach the peak of Whistler without skis

This mountain playground and home of the 2010 Winter Olympics might be most known for its world-class ski runs, but Whistler is an all-seasons resort with numerous adventure opportunities year round. While I love skiing on Whistler鈥檚 famed peak (one of North America鈥檚 highest mountains) it was my first experience climbing it that hooked me on via ferratas.

Departing from the top of Whistler Village Gondola at just above 5,905 feet, the took us approximately four hours to climb over 2.5 miles of mountainous terrain, gaining 850 feet of elevation. What I loved most about this via ferrata were the incredible views of surrounding snowy peaks, and climbing in shorts and a tank top.

It鈥檚 open May through October (from $209 per person). Once you鈥檝e summited Whistler Peak walk the that hovers high over Whistler Bowl for 360 views of the still snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

听 More 国产吃瓜黑料s Nearby: Whistler has no shortage of high-adrenaline activities throughout the year such as downhill mountain biking, which is serious business here. (I took a beginner lesson for $193 on ).You can also standup paddle on glacier-fed lakes, and cold plunge if you鈥檙e feeling brave.

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Massive in scale and steeped in Indigenous cultures that go back millennia, the far north of British Columbia is unlike anywhere you鈥檝e ever experienced. These vast otherworldly landscapes call to those who seek a deeper connection to nature. From geothermal hot springs and ancient lava beds to one of the largest glaciers in Canada, you could spend a lifetime adventuring in this remote region, known as , and there will always be more to see and learn.

Whether you have a few days or a couple weeks to explore, the is a great place to start. This 1,981-mile loop connects the Stewart-Cassiar (Hwy. 37), Yellowhead (Hwy. 16), and Alaska (Hwy. 97) highways on a journey packed with natural wonders and community immersion. Connect with the histories and living cultures of more than 50 distinct First Nations who have been caretakers of these spectacular landscapes from the start. Traverse rolling prairies, hike through boreal forests, and witness incredible biodiversity. Starting from Prince George鈥攚here easily connect travelers to all the grandeur The Great Wilderness has in store鈥攈ere are just some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that await you in the far north of British Columbia.

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