Explore North America

Explore North Americahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-americaExplore North Americahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/winter-skillcationsHow travelers can use their winter getaways to level up 2026-01-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/winter-skillcationshttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="callout light"> This article features activities covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance for US residents. Coverage may differ for residents in other regions. For non US residents, please refer to the policy documents relevant to your location. </div> All that flipping, racing, double axel-ing, and sledding have you amped up for winter sports this year? Sure, the Olympics are fun to watch but imagine getting out there and doing it yourself! The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional to dabble in some of the most popular Olympic sports. You just need a weekend lesson. ‘Skillcations’ - a combination between a vacation and personal development - are on the rise across the globe, and especially in the US. According to <a href="https://www.sdxcentral.com/press-releases/rvshares-2025-travel-trend-report-finds-that-quality-experiences-passion-driven-travel-and-splurgecations-take-center-stage">2025 travel trend report</a>, more than half of respondents said they wanted to take a trip centered around a passion (hobbies, learning, adventure). So why not get out there and learn a new winter sport? You’ll be in good company. While there are countless places to take a ski lesson or play ice hockey in the United States, we’ve put together some recommendations for where trying that new sport will be extra special. Make a trip out of it and experience a little Olympic magic for yourself. <h2>1. Bobsledding</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-bobsledding.jpeg" alt="Four men bobsled racing down track, view from above (blurred motion)" /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Nicholas Reid</figcaption></figure> Sport: Bobsled Bobsledding is one of winter’s purest adrenaline hits. You load into a streamlined sled, grip tight, and launch down an icy track that twists and drops at speeds that feel wildly unreal. Even with a pro pilot at the controls, every turn delivers a jolt of G-force that reminds you why this sport is an Olympic classic. Where: Park City, Utah. Just 35–45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City’s <a href="https://utaholympiclegacy.org/location/utah-olympic-park/">Utah Olympic Park</a> makes it easy to try bobsledding for yourself. Direct flights into SLC from across the U.S. keep travel simple, and shuttles run regularly up to the resort town. Once you’re there, the Olympic Park sits right on the edge of town—close enough to fold into any winter adventure. How: At Utah Olympic Park, beginners don’t need any experience to take a ride. The <a href="https://utaholympiclegacy.org/activity/winter-bobsled-experience/">Comet Bobsled</a> experience pairs you with a trained pilot and a professional brakeman, so you can focus on the ride while they handle the skill. After a quick safety briefing and gear check, you’ll load into a four-person sled and fly down the Olympic track at speeds that may reach 60–70 mph in winter. It's fast, safe, and one of the most accessible ways for a novice to experience a real bobsled run in the U.S. Why Here: This track isn’t a replica—it’s the real deal from the <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/salt-lake-city-2002/results/bobsleigh">2002 Winter Olympics</a>. Today it still trains world-class athletes, so when you climb into a sled, you’re experiencing the same ice that Olympians push off on. Between the training facilities, the stories told in the on-site museums, and the sheer sense of history, it’s one of the most iconic places in the U.S. to give bobsledding a go. Make a trip out of it: Park City is built for winter explorers. Spend a day skiing legendary terrain at <a href="https://www.parkcitymountain.com/">Park City Mountain</a> or <a href="https://www.deervalley.com/">Deer Valley</a>, take a snowshoe trail deep into the pines, or wander Main Street’s cafés and indie shops. At the Olympic Park, you can keep the adrenaline going with tubing, zip lines, or freestyle ski demos. When you’re ready to slow down, warm up with a local whiskey or settle into a fireside lounge with mountain views. <h2>2. Ice Hockey</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-hockey.jpeg" alt="Ice hockey players facing off." /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Ryan McVay</figcaption></figure> Sport: Ice Hockey Ice hockey blends speed, precision, and just enough chaos to make it addictive from the moment you step on the ice. Players glide, pivot, and chase pucks across a slick sheet where every move demands balance and quick reflexes. Even at a beginner level, there’s something electric about hearing your skates cut into the ice inside a real Olympic arena. Where: <a href="https://lakeplacidolympiccenter.com/visit/#tab+directions">Lake Placid, New York</a>. Tucked in the Adirondacks, it’s about a two-hour drive from Albany International Airport or roughly three hours from Burlington or Montreal. Once you reach the village, the Olympic Center sits right in town, surrounded by mountain views and an easy walk from cafés, shops, and lodging. How: Lake Placid makes it surprisingly easy for first-timers to learn the basics. The <a href="https://lakeplacidolympiccenter.com/">1932 & 1980 Olympic Center</a> offers beginner-friendly skating and hockey clinics, stick-and-puck sessions, and public skate times where you can ease into the sport at your own pace. Instructors can walk you through fundamental skills like skating strides, passing, and basic stick handling so you get a feel for the game—even if you’ve never held a hockey stick before. Why Here: Lake Placid is one of the most storied places in winter sports history. This is where the U.S. pulled off the “<a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/february-22/u-s-hockey-team-makes-miracle-on-ice">Miracle on Ice</a>” in 1980, defeating the Soviet team in one of the most legendary hockey games ever played. Training still happens here today, which gives the rinks a sense of living history. Skating on the same ice where Olympic athletes competed adds an unmistakable thrill to even the most basic practice session. Make a trip out of it: Beyond the rink, Lake Placid is a winter playground. Try cross-country skiing at <a href="https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/">Mount Van Hoevenberg</a>, ride the Skyride gondola for panoramic mountain views, or lace up your boots for snowy lakeside hikes. Wander the village for hot chocolate, local brews, and cozy Adirondack restaurants. If you want more Olympic vibes, tour the ski jumps or visit the museum that brings decades of winter-sports stories to life. <h2>3. Cross-Country Skiing</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-cross-country.jpg" alt="Cross-Country Skiing" /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Henrik Trygg</figcaption></figure> Sport: Cross-Country Skiing Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout that blends endurance, rhythm, and a sense of quiet exploration through snow-covered landscapes. Unlike downhill skiing, it moves at your pace, letting you glide across groomed trails while soaking in the surrounding mountains. Even beginners quickly feel a sense of flow as skis carve through powder and the crisp winter air fills your lungs. Where: <a href="https://www.sunvalley.com/">Sun Valley, Idaho</a>. Flights into Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey connect from major U.S. hubs, and the scenic drive into Sun Valley takes about 20 minutes. The Nordic Center sits conveniently near town, making it easy to pair skiing with shopping, dining, or spa stops in the charming mountain village. How: At <a href="https://www.sunvalley.com/things-to-do/nordic-skiing/">Sun Valley Nordic Center</a>, novices can take lessons tailored to first-timers or intermediate skiers. Instructors guide you through basic strides, turning techniques, and how to navigate flat and rolling terrain. Rentals are available on-site, so you can just show up and start exploring miles of well-maintained trails without needing your own gear. Why Here: Sun Valley has been a hub for <a href="https://www.bontraveler.com/sun-valley-guide/">winter sports since the 1930s</a> and is known for its world-class Nordic skiing terrain. The trails here are groomed to Olympic standards and have trained elite skiers for decades, so even as a beginner, you’re skiing on legendary snow. Combine that with the iconic old-Hollywood ski town vibe and pristine mountain scenery, and it’s easy to see why Sun Valley is a cross-country skier’s dream. Make a trip out of it: After skiing, explore Sun Valley’s Main Street for cozy cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops. Try snowshoeing in the surrounding trails, or take a scenic <a href="https://www.sunvalley.com/things-to-do/scenic-gondola-rides/">gondola ride at Bald Mountain</a> for panoramic winter views. Evenings are perfect for warming up by a lodge fire, enjoying local craft cocktails, or planning your next day of mountain adventure. <h2>4. Speed Skating</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-speed.jpeg" alt="Cross-Country Skiing" /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Ryan McVay</figcaption></figure> Sport: Long-Track or Short-Track Speed Skating Speed skating is all about power, precision, and rhythm as you glide around an oval at speeds that feel exhilarating even for first-timers. Whether you’re on a long-track or short-track course, every push of the blade propels you forward with a rush of adrenaline. Beginners quickly get hooked by the thrill of moving fast on ice while learning to control your balance and stride. Where: <a href="https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/">Milwaukee, Wisconsin</a>. The Pettit National Ice Center sits about 15–20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee and is accessible from Mitchell International Airport. Its location on the city’s south side makes it easy to pair skating with urban winter exploration, dining, and local culture. How: At the <a href="https://www.thepettit.com/">Pettit National Ice Center,</a> public lessons make it easy for novices to try speed skating. Coaches guide you through proper technique, cornering, and stride mechanics so you can safely build speed and confidence. Skate rentals are available on-site, meaning you can show up ready to experience the same ice where Olympians train. Why Here: The Pettit National Ice Center is one of only a handful of <a href="https://www.thepettit.com/public-skating/">indoor long-track ovals</a> in the world, and it’s a training ground for Olympic athletes year-round. Skating here gives beginners the chance to experience world-class facilities while feeling the energy of elite-level ice beneath their feet. The venue’s combination of history, training excellence, and public accessibility makes it uniquely inspiring. Make a trip out of it: After your session, explore <a href="https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/food-drink/">Milwaukee’s vibrant beer scene, food culture, and lakefront architecture</a>. Take a stroll along the shores of Lake Michigan or check out seasonal winter events downtown. Whether you’re warming up with a craft brew or exploring quirky local neighborhoods, there’s plenty of fun to be had. <h2>5. Snowboardcross or Alpine Racing</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-cross.jpeg" alt="A professional snowboarder performing a backside air off the slopes against the deep blue sky with powder snow spraying." /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / 4FR</figcaption></figure> Sport: Snowboardcross or Ski Racing Snowboardcross and alpine racing are all about speed, strategy, and precision as you navigate gates, rollers, and banked turns down a snowy course. Whether on skis or a snowboard, it’s a rush of adrenaline that challenges your balance, reflexes, and focus. Even as a beginner, learning to carve clean lines and manage terrain changes gives a real taste of what competitive racers experience. Where: <a href="https://www.travelportland.com/region/mount-hood/">Mt. Hood, Oregon</a>. Just over an hour from Portland, the mountain is accessible via car or shuttle from the city, which makes it an easy winter getaway. Both Meadows and Timberline are located on the slopes of Mt. Hood itself, offering immediate access to world-class terrain and training facilities. How: At <a href="https://www.skihood.com/">Mt. Hood Meadows</a> or <a href="https://timberlinelodge.com/">Timberline Lodge</a>, lessons and race programs are designed for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Professional instructors guide you through gate technique, course reading, and progression drills so you can safely gain confidence at your own pace. Rentals are available on-site, making it easy to step into the sport without owning specialized racing gear. Why Here: Mt. Hood’s <a href="https://www.skihood.com/explore/Schedule">long season</a> and varied terrain make it a training ground for elite athletes while still welcoming beginners. The mountain has respected race programs and progressive terrain, meaning you’re learning on slopes designed to build skill safely. Add in the glacier views and iconic volcanic scenery, and it’s one of the most memorable places in the U.S. to practice competitive winter sports. Make a trip out of it: Beyond racing, explore <a href="https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/portland/?utm_actcampaign=22736005361&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22736005361&gbraid=0AAAAADMn03uVVmWcR7vRBRJCgmFBAarQJ&gclid=CjwKCAiAlfvIBhA6EiwAcErpydcWSi_kOzxwoEoSdQLNphvvbp2KZzOtTKXcUi870ck1fh8JwXoqXRoCjHYQAvD_BwE">Portland</a>’s food scene, craft breweries, and beautiful parks before heading up the mountain. Take scenic hikes, try snowshoeing, or simply soak in the glacier-backed vistas from Timberline Lodge. Evenings can be spent by the fire in a mountain lodge, planning your next day of high-speed winter fun. <h2>6. Ice Skating</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-ice-skating.jpeg" alt="An semi professional ice skater's blades cutting curves and spirals into a frozen lake." /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Tom Werner</figcaption></figure> Sport: Figure Skating Figure skating blends grace, strength, and technique on ice, whether you’re gliding across the rink or learning your first spins and jumps. Even as a beginner, there’s a thrill in moving with precision while imagining the champions who once trained on the same ice. The sport challenges balance, focus, and rhythm which makes every lesson a small victory. Where: <a href="https://www.visitcos.com/">Colorado Springs, Colorado</a>. The arena is just a short drive from downtown and about 90 minutes from Denver International Airport. If you wanted to combine figure skating with other winter sports, like skiing, there are a number of resorts, including <a href="https://www.breckenridge.com/">Breckenridge</a>, within three hours driving distance. How: The <a href="https://www.broadmoorworldarena.com/icehall/figureskating">Broadmoor World Arena</a> offers programs for skaters of all levels, from absolute beginners to more advanced students. Adult and youth Learn to Skate USA sessions give step-by-step instruction in skating basics, spins, and footwork. Skates are available for rental, so you can arrive ready to experience figure skating in a legendary environment. Why Here: This rink is considered the <a href="https://www.broadmoorworldarena.com/icehall/about">birthplace of U.S. figure skating excellence</a> and is a rare opportunity to skate where American legends trained. From 1930 to 1994, the original Broadmoor rink produced dozens of champions, and today the arena continues that legacy. Colorado Springs is also home to the <a href="https://www.usfigureskating.org/about/who-we-are/us-figure-skating-hall-of-fame">U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.</a> Make a trip out of it: Beyond the rink, explore Colorado Springs’ outdoor beauty with a hike in <a href="https://gardenofgods.com/">Garden of the Gods</a> or a scenic drive up Pikes Peak. Wander the city’s charming streets, enjoy local dining, or check out winter events and ice festivals. Be sure to get a tour at the <a href="https://www.teamusa.com/visit">US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center</a>, too. <h2>Why Travel Insurance Matters for a Winter Skillcation</h2> Trying a new winter sport is exhilarating, but it also comes with a few more moving parts—icy trails, fast-paced activities, and gear that doesn’t always behave. A travel insurance plan may help if an unexpected fall leads to a medical issue, if weather delays your trip, or if an airline loses your bags along the way. It’s a simple way to stay focused on learning something new while knowing you’re covered if the unexpected happens. Travel insurance doesn't cover everything, and coverage may differ depending on the country of residence, state or province. Carefully read the policy wording for a full description of coverage, including the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described.Milo Zanecchia / Ascent Xmedia 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/three-night-adventure-québecA Three-Night Adventure Through Québec: Farms, Falls, Whales, and Cobblestones2025-11-25T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/three-night-adventure-qu%C3%A9bechttps://www.worldnomads.comThere’s a certain magic about Québec—a blend of old-world charm and wild, untamed nature. My husband and I spent three nights exploring Québec City and beyond, balancing farm visits, scenic drives, and cultural walks through cobblestone streets that made us feel like we’d crossed the Atlantic. <h2>Day One: Rainy Farms and Fancy Cocktails</h2> Our first full day in Québec began under pouring rain—the kind that soaks you through your raincoat and makes even short walks feel like endurance tests. But we refused to let the weather stop us. We started at <a href="https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/businesses/parc-de-la-chute-montmorency">Montmorency Falls</a>, just a short drive from Québec City. Even through the mist, the 272-foot cascade—taller than Niagara—was beautiful. We had umbrellas and the view could still be enjoyed through the rain. Next, we headed to Île d’Orléans, an agricultural island known for its orchards, vineyards, and local producers. Our first stop: <a href="https://www.cidreriebilodeau.com/en/">Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau</a>, where we sampled their famous ice cider and sparkling cider—sweet, crisp, and perfectly suited for a gray day. Then we continued to <a href="https://vs-p.ca/">Vignoble Ste-Pétronille</a>, a boutique winery that has beautiful views. Their wines are small-batch and interesting (meaning, they are different than what you’d find in the US), and sipping them while looking out over the misty river felt like we’d beaten the weather. By afternoon, the rain and driving had caught up to us, so we called the farm adventures off and headed into Old Québec. Determined to dry off in style, we stopped at <a href="https://www.vieux-carre.ca/">Vieux Carré</a>, a sophisticated cocktail bar where we indulged in some (very expensive) drinks that made us feel instantly more dignified. Dinner was a quick slice of pizza nearby before calling it a night. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/quebec-content-one.jpeg" alt="A winding staircase in a room filled with old books." /> <figcaption>The Morrin Centre, a hidden gem for book lovers. Image credit: Sarah Roman</figcaption></figure> <h2>Day Two: Whales and Bears in Tadoussac</h2> The next morning, the sun came out and so did our sense of adventure. We left early for Tadoussac, about a four-hour drive northeast, including a short ferry crossing. The ferry runs every 20 minutes or so, but the line can get long, so plan extra time. Tadoussac is famous for whale watching, as several species—including belugas, minkes, and blue whales—migrate through the St. Lawrence River. We joined a <a href="https://www.tourisme-charlevoix.com/en/themes/scenic-routes-excursions/whale-watching">whale-watching cruise</a> from Baie-Sainte-Catherine, choosing a covered boat since open-air ones can be chilly even on sunny days. The guides were excellent, mostly speaking French but always translating for English speakers. We spotted one whale that surfaced several times before disappearing into the blue depths. For those who get seasick easily (me, included) know that the river is calm and you should be okay if it’s not too stormy. Afterward, we grabbed a drink and snack in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, a small, peaceful town overlooking the river. If we’d known how beautiful it was, we would have stayed overnight. Locals told us that it’s sometimes possible to see whales right from the shore and we would have loved to try had we had the time. At sunset, we joined a <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/saguenay-l109902/15-min-tadoussac-black-bear-observation-with-expert-guide-t753264/?ranking_uuid=284e2adc-56d5-401f-bd2b-0e9a0bab84b6">black bear viewing tour</a> nearby. The company provides an elevated platform overlooking the forest, where the bears wander in to forage for food. Watching them felt like being in a live nature documentary. Over the course of an hour, we saw two or three bears, each one emerging from the shadows as the forest fell silent. We returned to Baie-Sainte-Catherine for dinner, which turned out to be a smart move. The restaurants are few and far between on the long drive back to Québec City, and this town offers a handful of cozy spots with hearty food and river views. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before leaving, as stations are scarce along the route back. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/quebec-content-two.jpeg" alt="A bear standing on its hind legs" /> <figcaption>Image credit: Sarah Roman</figcaption></figure> <h2>Day Three: Cobblestones, Castles, and Culture</h2> Our final day was devoted to Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a slice of Europe perched on the cliffs of North America. The old town’s cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and sidewalk cafés make it easy to see why this is one of Canada’s most photographed cities. We strolled along the Dufferin Terrace, taking the obligatory photo with the iconic <a href="https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/quebec-city/fairmont-le-chateau-frontenac.html">Fairmont Le Château Frontenac</a>, which is often called the most photographed hotel in the world. From there, we wandered through the <a href="https://www.plainsofabraham.ca/">Plains of Abraham</a>, a vast park that was once the site of the pivotal 1759 battle between the British and the French. Today, it’s a serene green space perfect for picnics and long walks. Next, we stopped at the <a href="https://www.morrin.org/en/">Morrin Centre</a>, a hidden gem for book lovers. Once a notorious prison, it’s now home to one of the most beautiful libraries in Canada. The English-language shelves, spiral staircases, and sunlit reading rooms are straight out of a period film and worth the small admission fee. After giving our feet a break (and sampling more local cider at a nearby pub), we walked to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155033-d3620603-Reviews-Le_Parc_du_Bois_de_Coulonge-Quebec_City_Quebec.html">Bois-de-Coulonge Park</a>, another scenic spot filled with gardens, fountains, and walking trails that overlook the river. We capped off our trip with dinner at <a href="https://chezboulay.com/en/">Chez Boulay</a>, a celebrated Québec City restaurant inspired by the boreal forest. Every dish felt rooted in the region’s wild ingredients—think spruce tips, berries, and freshwater fish. The trout carpaccio was a highlight, beautifully presented and full of delicate, woodsy flavors. <h2>Final Thoughts</h2> We crossed into Canada from Maine, and the border crossing was simple—no lines at all, though we did go at night. During our stay, we found Canadians to be incredibly warm and welcoming, often switching to English without hesitation and going out of their way to make us feel at home. In hindsight, three days in Québec City felt like the bare minimum. You could easily spend a week exploring the city’s museums, historic sites, and nearby countryside. But our itinerary—a mix of rural adventures and urban exploration—gave us a satisfying taste of both sides of Québec’s personality. Between sipping cider on a rainy farm day, spotting whales on the St. Lawrence, and strolling centuries-old streets, we left feeling that Québec isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that lingers. Travel Tip: For future visitors, bring layers, book rural experiences in advance, and leave time for spontaneous detours—you never know when you’ll stumble upon a hidden vineyard, a library that steals your heart, or a bear wandering through the trees.Sarah Roman 0

The Moon Men of Mexico’s Sonoran Deserthttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/moon-men-of-the-sonoran-desertThe Moon Men of Mexico’s Sonoran DesertFri, 01 Dec 2023 18:13:42 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/moon-men-of-the-sonoran-deserthttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/why-you-should-visit-charleston-nowThere’s more to this historic Southern city than antebellum charm. Get to know the other sides of Charleston: visit the brand new International African American Museum, paddle a kayak through a blackwater estuary, or check out the vibrant food and art scenes.2023-08-22T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/why-you-should-visit-charleston-nowhttps://www.worldnomads.comFounded in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina, is America’s 11th oldest city – it has seen the nation take shape, tear itself apart, rebuild and reckon with its history. It offers a window into the United States’ tumultuous past, but it has gone to great pains to ensure that its future is happier. The charms of “Chucktown” are well documented – horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping across downtown cobbles; live oaks draped with Spanish moss; blonde beaches and championship golf courses – so I figured I’d take a look at those lesser-known aspects of the city that will help strangers really understand it, and illustrate how it’s found a way to move forward by going back. <ul> <li><a href="#museum">Fort Moultrie and the International African American Museum</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Charleston’s food scene and dishes to try</a></li> <li><a href="#nature">Mother nature, father history</a></li> <li><a href="#art">Charleston’s art scene</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="museum">Fort Moultrie and the International African American Museum</h2> At Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan’s Island at the mouth of Charleston harbor (where the first shots of the Civil War were fired), a memorial bench donated by the Toni Morrison Society remembers the 14 million Africans who were sold into slavery in the Americas and the Caribbean (about a million of whom were shipped to North America) and the two million who died during the Middle Passage, the brutal trans-Atlantic journey from West Africa. Charleston was the first point of entry to North America for about 40 percent of the Africans who were enslaved there. Frankly, it’s an outrage that Sullivan’s Island isn’t as well-known as Ellis Island in New York. I attended Toni Morrison’s unveiling of the bench in 2008. The writer gave a speech, saying, “It’s never too late to honor the dead, and it’s never too late to applaud the living who do them honor.” So, I’m delighted that, after 20 years of planning and $100 million in fundraising, the <a href="https://iaamuseum.org/" target="_blank">International African American Museum</a> (IAAM) opened in June 2023. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/charleston/IAAM-charleston.jpg" alt="Exterior of the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC." /> <figcaption>The African Ancestors Memorial Garden at the IAAM. Image credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure> Built on the site of Gadsden’s Wharf, a former disembarkation point for slave ships, the museum, a long horizontal block raised on pilings, manages to look like both a boat in dry dock and a Wakandan UFO about to land. It’s set in a public park, the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, planted with palm trees and sweetgrass broken up by sculptures, and has paving that’s etched with the ghostly imprints of bodies packed shoulder to shoulder. The IAAM’s nine galleries show how enslaved Africans and free blacks shaped economic, political, and cultural development across the nation and beyond, while presenting a granular look at the South Carolina Lowcountry and the <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/travels-with-the-gullah-geechee">Gullah-Geechee</a> who settled there – the descendants of Africans who were put to work on the rice, indigo, and cotton plantations of the lower Atlantic coast. And it provides a genealogical resource, too: The Center for Family History, which holds a wealth of research materials, including the largest collection of United States Colored Troop records outside of the National Archives. The story it tells is one of struggle and trauma, yes, but also of resilience and victory and, looking forward, of inclusion and equity. You can’t even begin to understand Charleston, which made its fortune on slave labor, without visiting the IAAM. <h2 id="food">Charleston’s food scene and dishes to try</h2> It would be unthinkable to leave food off this list. If it’s true that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, it’s fair to say that I have more than a crush on Charleston. In the past 25 years, it’s become an internationally lauded dining destination, and that success owes much to its best restaurants’ elevated takes on <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/a-vegetarian-on-the-barbecue-trail">Southern cooking</a>, and their promotion of the kitchen practices, heirloom ingredients and social eating principles of the Lowcountry. These foodways and traditions are rooted in Gullah-Geechee culture. Slaves did all the cooking in the planters’ grand homes, adapting the incredible larder of the Atlantic coast – as well as the ingredients they brought with them – to European culinary techniques. You could call Lowcountry cuisine the Tamla Motown of soul food, but unlike soul food, its focus is on seafood and seasonality. Signature dishes include Frogmore stew, a concoction of shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes; roasted Bulls Bay oysters (they’re wild-harvested, but the fishermen lay down fresh cultch for new oysters to set on); deviled crab and she-crab soup (a bisque with Atlantic blue crab meat, roe, and a ladle of cream); Carolina gold rice pilau (pronounced “purloo” and more like paella); hopping john (a kind of sea island red bean pilau); and whiting and tomato rice (a century ago, the “mosquito fleet” would leave the Charleston docks before dawn each day to catch whiting, black bass and porgy). And Charleston is producing long-aged madeira wine again, the proper capper to a Lowcountry feast, which should always be around a large table, the better to accommodate multiple parties. <h2 id="nature">Mother nature, father history</h2> A rod’s cast southwest of Charleston, the 350,000-acre ACE Basin is one the largest undeveloped wetland ecosystems on the Atlantic Coast, its name coming from its three rivers: the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto. Home to several wildlife refuges, protected areas and historic rice fields, it provides invaluable habitat for such endangered and threatened species as the bald eagle, wood stork, osprey, anhinga, loggerhead sea turtle, and shortnose sturgeon. In late spring, rare white spider lilies line the banks, and spikes of purple pondeteria break the water. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/charleston/blackwater.jpg" alt="Paddling along the Combahee River near Charleston, SC." /> <figcaption>Paddling along the Combahee River in the ACE Basin. Image credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure> The best way to see this miraculously preserved blackwater estuary is <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">by kayak</a>, your own or on a tour, with guides narrating the history of the area, giving plenty of coverage to the Combahee Ferry Raid in 1863, when Harriet Tubman, a legendary conductor on the Underground Railroad, became the first woman to mount a major military operation in the United States. Using field intelligence from scouts she’d recruited – boatman who knew every ripple of the surrounding waterways – Tubman, under the command of Union Colonel James Montgomery, co-led an expedition of 300 soldiers of the Second South Carolina Volunteers up the Combahee River, aboard two paddle steamers converted into gunships. Coming five months after the Emancipation Proclamation, it was a liberation raid first and foremost, and it succeeded to that end – some 750 men, women and children clambered onto those boats to freedom – though plantations, mills, and mansions were plundered and torched. It was still war, after all. <h2 id="art">Charleston’s art scene</h2> Shepard Fairey – the “American Banksy” who made the “Hope” image for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign – was born in Charleston, so perhaps the amount of street art in this venerable city is less surprising than it first appears. In fact, the city vigorously supports artistic endeavor of every kind. The <a href="https://halsey.cofc.edu/" target="_blank">Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art</a>, at the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston, hosts exhibitions of emerging artists and runs an artist-in-residence program, whose guests have included such luminaries as Lonnie Holley, whose work spans sandstone carvings, painting, assemblages of found objects, and improvised music. The <a href="https://www.gibbesmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Gibbes Museum of Art</a> launched the annual Art Charleston festival just last year, with lectures, live performances, and a street party. This year, digital artist Mike Winkelmann, aka Beeple, got in on the act, having just moved into a huge studio in town, after a collage of his work was sold as an NFT at a Christie’s auction for $69 million. More traditional, but no less satisfying, is the <a href="https://spoletousa.org/" target="_blank">Spoleto Festival USA</a>. Founded in 1977 by the composer Gian Carlo Menotti – who saw in Charleston a “twin” of Spoleto, Italy, where a similar festival had been held since 1958 – this showcase of the best in opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz takes place over 17 days in May and June, across nine venues and sees more than 100 performances.Joe Furey 1 Joe Furey An elegant historic house and live oak tree in Charleston, SC.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/mexico/southern-baja-beyond-los-cabosAway from the resorts, bars, and crowds of Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja offers quieter pleasures: swimming with marine life near La Paz, desert hikes to hidden hot springs, and glorious beaches and ocean views near Todos Santos.2023-02-10T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/mexico/southern-baja-beyond-los-caboshttps://www.worldnomads.comRugged mountains rise from a narrow swath of a peninsula, where the desert meets the sea. Twisted sage-green cacti rise from parched brush in crevices and along sloped valleys. Outwards, deep blue sea spans as far as the eye can see where whales can often be spotted breaching. Baja California Sur (BCS), a region relatively isolated from mainland Mexico, is one equally underestimated. This narrow peninsula state offers worlds beyond the curated resorts and nightlife hot spots of Los Cabos (encompassing Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo), on the southern tip of the peninsula. Drive in every direction from BCS’s main starting point and you’ll stumble across desert mountains and cacti-dotted canyons, dusty towns steeped in history, and wide, wind-swept beaches. Thrill seekers will find a variety of outdoor adventures while <a href="/explore/north-america/mexico/how-to-eat-mexico">foodies</a> can indulge in an endless slew of street side taco and ceviche stands. <ul> <li><a href="#la-paz">La Paz and outdoor adventures </a></li> <li><a href="#diving">Diving and snorkeling with sea lions</a></li> <li><a href="#todos">Discovering the secrets of Todos Santos</a></li> <li><a href="#around">Getting around</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="la-paz">La Paz and outdoor adventures</h2> The capital of BCS, La Paz, is a sprawling town on the center of the eastern coast that mixes adventure tourism with a local beat. We stayed a fair distance outside the main boardwalk area, known as the Malecon, which is clogged with touristy restaurants. Our unassuming neighborhood boasted tiny taco, ceviche, and fresh juice stands that had unpredictable hours and reliably tasty offerings. Beach goers can go on a mini road trip around mountain cliffs and through the desert to reach the region’s best beaches. The favorite of the area is Playa Balandra but its popularity has resulted in limited entry during one of two timeframes, either in the morning or the afternoon. If luck isn’t on your side, settle for nearby Playa Tecolote, which still offers spectacular views as well as some fantastic seaside restaurants. La Paz is also a phenomenal base from which to explore the wide range of underwater adventures in the area, varying by season. With shipwrecks and dive sites like Sea Lion Colony and Espiritu Santu, La Paz is heaven for <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">scuba divers</a>. It’s recommended to book in advance and your chosen company can help shape your underwater excursions, from whale sharks and diving, to snorkeling with sea lions and <a href="/explore/north-america/mexico/kayaking-in-loreto-bay">sea kayaking</a>. I worked with <a href="https://mexicotraveladventure.com/en" target="_blank">Mexico Travel Adventure</a> to decide on a number of adventures that combined my interests in the area. We specifically came in January to experience the whale shark migration in the Sea of Cortez. Each morning, the boat companies put in a bid for time slots to bring visitors to swim with the whale sharks. At 10am we met our boat captain and pulled away from the dock aboard a white speed boat. After about half an hour cruising the cerulean waves, our guide spotted the first shark, and we quickly donned our snorkels and fins and jumped into the water. I swam against the waves while searching for these mighty creatures. The cloudy water made them difficult to spot and suddenly I looked right down and was face-to-face with the wide mouth and immense, spotted body. Floating in the water, I admired the whale shark feeding before it disappeared into the depths of the sea. To be transparent, I much preferred my whale shark experience in Mozambique, where it felt more organic. In Baja, there are a fair number of boats in the water at once, all of them competing for space to swim with the whale sharks. The guides were shouting at everyone to jump into the water quickly and then back out within a couple of minutes to drive to the next spot. But nonetheless, the whale sharks were still the star of the show, enchanting us for the few minutes that we were in their presence. <h2 id="diving">Diving and snorkeling with sea lions</h2> Our adventure also included diving with sea lions later that week. After two hours of flying across choppy waves, wrapped in coats and towels to shield us from the winter wind, our boat finally slowed down. As the rays of sun restored warmth to our bodies, a chorus of barking grew louder and louder. Here, in the middle of the Sea of Cortez, was a sea lion colony. We watched in amusement as hundreds of sea lions dove into the water, slid along slippery rocks, and sunned on boulders. Snorkelers swam alongside the sea lions, while I chose to take a deeper dive. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/mexico/southern-baja/sea-lions-la-paz.jpg" alt="Playful sea lion pups frolic beneath the waves near La Paz, Mexico." /> <figcaption>Playful sea lion pups at the sea lion rookery near Isla Espiritu Santo. Image credit: Bernard Radvaner / Getty Images</figcaption></figure> I geared up with a scuba tank and descended into the sea surrounding the boulders. We quietly navigated our way through murky, green waters. From time to time, sea lions flipped in the water, gliding beside us as we slowly made our way beneath the rocks and emerged on the other side of the cave. Later in the day, we continued on to Espiritu Santo, where we did a shallow dive near the shore and filled up on ceviche on the white sand beaches of this uninhabited isle. It’s worth noting that while whale season runs during the winter into early spring, these months aren’t ideal for scuba diving. The visibility is limited, and the water is cold. Prime diving season is in October when the waters are clear and comfortably warm. The area is also filled with spots for freediving and spearfishing. If you have a car, head to Ventana, a small coastal town about 45 minutes’ drive from La Paz. Ventana is known for its windy beaches and optimal kiteboarding conditions. Baja’s onshore adventures aren’t to be missed either. I recommend a cruise along winding desert roads to the region around Santiago, a town steeped in 18th century history from the Spanish occupation. Along the way, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">stop and hike</a> through desert mountains to Cañón de la Zorra and swim in the pool at the base of the Cascada Sol de Maya waterfalls. After a day of adventures, take a soak in the Santa Rita hot springs surrounded by palm trees. <h2 id="todos">Discovering the secrets of Todos Santos</h2> Tucked into a desert-sea oasis on the southwestern coast of the Baja peninsula is the once barely known town of Todos Santos. Today, the main road running through the town has a distinctly bohemian vibe, complete with chic cafes and boutique shops. The dusty side streets of Todos Santos are where the magic is at, in my opinion, and still hold the type of wonder the town once held before it was designated a haven for foreigners. Walking down dirt roads to deserted beaches was one of my favorite ways to take in the scenery, admiring open fields, the shadow of cacti dancing in the morning light, and brilliant orange and magenta bougainvillea crawling up dusty-rose adobe walls. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/mexico/southern-baja/todos-santos.jpg" alt="Dusty streets and bright bougainvillea in the town of Todos Santos, Mexico." /> <figcaption>The dusty streets of Todos Santos. Image credit: Alicia Erickson</figcaption></figure> From quiet coastline with sea turtle hatchlings, to vibey beaches with music, crowds, and makeshift cocktail carts, you have your pick of beaches in Todos Santos. The whole area is known for its <a href="/explore/north-america/mexico/chasing-waves-on-the-west-coast">surfing</a>, though Playa Los Cerritos draws the biggest crowds. La Pastora is a quieter option for surfing just a few miles north of town. However, the waves in Todos Santos can be immensely powerful in winter and the swells should only be attempted by experienced surfers during this season. Todos Santos is best savored with a view. As the sun beat down on my shoulders, I followed the Sugar Port Trail up a meandering path to Punta Lobos. After a couple of miles, I arrived at a flat overlook, with crashing blue waves below. My curiosity led me past the viewpoint and down a steep trail to a quiet cove below. I scrambled across an empty beach of big, black boulders and soaked my feet in the cool water. And after a day of long adventures in Todos Santos the thing to do is catch a sunset, of course. We sat down on a deserted stretch of sand, just a short walk from our house, and watched the waves roll out and come crashing back in with mesmerizing force, getting misted by sea spray. The sun slowly sank into the ocean, casting tangerine and golden reflections across the water. The moon rose and dusk gave way to a star-speckled sky, while crickets chirped in the distance. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/mexico/southern-baja/cove-below-punta-lobos.jpg" alt="Clifftop view of a rocky cove and deep blue water near Todos Santos, Mexico." /> <figcaption>View of the cove from Punta Lobos. Image credit: Alicia Erickson</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="around">Getting around</h2> Baja California Sur is ideally explored with your own set of wheels. As I planned the trip, I imagined myself taking in the freedom of the road and driving with open windows in search of hidden trails, hot springs, small coastal towns, and roadside taco stands. These dreams were quickly dashed upon arrival to the car rental pick up at Cabo Airport, where we were handed a very steep and unexpected fee: an extra $700 in non-refundable car insurance through the car rental company. The company refused to accept insurance from credit cards or other companies and refused to give us the car without us paying the fee. In the heat of our standoff, we called other friends in our group who were at a different car rental company and learned they faced the same obstacle. Refusing to pay triple the cost of our rental in insurance alone, we walked to the side of the road feeling defeated. Fortunately, an employee of one of the rental car companies came to our rescue and drove us the three hours to La Paz in his own car. We encountered this issue again when trying another rental car company in La Paz, so we shifted our plans. Uber operates to a limited extent in La Paz, which works to get around town and to beaches. InDrive, a regional rideshare app, was another great tool. The friendliness of locals was astounding, as we befriended many of our Uber drivers who took us on other trips through the region. And when all else failed? We hitchhiked. I wouldn’t always recommend hitchhiking but there were a few elements that made me comfortable doing so in this situation. I was with friends, the region is known for being quite safe, and hitchhiking is common here – we waited at most a minute for a ride to pick us up.Alicia Erickson 0 Alicia Erickson

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/a-new-era-for-indigenous-sitesAll across the country, Native American tribes are taking part in the management of their ancestral lands and debunking myths about their history. Here are six sites where visitors can experience and understand indigenous cultures in new ways. 2022-12-23T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/a-new-era-for-indigenous-siteshttps://www.worldnomads.com“To us, this is sacred ground.” Alice Haldane and I are standing beside a broad gravel beach looking north into one of the world’s most famous fiords. <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/a-local-park-rangers-guide-to-exploring-southeast-alaska">Glacier Bay</a> is not just sacred, it’s mythical, embodying a global image of Alaska’s snow-crowned peaks whose slopes spill rivers of ice to the sea. Like more than a million travelers who come here every year, I’m an outside visitor. But to Haldane this is her ancestral homeland, the territory of the Huna Tlingit people. It’s also one of the world’s best-known national parks, “discovered” and first described by George Vancouver in 1795, popularized by famed naturalist John Muir in 1879 and as a result added to America’s parkland inventory in 1925. Its awesome scenery and active glaciers first drew travelers aboard cruise ships in the late 19th century, and even though the fiord’s glaciers have retreated 65 miles since 1795, it remains one of the most-sought cruise destinations on Earth. Now, under 21st century federal policy, its 3.2 million acres are the province of both the National Park Service and its original inhabitants, the Huna. That’s why Haldane is stationed today at GBNP’s visitor center complex to greet visitors who wander the beachfront path and discover the new Huna Tribal House, built as a joint NPS/Tlingit project in 2016. Visitors can see beautiful totems and wall panels, enjoy chant and dance performances, and learn the difference between the “scientific” version of the bay’s glacial history, and the Huna version. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/indigenous-renaissance/huna-longhouse-opening-new.jpg" alt="Interior of the Huna Tribal Longhouse in Glacier Bay National Park during the dedication ceremony." /> <figcaption>Tribal leaders experience the interior of the Huna Tribal Longhouse during the dedication ceremony. Image credit: NPS</figcaption></figure> When Vancouver sailed by in 1795, there was no bay: tidewater glaciers had covered it entirely during the previous century as a result of the Little Ice Age (which brought cold-weather famine across much of Earth’s northern latitudes). The Tlingit version of what happened is a bit different. “Well, one day a young girl – Kaasteen – got mad at the glacier and insulted it,” Haldane relates the Huna oral history tale. “Angry, the glacier advanced, and we had to leave.” One must respect mother Nature, is the obvious point of the tale. “But we always knew we would come back,” Haldane adds. They did so on Aug 25, 2016 – the park service centennial – when the new longhouse was dedicated with a ceremony that included the arrival of many Huna leaders in specially carved traditional cedar canoes. <ul> <li><a href="#renaissance">America’s indigenous renaissance</a></li> <li><a href="#stereotypes">Breaking stereotypes and bringing people together</a></li> <li><a href="#cooperation">A new spirit of cooperation at Indigenous sites around the country</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="renaissance">America’s indigenous renaissance</h2> Marvelous as it is to witness the newfound spirit in which America’s indigenous peoples and its national government are collaborating at hundreds of parks and other preserves, one need not trek to famous landscapes to experience the Native American renaissance. Across the country, the old Native theme – “Yes, we’re still here” – has become, in many places: “We’re on a roll.” Cash from hundreds of Indian casinos has been put to use funding scholarships, interpretive centers, art programs, wellness programs, and land conservation. A few years ago, when a development proposal was going to surround Snoqualmie Falls, east of Seattle, with suburbs, the Snoqualmie and Muckleshoot Tribes dipped into their capital reserves and bought the land and famous Salish Falls Lodge overlooking the falls, thus protecting a natural feature that’s been sacred to them for centuries. Many futurists have declared the 21st century the “Indigenous Century,” and the breathtaking array of <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/indigenous-tourism-companies">Native owned, managed, or co-managed attractions</a> across North America is one of the most conspicuous facets of that potential. Some are major commercial businesses, such as the lodge. Some are just one-off enterprises where simple human encounters erase preconceived notions. <h2 id="stereotypes">Breaking stereotypes and bringing people together</h2> The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s Indian Pueblo Kitchen in <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/hiking-hot-air-balloons-history-in-new-mexico">Albuquerque, New Mexico</a> is perhaps the best place in the United States to taste indigenous cuisine – and what cultural facet is more important than food in human society? But while some dishes are totally “authentic,” such as the restaurant’s signature Pueblo feast day stew and blue corn enchiladas, some reflect the colorful nature of modern indigenous life, such as the fried Kool-Aid pickles crusted in blue corn with salsa de arbol – about as all-embracing a dish as you are likely to find anywhere. “One of our missions is to help people unlearn the worst Native stereotypes,” says IPCC chief operating officer Monique Fragua, a member of the Jemez Pueblo. “Food brings people together, and believe me, at our Pueblo, it’s not all corn and beans, however important they are.” One could apply this idea to much of the indigenous renaissance. <h2 id="cooperation">A new spirit of cooperation at indigenous sites around the country</h2> • At Grand Canyon National Park, federal officials recently granted a request by the canyon’s Native inhabitants to change the name of a popular resting spot on the Bright Angel Trail, from Indian Garden to Havasupai Gardens. The change is meant to make modest amends for the park service’s forced removal of the indigenous inhabitants from the canyon rim after the park was established in 1928 – and remind us that, long before the landscape became the “property” of the American people, it was the homeland of human beings who had lived, loved and thrived here since time immemorial. • At Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, one of America’s newest preserves is being managed jointly by NPS and the Bears Ears Commission that includes five nearby tribes – the Ute, Zuni, Hopi and Navajo peoples to whom these peaks, plateaus and hidden canyons are sacred territory, holding thousands of ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and artifacts. Exactly what shape co-management will take is still being determined – but the point is sharing the decisions among the government and the region’s indigenous inhabitants. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/indigenous-renaissance/bears-ears.jpg" alt="Valley of the Gods in Bears Ears National Monument." /> <figcaption>Valley of the Gods in Bears Ears National Monument. Image credit: Getty Images / Don Miller</figcaption></figure> • At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, NPS officials regularly consult Native Hawaiian community leaders to determine how to manage and interpret the Big Island’s famous eruptions. While to Western geologists the outflows from Mauna Loa and Kilaue’a are lava, to Hawaiians they are the living manifestation of the goddess Pelehonuamea, commonly known as Pele. Mauna Loa’s recent eruption, first in almost four decades, was a sacred occasion for Hawaiian cultural practitioners, many of whom brought offerings of ti leaves, breadfruit, bananas and more for Pele’s new appearance. As with many other issues, the park honors such offerings but restricts activity within the Kilauea caldera itself. “It’s important to remember that many Native Hawaiians of the past, present and future have deep ties and lineal connection to the volcanic landscapes and natural and cultural resources protected by the park, long before Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was established,” points out park superintendent Rhonda Loh. “Since Pele embodies elements that can be hazardous to humans, you could say she sets her own boundaries and the park enforces them.” <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/indigenous-renaissance/mauna-loa-eruption.jpg" alt="Mauna Loa volcano spews lava into the sky." /> <figcaption>Mauna Loa spews lava into the sky during its recent eruption. Image credit: Getty Images / Douglas Peebles</figcaption></figure> • At Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado, visitors today learn another myth-busting story from the park’s Native Puebloan interpreters. A half-century ago, anthropologists and park officials told visitors that the inhabitants of the park’s awesome cliff dwellings had simply vanished six centuries ago. These mysterious people were called the “Anasazi.” In reality, the descendants of what are now known as Ancestral Puebloans are today’s inhabitants of New Mexico’s 19 thriving Indian Pueblos, from Taos to Santa Clara – the tribes represented at Albuquerque’s IPCC. “Anasazi” is a pejorative epithet from the Navajo language that white ethnologists mistakenly adopted and have now discarded. And “Navajo” is a Puebloan word that somehow replaced “Diné,” the original term that, like most indigenous peoples’ names, simply means “the people.” These distinctions are infinite and infinitely meaningful, and the federal co-stewardship policy endeavors to incorporate them into almost every property under federal management. While some places are just starting, destinations such as Glacier Bay have been pursuing this for years. GBNP, in fact, won a prize for its program in 2018. Most of the visitors who sail into those famous waters benefit from co-stewardship without ever knowing it has a name, title, and proclamations behind it. Most ships that enter the bay now have Native interpreters onboard, a practice begun under the park’s formal pursuit of co-stewardship. As at every park and preserve, the sharing of cultures enhances understanding and enjoyment for all involved. When I tell Alice Haldane that, on my cruise ship the day before, the adventurous among us had plunged into the frigid waters in a colorful ritual, she shivered and declared me crazy. “But, you know, long-ago Tlingit warriors would steel themselves for battle in war canoes by standing in the ocean up to their necks for hours,” she says. “I guess you took a step on the warrior’s path.” Not my goal. But an immersive experience is my goal when I travel, and the indigenous renaissance makes that far more possible today.NPS 0 NPS Huna tribal leaders arrive at the dedication of ther longhouse in traditional cedar canoes.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/9-architectural-masterpiecesWestern Pennsylvania and western New York are blessed with numerous works by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright – and the settings are just as stunning as the structures. Join Joe Furey on a road trip as he tours nine remarkable sites, including the iconic Fallingwater house. 2022-06-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/9-architectural-masterpieceshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#1">Frank Lloyd Wright sites in Buffalo</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Graycliff</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Polymath Park</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Fallingwater</a></li> <li><a href="#5">Kentuck Knob</a></li> </ul> Buffalo, New York, had it tough for a while. Dismissed as a post-industrial ruin – its population having fled to the suburbs, its nightlife a couple of bums staring into the Erie Canal – the city had almost forgotten that it used to be somewhere, the eighth largest city in the United States, no less, and one of the most prosperous (in 1901, it had more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in America). When I first visited, in 1994, “the Queen City” of New York state wasn’t doing so well, and not only because the Bills had just lost their fourth Super Bowl in a row. But even though its heyday had been over for at least 40 years, I could see grounds for hope in its buildings. From the middle of the 19th century, <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/north-america/united-states/underrated-usa">Buffalo</a> was shaped by the best American architects of their generation – Henry Hobson Richardson, Frederick Law Olmsted, Louis Sullivan, and Frank Lloyd Wright – and the city being down on its luck had done wonders for its preservation (empty pockets don’t flatten historic neighborhoods to put up high-rise condos). Life has been much kinder to Buffalo since, I’m happy to say. The city saw the value of what was staring me in the face all those years ago and invested heavily in it. To see some of the fruits of that investment, I suggest you join me on a little adventure, a <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/activities/road-trip">road trip</a> dedicated to one of Buffalo’s friendlier ghosts, Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW). The Great Wright Road Trip (GWRT), a showcase of nine FLW sites, starts in Buffalo, then wends its way through lake-facing western New York to the leafy, rolling Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania. It would take you seven hours if all you did was roll down your window and drive, so make the trip a journey, a long weekender. You’ll want to savor your surroundings, because Wright’s work is as much about where it is as what it is. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/north-america/martin-house-buffalo.jpg" alt="Martin House, Buffalo" /> <figcaption> Martin House, Buffalo. Photo credit: Getty Images / The Washington Post</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="1">Frank Lloyd Wright sites in Buffalo</h2> Our first stop is the Darwin D Martin House, named for the man who commissioned it, one of Wright’s oldest friends and his chief benefactor (both thankless tasks – the architect, though undoubtedly brilliant, was a libidinous egomaniac and reckless spender, of both his and his clients’ money). Built between 1903 and 1907, the residential estate, comprising the main house and five other structures, including a pergola, is the finest early example of the near instantly iconic “Prairie” style that became FLW’s Hallmark, and an object lesson in attention to detail: Wright designed everything the eye can see there – the furniture, decor, fixtures, gardens, the 394 pieces of stained glass – so it all works in wondrous concert. After Martin’s death in 1935, the complex fell into what looked like terminal disrepair, but it, and its grounds, have been painstakingly restored – and we can see again why Wright described it as a “well-nigh perfect composition”. Located in Buffalo’s Parkside neighborhood – the work of Frederick Law Olmsted, who also gave us Central Park – the house is open to the public as a museum, and guided tours are available. Buffalo has three other Wright buildings, and they share an unusual distinction: none of them were constructed in his lifetime. Designed in the 1920s for a local oil company, the Filling Station wasn’t built until 2014, and then as a permanent exhibit at the Pierce-Arrow Museum, where it is surrounded by restored antique cars, which the architect, a real autophile, would have loved. The Fontana Rowing Boathouse, which in the first decade of the 20th century was destined for a site at the University of Wisconsin (Wright’s home state), eventually found a home in 2007 at the West Side Rowing Club alongside the Niagara River. It is open by appointment. By far the most impressive of the three is the Blue Sky Mausoleum. This modernist masterpiece of Forest Lawn Cemetery in Delaware Park (another Olmsted creation) was commissioned by Darwin D Martin to be the final resting place for his family, but the Wall Street crash of 1929 wiped him out financially, and his wish wasn’t realized. The design was unusual for its time with a wide terrace set with benches and a modest central stone – rather than a commanding obelisk – on which a quote from Wright is engraved (“a burial facing the open sky … the whole could not fail of noble effect”), with a set of 12 steps, each housing a crypt, on either side, gently descending towards a pond at the foot of the memorial. It is a compellingly transcendent vision, which blurs the boundary not just between structure and setting, but also earth and heaven. While you’re at the cemetery, do as I did and seek out the grave of Rick James, the funk legend who was buried there in 2004, the year the mausoleum went up. Super Freaks need love too. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/north-america/blue-sky-mausoleum.jpg" alt="Blue sky mausoleum" /> <figcaption> The Blue Sky Mausoleum. Photo credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="2">Graycliff</h2> From downtown Buffalo, it’s a 25-minute drive south along I-90 to Derby, and Graycliff, the Martin family’s summer home, which looks out over <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/north-america/united-states/great-lakes-road-trip">Lake Erie</a>. Built in the late 20s, and so dubbed because it sits on a bluff of grey shale and the Tichenor limestone used in the construction of its three buildings, the handsomely renovated Graycliff truly gives itself to its locale, its broadly cantilevered balconies letting the outside in, the spray of Niagara Falls just visible on the horizon. For our next stop, and a glimpse into FLW’s working life, stay on the I-90 till you hit Erie, Pennsylvania. His San Francisco office has been lovingly reassembled at the Hagen History Center. And his prized rusty orange 1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet is also on display. <h2 id="3">Polymath Park</h2> Heading south for some 170mi (274km), via I-79 and I-76, will take you to Polymath Park, the “Frank Lloyd Wright oasis”, near Acme, Pennsylvania. A 125-acre resort encircled by private forest, the park features two relocated Wright residences – Duncan House, originally a prefab home in Lisle, Illinois; and Mäntylä House, a mini essay in concrete block, tidewater cypress, and Ludovici tile roof, formerly of Minnesota – and two designed by an apprentice of Wright’s, Peter Berndtson, which are original to the site. All are available for tours, with lunch or dinner, and overnight stays. <h2 id="4">Fallingwater</h2> On Route 381, 30mi (48km) south, near Mill Run, is, according to an American Institute of Architects poll, “the best all-time work of American architecture”. Designed in 1935 as a weekend retreat, Fallingwater is Wright’s magnum opus. Legend has it that the concept sprang, like Athena from the head of Zeus, fully formed from Wright’s imagination when his clients called to say they were coming over to view the plans for it and the procrastinating architect had to improvise a full set of drawings in a couple of hours. Perched above a waterfall on a rocky outcrop, for all its appearance of mass this haut bourgeois house seems to float above God’s own country, while growing out of it, its balconies suggesting deep pools, its interiors somehow cave-like yet spacious and doused with light. It looks, even now, uncompromisingly modern, alien even, but as though it’s been there forever. It has to be seen, at least half a dozen times, to be believed. Tours, except on Wednesdays and holidays, are available. <h2 id="5">Kentuck Knob</h2> Our last stop is Kentuck Knob, a mere 6mi (9.6km) down the road from Fallingwater. Completed in 1956, just three years before Wright’s death, this work of art in sandstone, red cypress, copper, and glass is an exceptional illustration of what the architect called his Usonian style – affordable dwellings that were usually single-story, crafted from native materials, naturally cooled and heated, turned away from traffic and towards their environment, and free of architectural conventions. Blending seamlessly with the landscape, the house manages to feel, at once, cozy and colossal, intimate yet thrown open to the elements by its expanses of glass and the jaw-dropping view of Youghiogheny River Gorge just beyond the back terrace. What makes Kentuck Knob the perfect spot to end your trip is its sculpture park. More than 30 works – by, among others, Andy Goldsworthy, Claes Oldenburg, Michael Warren, Wendy Taylor, and Sir Anthony Caro – occupy the grounds and woodlands surrounding the house, as well as “found art” pieces such as a French pissoir and a standing slab of the Berlin Wall. Control freak that he was, I’m not sure that FLW would approve, but I do. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/north-america/kentuck-knob.jpg" alt="Kentuck Knob" /> <figcaption> Kentuck Knob. Photo credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure>Joe Furey 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/discover-thaidene-neneThaidene Nëné National Park Reserve on the Northwest Territories’ Great Slave Lake helps preserve Indigenous traditions as well as the landscape.2022-05-09T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/discover-thaidene-nenehttps://www.worldnomads.comIt may have taken half a century to gestate, but in 2019 Canada was finally delivered of its newest national park, the <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nt/thaidene-nene" target="_blank">Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve</a>. In Łutsël K’é, a First Nation village of fewer than 400 people reachable only by boat, plane, or snowmobile, representatives from the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Parks Canada, and the Northwest Territories government formally signed the park into existence. “Groundbreaking” doesn’t begin to cover it. “Revolutionary” gets closer. The establishment of Thaidene Nëné (“land of the ancestors” in the Dënesųłıné language) represents a <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/indigenous-tourism-companies">new vision of conservation</a>, one predicated on respect for ancestral territory and dedicated to preserving traditional ways of life, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, as well as helping to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. <ul> <li><a href="#protecting">Protecting wildlife and Indigenous traditions</a></li> <li><a href="#northern-lights">Catching fish and the Northern Lights near Yellowknife</a></li> <li><a href="#first-nations">First Nations sites and Canadian history </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="protecting">Protecting wildlife and Indigenous traditions</h2> Sitting on the eastern arm of Great Slave Lake, the deepest lake in North America, the reserve – enclosed within the Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area – covers 3.5 million acres of nationally significant ecosystems, from boreal forest to freshwater. The landscape is home to healthy numbers of musk ox, moose, grizzly and black bear, wolverine, Arctic fox, marten, and two subspecies of caribou, and provides a breeding refuge for many migratory birds. It is co-managed by the federal and territorial governments and the First Nation peoples (the signatories of the agreement plus the Northwest Territory Métis Nation) who since time immemorial have paddled its waters, roamed its ridges, and camped in its bays. The Ni Hat’ni Dene Rangers, a network of Łutsël K’é residents, serve as guardians during the summer months, guiding visitors, keeping a close eye on the environment, maintaining its natural beauty and culturally important sites, and mentoring and educating younger generations. To that end, the federal government has promised to invest CAD $40 million in the park in its first 12 years; and the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation has set up a $30 million trust that is expected to generate around $1 million in interest a year, which can be used to support the management of the protected area. In the spring of last year, the first disbursement from the fund was made to the community. For an introduction to the reserve’s rewards, there’s Frontier Lodge, the self-styled “gateway to Thaidene Nëné” (it’s a mere 15-minute boat ride to the park boundary). Operated by the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, its log cabins sleep up to 30 guests and it lays on a variety of authentic cultural experiences: guided fishing trips; a weekend of traditional <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/camping-travel-insurance">camping</a>, cooking, and storytelling; a women’s wellness retreat, involving morning yoga, wildlife-spotting <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hikes</a>, drum dances, folk medicine workshops, and healing ceremonies; and a <a href="/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lights">Northern Lights show</a> (by September you are practically guaranteed nightly performances). <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/seaplane-great-slave-lake.jpg" alt="Seaplane on Great Slave Lake." /> <figcaption>A seaplane on Great Slave Lake. Image credit: Joseph Furey</figcaption></figure> Parks Canada, an agency of the Canadian government, first identified the area’s potential as a national park in the late 1960s, but its proposal was turned down by Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation elders, who feared the designation would lead to their people’s exclusion from their ancestral territories and prevent them from exercising their rights to hunt, fish, collect medicinal plants, and to gather and perform ceremonies at sites of spiritual import. Their reluctance was more than understandable – at the time, Indigenous children were still being taken away from their families and forced to attend state-funded Christian schools that promoted cultural cleansing. <h2 id="northern-lights">Catching fish and the Northern Lights near Yellowknife</h2> I first experienced the Northwest Territories on a visit to <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/finding-the-northern-lights-in-yellowknife-canadas-northwest-territories">Yellowknife</a>, its capital on the north shore of Great Slave Lake, a mining town built on gold in the 1930s and kept going by diamonds (it’s also where you can get flights to Łutsël K’é – the journey takes about 45 minutes). I was writing a travel piece about the choicest places to catch the aurora borealis, and the city was kind enough to extend me an invention to see for myself (as Margot Kidder, who played the reporter Lois Lane in the Superman movies, was born in Yellowknife, I felt in good company). Getting to watch bands of green and purple flex and caper across the sky for three nights was enormously gratifying, and the gaily hued houseboats in Yellowknife Bay added interest, but the tourist bureau also flew me to a fishing lodge on Christie Bay, where I was told lake trout, coney, Arctic grayling and northern pike would provide me with some of best freshwater angling I’ve ever experienced, both in terms of sport (big, well-exercised specimens with plenty of fight), spectacular setting and the knowledge that the bay has hidden depths (submarine canyons that inexplicably drop more than 2,000ft / 610m below the surface). The rumors were true. In fact, Thaidene Nëné is where northern sportfishing began, in 1938, when a businessman from Manitoba founded Plummer’s Lodge at Taltheilei Narrows, which connects Hearne Channel to McLeod Bay. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/houseboat-yellowknife.jpg" alt="A houseboaton Yellowknife Bay." /> <figcaption>A houseboat on Yellowknife Bay. Image credit: Joseph Furey</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="first-nations">First Nations sites and Canadian history</h2> Thaidene Nëné encompasses part of the east arm of Great Slave Lake, which includes a portion of Christie Bay and the Lockhart River, and most of Snowdrift River, on the banks of which musk ox can often be witnessed grazing. Straddling the tree line that separates the taiga from the tundra, it comprises a catalogue of stark beauty: thousands of lakes, waterfalls, coves, cayes, creeks and glacier-carved cliffs. And evidence of First Nation habitation is everywhere you look, from the arrowheads glinting on the shores of Artillery Lake to the graves by the abandoned village site of Kaché. The scant remains of Fort Reliance, a National Historic Site, are located in the park at the mouth of the Lockhart, on the edge of the Barren Lands, a frigid vastness that stretches up into Nunavut. Built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1833, the fort served as a base for the expeditions of the explorer, naturalist, and artist George Back and, later, the search for Sir John Franklin and the 128 officers and crew members he led to their deaths while attempting to map the untraversed sections of the Northwest Passage in 1845. I encourage you to visit Thaidene Nëné. Seize the opportunity to contribute to a trailblazing development at the intersection between conservation and Indigenous rights – and to help First Nations’ communities champion a new kind of sustainable tourism model, one that restores sovereignty to the peoples who first named these lands. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/east-arm-great-slave lake.jpg" alt="East Arm Great Slave Lakey" /> <figcaption>East Arm, Great Slave Lake. Image credit: Getty Images / Steve Schwartz</figcaption></figure>Joseph Furey 0 Joseph Furey The northern lights (aurora borealis) over Yellowknife

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/keeping-indigenous-traditions-alive-at-crow-fairHeld each year at Crow Agency, Montana, Crow Fair is one of the largest Native American gatherings in the world, featuring parades, a rodeo, traditional dancing, and more than 1,000 teepees – and it’s open to everyone. 2022-05-05T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/keeping-indigenous-traditions-alive-at-crow-fairhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#powwow">An epic five-day powwow</a></li> <li><a href="#rodeo">The Indian relay: the highlight of the rodeo</a></li> <li><a href="#dance">Traditional Native American dance</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Native American food at the Fair</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> I was just shy of my 8th birthday when <a href="http://www.crow-nsn.gov/crow-fair.html" target="_blank">Crow Fair</a> first came on my radar. To their credit, my parents were introducing their kids to a different culture – but they should have warned us it wasn’t going to be like the county fair. The disappointment was real when we arrived and didn’t see a Ferris wheel on the horizon. But the tears were short lived. Even as kids, we could tell Crow Fair was something special. Every year, during the third week of August, a patch of unassuming prairie along the banks of Montana’s Little Bighorn River transforms into the “teepee capital of the world.” There’s no official count – who wants to take time away from the festivities to tally teepees? – but most sources cite at least 1,200. Constructed of white canvas stretched tightly across lodgepole pines, the teepees stand out sharply against the brown earth. August in southeastern Montana is hot and dry, but it’s also the start of the harvest season – and originally, Crow Fair was established as an agricultural event. <h2 id="powwow">An epic five-day powwow</h2> Now in its 103rd year, Crow Fair has grown exponentially to become one of the largest powwows in the world. For five full days, thousands of representatives of <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/native-american-journeys">different tribes from across the country</a> and even <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/a-guide-to-exploring-haida-gwaii">Canada</a> gather to celebrate a culture the US government once tried to decimate. The irony that outsiders are welcome to attend is not lost on anyone – least of all the Crow people. They’re happy to be known for their hospitality, and their horses. Indeed, for every teepee at Crow Fair there is a horse trailer. For tribal members, going to Crow Fair without your horse is like going to war without a weapon. It’s unfathomable. For starters, there’s the parade around the encampment which kicks off each day of the fair. Most of the participants are on horseback – their animals elaborately adorned as if they’re going to the equine Academy Awards. The riders are also dressed to impress. As a kid I remember being enamored with the royalty riding by. There was Junior Miss Crow Nation, Miss Northern Cheyenne, and Center Lodge Princess – all practicing their pageant waves while wearing traditional dresses far prettier than anything I had hanging up in my closet at home. <h2 id="rodeo">The Indian relay: the highlight of the rodeo</h2> After the parade, all eyes are on the rodeo. Two years ago, I sat high in the grandstand, perched on the edge of my seat watching fearless men and women risk it all to race around the arena on seemingly wild horses. Their goal? To win a cash prize and a year’s worth of bragging rights. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/crow-fair/bronco-riding.jpg" alt="A tribal member rides a bronco during the rodeo at Crow Fair in Montana" /> <figcaption>Bronco riding at the Crow Fair rodeo. Image credit: Getty Images / Tom Williams</figcaption></figure> While the kids’ pony race always draws a huge crowd, the signature event is the Indian relay. Specific to Native American rodeos, this unique event requires riders to ride a lap on one horse, climb on the back of another horse for the second lap and then climb on the back of a third horse for the final lap. The riders do all of this bareback. It’s athleticism and horsemanship at its finest. <h2 id="dance">Traditional Native American dance</h2> Before the last of the dust settles, rodeo-goers start making their way to the dance arbor. Some show up hours in advance to plant their lawn chairs around the periphery of the large expanse of grass where the evening’s dancing and ceremonies will take place. I usually end up in the bleachers in the back. Still, there’s no bad seat at Crow Fair. The evening begins with the grand entry where everyone stands for the presentation of the colors. Tribal members who are veterans and active-duty military carry tribal flags, the Montana State flag, the American flag, and the POW MIA flag. Next, the dancers file in. “Be proud but not prideful,” reminds the emcee who announces them. The men – sporting head-to-toe regalia – enter first. Like their feather headdresses, their beaded belts, metallic armbands, and elaborate breastplates are all works of art. They dance, bowing their heads as if humbled by some unseen force of nature, to the beat of the drums. The drumming, and the singing, never seems to cease. It’s the soundtrack for the next few hours as hundreds of other dancers – everyone from toddlers to elders – shuffle in. Since many have sleigh bells sewn onto their fringed boots you hear them coming long before you see them. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/crow-fair/traditional-dance.jpg" alt="A colorfully costumed tribal member performs a traditional dance at Crow Fair in Montana." /> <figcaption>Traditional dance at Crow Fair. Image credit: Getty Images / Tom Williams</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="food">Native American food at the Fair</h2> It would be remiss to talk about Crow Fair without mentioning the fare. There are the usual suspects like ice cream, pizza, and burgers, but the event’s culinary crown jewel is the Indian fry bread. The line for this flattened dough – deep fried to perfection and served with an array of toppings – is never short, but the wait is always worth it. Until my first visit to Crow Fair, I didn’t think fair food could get any better than cotton candy. Little did I know! Twenty-five years later, I still can’t think of a single food that makes my mouth water more than a piping hot pillow of Indian fry bread smothered in powdered sugar. Like other powwows, Crow Fair is an alcohol-free affair. It makes the event far more family-friendly which is important because at its core, Crow Fair is basically a massive family reunion. As entertaining as it is, it’s not meant to be a tourist attraction. Can non-tribal members attend? Yes. Is it our right? No. It’s a privilege – and one I’ll never take lightly. In fact, I plan on bringing my future kids to Crow Fair someday. Until then I’m fine flying solo (and not having to share my fry bread). <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/crow-fair/fry-bread.jpg" alt="A woman holds a serving of Native American fry bread at Crow Fair in Montana." /> <figcaption>The author, with some of that delicious fry bread. Photo credit: Katie Jackson</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> Crow Fair takes place the third week in August at Crow Agency, about an hour’s drive east of Billings on I-90. Accommodations can be found in the nearby town of Hardin as well as in Billings, Montana’s largest city. Admission is free for enrolled tribal members. Event organizers are still determining the cost of admission for the general public for 2022, but in past years, it’s been around $12 per adult. Entry to the rodeo is an additional $10-$20 per person.Getty Images / Evo Danchev 1543375069 Getty Images Hundreds of white teepees cover the grounds around Crow Fair in southeastern Montana, United States.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/3-of-the-best-food-trails-in-oregonShowcasing locally produced food, beer, and wine, these trails are ideal for replenishing after a hike or bike ride, or just for a fun, delicious day out.2022-04-28T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/3-of-the-best-food-trails-in-oregonhttps://www.worldnomads.comIt’s been a big day of play in the high Cascades of central Oregon and my friends and I are famished. For the past six hours or so we’ve been hiking around a dormant volcano called Black Crater that rises about 7,251ft (2,210m) over the charming town of Sisters, about 150mi (240km) southeast of Portland. More volcanoes rise around us, their piebald summits looking like half-melted scoops of ice cream. Within an hour, we’re back in town tearing into dinner. It’s easy to burn calories here in the Pacific Northwest, with so many paths to hike and trails to bike, but it’s also easy to replenish them with delicious meals that highlight Oregon’s culinary bounty. The soil under our feet bursts with wild mushrooms and edible greens such as oxalis and miner’s lettuce. You can find fresh steelhead caught in regional waters on brew-pub menus where the beers reek of local hops. One of the best pies in the world comes packed with marionberries, a type of blackberry “invented” here. It’s little wonder then that over the past few years Oregon has exploded with new “<a href="https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/eat-drink/oregon-food-trails/">food trails</a>” that highlight chefs and shops dedicated to showcasing local ingredients. These aren’t actual footpaths but a series of stops on self-guided road-tripping (or cycling) routes where you can play hard in nature and then taste a chunk of it, too. You can find these all over the country. There’s the <a href="https://missouriwine.org/sites/default/files/Rhineland_Tour.pdf">Missouri Rhineland</a> with its focus on wine and German food, and the <a href="https://www.lacajunbayou.com/foodtrail">Cajun Bayou Food Trail</a> in Louisiana. One day, I’ll make it out to Pennsylvania for the <a href="https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/blog/post/cumberland-valleys-coffee-chocolate-trail/">Cumberland Valley Coffee and Chocolate Trail</a>. Each stop typically focuses on ingredients special to that area. Here in Oregon, we have the <a href="https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/restaurants/tasting-trails/south-willamette-valley-food-trail/">South Willamette</a> (pronounced “will-AM-ette”) Valley Food Trail with its artisanal cocktails made with local honey and herbs, and the <a href="https://eastgorgefoodtrail.com/">East Gorge Food Trail</a> where cherries reign. The <a href="https://northcoastfoodtrail.com/">North Coast Food Trail</a> offers thick bowls of clam chowder. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/oregon-food-trails/preserves-l-and-s-farm-and-garden.jpg" alt="Several shelves lined with homemade preserves at L & S Farm and Garden in central Oregon." /> <figcaption>Homemade pickles and preserves at L & S Farm and Garden in Prineville, Oregon, a stop on the High Desert Food Trail. Image credit: Amanda Photographic / L & S Farm and Garden</figcaption></figure> “The bounty and the amount of the ingredients we have is so large,” says Jami Flatt, a chef at Amaterra, a new winery that opened in Portland this year with a farm-to-table-style restaurant. “And it’s all right in our backyard.” <h2>High Desert Food Trail</h2> One of the most recent additions to the state’s food trail scene loops within a few short miles of our hike off the eastern side of McKenzie Pass, down in Sisters, population 3,060, a town in the transition zone between the snowy mountains and the yawning deserts to the east. We pull up to a place called <a href="https://www.thebarninsisters.com/">The Barn</a>, where local food trucks park around a central common area with fire pits, a stage, and, yes, a barn, that serves beer from local breweries like <a href="https://www.threecreeksbrewing.com/">Three Creeks Brewing</a> just down the road. We find a table near one of the fires and order up a “red pie” from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/boonedogpizza/">Boone Dog Pizza</a>, one of the newer eateries on the food trail. The chef, Daniel St. Lawrence, had started a popular bakery in the mountain town of Bend about 21mi (34km) southeast of Sisters and turned to wood-fired pizzas as a literal platform for local ingredients. “Pizza is kind of the perfect marriage of seasonal, local food, veggies, grains, all on bread, which is my passion,” he tells me. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/oregon-food-trails/boone-dog-pizza.jpg" alt="Wood-fired pizzas made from locally grown ingredients at Boone Dog Pizza in central Oregon." /> <figcaption>Two wood-fired pies from Boone Dog Pizza. Image credit: Amanda Photographic / Boone Dog Pizza</figcaption></figure> The pizza comes with tomato sauce, Calabrian chiles, parmigiana, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt, nearly all of it from farms located around the Pacific Northwest and Central Oregon. The meats, for example, come from an animal welfare-certified farm in Corvallis, a college town on the west slope of the Cascades. In all, the <a href="https://hdffa.org/portfolio-posts/hdft/">High Desert Food Trail </a>covers 42 stops from La Pine in the south to Madras in the north, a span of 72mi (116 km). You can paddle along Suttle Lake near Camp Sherman and then get huckleberry ice cream at <a href="https://thesuttlelodge.com/the-boathouse/">The Boathouse</a>. After <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/4-of-the-best-places-for-mountain-biking#bend">mountain biking in Bend</a> you can swing by <a href="https://thealeapothecary.com/">The Ale Apothecary</a> for beers made with wild yeasts cultivated from the air around town. And up in Warm Springs, a community of Native Americans from the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes, you can raft through the volcanic canyons of the Deschutes River and then swing by the non-profit <a href="https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/twisted-teepee-food-cart/">Twisted Teepee</a> for a bowl of traditional lucka’meen, a salmon stew. A message from the cook says it all: “Tribal food sovereignty at its finest.” <h2>Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail</h2> Other food trails around the state have caught my attention over the years, especially the ones that line the Oregon Coast. This western fringe of North America is by far one of the state’s biggest natural attractions, a 360mi (580km) stretch of beaches with towering dunes, bays lined with craggy sea stacks, and rocky reefs piled with sea lions. And every last inch of it is publicly owned. With a fat bike, you can ride for more than a hundred miles (160 km) on the sand – maybe even more if the tide is right. The community of Coos Bay, which is actually three towns about 210mi (340km) south of Portland, is easily my favorite for its awesome tide pools, surf fishing, expanding mountain bike scene, and <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/where-to-hike-in-the-usa-year-round#march">hiking around state parks like Cape Arago</a>, a stop on the <a href="https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=95">Oregon Coast Trail</a> (an actual trail). In the winter, the storm-watching at Shore Acres State Park will leave you breathless – but never hungry. Coos is a hub on <a href="https://www.wrcfoodtrail.com/">Wild River Coast Food Trail</a>, which, as you might expect, includes lots of delicious seafood. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/oregon-food-trails/freshly-caught-dungeness-crab-coos-bay.jpg" alt="A net filled with freshly caught Dungeness crab in Coos Bay, Oregon." /> <figcaption>Freshly caught Dungeness crab in Coos Bay, Oregon. Photo credit: Tim Neville</figcaption></figure> The <a href="http://www.sharkbites.cafe/home">Shark Bites Cafe</a> in downtown Coos Bay sits across from one of the last Egyptian theaters in the United States but it’s the fish tacos that keep me coming back. You can get local oysters or a salad with Dungeness crab cakes. Farther south in Port Orford, where you can snorkel with the anemones and forage for edible seaweeds, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thenestcafe04/">The Nest Cafe</a> serves awesome berry smoothies. I’ve yet to try the “Oregon Burger,” a monster with Oregon bleu cheese and kale. All in all, there are more than 100 stops on this food trail — including places (ok, bogs) where you can get fresh cranberries – and I’m doing my best to hit them all. Mostly, though, I can never seem to pry myself away from the tide pools at Sunset Bay State Park, where I’ll gather my (legally permitted) limit of mussels and then roast them right there on the beach. <h2>Hood River Fruit Loop</h2> Most people know Hood River for one thing – wind – as this town in the Columbia River Gorge 67mi (108km) east of Portland is a paradise for <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/surfing">windsurfers and kite boarders</a> who come for the steady breezes. But in the spring, and particularly the fall, my family and I will make the trip up from our home in Bend to bask in the region’s other major attraction, fruit. The <a href="https://hoodriverfruitloop.com/">Hood River Fruit Loop</a> covers about 35mi (56km) of scenic byways that roll past nearly 15,000 acres of orchards and farms, and that you could easily bike. In the spring, those fruit trees turn on a spectacular show with delicate flowers that light up the valley under the watchful gaze of Oregon’s highest peak, Mount Hood, at 11,240ft (3,426m). You can ski up there, even in the summertime, but the hiking’s great too. The <a href="https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Timberline_Trail_around_Mount_Hood_Hike">Timberline Trail</a> runs for 41mi (66km) around the entire peak. It’s best to start and end your hike at the classic Timberline Lodge, a sprawling historic hotel built in 1937 and featured in the opening scene of The Shining. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/oregon-food-trails/lavender-farm-hood-river.jpg" alt="Lavender fields in Hood River, Oregon, with Mount Hood in the background." /> <figcaption>Lavender fields in Hood River, Oregon, with Mount Hood in the background. Image credit: Getty Images / Cindy Kassab</figcaption></figure> But fall is our time to go and we home in on apples. The <a href="https://kiyokawafamilyorchards.com/">Kiyokawa Family Orchards</a> in Parkdale, a small farming community, is typically our first stop. The family has strong Japanese roots after the family’s patriarch emigrated to Oregon in 1905. I’ll put my daughter on my shoulders so she can grab the highest fruit. The Asian pears and Hokotui apples are always a hit. You can easily spend a weekend up here and next time we will. We’ll hit the <a href="https://foxtailcider.com/">Fox-Tail Cider and Distillery</a> and swing by <a href="http://www.hoperanchlavender.com/">Hope Ranch Lavender</a> for its fragrant bottles of massage oils. The wineries almost outnumber the farm stands, but I’ll save that trail for another time.Tim Neville 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/5-of-the-best-places-to-kayak-around-the-usExploring by kayak offers access to places you can’t reach by car or on foot and up-close encounters with wildlife. Our nomads share their favorite kayaking adventures around the country.2022-03-15T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/5-of-the-best-places-to-kayak-around-the-ushttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#canalway">The New York State Canalway Water Trail </a></li> <li><a href="#northern-forest">The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Vermont</a></li> <li><a href="#calusa">The Great Calusa Blueway, Florida</a></li> <li><a href="#mirror-lake">Mirror Lake State Park, Wisconsin</a></li> <li><a href="#maryland">Maryland water trails</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="canalway">The New York State Canalway Water Trail</h2> It’s the only time I’ve ever wanted someone to ask me about my sunburn. “I got it <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">kayaking</a> the Oswego Canal,” I’d brag, not embarrassed that my legs – thanks to sporting shorts on an open-top kayak – were the color of a lobster. We launched from Minetto, a tiny hamlet in upstate New York just south of Lake Ontario. The local outfitter we rented our kayaks from also supplied a guide. She wore a mic and as we paddled with the current, north toward the port town of Oswego, she told us about the canal’s history as a vital commercial thoroughfare. When it opened in 1828, the Oswego Canal linked the Erie Canal with Lake Ontario, and was a game-changer for trade between New York and Canada. Both the Oswego Canal and the Erie Canal are part of the 524mi (843km) <a href="https://www.canals.ny.gov/maps/paddling-watertrail.html">New York State Canalway Water Trail</a>. It also includes the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022 and is just one of 33 designated <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationaltrailssystem/national-water-trails-system.htm">National Water Trails</a> in the country. With more than 125 public access points, the New York State Canalway Water Trail is popular with kayakers, canoers, and paddle boarders. Passing through the historic locks – hydraulic lifts that raised and lowered us as the water levels changed – was the best part. But by the time we reached the Oswego Lighthouse, looking out over Lake Ontario, my legs and feet were fried. Still, it was worth it. While I wish I’d worn more SPF, I’ll always remember those five miles, four locks, and three hours of history and fun. – <a href="/about/contributors/katie-jackson">Katie Jackson</a> <h2 id="northern-forest">The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Vermont</h2> I was looking for some kind of sign. Drifting in the slow current of Vermont’s Missisquoi River, I scanned the forested riverbank for any indication I’d reached my first campsite along the 740mi (1,190km) <a href="https://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/">Northern Forest Canoe Trail</a>, the United States’ longest inland water trail. Designed for both canoers and kayakers, the route begins in New York’s Adirondack mountains, then passes through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Quebec en route to Fort Kent, Maine. Paddling the whole trail is an endurance feat even for experienced boaters, who spend four to seven weeks navigating its extraordinary chain of lakes, rivers, and streams. Not that the trail is reserved for experts. <a href="https://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/plan/suggested-paddling-trips/">Recommended sections</a> range from placid day trips to family-friendly, multi-day adventures. Seeking time alone on the river, I’d chosen a scenic three-day section near my home in northern Vermont. It was nearly dusk when I spotted a yellow campsite sign nailed to a riverside tree. Steering my small wooden kayak to the bank, I climbed a short, steep trail to a clearing overlooking the water — like many tent sites along the NFCT, it was free to use with no reservations required. While I brought my own boat and camping equipment, rentals and guided trips are available from outfitters throughout the region. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/kayaking/northern-forest-canoe-trail-kayak.jpg" alt="A kayak on the shore of the Missisquoi River in Vermont." /> <figcaption>The author's kayak on the shore of the Missisquoi River. Image credit: Jen Rose Smith</figcaption></figure> After setting up my tent, I returned to the riverbank with a mug of hot tea. The Missisquoi shone under a rising gibbous moon, then disappeared quickly into darkness. I smiled to think that, come morning, I’d follow it around the bend and paddle downstream once more. – <a href="/about/contributors/jen-rose-smith">Jen Rose Smith</a> <h2 id="calusa">The Great Calusa Blueway, Florida</h2> This blessed slice of southwest Florida is God’s gift to waterborne adventure. A 190mi (306km) trail for paddling the waterways of the Fort Myers area along the Gulf coast, the Blueway works its way up three rivers and their tributaries, through Estero Bay and Pine Island Sound and around many coastal islands. The trail is, in fact, composed of dozens of different trails. The northern edge of the Blueway is the top of Pine Island near Bokeelia. The southern end is the Imperial River through Bonita Springs. The trail has three distinct regions: the Pine Island Sound-Matlacha Pass, which includes Cayo Costa, Captiva, Sanibel, and Pine islands; the Caloosahatchee River and its tributaries (power boats use the Caloosahatchee itself); and Estero Bay (the state’s first aquatic nature reserve) and the Imperial River, which includes Lovers Key, where I saw my first manatee up startlingly close. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/kayaking/lovers-key-florida.jpg" alt="Kayakers paddle along the mangroves on Lovers Key near Ft. Meyers, Florida." /> <figcaption>Kayaking on Lovers Key. Image credit: Getty Images / Hanneke Luijting</figcaption></figure> I became a water baby, imagining myself an honorary Calusa, the people who put down roots among the mangrove forests of southern Florida 5,000 years before, and left at what is now Mound Key Archaeological State Park a complex of mounds and shell and pottery remains, which rises more than 30ft (9m) above Estero Bay. As well as mangrove tunnels, with branches arching overhead like cathedral roof trusses, the Fort Myers area has 50mi (80km) of white sand, three species of nesting turtles and, on Sanibel, one of the best shelling spots in the country (the same island is home to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and 245 species of birds). It’s easy to get back to nature there. And occasionally, suddenly, in the form of a bottlenose dolphin, a river otter, a pilot while, or a roseate spoonbill, it will get back to you. The <a href="https://www.visitfortmyers.com/calusablueway/explore">Blueway</a> will mail a free set of maps to anyone who requests them, and there’s a navigational app that provides real-time GPS coordinates. A great many trails are served by kayak outfitters and guides, many of whom will come to you. – <a href="/about/contributors/joseph-furey">Joe Furey</a> <h2 id="mirror-lake">Mirror Lake State Park, Wisconsin</h2> For me, kayaking has always been a way to slow down and appreciate my environment at a more intentional pace. I tend toward <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/where-to-hike-in-the-usa-year-round">hiking</a> and <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/4-of-the-best-places-for-mountain-biking">biking</a> – moving strongly and quickly so I can see as much as possible – but, for some reason, when I slide into a kayak, I’m less focused on how far I go and more concerned with soaking in my surroundings. Mirror Lake State Park, near Wisconsin Dells, allowed me to do just that. I visited in early October, at the tail end of kayaking season but just in time for fall foliage and bird migration season. Kayak rental is available from April to October (depending on the weather) but in May, September, and October, rentals are only available on the weekend. If you bring your own kayak, you can paddle whenever you want. The lake is long and narrow, shaped somewhat like the letter “h”, so kayaking through the narrowest part (the top of the “h”) felt like floating along a river. Pine trees and brilliantly yellow and orange maple hugged both sides of the water as I navigated around fallen trees and passed a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed cottage hidden in the trees. Though I didn’t pass any sandhill cranes on my water journey, I saw many during bike rides in the area and while visiting the nearby <a href="https://savingcranes.org/">International Crane Foundation</a>. Next time I visit Mirror Lake State Park, I plan to bring my mother, as it’s one of the most accessible in the state for people with disabilities. A <a href="https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/OpenOutdoors">specially adapted kayak</a> is available (contact the park office in advance to book it). – <a href="/about/contributors/cassandra-brooklyn">Cassandra Brooklyn</a> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/kayaking/crane-wisconsin.jpg" alt="A sandhill crane at the International Crane Foundation in central Wisconsin." /> <figcaption>A sandhill crane at the International Crane Foundation. Image credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="maryland">Maryland water trails</h2> Every summer I return from the American West to the place I grew up, the mid-Atlantic state of Maryland, where I’ll spend a few days on its Eastern Shore exploring a vast filigree of salt marshes and sandy beaches by canoe or kayak. With more than 7,700 mi (12,400km) of coastline shared between the fabled Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and the Atlantic, the state is a paddlers paradise where you can drift among bald eagles and dolphins and sleep on beaches with wild horses for neighbors. Water rules Delmarva, the rural, folksy peninsula pinched between bay and sea, where you’ll find my favorite place to go, Assateague Island National Seashore, an undeveloped barrier island that runs for 37mi/60km along the Atlantic Coast. A water trail spans the lee side of the island to four <a href="https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping-map.htm">backcountry campsites</a> tucked among the pines, each about two to 12 miles (3 km to 19km) apart. Out here there are no boardwalks and carnival rides, just miles of soft sand and stunted forests that are home to miniature sitka deer. Most people just drive up to the beach, pitch an umbrella in the sand and call it good. You, however, should rent a kayak from <a href="https://www.assateagueoutfitters.com/">Assateauge Outfitters</a> on the north end of the island ($70 for three days) and tool along the lee side of the island looking for herons and egrets. Come evening you can stake your tent in the forgiving shade of the pines and take a sunset dip. You’re almost guaranteed to come across at least some of the 200 wild horses that roam the island. How they got there – pirates? shipwreck? forgetful farmers? – is still something of a mystery. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/kayaking/wild-ponies-maryland.jpg" alt="Kayaker's point of view of two wild ponies on Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland." /> <figcaption>Wild horses on Assateague Island National Seashore. Image credit: Getty Images / Canvan Images</figcaption></figure> About an hour southwest of Assateague on the Chesapeake side of the Delmarva Peninsula you’ll find a sneaker gem, <a href="https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/eastern/JanesIsland/Water-Trails.aspx">Janes Island State Park</a>, the first place I ever went camping. Today the park near Crisfield is home to more than 30mi (48km) of marked water trails and three backcountry campsites. You can rent a boat inside the park at the headquarters near the <a href="https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/eastern/JanesIsland/Boating.aspx">Daugherty Creek Canal</a> ($55/day) and paddle about a mile east (1.6 km) on the Yellow Trail to reach Flat Cap Beach, a 5mi (8km) strand of unspoiled sand. The 12.5m (20km) Brown Trail circumnavigates the entire island, taking you past campsites and the vestiges of a small community from the 1800s. No matter where you go, it’s best to know the weather and the tides and bring lots of freshwater for drinking. The mosquitos and gnats will eat you alive, so don’t forget some repellent and wear loose-fitting clothing. Then kick back in the sand, watch the sun set, and let the stars compete with the lighting bugs for brilliance. I’m confident you’ll see why I sometimes wish I’d never left. – <a href="/about/contributors/tim-neville">Tim Neville</a>Jen Rose Smith 0 Kayakers on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in Vermont.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/tales-of-sorrow-and-uplift-on-the-us-civil-rights-trailCovering more than 120 sites across 15 states, the Civil Rights Trail commemorates the fight for social justice in the US during the 1950s and ‘60s. Here's what to see along the way.2022-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/tales-of-sorrow-and-uplift-on-the-us-civil-rights-trailhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#memorial">The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama</a></li> <li><a href="#mlk">Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy</a></li> <li><a href="#birmingham">The seeds of racial justice in Birmingham, Alabama</a></li> <li><a href="#charleston">Reckoning with the past in Charleston, South Carolina</a></li> <li><a href="#railroad">Commemorating the Underground Railroad</a></li> <li><a href="#southern">Racism in America: not just a Southern problem</a></li> </ul> It was 1990 when I first encountered racial discrimination of a kind I hoped had long been extinguished in the United States. Having walked off the cramps and nausea of a 10-hour Greyhound ride to Mobile, Alabama, a friend and I made for one of its divey bars. After 45 minutes of clinking bottles and idle chat, I started to take in the room. The patrons were all white, and the pictures and paraphernalia on the wall included the Confederate flag and campaign posters for George Wallace, Jesse Helms, and Lester Maddox, all famously fierce opponents of the civil rights movement. Then, if a clincher were needed, I heard the bartender refusing admission to a Black sketch artist, “not welcome, not for work, not for play”. The beer turned to ashes in my mouth. I was mortified to have put money in the pocket of prejudice. Plainly, nothing had changed – not fundamentally – since the Jim Crow period, when laws enforced racial segregation across the South (from the Reconstruction Era, that largely bungled attempt to redress the inequities of slavery and its political, social, and economic legacy after the American Civil War, to the beginning of the civil rights movement in the mid-50s). I promised myself that I would never be so naive again, and so began my 30 years of study, allyship, and writing on race relations in the United States. If you want to educate yourself on America’s long, winding, and often bloody road to civil rights, and understand why the nation is still struggling with racial justice, hit the <a href="https://civilrightstrail.com/">US Civil Rights Trail</a>. Launched in 2018, the trail features more than 120 sites across 15 states, mostly in the South, where activists fought to advance social justice and racial equality in the 1950s and 1960s. By the time the civil rights movement came into being, “emancipated” Black people across the South had been told where they could walk, how and to whom they could talk, where they could live, work, shop, or be educated for almost a century. And they had been subject to daily torments, from verbal abuse to acts of unconscionable inhumanity. <h2 id="memorial">The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama</h2> Nowhere is that inhumanity more devastatingly brought home than at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, aka the National Lynching Memorial, which opened in 2018, in Montgomery, Alabama, along with a new Legacy Museum. Together they address the maintenance of white supremacy by racial terrorism in the form of extrajudicial killing and modern mass incarceration. The vision of Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer and founder/executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a not-for-profit organization committed to criminal justice reform, the memorial honors each of the more than 4,000 people of color who lost their lives to lynching. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/civil-rights-trail/lynching-memorial-new-crop.jpg" alt="The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, aka the National Lynching Memorial, in Montgomery, Alabama." /> <figcaption>The National Lynching Memorial. Image credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure> At its center is an open walkway with 800 steel columns hanging from its roof. Engraved on each column is the name of an American county and the people who were lynched there, most listed by name, some as “unknown”. Some of the horrors that befell them are related on plaques fixed to the wall (read them and weep, literally). You meet the columns at eye level first, but as you walk, the floor descends, till by the end, the columns are dangling above you, leaving visitors feeling uncomfortably like the crowds of spectators seen in old photographs (10,000 people gathered to watch Henry Smith, 17, be tortured and burned on a 10-foot scaffold in Paris, Texas in 1893; while 15,000 attended the mutilation and burning of Willy Brown in Omaha, Nebraska in 1919). <h2 id="mlk">Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy</h2> Martin Luther King Jr. connects many of the sites on the Civil Rights Trail. He had been pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery for about a year when, in 1955, he was chosen to lead a boycott of the city’s public bus system after Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat to a white passenger and was consequently arrested for violating the city’s segregation law. You can tour King’s childhood home and birthplace at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born upstairs because his parents refused to use segregated hospitals, and he and his wife are buried nearby. The National Civil Rights Museum, in Memphis, Tennessee, incorporates the Lorraine Motel where Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding took rooms, Wilson Pickett composed In the Midnight Hour, and King was gunned down on the balcony on April 4, 1968, leaving a psychic scar on the city that has yet to fully heal. I attended the 50th anniversary commemorations, and spoke to Hampton Sides, who wrote Hellhound on My Trail about the assassination. “I don’t believe King accomplished more in martyrdom than he would have accomplished had he lived,” he said. “We could use him right now. At this time of police brutality, the war on truth. We need his civility, his moderation, his message of non-violence.” <h2 id="birmingham">The seeds of racial justice in Birmingham, Alabama</h2> According to King, <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/underrated-usa">Birmingham</a>, Alabama, was probably “the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States” and his “Birmingham campaign”, a model of non-violent direct- action protest organized by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1963, drew the country’s attention to the hardships and brutality faced by Black citizens there. In April, King was jailed for two weeks, and on his release the city's Black youth redoubled their insurgency. After a few verses of I Woke Up With My Mind Stayed on Freedom, they burst through the doors of the 16th Street Baptist Church and faced down vicious dogs and fire hoses. Within days, an agreement was forged to desegregate the city. The nation had begun its stagger toward the March on Washington, King's I Have a Dream speech, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/civil-rights-trail/16th-street-baptist-church-birmingham.jpg" alt="The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, site of a number of important events in the US Civil Rights Movement." /> <figcaption>The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. Image credit: Getty Images / John Coletti</figcaption></figure> The city now has its own Civil Rights Heritage Trail, which winds through downtown, marking significant locations along the 1963 Civil Rights march routes, including the 16th Street Baptist Church, which was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in September 1963, killing four young girls. <h2 id="charleston">Reckoning with the past in Charleston, South Carolina</h2> Established in 1851, the 37-acre McLeod Plantation in <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/us-islands-for-outdoor-adventure">Charleston, South Carolina</a>, is rare among former plantations in that it makes no attempt to whitewash history. Charleston, though it was built on slave labor (Sullivan’s Island was the point of entry for an estimated 400,000 enslaved Africans brought to British North America), has started to reckon with its ignominious past, and the International African American Museum is slated to open, on the site of a former slave market, in 2022. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/civil-rights-trail/lynching-memorial-sculpture.jpg" alt="A sculpture of enslaved Africans in chains, at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama." /> <figcaption>A sculpture at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery. Photo credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="railroad">Commemorating the Underground Railroad</h2> A “center of education and discourse”, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is located on the banks of the Ohio River, which once separated the slave states of the South from the free states in the North. The museum works to keep alive the stories from the Underground Railroad, the secret network of “conductors” (allies) and “stations” (safe places) by which fugitive slaves made their way towards, they hoped, a measure of liberty. <h2 id="southern">Racism in America: not just a Southern problem</h2> I use the word “measure” advisedly. The story of the civil rights movement may be a Southern one, but racial discrimination was, and remains, a nationwide problem, and it behooves us all, not just during Black History Month, to keep this in mind. Take “sundown towns”. Products of the Great Migration – between 1916 and 1970 six million Black people left the South in search of work – those towns got their name from the threatening signs they erected that warned people of color they wouldn’t be welcome within their city limits after dark (Anna-Jonesboro, Illinois, had such signs on Highway 127 as recently as 1976). As I learned from my late friend James Loewen – who wrote the definitive book on the subject and had me visiting sundown towns to record interviews and take photographs for his archive – beginning in about 1890 and continuing until 1968, thousands of towns were established across the US for whites only. Many drove out their Black populations and destroyed their communities, then put up the intimidating signs. Others passed ordinances prohibiting African-Americans and other minority groups from owning or renting property. This policy may have officially ended decades ago, but discrimination is far from over in the United States. Until there is genuine equality of opportunity, the same racial disparities in economic wellbeing that dogged our past will go on to inform our future. The Civil Rights Trail is a good reminder of both how far we’ve come and how far we have left to go.Joe Furey 0 Joe Furey The Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennesee, where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/hiking-hot-air-balloons-history-in-new-mexicoNew Mexico is famous for its hot air balloon festival, but this Southwestern state is also great for hiking, biking, and exploring Native American history – especially in wintertime.2022-01-24T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/hiking-hot-air-balloons-history-in-new-mexicohttps://www.worldnomads.comI’ve always wanted to visit New Mexico but since I’m not a fan of dry climates where temperatures can regularly soar over 100°F (38°C), I knew I’d need to avoid the summer. A winter visit meant both manageable temperatures and smaller crowds – double win! But bear in mind, the state has dramatically varying temperatures and climates depending on where you are, so plan (and pack) accordingly. Las Cruces, which is only about 50mi (80km) from the Mexican border, might be 10-15°F warmer than Albuquerque. In turn, Albuquerque may be another 10-15°F warmer than higher-elevation regions such as Taos, where you’ll also find significantly more snow. <ul> <li><a href="#sands">Sand sledding in White Sands National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#caverns">Stunning geology at Carlsbad Caverns National Park </a></li> <li><a href="#balloons">Ballooning, biking, and exploring Pueblo Indian history in Albuquerque </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="sands">Sand sledding in White Sands National Park</h2> My first stop was <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm">White Sands National Park</a> ($25 admission per car or free with an annual pass) located near Las Cruces, in the far south of the State. As Las Cruces doesn’t have a major airport, I flew into nearby El Paso, Texas, where I rented a car and drove the 50 minutes northwest to start my trip. While I was looking forward to <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking</a> in the park (hikes range from ¼-mile boardwalk strolls to full-day desert treks), I was most excited to go sand sledding. Since the soft, snow-white sand gets uncomfortably hot in the summer, winter sledding is far more enjoyable (sleds are available in the gift shop for about $20). Note that unlike snow sledding, you need a steeper hill to get the sled going on sand so make sure you have plenty of clearance at the bottom. Not only was it thrilling to quickly slide down the sand dunes, but it also felt amazing to be sledding – actually sledding! – in warm weather, no cumbersome winter jackets, gloves, or hats required. The following morning, I rented a bike from <a href="https://www.bikelc.com/">Outdoor Adventures</a> to explore the local pecan orchards. The shop staff had great suggestions for how to access the orchard-lined roads without traffic (take Snow Road south then head back north on bike paths along the Rio Grande). Initially, I was sorry not to be exploring the orchards in fall, when the trees are full of colorful leaves but, to my surprise, I discovered that winter is pecan harvesting season, so the trees were still full of nuts. I had never thought twice about how pecans are harvested so it was interesting to see huge, tractor-like machines make their way through rows of trees, whipping up dust storms as they gathered the pecans that “shaker” machines had previously shaken off the trees. <h2 id="caverns">Stunning geology at Carlsbad Caverns National Park</h2> The most direct route from Las Cruces to Carlsbad takes you through northern Texas, so I made a quick pit stop at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Even if you don’t have time to hike, it’s a stunning place for a bathroom break. Though there are a handful of motels right outside <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm">Carlsbad Caverns National Park</a>, I overnighted 20mi (32km) north in Carlsbad, which has more dining options. Carlsbad Cavern is <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm">pretty accessible</a> since you’re able to take the elevator 75 stories down to the “Big Room”, where much of the cavern can be viewed via a mostly-flat trail and boardwalk. I opted to take the 1.25mi (2km) hike down the Natural Entrance Trail. During my hour-long hike, I only ran into two other people (plus a park ranger, who explained a bit of geology) so it felt like I was exploring the giant cavern on my own. Once I reached the Big Room, I was surrounded by thousands of stalagmites shooting up from the ground and stalactites dripping down from the ceiling, occasionally reflecting off small pools scattered around the cavern. You can either hike back up and out or take the elevator. Note that since the caverns (which are the park’s main draw) aren’t open-air, the park is requiring timed entry tickets to limit capacity. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/new-mexico/winter/carlsbad-cavern.jpg" alt="Stalactites and stalagmites in the Big Room at Carlsbad Cavern, New Mexico.." /> <figcaption>The “Big Room” at Carlsbad Cavern. Image credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="balloons">Ballooning, biking, and exploring Pueblo Indian history in Albuquerque</h2> New Mexico’s largest city may be best known for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which began in 1972 and now features 500 balloons each October. Though I’m averse to festival crowds, flying sky-high in a hot air balloon was still a priority so I booked a morning flight with <a href="https://www.rainbowryders.com/locations/albuquerque/">Rainbow Ryders</a> ($139 weekdays / $159 weekends). Keep in mind that balloon flights are entirely dependent on the weather so try to schedule your ride early in your stay in case you need to reschedule. On the morning I went out, high winds cancelled the trip, but I was able to go on a successful (and stunning!) flight that afternoon. It was surprisingly silent up there, as we sailed over fields, roads, and subdivisions, gazing at mountains to the west and the nearing sunset in the east. I didn’t have time to hike the steep, 8mi (13km) La Luz trail up to the top of Sandia Mountain (about 17mi/27km northeast of downtown Albuquerque) so I took the <a href="https://sandiapeak.com/">Sandia Peak Tram</a> instead. My weather-altered schedule meant I missed sunset at the top of the mountain (which is supposed to be spectacular) but the morning tram ride was crowd-free, and I was able to enjoy the panoramic view of Albuquerque and explore some of the mountaintop trails, lined with snow-covered trees, before catching the next tram down. Since I couldn’t leave town without getting in a hike, I added in a visit to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm">Petroglyph National Monument</a>, just 10mi (16km) from downtown Albuquerque. The trails are each only a few miles long or less, but they vary dramatically in terms of elevation and difficulty (ask at the Visitor Center to determine which route may be best for you). And don’t worry, even on the easier routes you’ll still be able to see dozens – if not hundreds – of ancient petroglyphs depicting animals, people, and symbols that Native Americans and Spanish settlers carved into the rocks over 400 years ago. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/new-mexico/winter/petroglyph-albuquerque.jpg" alt="A bird-like petroglyph at Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico." /> <figcaption>One of the many ancient carvings at Petroglyph National Monument. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> Though I had a car for my visit, I did most of my exploring in Albuquerque on two wheels. I rented a bike at <a href="http://routesrentals.com/">ROUTES bike shop</a> (which also offers guided bike tours) for a 34mi (55km) solo spin around town. The shop helped me plan my route and gave me a city bike map marked up with points of interest (<a href="https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/paseo-del-bosque-trail">Paseo del Bosque trail</a>, <a href="https://lospoblanos.com/organic-lavender-farm/lavender-farm/">Los Poblanos</a> lavender farm, <a href="https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/tingley">Tingley Beach</a>, and the <a href="https://www.sawmillmarket.com/">Sawmill Market</a> food hall were my favorites). ROUTES is conveniently located in the Old Town neighborhood so after my ride, I walked around exploring dozens of unique local shops – think Navajo rugs, pottery, handmade soap, chocolatiers, tea, and oil and vinegar. The Southwest is famous for the <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/native-american-journeys">rich history and culture</a> of the Pueblo Indians that have occupied the region for generations. Since all the Pueblos remain closed to protect vulnerable populations during the pandemic, the best way to explore their culture and contributions is by visiting the <a href="https://indianpueblo.org">Pueblo Indian Cultural Center</a> in Albuquerque. The museum can be explored in about an hour and the staff is extremely well-informed. Don’t miss breakfast or lunch at the museum’s Indian Pueblo Kitchen, which specializes in traditional Native American foods of the region (I loved the corn, quinoa, and amaranth atole porridge).Cassandra Brooklyn 0 Cassandra Brooklyn A man sits watching the sunset over the dunes at White Sands National Park, New Mexico.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/4-great-us-snow-adventures-for-nonskiersNot a skier? Not a problem. These fun and memorable winter activities will get you out in the snowy wilderness all over the United States. 2021-12-16T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/4-great-us-snow-adventures-for-nonskiershttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#wolves">Go wolf-watching in Yellowstone National Park </a></li> <li><a href="#yurts">Snowshoe to backcountry yurts in southern Colorado</a></li> <li><a href="#dogsled">Take a dogsledding tour in Oregon or California</a></li> <li><a href="#skate">Skate the longest ice trail in the US at Lake Morey, Vermont</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="wolves">Go wolf-watching in Yellowstone National Park</h2> My goosebumps aren’t from the cold. They’re from watching the elusive Canis lupus feeding on an elk carcass in the distance. It’s my second time taking a guided wolf tour in Yellowstone. Still, my body reacts like it did when I first witnessed these revered residents of our country’s first <a href="/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/wilderness-safety-in-the-usa">national park</a>. January in northern Wyoming isn’t warm. But gray wolves are easiest to spot against a backdrop of white snow. They’re also more active, preferring to hunt in the colder months when their prey is weaker. Heavy snow at high elevations has elk and bison herds feeding at lower altitude, closer to Yellowstone’s roads. It’s bumper-to-bumper traffic in June. In January, we have the park to ourselves. Nathan Varley, founder of <a href="https://www.wolftracker.com/">Yellowstone Wolf Tracker</a>, is behind the wheel. We can see the Junction Butte pack, including its healthy litter of pups, from the warmth of our SUV. Still, we climb out and post up behind a high-powered spotting scope. Varley, the son of park rangers, has a Ph.D. in Ecology. In 2014, he guided my family on snowshoes up to the pens that held the wolves when they were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995. He also takes clients out on cross-country skis. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/snow/wolves-from-car-nps-jim-peaco.jpg" alt="Wolves in Yellowstone National Park, seen through the window of a car." /> <figcaption>Watching wolves (and being watched) in Yellowstone. Image credit: NPS_Jim Peaco</figcaption></figure> Experiencing this wild, winter wonderland is an extreme privilege – even if all we see are tracks. That said, wolf sightings are pretty much guaranteed. Since some of the animals are collared, wildlife biologists like Varley have their radio frequencies. In fact, the best way to find a wolf is to find a wolf watcher. – <a href="/about/contributors/katie-jackson">Katie Jackson</a> <h2 id="yurts">Snowshoe to backcountry yurts in southern Colorado</h2> Colorado is known for Fourteeners (mountains above 14,000 ft) and world-class <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">downhill skiing</a> when its lofty crags are blanketed in snow. But Centennial State winter itineraries aren’t complete without trekking into the backcountry. I strapped on snowshoes for a dose of solitude in the San Juan Mountains along the 10,022ft (3,055m) Cumbres Pass, which bridges southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. The pass shelters a system of four remote yurts – a type of hut that hails from the Central Asian steppes. Like other yurt systems in big-time outdoorsy states, the <a href="https://southwestnordiccenter.com/">Southwest Nordic Center</a> rents the wood-frame, canvas-sided huts to adventurers who don’t mind the 2.75- to 4-mi (4.4- to 6.5-km) trek through pine-studded forests to their accommodations. I called upon some basic backcountry knowhow during my excursion, including navigating via marking blazes, since this time of year trails are buried under snow. The terrain suits telemark skiing, where skiers arm their skis with skins to grip the snow, and beginner-friendly snowshoeing. Physical fitness is a must – and not just because of the elevation. Traveling here often calls for breaking trail through several feet of fresh snow while carrying a gear-filled backpack. Huts are outfitted with pots, pans, pillows, and games, but you’ll need to pack in food, a sleeping bag, and plenty of warm layers. Water is available via snowmelt. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/snow/colorado-yurt-ashley-biggers.jpg" alt="A yurt aglow with firelight at night in a snowy forest." /> <figcaption>A cozy yurt welcomes snowshoers after an active day. Photo credit: Ashley M. Biggers</figcaption></figure> Reaching the remote huts unlocks extended touring in pristine mountains. My group were the only humans within miles as we explored untouched ridges, dropped into deep backcountry bowls, and left crampon tracks up and down gentle slopes. After long days of exertion, we rewarded ourselves by kicking our feet up around the roaring woodstove at night. Two nights from US $100; yurts sleep six. – <a href="/about/contributors/ashley-biggers">Ashley M. Biggers</a> <h2 id="dogsled">Take a dogsledding tour in Oregon or California</h2> You can hear the dogs long before you see them – a cacophony of yelping and barking, a whirlwind of energy at the staging area at the base of Mt. Bachelor ski resort near Bend, Oregon. The soothing voices of Nick and Rachael Scdoris and their team of mushers at <a href="https://www.mtbachelor.com/things-to-do/resort-activities/sled-dog-rides">Oregon Trail of Dreams</a> do little to tamper the excitement of dozens of dogs eager to pull visitors along <a href="/stories/discovery/dog-sledding-at-the-top-of-the-world">snowy forest trails</a>. As Rachael, using the wisdom of her Iditarod racing experience, arrays ten dogs along two leads per sled, I pet some who nearly bowl me over with their enthusiasm. Dressed in standard winter snow gear, I hop aboard a sled with a friend, tuck under a blanket, and sit back as the musher shouts “Gee” for “right” and “Haw” for “left” to guide the dogs along the trail. Cruising at ten miles an hour and more, I watch the trees fly by, hear the joyful yipping of dogs, and feel the whoosh of the snow beneath me. It’s a wonderful taste of wilderness adventure easily accessible to any visitor who wants to reserve a trip. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/snow/oregon-dogsled-bill-fink.jpg" alt="A team of dogs pulls a dogsled through a snowy forest." /> <figcaption>A happy team of dogs pulls a sled through the woods near Mt. Bachelor. Image credit: Bill Fink</figcaption></figure> Oregon Trail of Dreams has hour-long dogsled rides beginning at $200 per sled (up to two adults and a child) and also offers Marathon 26-mile adventures with lunch that can be booked for $1,100 per couple. In California’s eastern Sierras, <a href="http://www.mammothdogteams.com/">Mammoth Dog Teams</a>, based about 10 minutes outside of Mammoth Lakes, provides similar trips, $95 per adult for a 50-minute ride (+$55 for a child), or a 105-minute ride with hot drinks for $185 (+$90/child), and even overnight camping adventures for the intrepid. Trips are dependent on snow and weather conditions and require reservations. – <a href="/about/contributors/bill-fink">Bill Fink</a> <h2 id="skate">Skate the longest ice trail in the US at Lake Morey, Vermont</h2> Temperatures were in the single digits when I arrived at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont, last winter. It was cold enough that snow creaked underneath my boots as I walked to the lakefront, where ice skaters whizzed by with scarves wrapped to the tips of their noses. Many of the tiniest Vermont villages – including my own – have an outdoor rink or two, but Lake Morey merits a special trip. The 4.3mi (6.9km) <a href="https://www.lakemoreyresort.com/activities/the-lake/">skate trail</a> around the lake’s perimeter is the longest in the United States, a ribbon of white-blue ice wrapped in low-lying, evergreen-forested mountains. You can rent ice skates there, and the trail itself is free to use. That makes it a social hub for the rural community. After lacing my skates and pushing off, I joined the families chatting as they skated, dodging stray pucks from pickup ice hockey games. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/snow/vermont-skating-jen-rose-smith.jpg" alt="Skaters on a long skate trail in the wilderness of Vermont." /> <figcaption>Skaters on the Lake Morey Skate Trail. Image credit: Jen Rose Smith</figcaption></figure> We thinned out on the long straightaway, until the only sound was the clean scraping of ice underneath my blades. Summer houses around the lake slumbered under a blanket of snow, but when I saw a bald eagle bank over the far horizon, it felt like I was gliding away into the wilderness. – <a href="/about/contributors/jen-rose-smith">Jen Rose Smith</a>NPS_Doug Smith 0 NPS_Doug Smith A pack of wolves in a snowy field in Yellowstone National Park.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/outdoor-adventures-in-central-and-eastern-canadaA world away from crowded resorts like Whistler, the eastern provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and New Brunswick offer winter adventures galore. 2021-12-14T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/outdoor-adventures-in-central-and-eastern-canadahttps://www.worldnomads.comThe first snow of the season is a glorious thing. Big flakes drift down from the sky, covering the land in a fluffy white blanket that muffles sound and brightens the night. Where I come from – Vancouver, BC, a place with such mild winters I’ve always cheekily referred to it as “fake Canada” – this first snow is always fleeting (as is the second and, if we get it, the third). While the rest of the country bundles up, preparing for three months of backyard skating or snowshoeing through the woods, we’re already counting down the weeks until our crocuses pop up. The first time I experienced winter in the east, it was a (chilly) revelation. While our west-coast mountains and <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/best-destinations-for-snowboarders-and-skiiers-in-canada">ski resorts</a> are famous for snow sports, the steep slopes (which can come with steep prices) are often busy and crowded. They’re gorgeous and glittering, but it took heading back east to experience the kind of old-fashioned winter I’ve always dreamed of – one where snow is reliably outside the door, lakes freeze over for skating or fishing, and dark, clear nights might offer the promise of <a href="/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lights">northern lights</a>. It was in the east I discovered a quieter, more reflective winter – one where a day in the snow is often followed by an evening in front of the fire; where everyone you meet has cold, chapped cheeks and conversations revolve around snow texture and wind-chill factors. Read on for some of my favorite low-key winter adventures as well as a few tips for coping with the cold. <ul> <li><a href="#snowshoe">Snowshoeing along the ancient bison paths at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatchewan</a></li> <li><a href="#skating">Ice skating on a forest trail in Fredericton, New Brunswick</a></li> <li><a href="#ski">Ski through the boreal forest in Quebec's Mont-Orford National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#fish">Fish the canoe routes of the Anishnabek people of Manitoulin Island, in northeastern Ontario </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="snowshoe">Snowshoeing along the ancient bison paths at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatchewan</h2> The first time I tried walking in old-school snowshoes (the kind that look like oversized wooden tennis rackets) I tripped and fell into a snowbank. I was pretty sure the sport wasn’t for me. The shoes I tried hadn’t changed much in the thousands of years since Indigenous people expertly traversed the landscape using a version made from rawhide and bent branches. Happily for me, the modern shoes available for loan at <a href="https://wanuskewin.com/">Wanuskewin</a> (a park outside Saskatoon that traces the historic buffalo hunt and Plains People) are much smaller and easier to use than the ones I first tried. Strapped on over cozy snow boots, these snowshoes offer novices easy entry into winter landscapes of deep, untouched snow. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-wilderness/snowshoeing-wanuskewin.jpg" alt="The headquarters of Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatchewan, Canada." /> <figcaption>The headquarters of Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Image credit: Diane Selkirk</figcaption></figure> You can snowshoe almost anywhere there’s more than six inches (15cm) of snow, but a recent experience on Wanuskewin’s 4.3mi (7km) of trails left me enchanted. The chilling winter wind was whipping across the grassland, but temperatures down in the valley were mild enough to spend a couple of hours exploring the buffalo jumps, tipi rings, and beaver dams on trails winding along the frozen Opimihaw Creek. Up at prairie level we spotted deer and the park’s new herd of bison. Snowshoeing can work up a sweat, so dress in layers and bring water. <h2 id="skating">Ice skating on a forest trail in Fredericton, New Brunswick</h2> Skating outside is one of the most purely Canadian activities there is. Just about anywhere that gets cold enough (Jan-March is the typical season) will have some sort of <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/5-winter-activities-in-montreal-and-quebec-city-canada">outdoor rink</a> with skate loans or rentals. I’ve a long held a fantasy about gliding for miles along Canada’s most famous ice trail; the 4.8mi (7.8km) Rideau Canal in Ontario. But shorter, less-known skating trails have taken the activity to a new level. Taking a variety of forms, including paths cleared on lakes and winding forests trails that are flooded to create slick surfaces, the skateways are usually a few yards wide and many are lit for night skating. One of the newest is the forest trail at Mactaquac Provincial Park, 25 minutes outside of Fredericton, New Brunswick. Two loops, winding 700 yards (635m) through the woods, are free of charge, as are the skate loans. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-wilderness/skating-new-brunswick.jpg" alt="A woman ice skates at Mactaquac Provincial Park near Federicton, New Brunswick." /> <figcaption>Skating outdoors – one of the most purely Canadian activities there is. Photo credit: Diane Selkirk</figcaption></figure> You can also find a trail in the <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/a-road-trip-along-lake-superiors-ontario-coast#islands">Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area</a> in Ontario. Once the freeze sets in, the intermediate-level Lake Superior Ice Trail will wind 765 yards (700m) along the shore. In Quebec (but just 45 min from Ottawa), the easy trail at Lac-des-Loups runs 1.8mi (3km) through a snow-covered forest that keeps you sheltered from icy chill. While trail skating is an active sport that keeps you warm, until you get the hang of it choose a route with warming stations where you can stop for hot chocolate and a visit with locals. Make sure you have a good toque (Canadian for winter hat) and warm socks. <h2 id="ski">Ski through the boreal forest in Quebec's Mont-Orford National Park</h2> Nordic, or cross-country, skiing is something downhill or non-skiers assume is hard a physical slog that’s tough to learn. In truth, once you learn the basics it’s a delightful way to explore a winter landscape. Cheaper than downhill skiing and easier on your body (it’s popular with everyone from athletes in training to seniors) it doesn’t require specialized ski clothing (fleece tights and layers are typical) or a stay at a fancy resort. My favorite places to ski offer forested, rolling terrain with cold enough temperatures that the snow doesn’t melt and get icy. Mont-Orford, which has 31mi (50km) of classic and 16mi (26km) of skate ski trails, fits the criteria so perfectly that competitive ski teams train here. Located 1.5 hours east of Montreal, Mont-Orford is typical of cross-country ski areas found across Canada and offers rentals, lessons, modest lodging, and dining. <h2 id="fish">Fish the canoe routes of the Anishnabek people of Manitoulin Island, in northeastern Ontario</h2> Ice fishing with Wasse-Giizhik Tours combines two of my favorite things: Indigenous tourism and fishing. Indigenous tourism is the fastest-growing sector of tourism in Canada. Companies like Wasse give visitors a chance to see the land through a new perspective – or in this case, the chance to see the waters around Manitoulin Island through the eyes of the people who have been there since time immemorial. While I have to admit I never thought I’d love ice-fishing, the absurdity of it got me hooked. Who imagined people actually sit in heated tents bobbing a line up and down in a hole cut in the ice? For me, the first surprise was how beautiful fishing in the winter is. Set on a frozen lake in the middle of a frozen landscape, just reaching a fishing spot requires a trip through a winter wonderland. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-wilderness/ice-fishing.jpg" alt="A woman ice fishes in a hut near Manitoulin Island, Ontario." /> <figcaption>The author tries her hand at ice fishing. Image credit: Diane Selkirk</figcaption></figure> Then there’s the fishing. The clear water takes on luminous quality through the ice and once you’re inside a darkened hut it’s easy to spot the trout as they swim by and (hopefully) take your bait. A heater keeps the space warm and tall tales about the ones that got away make the hours speed by.GettyImages / Nino H. Photography 1159060202 Getty Images A man cross-country skis on a wide, forested trail in Quebec, Canada.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/5-winter-activities-in-montreal-and-quebec-city-canadaWinter turns the province of Quebec into a sparkling playground, and even in the urban centers, there’s plenty of cold-weather fun to be had. Jen Rose Smith shares her favorite ways to enjoy the season. 2021-12-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/5-winter-activities-in-montreal-and-quebec-city-canadahttps://www.worldnomads.comEach time I see a map of eastern Canada, my eye drifts inevitably northwards. Beyond the region’s vibrant cities – which mostly cluster in the relative warmth along the international border – lie vast forests, glacier-carved lakes, and swaths of roadless wilderness. The fracturing upper coast juts above the Arctic Circle. Go far enough north and you hit polar bear country. From the time I moved to <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/4-great-us-snow-adventures-for-nonskiers#skate">neighboring Vermont</a>, I dreamed of that northern wilderness. But after dozens of trips exploring eastern Canada – and Quebec province in particular – I learned you don’t need to go off-grid to experience the best winter adventures. Each year, snow piles into towering drifts along cities’ cobblestone streets, and neighborhood ponds freeze into ice skating rinks. Dance parties illuminate frozen fields, bringing crowds to outdoor festivals. Once, while sitting in a chic café in <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/a-locals-guide-to-quebec-city">Québec City</a>’s UNESCO-listed historic center, I saw a horse-drawn sleigh race past the picture window with bells jingling. That means travelers can get a taste of Quebec’s thrilling winter season without leaving city limits. Here are some of my favorite ways to experience a region that rewards travelers willing to venture out into the cold. <ul> <li><a href="#skate">Skate urban ice rinks in Montréal and Québec City</a></li> <li><a href="#party">Bundle up for Carnaval de Québec and Igloofest</a></li> <li><a href="#ski">Go cross-country skiing on the Plains of Abraham</a></li> <li><a href="#hotel">Book a night in an ice hotel</a></li> <li><a href="#dogsled">Yell “mush!” behind a dog-sledding team</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="skate">Skate urban ice rinks in Montréal and Québec City</h2> Winter kicks off a countdown to the season’s first hard freeze, which is when local skaters flaunt serious skills at neighborhood rinks in Québec. Lacing up a pair of rented figure skates on my first cold-weather trip to Montréal, I joined the crowd at Lac-aux-Castors, a skating pond surrounded by forested hills in the downtown Mount Royal Park. With classical music on the loudspeakers and plenty of room for my awkward, novice-skater moves, it’s still one of my favorite places to skate in the city. On Montréal’s charming historic waterfront, skaters loop around the riverside Old Port Skating Rink, backdropped by a towering Ferris wheel and the silver dome of Bonsecours Market. It’s especially popular on winter nights featuring fireworks shows, DJs, and other events. When I’m ready for a quieter, neighborhood feel, I prefer the skating rink at Parc La Fontaine. Trees line a track that loops through the city park, and a stop for rink-side hot chocolate is a must. (I’m also looking forward to Montréal’s newest skating destination, a massive rink called Esplanade Tranquille which opened in February 2022 in the Quartier des Spectacles.) When it comes to skating rinks, though, Québec City won’t be outdone. Just outside the ramparts of Old Québec, Place D’Youville skating rink is arguably the most picturesque in the province, flanked by the stone archway of St. John Gate and the holiday light-decked, Beaux-Arts Théâtre Capitole. And if you want to try out speed-skating with specialized skates and an Olympic-sized rink, you can head to Québec City’s new Centre des Glaces, which claims the title of largest indoor skating center in North America. <h2 id="party">Bundle up for Carnaval de Québec and Igloofest</h2> Frigid temperatures are no excuse for staying inside on a trip to Canada, where locals pride themselves on keeping the party going all winter long. A highlight of Québec City’s 9-day <a href="https://carnaval.qc.ca/en/">Carnaval de Québec</a> is outdoor dancing to DJ music at the Ice Palace. I bundle up and fill my pockets with plenty of hand warmers, but some locals swear the secret to staying cozy is the occasional nip of caribou, a concoction of warm red wine spiked with liquor and maple syrup that’s sold all over the city during the carnival. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-cities/igloofest-getty-108262358-olivier-jean.jpg" alt="Guests walk past glowing igloos at Igloofest, Montreal, Canada." /> <figcaption>Attendees at Igloofest in Montreal. Image credit: Olivier JEAN/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption></figure> Montréal’s answer to that outdoor dance party is <a href="https://igloofest.ca/en">Igloofest</a>, an electronic music festival in the Old Port across four weekends in January and February. It’s the place to see locals turned out in their most eye-catching winter wear, which ranges from vintage fur coats to full-body ski suits – there’s an annual contest for the best festival outfit. <h2 id="ski">Go cross-country skiing on the Plains of Abraham</h2> Don’t be surprised to see locals toting skis through the heart of Québec City, whose stone ramparts and cobblestone streets are at their prettiest in winter. Just outside the fortified center are the Plains of Abraham, fields where cross-country <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">skiers</a> loop through snowy terrain commanding views of the St. Lawrence River far below. I love to fit a quick ski in whenever I’m in town. With 8.6 mi (13.9 km) of ski trails that are free to use, it’s a recreation destination with some serious history. When the cross-country skiing World Cup races took place here in 2020, athletes were gliding over the site of a pivotal 1759 battle between French and British forces struggling for control of the region. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-cities/cross-country-getty-532531093-pchoui.jpg" alt="A woman cross-country skis on a forested trail in Quebec." /> <figcaption>Cross-country skiing on a forested trail in Quebec. Photo credit: Getty Images / pchoui</figcaption></figure> Things have calmed considerably since then. And since the Plains of Abraham are mostly flat, even beginners can get started with some rental gear from the onsite shop. If you’re ready for longer trails and more challenging terrain, there’s 24.6mi (38km) of classic skiing and 6mi (10km) of skate skiing at Sentiers du Moulin, a forested trail network just 20 minutes outside the city center. You can rent skis there, and thaw cold fingers at the ski area’s five heated, trail-side cabins. <h2 id="hotel">Book a night in an ice hotel</h2> Winter weather brings a flurry of activity to the outskirts of Québec City, where the <a href="https://www.valcartier.com/en/accommodations/hotel-de-glace-ice-hotel/">Hôtel de Glace</a> is built from scratch each year. I didn’t know what to expect on my first visit, but every detail of the hotel is molded and carved from ice, from the tinkling ice chandelier to beds and elaborate décor. Bookings include a room at neighboring Hotel Valcartier where you can shower and keep luggage, but even when I’m staying elsewhere, I make a stop to tour the grounds. Daytime visitors can explore rooms with ice-block walls and snowy floors, and sleeping platforms covered with thick, insulating bedding. The ice chapel is lined with frozen pews for guests at winter weddings, and visitors gather for cocktails served in ice glasses at the ice bar. The theme changes every year, keeping a team of snow-and-ice artisans on their toes. After opening in early January, the hotel welcomes guests until warming spring weather turns the ephemeral structure into a pile of melting ice cubes. If you’re craving more frozen artwork and you’re visiting during Carnaval de Quebec, head to the festival grounds by Old Québec to see elaborate snow sculptures crafted by teams from around the globe. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-cities/ice-hotel-getty-669801-pierre-rousell.jpg" alt="Visitors walk under an ice candalabra at the Ice Hotel Quebec." /> <figcaption>Visitors walk under an ice candelabra at the Ice Hotel. Image credit: Pierre Roussel/Newsmakers via Getty</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="dogsled">Yell “mush!” behind a dog-sledding team</h2> As I stepped into the festival grounds at my first Carnaval de Quebec, I was startled to see a team of huskies rushing past with steam billowing from their thick coats. During the carnival, mushers offer rides right in the heart of the city, with sleds drawn behind a team of six or eight dogs. First Nations people have long used dogs for winter transport, a tradition that thrives in the snowiest parts of Canada. Even outside of the festival season, you can try the winter sport in and around Québec City. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/winter-cities/sled-dogs-getty-51422597-andre-forget.jpg" alt="A man drives his dog sled through the streets of Old Quebec City during the Winter Carnival." /><figcaption>A man drives his dog sled through the streets of Old Quebec City during the Winter Carnival. Image credit: ANDRE FORGET/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption></figure> About 15 minutes from the city center is <a href="http://www.chenillapoursuite.com/en.php">Chenil La Poursuite</a>, where Malamute Husky sled dogs draw sleds through forest trails. Hour-long and half-day outings are available, followed by fire-side hot chocolate and time to play with the sled-dog puppies. Other nearby options include <a href="https://www.pourvoirielacbeauport.com/en/winter-activities/dogsledding/">Pourvoirie du Lac-Beauport</a> and <a href="https://traineaux-chiens.com/main_en.html">Aventures Nord-Bec Stoneham</a>, offering dogsledding trips that range from quick, kid-friendly tours to two-hour rides that go deeper into the woods.Getty Images / marcduf 0530658139 Getty Images Ice skaters at the Place D’Youville skating rink just outside the ramparts of Old Quebec, Canada.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/winter-adventures-in-arizonaArizona’s natural wonders don’t stop with the Grand Canyon. Naturalist guide John Baston shares southern Arizona’s striking landscapes, rich history, and abundant desert wildlife.2021-09-28T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/winter-adventures-in-arizonahttps://www.worldnomads.comIn the depths of winter, many of us find ourselves longing for sunshine and warmth – a place where we can ditch the parka, wear our sandals, and walk around in short sleeves. Fortunately, there’s plenty of space under the wide-open skies of southern Arizona to enjoy a winter escape. I started to guide hiking trips in Sedona and the Grand Canyon 20 years ago. The first thing to know is that Arizona is not all desert. It’s the sixth largest of the United States and is also home to mountains, canyons, rivers, and forests. Many areas in northern Arizona are high elevation and cold and snowy in the winter, while the southern third of the state is mostly low altitude, hot, and dry. At first, I always arrived in Phoenix and left it for the more iconic destinations in the north. But over the years, my intrigue grew with the mountains and canyons around Phoenix and Tucson. I specifically started to come just for the desert and now I <a href="https://www.roadrunnerexpeditions.com/">enjoy guiding trips</a> in winter and early spring in, what we generally refer to as, the Sonoran Desert. <ul> <li><a href="#phoenix">Native American culture and desert adventures near Phoenix </a></li> <li><a href="#scenic">The scenic route between Phoenix and Tucson</a></li> <li><a href="#tucson">Saguaros, waterfalls, and wildlife near Tucson</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="phoenix">Native American culture and desert adventures near Phoenix</h2> When I lead tours here, I make sure to bring guests who are interested in Native American culture to the Heard Museum. Founded in the late 1920s, and originally based on one couple’s personal collection, this splendid museum has grown up with the city and evolved in its perspectives and presentation of Arizona’s first peoples. As a guide who is always trying to provide deeper meaning and context, a visit here is great preparation for visiting other Native American sites around the region. For great natural experiences not far from Phoenix, I go to the many trailheads of the gorgeous McDowell Mountain Regional Park, about 37mi (60km) northeast of town. Here opportunities abound to see unique desert wildlife such as Harris’s hawks, Gilded flickers, Gila woodpeckers (living in saguaro cactus!), and Regal-horned and Zebra-tailed lizards. Some people come here just to take pictures of the gnarly, weathered granite boulders, reminiscent of Joshua Tree National Park in California. Another spot just 7mi (11km) south of downtown Phoenix is South Mountain Park and Preserve which has about 50mi (80km) of <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking trails</a>. Here, you can hike or drive to Dobbins Lookout (2,330ft/710m) for great views of the Phoenix area. As a hiker, I’m generally more comfortable moving through the desert on my own two feet. But a local friend suggested I try <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/mountain-biking">mountain biking</a> on the groomed desert single-track trails at Brown’s Ranch, north east of Phoenix. As I whizzed through the gravel and past the cactus in the sunshine I felt as though I’d discovered a brand-new sport. I’m certain to come back for more. You can pick up a detailed trail map of the many beginner and intermediate paths at the trailhead. If you call the local REI store, you can even have some mountain bikes delivered to the trailhead to rent for the day. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/arizona/mountain-biking-phoenix.jpg" alt="A man mountain bikes on a desert trail at Brown's Ranch near Phoenix, Arizona." /> <figcaption>The author on a trail at Brown's Ranch. Image credit: John Baston</figcaption></figure> For campers, Lost Dutchman State Park, east of Phoenix, is my favorite campsite in the area. It’s open year-round and has great scenery, hiking trails, and showers. Hike right to the base of the Superstition Mountains for an amazing sunset. <h2 id="scenic">The scenic route between Phoenix and Tucson</h2> If you’re driving to Tucson, skip the Interstate and take the quieter, more scenic Pinal Pioneer Parkway (State Rt. 79). You can find many wonders along the way. Hikers won’t want to miss the southern access to the Superstition Wilderness at the Peralta Trailhead. I like to park here and walk up Peralta Canyon 1,500ft (457m) to the saddle (about 2.5mi/4km one-way). The first time I was here, I was taken by the geology of the canyon, but did not expect to come upon one of the finest views in the entire desert. Bring a lunch, find a seat on the rocks, and appreciate the extinct volcanic plug known as Weaver’s Needle. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/arizona/weavers-needle.jpg" alt="Hikers sit gazing at Weaver's Needle, an extinct volcanic plug in the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona." /> <figcaption>Weaver's Needle. Image credit: John Baston</figcaption></figure> Along the Pinal Parkway you’ll also find Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, home to the single largest remaining freestanding building of historical <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/native-american-journeys">North American civilizations</a>, and also the ancient story of the “Valley of the Sun”, which we now generally refer to as “Greater Phoenix”. Imagine no concrete, cars, and strip malls but instead, a huge, sun-drenched valley fed by three rivers (Gila, Verde, and Salt) and irrigated by a massive canal system, which supported more than 100,000 people. What is now the Phoenix area was once the homeland of the Hohokam people – the ruins and displays at Casa Grande NM are a great way to reconnect this landscape to this ancient civilization. <h2 id="tucson">Saguaros, waterfalls, and wildlife near Tucson</h2> Tucson lies about two hours southeast of Phoenix and is known for being artsy and intellectual. To a Californian, I would say that Los Angeles is to San Francisco what Phoenix is to Tucson – they’d get it. Tucson is also higher in elevation, and so just in the strike zone of the saguaro cactus. They are everywhere there – the densest stands are protected in Saguaro National Park. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/arizona/saguaro-cactus.jpg" alt="A group of hikers stares up at a massive saguaro cactus near Tucson, Arizona." /> <figcaption>A group of hikers gazing up at a massive saguaro cactus. Image credit: John Baston</figcaption></figure> Just before you arrive in Tucson on the Pinal Parkway, you’ll come to the edge of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. I bring my tour groups here for a stroll at sunset to see the spectacular light on the western-facing slope of the mountains. You can hike into this rugged stretch of mountains from Catalina State Park and find frogs in the famous vernal pools. The Catalina Mountains climb thousands of feet behind the town of Tucson and provide a wide range of recreational opportunities. Arrive early at the popular Sabino Canyon trailhead and take the tram up into the mountains to do some easy walking to observe the scenery or get dropped at the much less visited Bear Canyon trailhead and hike (5mi/8km round trip) to Seven Falls. It still amazes me to see waterfalls in the desert next to cactus! These trails are great for early spring (mid-February) wildflowers. It’s also possible to drive to the top of the Catalina Mountains. As a seasoned observer of nature, I enjoy this little voyage which starts in the desert studded with saguaro cactus, moves through a number of ecosystems on the way to the coniferous forest and tops out at a ski area. Stop at Windy Point (elevation 7,000ft/2,134m) for pictures or to watch the sunset. Tucson is also home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This lovely outdoor museum perched at the edge of Saguaro National Monument has exhibits of live animals from the Sonoran Desert including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects from both the Mexican and American sides of the desert (most of the Sonoran desert <a href="/explore/north-america/mexico/border-towns-the-real-story#biosphere">lies in Mexico</a>). You won’t want to miss the morning raptor free flight – this well-orchestrated “show” only happens once a day and allows visitors a close-up experience of birds of prey flying and perching. And the gardens and botanical displays are worth the price of admission alone. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/arizona/raptor-show.jpg" alt="A raptor flies towards some prey during a raptor show at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. " /> <figcaption>The free-flight raptor "show" at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Image credit: John Baston</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> Tuscon and Phoenix both have international airports. Winter and early spring are the best times to visit this beautiful landscape (summers can be stiflingly hot). But be careful – the snowbird inside you will have you longing to return.John Baston 1 John Baston

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/a-road-trip-along-lake-superiors-ontario-coastThe world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior offers natural wonders and cultural history equal to its size. Joe Furey shares his journey along the Canadian side of the lake.2025-08-06T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/a-road-trip-along-lake-superiors-ontario-coasthttps://www.worldnomads.comWhen we think of a North American road trip, there’s a tendency to limit it to Route 66, the <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/best-of-the-blue-ridge-mountains">Blue Ridge Parkway</a>, and the Pacific Coast Highway – and when the <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/great-lakes-road-trip">Great Lakes</a> come to mind, our imaginations rarely venture north of the US border. Well, we’re missing out: one of my favorite drives takes a road less traveled, Highway 17, aka the Trans-Canada Highway, which cleaves to the Canadian shore of <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/where-to-hike-in-the-usa-year-round#october">Lake Superior</a>, and takes in some of the most exciting – and little seen – frontier country in the region. <ul> <li><a href="#agawa">Fall colors in Agawa Canyon</a></li> <li><a href="#pukaskwa">Lake Superior Provincial Park and Pukaskwa National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#islands">Waterfalls and islands</a></li> <li><a href="#thunder">On to Thunder Bay </a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="agawa">Fall colors in Agawa Canyon</h2> I started my journey in Sault Sainte Marie (SSM), Ontario, in mid-September, preferring to drive Highway 17 east to west – because there’s something suitably climactic about finishing a 450mi (724km) drive in a city called Thunder Bay. SSM, or “the Soo”, sits on St Mary’s River between lakes Superior and Huron and is one of the oldest communities in the upper Midwest: Whitefish Island was a First Nation Ojibwa settlement more than 2,000 years ago, and a Jesuit mission was founded there in 1668. An avid leaf-peeper, I parked up almost as soon as I set out, taking the 114mi (183km) Agawa Canyon Train Tour north into a nature reserve for some of the most vivid and varied fall foliage – so vivid that it gave birth to a Canadian school of impressionistic landscape painters, the Group of Seven, in the early 1920s; and so varied you’ll be coming up with new names to sit alongside auburn, carmine, and gamboge on September’s color wheel.  <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/ontario/agawa-canyon-getty-480018608.jpg" alt="Brilliant fall colors in Agawa Canyon, Ontario, Canada." /> <figcaption>Fall colors in Agawa Canyon. Image credit: Getty Images / hstiver</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="pukaskwa">Lake Superior Provincial Park and Pukaskwa National Park</h2> The following morning I took off for the 600mi2 (1,553km2) Lake Superior Provincial Park, stopping at Gargantua Harbour, where an old logging and fishing village has all but evaporated, but the Ojibwe still make camp (Batchewana First Nation refers to this region of their unceded traditional territory as Nanaboozhung). I also dropped in on the Agawa Rock pictographs – Mishipeshu, the Great Lynx, and 100 or so other images – that the Ojibwe painted, with red ochre and animal fats, onto a 15ft (4.5m) face of granite overlooking Lake Superior. Mind your footing – it’s slippery, and according to Selwyn Dewdney, the “father of rock art research”, Mishipeshu is the “sinister deity of swift or troubled waters”. From here, the highway heads northwest, through the former fur trading post of Wawa, and peels away from the lakeshore to leave <a href="https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/pukaskwa/visit">Pukaskwa National Park</a>, a parcel of untouched boreal wilderness with a rich Anishinaabe First Nations cultural history, to its own devices. Its 37mi (60km) coastal <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking</a> trail, occasionally punctuated by appearances from black bear, timber wolf, and Canada lynx, is best tackled one way – you can catch a water taxi back to the south end of the trail. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/ontario/pukaskwa-getty-949212402.jpg" alt="A hiker stands on the shore of Lake Superior in Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario." /> <figcaption>Hiking along the lakeshore in Pukaskwa National Park. Image credit: Getty Images / Susan Ruggles</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="islands">Waterfalls and islands</h2> The highway starts to climb, and the drama of the drive to intensify, once you’re past the town of Marathon. At Aquasabon Falls and Gorge, near Terrace Bay, and Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, a few miles shy of seasidey Rossport, nature takes a turn for the seriously sublime. The islands of Lake Superior cluster about its northwest corner, so there is offshore magnificence to contend with, too. A friend took me for a bob around those islands – the Rossports, Simpsons Island, the Fluor island group – in an aluminum fishing boat. They’re popular with <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">kayakers</a> for their cobble beaches, sea arches and caves, and intricate basalt formations, as well as shipwrecks, lighthouses, and rugged walking trails. Back in the 70s, when it was decided that no country had claimed it, the St Ignace archipelago – of which, St Ignace is Superior’s second-largest lake island – was fancifully designated the Republic of Nirivia, and given its own flag, anthem, and national flower. The whole area comes under the protection of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, the largest freshwater reserve in the world, which means the caribou, osprey, <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/canadas-best-destinations-for-wildlife-encounters">moose</a>, loon, and bald eagle that call it home can rest easy. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/ontario/rossport-islands-getty-144250958.jpg" alt="Sunset over tiny Rossport Island in Lake Superior." /> <figcaption>One of the Rossport Islands. Image credit: Getty Images / Henry@scenicfoto.com</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="thunder">On to Thunder Bay</h2> At Nipigon, I parted company with Highway 17, heading down Highway 11, but not before I’d done some fishing. In the fall, the Nipigon River, which runs from the Lake to the Bay of the same name, is famously awash with prize fish, including huge brook and rainbow trout, and pink, coho, and Chinook salmon. With the requisite licenses, you’ll be free to unleash your inner grizzly (safe in the knowledge there are no grizzly bears in Ontario). For all its wild and sonorous name, there’s quite a lot of civilization to return to in Thunder Bay: museums, galleries, arts venues, and cultural centers. Its main attraction is the Fort William Historical Park, a reconstruction of the Fort William fur trade post as it was in 1815, but Thunder Bay is still benefiting from one of its ancestral industries, and that’s mining: gold, chiefly, but also good quantities of palladium and lithium. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> For my needs – beauty, culture, a steep plummet in the number of biting insects – fall is the best time to visit the northern shore of Lake Superior, but spring comes a close second. I broke up my journey into four sections, staying twice at campsites with decent facilities (which are commonplace) and twice in guest houses. The small towns of the region don’t lack for places to stay and eat. Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, is your port of entry to and from the US, and the Soo is served by an international airport, with connecting flights to Toronto and Thunder Bay.Getty Images / gqxue 1499089802 Getty Images Ancient pictographs on Agawa Rock on the Canadian shore of Lake Superior.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/4-of-the-best-places-for-mountain-bikingThe sport of mountain biking originated in the United States, so it’s no surprise that there are endless great places to ride here, whatever your skill level. Our nomads share their favorites around the country.2021-09-13T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/4-of-the-best-places-for-mountain-bikinghttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#colorado">Breckenridge, Colorado</a></li> <li><a href="#arkansas">Little Rock and Hot Springs, Arkansas</a></li> <li><a href="#bend">Bend, Oregon</a></li> <li><a href="#west-virginia">Fayetteville, West Virginia</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="colorado">Breckenridge, Colorado</h2> It’s been said that Breckenridge (in the Colorado Rockies, about 80mi(129km) outside Denver) is just one big trailhead, and mountain biking fanatics, and even relative newbies, like me, swear that it's true. With more than 800mi (1,287km) of trails in and around the town, which sits at a whopping 9,600ft (2,438m) elevation, cyclists may have as hard of a time choosing a trail as they do adapting to the altitude. If I’m in the mood for a gentle and relaxing ride to help me acclimate, the River Trail that parallels the Blue River through town is a solid and bucolic choice. If I’m in the mood to test my courage, then the skill-building B-Line Trail with its jumps, wooden bridges and bermed turns is a true adrenaline rush. Either way, I’ve found trails that fit whatever kind of challenge I’m up for. Hardcore cyclists can test their mettle on the advanced Wheeler Pass Trail. This old hiking trail is steep and unforgiving, one of the most epic challenges avid mountain bikers can take on. The elevation is no joke, and your lungs burn as you churn your way over ruts and rocks to climb up to 12,000ft (3,658m), so make sure your body is acclimated. Weather can be tricky at this elevation, but the views and vistas make the misery of this trail well worth it. The ride starts off with a leg-quaking climb that inevitably requires some walking. But the pain is rewarded by a beautiful forest ride and a fast and fun single track. I gazed for quite a while at surrounding 13,000ft (3,962m) mountains and the beaver ponds while catching my breath, knowing that the next leg of the trail was about to spike almost 1,500ft (457m) in a mile. While you may cuss or even cry on the 11mi (18km) one-way Wheeler Pass Trail, it’s by far one of the most stamina-testing – and ultimately rewarding – trails in the Tenmile Range of the Rockies. For a full listing of trails and a map, swing by the Breckenridge Visitors Center in Downtown. Later, reward a hard and beautiful day of riding with a cold one from Breckenridge Brewery. – <a href="/about/contributors/heide-brandes">Heide Brandes</a> <h2 id="arkansas">Little Rock and Hot Springs, Arkansas</h2> The great state of Arkansas, known to locals as “The Natural State”, is often known to outsiders simply as “where President Bill Clinton is from”. Indeed, the 42nd POTUS is from Arkansas and was also its Governor. It’s a green and glorious state with a growing reputation for its outdoors activities in general (<a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/where-to-hike-in-the-usa-year-round#june">hiking</a>, biking, kayaking, tubing), and strong cycling scene. No Arkansan itinerary would be complete without the bike-friendly capital city, Little Rock, which has produced a detailed <a href="https://www.littlerock.com/experience-little-rock/cycling">cycling guide</a> with routes for different skill levels and riding styles (mountain, gravel, and road) both within the city and in nearby state parks. After leaving Little Rock, I headed to Hot Springs, an hour away. Though it’s best known for Hot Springs National Park, the real highlight of my trip was the <a href="https://www.northwoodstrails.org/">Northwoods Trails</a> system, a five-minute drive from downtown. The trail network is made up of nearly 30mi (48km) of trails that stretch across city, state, and national parkland, and is one of the few trail systems in the country that include national park trails open to mountain biking. These shared hiking/biking trails are wonderfully free of crowds. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/mountain-biking/arkansas-biking-group.jpg" alt="A group of women mountain bikers on a trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas." /> <figcaption>The Spa City Lady Gang. Image credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> In Hot Springs, Wednesday is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/187194206464685/?ref=share">Spa City Lady Gang</a>’s weekly group ride, when any female-identifying rider is invited to hit the mountain bike trails around the city. During my visit, a dozen or so ladies welcomed me to the Northwoods Trails and took me on a guided tour of the area. I was glad I joined them. There’s a trail network map at the trailhead, and the name of each trail is clearly signposted at the start, but once you’re on the web of trials, it’s hard to know how they all interconnect. Had I not gone with the gang, I would’ve been checking the photo I took of the map every few minutes so as not to get lost. We twisted and turned through dense foliage, rotating between steep climbs and rugged descents – a few of which some of us decided to get off and walk – and stopped at several bridges and streams to catch our breath and take pictures. While the Northwoods do have more challenging trails, the gang made sure we rode beginner (and a handful of intermediate) trails since I’m a relative newbie. As was the case in Little Rock, the trails are open year-round but may close after heavy rains. – <a href="/about/contributors/cassandra-brooklyn">Cassandra Brooklyn</a> <h2 id="bend">Bend, Oregon</h2> Almost any outdoorsy person living in the United States will have heard of Bend, Oregon. It’s like Boulder or Bozeman in that way, not too big, not too small, and packed with fun, world-class ways to play and be fit and happy outside. There’s skiing, hiking, fishing, and climbing, and all of it within a can-do-after-work distance. Specifically, though, people really like Bend for <a href="https://bendtrails.org/">mountain biking</a> and beer. A wonderful pairing, anywhere, sure – but it’s Bend’s abundance of both that makes it remarkable. More than 300mi (483km) of single-track trails wend through evergreen forests and over passes and up into the airy, hinterlands of the Deschutes National Forest, a 2,500mi2 (7,300km2) swatch of public land that cradles the city. You can flow through spicy-scented ponderosas in sweeping S-curves on Phil’s Trail or climb into the strange cinder country of red gravel peaks on Flagline. There are lakes to reach on the Metolius Windigo and rapids to follow on the River Trail. It’s so good and varied that bike magazines do their reviewing here. This is not slick rock, like that in Moab, or the root-riddled paths of New England. Some of the riding here is technical lava rock, but much of it is not. You can bomb steep trails over and over while riding the bike-friendly chairlifts at Mount Bachelor in the summer, or explore endless squiggles of pleasing, smooth, forgiving routes that weave through the woods and steppes. I’ve seen deer and eagles out there. I sometimes pack a small rod to fish. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/mountain-biking/bend-biking-dave-cox.jpg" alt="Two mountain bikers on a forest trail near Bend, Oregon. " /> <figcaption>Riders on the Tumalo Creek Trail. Image credit: Dave Cox, Mountain Media</figcaption></figure> My friend Katy Bryce agrees we have it good. “We have everything,” she says. She’s the author of the guide book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Bike-Bend-Select-Singletrack/dp/1680510649">Mountain Bike Bend</a>, and the CEO of a <a href="https://robertaxleproject.com/">local bike company</a>. “I have my favorites, but there are infinite ways to link trails together to create your own fun and adventure.” My favorite has always been how you can ride so many trails right from town – no car required. You can pedal along a new car-free footpath that dives and swoops its way to the <a href="https://bendtrails.org/trail/phils-trail-complex/">Phil’s Trail Complex</a> on the edge of town, where the pavement becomes duff or sand and perfectly tacky right after a rain. You can ride any time of year, really, though too much snow or heat mean April to July and September to October are best. That’s when I’ll spin up Kent’s or Ben’s – both easy green trails – and work my way over to a fast, hoot-worthy descent down Phil’s. It’s 15mi (24km) door to door and I’ll pass a <a href="https://www.visitbend.com/bend-ale-trail/">dozen breweries</a> on the way. I think we have 30 of them now. If you're looking for a guided adventure, <a href="https://www.cogwild.com/">Cog Wild</a> runs guided trips, shuttles, and skills courses in and around Bend. – <a href="/about/contributors/tim-neville">Tim Neville</a> <h2 id="west-virginia">Fayetteville, West Virginia</h2> West Virginia’s state motto,“Wild and Wonderful”, appears on welcome signs and license plates and is fantastically accurate. A variety of wild adventures – hiking, biking, rafting, mountain climbing – along with the state’s natural beauty make West Virginia a wonderful place to holiday. I arrived at the <a href="https://wvtourism.com/company/arrowhead-bike-farm/">Arrowhead Bike Farm</a>, near Fayetteville in central-south West Virginia, on a warm September morning, half expecting the mountain bike trails to be closed due to the previous evening’s powerful rainstorm. Instead, I was greeted by a cheery skills instructor and learned that the region’s sandstone filters and absorbs rain quickly so, while trails in other states become sloppy messes after a storm, these trails stay open. In fact, they’re open year-round, even if it snows. Arrowhead Bike Farm also offers skill-building workshops and guided tours (it also has adorable goats, a great restaurant, and awesome campsites). I’ve been an avid road cyclist for 15 years and enjoyed mountain biking in forests in <a href="/explore/central-america/costa-rica/traveling-in-costa-rica-during-covid#to-do">Costa Rica</a> and deserts in <a href="/explore/middle-east/jordan/exploring-jordan-from-a-local-womans-perspective">Jordan</a>, but I’d never taken a mountain biking class. Just as personal trainers help tweak your form for a safer, more effective workout, a mountain bike coach helps you develop habits that will result in a safer, more enjoyable ride. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/mountain-biking/west-virginia-biking-alt.jpg" alt="A woman rides a mountain bike through the woods near Fayetteville, West Virginia." /> <figcaption>The author riding the trails at Arrowhead Bike Farm. Image credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> After a 20-minute session, that covered proper form for riding uphill and downhill and how to maneuver and increase stability while dodging trees, we headed to the trails. Intermediate riders should try the Dalton and La Croix trails, while experienced riders should check out the Wolf Creek Trail system a few miles away, which offers riders large rock gardens and downed trees to tackle. Since I’m still a beginner, we rode the Long Point Trail (in <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/best-of-the-blue-ridge-mountains">New River Gorge National Park</a>), a mixed-use trail (shared with hikers) that leads to a spectacular view of the New River Gorge Bridge. The last .25mi (0.4km) of the trail must be walked. During the ride, my coach constantly watched my form, reminded me where to shift my weight, and checked in to make sure I felt comfortable. He let me know when we’d be approaching a hill and suggested when I should switch gears and/or adjust my speed. It was great. Had I taken a lesson like this while in Costa Rica, I probably wouldn’t have run into a railroad track and broken off a pedal. Next time I’m in the area, I’ll be sure to visit on a Wednesday for their weekly women’s ride. – <a href="/about/contributors/cassandra-brooklyn">Cassandra Brooklyn</a>Getty Images / Jordan Siemens 1523108724 Getty Images A woman bikes through aspen trees near Breckenridge, Colorado.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/exploring-northern-manitoba-lakesWith wilderness floatplane rides, pristine fishing waters, and ancient eskers to hike, Canada’s lesser-known province of Manitoba is an outdoor adventure-enthusiast’s paradise. 2021-09-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/exploring-northern-manitoba-lakeshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#fishing">Fishing at Blackfish Lake</a></li> <li><a href="#adventures">Outdoor adventures on Egenolf Lake</a></li> <li><a href="#eskers">Land of ancient eskers</a></li> <li><a href="#nunavat">Flying north to the Nunavat border</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> It's still dawn as I shoulder my pack and make my way down a rickety wooden jetty on Egenolf Lake, in northern Manitoba, to the vintage De Havilland floatplane bush pilot Colin Knight is readying. Across the water, a thin band of yellow light rises behind spruce trees, the sky milky white in a land where the sun never sets for long in summer. <h2 id="fishing">Fishing at Blackfish Lake</h2> From the air, it's apparent why Manitoba is the known as the “Lake Province” – swirls of indigo sprawl towards the horizon straddled by islands of boreal forest. There are 110,000 lakes in this province alone, almost 16 per cent of its total surface area. It's one reason fishing enthusiasts are drawn here from around the world, and at Blackfish Lake I clamber aboard a 16ft (5m) aluminum craft to have a crack myself. My guide is Napoleon Denechezhe (aka Nap) an affable, if somewhat taciturn character charged with the thankless task of teaching me how to fish. Bobbing silently amid calm waters, the vast swaths of pristine wilderness are ours alone. Commercial fishing is forbidden here and consequently the waters are teeming with northern pike, walleye, and lake trout. Despite my ham-fisted attempts, it doesn't take long to reel in several pike, my rod nipping and bending as I crank the reel, Denechezhe bemused by my flustered approach. Heading ashore, fellow guide Sengadore McCallum strikes up a fire while Denechezhe makes short work of cleaning and gutting the fish. The pike is fried in boiling oil alongside chopped potatoes, onions, beans, and sweet corn. Taking a seat on the sand, we watch in silence as a pair of bald eagles nest on the opposite shore. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/manitoba-aerial-view.jpg" alt="An aerial view of dozens of lakes stretching to the horizon in northern Manitoba, Canada." /> <figcaption>Manitoba's lakes stretching to the horizon, as seen from the floatplane. Image credit: Guy Wilkinson</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="adventures">Outdoor adventures on Egenolf Lake</h2> Back at our home base, the rustic yet charming Gangler’s North Seal River Wilderness Lodge, owner Ken Gangler is holding court over drinks. Nowadays, Gangler’s is less a fishing lodge and more an all-round adventure destination. There’s a resident ecologist, Brian Kotak, and head guide, John Tronrud, who supervises activities. This isn’t a place with rigid itineraries, more choose-your-own-adventure. Some days I <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">kayak</a> the lake or take a <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/mountain-biking">fat bike</a> for a burn, sitting by the fire pit afterwards with a beer, awaiting the <a href="/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lights">northern lights</a>. Other times, we set out to explore as a group led by Kotak, Tronrud, and local First Nations guides. <h2 id="eskers">Land of ancient eskers</h2> This stretch of Manitoba is famed for its eskers: sand and gravel ridges left behind when the glaciers retreated 8,000 years ago. There are 13 in the immediate vicinity, some rising to 230ft (70m) and higher. The longest is the Robertson Esker, spanning 985ft (300m). We make a beeline for it on a blustery afternoon, our motorized boats thudding over the choppy lake surface, spumes of salty spray whipping in off white caps as we pick up speed. After hiking to the ridge line, we can see for miles in all directions, forest and lakes sprawling interchangeably towards the horizon. "We're probably the first non-indigenous people to set foot on this esker in about 2,000 years," says Kotak. The switch to adventure travel in this region is still recent – previously, it mostly attracted avid fishing types. So aside from the locals who live and work nearby, we may well have been the first to hike the esker in a long, long time. Beside a set of freshly shed caribou antlers, we find a spearhead fashioned from quartz. It was likely created by hunters all those millennia ago and would have been tied to a stick and thrown at animals close-range. <h2 id="nunavat">Flying north to the Nunavat border</h2> On my final day, we board the floatplanes again for a 86mi (140km) flight north to the Nunavut border. Inside a dilapidated caribou-hunting cabin is the remnant destruction of a curious bear; claw marks gouged across the ceiling and cupboard doors. The place looks like it hasn't been used in years (the nearest road is more than 310mi/500km away) but with the floatplanes connecting the site to the main lodge, Gangler plans to refurbish the cabins, and add a fleet of kayaks, and obvious safety precautions against encroaching critters. In forthcoming seasons, visitors here will more likely be shooting caribou, wolves, and bears with DSLRs than rifles. Gliding back onto the surface of Egenolf Lake, the region feels more like home. There's been a definite shift in my daily rhythms, fewer furtive glances at my watch, less preoccupation with life's trivialities. The northern lights are slower than usual to make their appearance on our final night. Determined for one last glimpse – they've shown up every night of my trip – I find myself alone by the fire at 2am. It's quiet; only the sporadic pop of a burning log or the low murmur of wind out across the lake. Above the treetops, a raging swirl of emerald green dances in the night sky. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/manitoba-northern-lights-guy-wilkinson.jpg" alt="The northern lights shine emerald green over Egenolf Lake, Manitoba, Canada." /> <figcaption>The northern lights over Egenolf Lake. Image credit: Guy Wilkinson</figcaption></figure> I think of the closing lines to Robert William Service's poem, Call of the Wild. "There's a whisper on the night-wind, there's a star agleam to guide us, And the Wild is calling, calling ... let us go." <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> Air Canada offers direct flights to Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver from a number of international destinations, with ongoing connections to Winnipeg. (Note: due to COVID-19 safety requirements, international travelers may be restricted from traveling to Canada. Learn more <a href="https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/wizard-start">here</a>.) Several carriers, including Air Canada, offer direct service to Winnipeg from the United States. It's a 2½-hour charter flight from Winnipeg to <a href="https://ganglersadventures.com/">Gangler’s Lodge</a>, which is open June through September. Late August and September are among the best times for northern lights viewing.Guy Wilkinson 0 Guy Wilkinson A float plane is moored by a jetty on a mirror-calm lake in Manitoba, Canada.