The US is sure enough a place of diversity, both in terms of culture and landscape!
For those with a taste for the outdoor life who want to experience a range of adventure traveller activities and sights in a single country, the US is certainly a good choice of destination. Read on to learn why.
Skiing in the Arctic National Park
One of the remotest areas of wilderness in North America is the Gates of the Arctic National Park, which covers an area of 8.4 million acres. The Brooks Range of Alaska runs through this park, with the Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags forming the two 'gates'.
Visitors begin their adventure tours by taking a ski plane flight from the town of Bettles in Alaska to Eroded Mountain and from here they make their way north through the dramatic landscape of the Koyukuk River Valley. Although it is possible for travellers to do this trip on their own, most go with a tour group. These groups usually have sleigh dog teams to carry everyone's belongings and participants can take their turns at mushing the team and skiing during the day. A huge range of wildlife inhabits the park, including foxes, wolves, sheep, caribou and moose.
Canoeing in the Boundary Waters
Situated between Ontario and Minnesota, the Boundary Waters include more than 1,500 clear, icy lakes, which are accessible only by canoe and paddle. The landscape here is breathtaking and has remained relatively unchanged since it was first explored by French Canadian voyagers several hundred years ago.
Trips here begin in the Gunflint area of Minnesota and usually last for a week or so, during which time travellers spend their days paddling, admiring the beautiful scenery and camping in the nearby woods. They have the chance to see otters, eagles, black bears, beavers and moose and there are plenty of opportunities for fishing in the lakes here, with trout being the most commonly caught breed.
Mountain biking in the Grand Staircase
For those who want to stay on dry land, the Grand Staircase, located between the Grand Canyon's sheer walls and Bryce Canyon's pinks cliffs, is the perfect place for hiking as well as cycling holidays. The blue waters of the Paria River and the remote areas of forest form some of the most impressive slot canyons in North America.
Most cyclists begin their ascent around Echo Cliffs and make their way along the dirt roads toward the Grand Canyon's rim, whizzing past pine forests and sagebrush valleys till they reach the more gentle trails around the Kaibab Mountains. This area is best explored between April and July, where the weather is pleasantly warm.
Climbing Denali
For climbing enthusiasts, there's no better place in America than Denali, the country's highest peak. However, this is not for the novice climber, as there is no easy route up this enormous mountain. A climb usually takes about three to four weeks; base camp is approximately 7,000 feet up and provides some spectacular views of the Kahiltna Glacier.
From here, it takes another week to reach 14,000 feet. Whilst this is certainly an exceptionally challenging climb, reaching the summit will bring with it not only a great sense of achievement, but also some beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area.
AUTHOR BIO
Louise Thornton writes regularly on mountain and hiking holidays for a wide range of travel websites and blogs. Her work is regularly featured on some of the most well-known adventure travel publications.
Planning to be on PEI this year?
Prince Edward Island is easily one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Canada and a hidden gem in North America. Below I have listed some cool suggestions on things worth doing on a first time visit to Prince Edward Island
Go for long walks on the beach
If you're visiting PEI during the summer besides swimming and relaxing by the beach, one of the most popular things to do on vacation in Prince Edward Island is to go for beach walks. Kids will definitely enjoy strolling the beach, jumping the waves and dig for clams along the way.
The beaches in PEI national park (north shore) are some of the nicest and warmest beaches in PEI you can visit. Brackley beach, Stanhope beach and Dalvay beach are some of the most popular. If you want to do beach camping while in PEI head to one of the provincial parks such as Panmure Island or Red Point.
Enjoy a game of golf
Golf is hugely popular sport in Prince Edward Island and PEI is no doubt, one of the most popular destinations in Canada for a golfing vacation. The best golf courses in PEI are Glasgow Hills, Eagles Glenn, Dundarave, Rodd Crowbush, Mill River, and Brudenell. However, if you’re looking for a golf course where you can also stay, head to either Rodd Crowbush, Glasgow Hills, Brudenell, or Mill River.
As far as golf packages, you can book golf vacation packages through “Golf PEI” who offers vacation packages for families, couples and weekend getaways. Also, if you go to their website you’ll be able to take virtual tours of PEI’s golf courses.
Go on a fishing excursion for a day
The great thing about a trip to Prince Edward Island is that you’ll get plenty of opportunities for mingling with locals and learn about island life. One of the coolest ways to interact with the natives and enjoy a fun day out is by booking a fishing trip with a fishing crew such as “Mark Charters PEI” who offers lobster fishing excursions along Charlottetown Harbour for around $60.
If you prefer to head out to deep sea to cast a line, you can also book tuna fishing excursions for around $500 (half day) with fishing crews such as “Misty Blue Waters”, “MacNeill's PEI”, and “North Lake Charters”.
Attend a festival
If you’re planning a vacation in PEI during the summer or fall seasons, you’d definitely want your trip to coincide with one of PEI’s annual festivals such as the Fall Flavors festival (Sep 7-30), the International Shellfish Festival (Sep 15-18) at the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, and the Cavendish Beach Music Festival (Jul 6-8).
The Fall Flavors and the Shellfish festivals are definitely the most popular festivals in PEI and a must if you are a seafood fan. You’ll be able to taste of kinds of yummy fresh seafood such as lobsters, mussels, and oysters.
Take a ferry ride to Nova Scotia
Taking a ferry ride to Nova Scotia is without a doubt, one of the most popular things to do on vacation in Prince Edward Island, especially since you're so close! You can catch the Northumberland ferry between the months of May and December from Wood Islands (PEI) to Caribou (NS). The ferry ride takes around 90 minutes and round trip tickets cost around $16 for foot passengers ($65 if you’re taking a car).
By the way, the ferry isn’t the only way. If you're using car rental you can also drive across the Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick, which takes only 15 minutes to cross.
Visit Green Gables attractions
Anne of Green Gables is without a doubt, the most famous attraction in PEI. If you’ve never heard of the book Anne of Green Gables, you’ll find that many people that visit Prince Edward Island are fans of the book which was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery in early 1900’s.
The town of Cavendish is where you want to head to find the Green Gables home, the Avonlea Village and Montgomery’s Homestead where some of Montgomery’s descendants still live. The Green Gables home and Avonlea Village are also two attractions worth spending a good few hours.
The Avonlea Village is a beautiful reconstruction of a 19th century village that includes a sweet shop and a general store. By the way, there is also an Anne of Green Gables musical show you can watch at one of the theaters in downtown Charlottetown.
See. Interesting places to visit in New Brunswick
Things to do on Vacation in Nova Scotia
6 Reasons Why you Have to Visit Newfoundland and Labrador
places to go skiing in Canada
Interesting places to visit in Newfoundland
