Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument stretches across southern Utah as a vast landscape of layered cliffs, winding canyons, and open desert plateaus. The land shifts in color from pale cream to deep red, depending on the angle of the sun, revealing rock layers that look like pages stacked over time. Much of the area feels remote, with long dirt roads like Hole-in-the-Rock Road leading travelers deep into quiet terrain where rock formations rise suddenly from flat ground.
Gaspésie National Park lies in the heart of Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula, protecting more than 800 square kilometres of mountains, forests, rivers, and alpine environments. The park encompasses parts of the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle mountain ranges, including more than 25 peaks rising above 1,000 metres.
Denmark is a country shaped by water, wind, and centuries of human ingenuity. In places like Roskilde, visitors can see five original Viking ships at the Viking Ship Museum and even try rowing a replica longboat across the fjord. In Copenhagen, the harbor once used by merchants and sailors now welcomes swimmers, kayakers, and ferries, with historic warehouses repurposed into restaurants and museums.
Aberdare National Park is a 311 square mile sanctuary on an isolated volcanic massif which forms part of the eastern wall of the Rift Valley. Part of the larger forest reserve, the Aberdares are covered with a dense rainforest and provide spectacular views over the Rift Valley. Bird life is abundant with more than 200 species.
Antananarivo, Madagascar’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and historical depth. Perched on a series of hills, the city’s layout is characterized by its steep streets and traditional architecture. The Royal Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo, is a central landmark, offering a glimpse into Madagascar's royal past. Although much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1995, the site remains a significant cultural and historical monument.
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Harbor seals
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Fan Tan Alley
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British influences are quite evident in Victoria, from afternoon tea times to elegant Victorian architecture. This capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island provides ample outdoor recreation, with its public parks and access to both the ocean and wilderness. Cyclists will be right at home here, as Victoria boasts a seemingly endless number of bike paths for exploring. Additional must-do's here include tours of Craigdarroch Castle and Fisherman's Wharf Park, a floating pier where tourists can eat and watch seals. Another excellent option is the Royal BC Museum, a natural and human history complex holding 7 million objects.
Other Popular Destinations in British Columbia
Vancouver
This vibrant, diverse British Columbia seaport is one of the jewels of Canada. Surrounded by ocean and mountains alike, Vancouver offers breathtaking vistas, not to mention world-class outdoor activities, culinary delights, fine art, and cultural events.
Kamloops
Kamloops, located in the interior of British Columbia, sits at the meeting point of the North and South Thompson Rivers. The name comes from the Secwépemc word “Tk’emlúps,” meaning "where the rivers meet," and the area has been a gathering place for Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Today, visitors can explore this rich cultural heritage at the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park, where trails lead through archaeological sites and reconstructed pit houses.