In the US and Canada, you'll find a wide range of popular destinations, from vibrant cities and historic sites to stunning national parks. Whether you want to explore the wilderness or experience city culture, these neighboring countries offer diverse travel experiences. Out of all those natural breath taking natural wonders and the iconic urban landscapes, I have picked some of the best places that every person should have in his bucket list of travel. I have already visited some of these places, and some of them are yet to visit. I wish this list would help you in planning your family vacation.
Yellowknife, located in Canada's Northwest Territories, is a premier destination for viewing the Northern Lights due to its location directly under the aurora oval, ensuring high visibility. The best times to visit are during the winter months, from mid-November to early April, for dramatic displays and winter activities, or in late summer/early autumn for milder conditions and scenic variety. Visitors can participate in aurora chasing tours, stay at accommodations like the heated teepee village at Aurora Village.
Read More...Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park, established in 1885. From Banff’s humble beginnings as a 26 square kilometre hot springs reserve, Banff National Park now consists of 6,641 square kilometres of unparalleled mountain scenery nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Banff is only 150 km away from Calgary. Each year, millions of visitors come to Banff to marvel at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk amongst the flower-filled heavens at Sunshine Meadows, and drive beneath the towering jagged peaks lining the Icefields Parkway.
Read More...Hawaii is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean consisting of 137 volcanic islands. It is a U.S. state known for its natural scenery, tropical climate, and diverse culture, making it a major tourist destination.
Major Islands
Oʻahu: The most populated island, home to the state capital, Honolulu. It features a mix of city life and natural beauty.
Hawaiʻi Island (The Big Island): The youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, featuring active volcanoes, colorful beaches, and diverse terrain.
Maui: Known for its volcanic slopes, luxury resorts, and a blend of history and modern excitement.
Kauaʻi: Known for its natural beauty, including Nā Pali Coast State Park.
The Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in northern Arizona. Known for its immense size and stunning, colorful landscapes, it attracts millions of visitors annually. The canyon and its adjacent rim are contained within Grand Canyon National Park, which protects its geological features, biological diversity, and cultural history.
The canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. Nearly 2 billion years of Earth's geological history are exposed in its layered rock walls. The park contains five of the seven life zones in North America and three of the four desert types, supporting a wide range of plant and animal life. The park has two primary public areas: the South Rim and the North Rim.
Glacier National Park is a 1,583-square-mile wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, extending to the Canadian border. Known for its glacier-carved peaks, valleys, and over 700 miles of hiking trails, it is a premier destination for backcountry and nature enthusiasts. The park also forms part of the world's first International Peace Park, Waterton-Glacier, with Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park.
This iconic 50-mile-long scenic road crosses the Continental Divide, offering spectacular mountain and valley views. Due to heavy snow, the full route is typically only open between late June and mid-July through September. The park contains the finest collection of ice age alpine glacial features in the contiguous United States and has several active, albeit shrinking, glaciers.
The Rocky Mountains stretch across much of Colorado and are made up of numerous distinct ranges, with 78 of the 100 highest peaks of the entire mountain chain located in the state. The mountains are popular for hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing, and can be easily accessed from major cities like Denver.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most famous national parks, it features towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife such as elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. The park is accessible via Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved highway in North America. The nearby town of Estes Park is a common base for exploring the park.
Miami is a major coastal city in southeastern Florida, known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and diverse neighborhoods. It is a major center for finance, commerce, arts, and international trade. The broader Miami metropolitan area is the largest urban economy in Florida.
Attractions include the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach, PortMiami, the world's busiest cruise port, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Outdoor spaces include Everglades National Park to the west, Biscayne National Park, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and Oleta River State Park.
New York City, located in the northeastern US, is a major global center for finance, culture, and entertainment. With a population of over 8 million, it is the most populous city in the United States and comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
Observation decks and landmarks:
Top of the Rock Observation Deck: Located at Rockefeller Center, this observation deck offers some of the most stunning views of the New York City skyline, including the Empire State Building and Central Park.
Empire State Building: This famous skyscraper is a must-see for visitors, with observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors providing panoramic city views.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Take a ferry from Battery Park to visit these historical landmarks. You can learn about the history of immigration at Ellis Island and get an up-close view of Lady Liberty.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and distinctive Pueblo-style architecture, all set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As the oldest capital city in the U.S., founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it offers a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures. The city is known as "The City Different" for its unique feel and relaxed pace.