Table of Contents

Click to explore the most beautiful places in each region.

1. Alberta
2. British Columbia
3. Manitoba
4. New Brunswick
5. Newfoundland and Labrador
6. Nova Scotia 
7. Ontario 
8. Prince Edward Island
9. Quebec
10. Saskatchewan
11. Northwest Territories
12. Nunavut
13. Yukon 

Alberta 

Banff National Park     

Perhaps the most obvious place to start when discussing the most beautiful places in Canada is Banff National Park and its magnificent Lake Louise. Take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for an incredible view of some of the world’s most dramatic mountain scenery, then explore the park’s stunning waterfalls, forests, and glacier lakes, including vibrant Lake Louise, an unlike-anywhere-else oasis in the Canadian Rockies. 

Where to stay: Elegant Mount Royal Hotel has a Banff-themed library, rooftop hot tubs, a lobby museum, and modern decor that echoes the destination. 

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Jasper National Park   

Jasper is the Canadian Rockies’ biggest national park, and it’s packed with snow-covered peaks, translucent lakes, roaring waterfalls, inspiring highways, and large populations of wildlife including moose, caribou, wolves, and grizzlies. Step out onto the kilometer-long, 918-foot-high, glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk—if you dare. 

Where to stay: Airy Glacier View Lodge opened in summer 2019 and offers tours of the Athabasca Glacier, tall windows with views of icefields and steep mountains, gourmet dinners, and live musical performances every evening. 

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Abraham Lake  

When considering beautiful places to visit in Canada, don’t overlook Abraham Lake, on the Kootenay Plains’ North Saskatchewan River. Peer into its crystalline surface to see eerie methane bubble formations trapped in frozen bright blue water. These underwater oval towers of gas turn the manmade reservoir into a bucket-list destination for any Instagrammer worth his or her salt.

Where to stay: It may be about 80 miles from Abraham Lake, but the epic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is worth the drive. This gilded resort showcases one of the prettiest places in Canada by way of lovely accommodations right on Lake Louise. Guests get to borrow bikes and canoes for a discounted rate. 

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British Columbia 

Victoria  

Victoria is British Columbia’s fairy tale-like capital—easily one of the most beautiful cities in Canada—and Butchart Gardens is the jewel in its flowery crown. Besides touring these enchanting gardens, things to do in Victoria include visiting the expansive Royal BC Museum, strolling salty Fisherman’s Wharf, and exploring idyllic Beacon Hill Park.

Where to stay: Victoria’s stately Fairmont Empress is famous for many things, including its classic afternoon tea chief. Service and accommodations are as regal as you’d expect. 

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Vancouver Seawall 

The 17-mile Vancouver Seawall allows for one of the most exhilarating bike rides you’ll ever take. Ride (or walk) the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path for wide, glittering views of the Pacific and plenty of entry points into dynamic Stanley Park. Stop to enjoy the beaches and other fun surprises along the way. While in Vancouver, you may as well visit a couple more of the prettiest places in Canada: the immersive Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and 4,100-foot-high Grouse Mountain.

Where to stay: At the impressive Fairmont Waterfront, service is so bespoke that even your shampoo bottle is personalized with your name on it. 

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Whistler 

If you’re aiming to see the most beautiful places in Canada, you could do far worse than Whistler in winter. It’s got sheer white mountain peaks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, an inviting apres-ski village, zip-lines through snow-covered trees, and fantastic places to eat and sleep.   

Where to stay: For magical views, book Nita Lake Lodge, which has luxurious guest rooms, a spa, three restaurants, and a shuttle that takes you to the base of Whistler Mountain.

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Glacier National Park  

Amid the massive Canadian Rockies is Canada’s own Glacier National Park and its jaw-dropping beauty. The namesake geographical features take the form of icefields, waterfalls, and brightly hued lakes, making for some of the most resplendent natural scenery on Earth.  

Where to stay: In the park, you can camp, use an RV, or book a hut or cabin. There are no hotels in Canada’s Glacier National Park, although the town of Revelstoke is nearby, and its Poppi’s Guesthouse hostel gets high marks for coziness, friendliness, and affordability. 

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Great Bear Rainforest 

Into wildlife adventures? The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the best places in Canada to see grizzly bears catching salmon in wild rivers, whales breaching, eagles soaring, and wolves roaming. In Klemtu on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, you’ll find mossy forests, untamed fjords, and natural hot springs. As the name implies, ursines frolic everywhere, including the rare white “spirit bear.”

Where to stay: The indigenous-owned Spirit Bear Lodge offers exclusive access to wildlife-viewing areas and cultural sites within the Kitasoo Xai’xais territory. Accommodations are homey and dinners are communal. 

Okanagan Valley

It seems like no list of beautiful places would be complete without a wine country. Okanagan Valley lies to the east of Vancouver is home to over 100 wineries, and accounts for more than 80% of the wine produced in British Columbia. Gorgeous lakes, vibrant green landscapes, and warm temperatures make for ideal scenery and climate for grape growing. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Covert Farms Family Estate and Silver Sage Estate Winery. 

Where to Stay: The Spirit Lodge at Silverstar will be your haven when visiting the Okanagan Valley. You’ll get a complimentary breakfast, access to a fire pit, and a spa tub for the ultimate relaxation. Stay cozy with heated floors,

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Yoho National Park 

The Kootenay Rockies’ Yoho National Park is named for the Cree word meaning “awe,” and it’s easy to see why—its imagery seems out of a movie. You’ll see intense blues and greens, dramatic peaks, the immense Takakkaw Falls, and gem-colored Emerald Lake, making this park one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Hiking trails and scenic drives let you take in the full force of this stunning wilderness. Don’t miss Yoho’s Burgess Shale, a paleontological jackpot containing 500-million-year-old fossils of more than 120 types of marine animals.

Where to stay: The historic, cabin-style Emerald Lake Lodge has balconies and wood-burning fireplaces right on the shores of the famous lake, amid towering mountains.  With just three rooms, this rustic lodge provides you with the luxuries of a major hotel with the intimacy of a bed and breakfast.

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Manitoba 

Cape Churchill  

Cape Churchill, Manitoba, is the polar bear capital of the world. If your idea of impressive scenery involves endless stretches of ice and dozens of polar bears striding across it, head up to the Arctic to experience one of the most beautiful places in Canada. In October and November, Hudson Bay freezes over and thousands of polar bears migrate to its ice, although climate change is already taking effect. Local tour guides in tundra rovers get you up close to see the endangered white creatures.  

Where to stay: At Churchill’s Lazy Bear Lodge, accommodations are simple but comfortable. It’s a rustic log cabin with a huge stone fireplace and a location that’s walking distance from town. The lodge’s beluga whale tour is highly recommended. 

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New Brunswick 

Fundy National Park  

Fundy National Park, on the Bay of Fundy, has the world’s highest and lowest tides. This means that you can walk out onto the ocean floor during low tide, then kayak alongside landforms like the must-see Hopewell Rocks when the Atlantic refloods the bay. Elsewhere in the park, hike through the Acadian Forest to see dozens of lovely waterfalls, explore sea caves, attend festivals and outdoor concerts, or drive Fundy Trail Parkway to see some of the prettiest places in Canada.

Where to stay: Fundy National Park has three hip campgrounds, as well as Fundy Highlands Motel, which offers simple, comfortable, dog-friendly chalets right on the bay. 

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Newfoundland and Labrador

Gros Morne National Park  

The iconic image of Gros Morne National Park is Western Brook Pond, whose name makes it sound small. It’s actually a massive freshwater fjord around which dramatic cliffs plunge into a glacier-formed gorge. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also home to the Tablelands, a geological rarity where earthquakes have forced the earth’s mantle up for all to see. There’s also Green Point—sheer cliffs full of ancient sea fossils—as well as waterfalls, dwarf forests, moose and caribou, and Gros Morne Mountain, which is among the planet’s oldest peaks.

Where to stay: Neddies Harbour Inn, a boutique property in the national park, provides unbeatable views over the Bonne Bay fjord, as well as a peaceful atmosphere and an excellent restaurant.

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Nova Scotia 

Cabot Trail  

Nova Scotia’s 185-mile Cabot Trail loops around Cape Breton Island, making for one of North America’s most memorable drives. In addition to providing gorgeous coastal views, the highway takes you to small fishing villages, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, golf courses, museums, galleries, and artisan boutiques. It also passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where moose, bears, and eagles roam, and where autumn’s vivid colors secure Cabot Trail’s spot among the prettiest places in Canada.

Where to stay: Keltic Lodge is a historic, well-appointed resort right on the Atlantic in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Amenities include in-room fireplaces, verandahs, a golf course, a heated swimming pool, and a satisfying restaurant. 

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Ontario 

Niagara Falls 

Niagara Falls isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in Canada—it’s one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. And though Americans tend to think of it as a U.S. attraction (of course), the Canadian view of the famous falls is actually even better. Come in summer to be treated to nightly fireworks over the mist.

Where to stay: The city around Niagara Falls is pretty touristy, so it’s worth the effort to drive about 13 miles north to a charming little town called Niagara-on-the-Lake and its elegant Charles Hotel, where guest rooms have fireplaces, private verandahs gaze over Lake Ontario, gardens bloom with flowers, and service is superlative. 

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CN Tower 

Those in search of Canadian urban wonders can look no further than the CN Tower, the defining feature of Toronto‘s skyline, punctuating postcards all over Ontario. The tower’s observation deck has glass floors, its 360 Restaurant rotates, and its heart-pounding EdgeWalk lets you strap in and hang off a five-foot-wide ledge more than 1,000 feet high. This iconic structure is prettiest when it illuminates after dark.

Where to stay: The Shangri-La Hotel, set in a 66-floor glass-encased skyscraper, epitomizes modern luxury with its artistic decor, high-tech amenities, and hammam-inspired spa. And it’s within easy distance of the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. 

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Prince Edward County  

Prince Edward County, a detached peninsula on Lake Ontario’s north shore, is ideal for both beach lovers and oenophiles. The region’s limestone bedrock makes for great wine grapes, which is why there are more than 40 vineyards here. There are also expansive fields of sunflowers and lavender, more than a dozen breweries, hundreds of farms, and plenty of talented chefs who put all this local bounty to good use. PEC was relatively unknown until recently, when it gained something of a buzz among urbanites, artists, gourmands, and hipsters.  

Where to stay: The colorful Drake Motor Inn opened in spring 2019, full of whimsy and modernized nostalgia. Its 12 rooms are all retro-chic, and the entire property pays playful tribute to the bygone days of road travel. 

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Prince Edward Island 

Prince Edward Island National Park  

Prince Edward Island National Park is easily one of the most beautiful places in Canada, especially its windswept Greenwich section. Visitors can explore red sand beaches, wavy dunes, mystical forests, boardwalk trails, and the idyllic places that formed the setting for L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. While the hurricane in 2022 damaged the iconic dunes, Canada and PEI have done a lot of work to preserve and rebuild what was lost, and it is still a sight to behold. 
Where to stay: Dalvay by the Sea, a national historic site on the north shore, was built in 1895 in Queen Anne Revival style. Its 25 rooms—each one unique—remain furnished in antiques from that ornate era. 

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Victoria-by-the-Sea  

Victoria-by-the-Sea is a storybook village full of small-town seaside charm, including a photogenic lighthouse, red sand beaches, and artisan shops and galleries. Historically known for its fishermen, it’s now more populated by artists and creatives who leave an inspired mark on their lovely municipality.  

Where to stay: The historic Orient Hotel is an inviting bed and breakfast that provides wonderful views of the water from almost every guest room.

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Quebec 

Old Montreal  

Montreal is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada—and one of the most interesting, too, what with its amalgam of European and North American culture and engaging attractions like Olympic Park’s Biodome and Botanical Garden. The prettiest part of the city, however, is Old Montreal, founded as a French colony in 1642, with intricate architecture to match. If you ever feel like going to Europe without crossing the Atlantic, visit Old Montreal’s resplendent Notre-Dame Basilica, browse its stately Bonsecours Market, gawk at its colonial-era mansions, and watch the St. Lawrence River’s dynamic Old Port at work. 

Where to stay: The newish Four Seasons Montreal puts forth its brand’s usual level of service and comfort—which is to say, it’s an excellent place to stay. Adding to the appeal is its central location in the Golden Square Mile, its fine cuisine, and its proximity to high-end shopping at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. 

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Quebec City  

Ask Canadians which is the most beautiful city in Canada, and most will respond the same way: Quebec City. It’s hard to overstate how magical this French-speaking town is—its fairy-tale charm pervades every cobblestone street. Quebec City, the only fortified city north of Mexico, also features colonial-era architecture, the bustling St. Lawrence River, and a rich, palpable history. It boasts four distinct seasons, each more beautiful than the next. Just outside of town, Montmorency Falls is almost 100 feet taller than any of Niagara’s three falls, making for a truly underrated natural wonder.

Where to stay: The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is the world’s most photographed hotel for good reason: Its legendary castle-on-a-hill look makes it an icon of Old Quebec. The elegance continues inside, in terms of both decor and hospitality par excellence. 

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Mont-Tremblant 

A popular ski destination, Mont-Tremblant has a European flair that, outside of Europe, you can only find in Quebec. Eighty miles northwest of Montreal, Mont-Tremblant is one of the top ski destinations in North America. There is something for everyone at Mont-Tremblant, you can shop, ski, ride a gondola, ice skate- all while taking in the glorious scenery around you. You must be sure to visit le P’tit Caribou, which is considered one of the best apres ski spots in the world. 

Where to Stay: Le Grand Lodge is a Scandinavian-style log hotel that has everything you need for the perfect vacation to enjoy the mountains: a restaurant, bar and spa for when you want to wind down, a free shuttle to the ski village, ski rentals, and more. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate daily from 4-5 after a day of skiing.

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Saskatchewan 

Grasslands National Park  

Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada, but in a bit of an unexpected sense: The grandness here isn’t so much village charm or even distinctive nature attractions. It’s more the vast golden prairies, the open country, the huge skies, and the roaming herds of bison that provide their own type of wild gorgeousness. One great way to take it all in is via a brand-new scenic road called the Badlands Parkway. Perk up your Instagram feed with photos of the park’s iconic red Adirondack chairs, or scour the hoodoo spires for dinosaur fossils.

Where to stay: Sky Story Bed & Breakfast in nearby Val Marie earns high marks for its warm hospitality, delicious breakfasts, and friendly cats. 

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Northwest Territories 

Great Slave Lake  

If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, plan to visit Yellowknife and Great Slave Lake, in the Northwest Territories. In winter, this remote Arctic region transforms into one of the most beautiful places in Canada, thanks to its position north of the 60th parallel, placing it firmly inside the aurora oval. This, plus a flat landscape far from the ocean, makes Yellowknife one of the world’s best places to see nature’s most spectacular light show. Prepare to see deep, glowing greens and purples dominating the skies over North America’s deepest lake.  

Where to stay: The Explorer Hotel is an eco-conscious hotel with stunning views of the aurora, with two restaurants and a polar bear exhibit for your enjoyment in the lobby.

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Nunavut 

Baffin Island  

Baffin Island, above the Arctic Circle, is Canada’s largest island—it’s bigger than Great Britain. But it’s among the prettiest places in Canada because of Auyuittuq National Park, where icy fjords and glaciers dominate the landscape with their intense blues and bright whites. This surreal expanse of tundra is home to wildlife like you’ve never seen: narwhal, ringed seals, snow geese, Arctic foxes, caribou, and, yes, polar bears.  

Where to stay: The Frobisher Inn is the largest full-service business hotel in the Eastern Arctic, and is also the perfect family hotel—with two restaurants, a cafe, and a fitness center.

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Yukon 

Whitehorse Region  

The Yukon is full of beautiful places to visit in Canada, and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a thrilling way to take them in. This scenic narrow-gauge railway was built in the late 1800s for the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it still connects Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital city. The memorable ride takes passengers, many of them on shore excursions from Alaska cruises, into wide expanses of rugged scenery, over and through impossible bridges and tunnels, and past wildflower-packed meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers at a speed that allows appreciation for the sheer magnitude of it all.  

Where to stay: Northern Lights Resort & Spa, true to its name, is well positioned to see the winter aurora borealis. Book a glass chalet or a log cabin and enjoy this much-loved B&B’s saunas, warm hospitality, and highly personalized service.  

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The post The Most Beautiful Places in Canada appeared first on SmarterTravel.

In order to keep certain parts of America’s park system from getting overrun with visitors, some parks have instituted a lottery system for entrance. Here are some of the best that are worth trying your luck at.

Coyote Buttes North Lottery

The Wave is a surreal-looking natural sandstone rock formation that undulates across the desert landscape of Coyote Buttes. In order to protect this fragile formation, only 64 people (or 16 groups, whichever comes first) are allowed to visit it each day, with 48 individual permits (and/or 12 group permits) being given away in advance in an online lottery and the remaining 16 individual permits (and/or 4 group permits) drawn during a daily lottery. The daily lottery is run virtually (instead of on a walk-in basis) and requires entrants to be within a geofenced area when applying.

Applicants must pay a nonrefundable $9 fee each time they apply (and can only enter the lottery once each month) and can choose up to three potential visitation dates per month. The lottery is run four months ahead, so if you want to visit the Wave in May, apply in January. If you win, the permit cost is $7 per person, and you’ll receive a route map with photos of landmarks and GPS coordinates to help you find your way along the 6.4-mile backcountry hike to the Wave.

Fun fact: The Wave’s popularity is partly due to its feature as desktop wallpaper on Windows 7, which gave cubicle-dwellers everywhere something to dream about while trapped at their desks.

Private Grand Canyon Rafting Trip Lottery

Want to raft down the Grand Canyon but don’t want your experience ruined by a terrible guide or annoying tour groups? Apparently, plenty of other people feel the same way, as permits for 12- to 25-day self-guided raft trips from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek formerly had a 27-year waitlist. In 2006, the NPS decided that the insanely long waiting list would be replaced by a lottery.

This weighted lottery gives preference to those who were on the old waitlist, as well as people who have not been rafting on the Colorado River recently.

The main lottery is held once a year during the first three weeks in February, and follow-up lotteries are held throughout the year to reassign spots from any canceled trips. There is $25 fee to apply for the lottery and, for winners, a $200-$400 trip deposit, a $20 entrance fee, and $90/person river permit.

Guided Bear Viewing at McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge

In the summer, up to 144 wild brown bears a day descend on McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge to fish for the thousands of salmon that swim past during their upstream migration. Can’t bear to miss that? Enter the lottery, and you might be one of the lucky 10 people per day who are allowed to view the spectacle between June and August.

The program limits the number of people who may be present at McNeil River Falls (or the other viewing locations) to no more than ten individuals so as not to disturb the bears. If you win one of the 185 permits available each year, you’ll be allowed to camp at the campground, visit the sanctuary, and attend guided bear viewing sessions over a designated four-day period.

Half Dome Cables Lottery

A 14-mile hike seems tough enough to weed out most people, but not at Yosemite’s most famous attraction, Half Dome. Despite the fact that this incredibly hard hike involves scrambling up steep granite domes using steel cables and wooden planks as makeshift stairs to reach the summit, the hike attracts hundreds of visitors every year.

The steel cables are only up from late May to mid-October and may be taken down early or put up late due to weather conditions. During this season, only 300 daily permits (225 for day hikers and 75 for backpackers) are issued to summit Half Dome.

The lottery runs March 1 through March 31, and you designate a specific date or range of dates you would like to climb. Feeling spontaneous? A small number of permits (based on the estimated rate of under-use and cancellation of permits) are available through a daily lottery that you can enter two days before your chosen hiking date. You’ll pay $10 to enter the lottery and $10 for a permit if you’re successful.

Phantom Ranch Lottery

Phantom Ranch is one of the most exclusive accommodations in the world, and it’s not because of the cost (cabins cost $213.50 per night). Located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch is only accessible by hiking or riding a mule 7.5 miles down or by rafting in via the Colorado River. The journey is worth it though, as you’ll get to spend the night in a comfortable cabin equipped with linens and ensuite bathrooms (shared showers are located in a separate building) in an unforgettable location without having to pack everything down on your back.

Due to overwhelming demand, Phantom Ranch takes reservations via a lottery system, which can be entered here. Occasionally, a few beds will open up due to cancellation, and those can be searched for here.

The lottery is held monthly between the 1st and 25th and runs 15 months ahead (so entries made in January 2021 will be for reservations in March 2022). Unlike most other lotteries, this one is free to enter.

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

The post 5 American Parks You’ll Need to Win a Lottery to Visit appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Yosemite National Park, perhaps more than any other, is responsible for the broader vision of wilderness conservation in this country, thanks to a Scottish immigrant named John Muir who fell in love with this land, fought to protect its natural wonders and, in the process, founded the Sierra Club.

Famous for its spectacular, towering granite formations—think iconic Half Dome and El Capitan, arguably the most famous climbing face in the world—Yosemite is the nation’s fourth most-popular park, with nearly 4 million visitors last year, most of them converging on the 1 by 7.5-mile Yosemite Valley. From the valley, nature-lovers can gaze on or hike to famous falls including Yosemite Falls (the highest in North America at 2,245 feet), Bridalveil, and Nevada Falls. But surrounding Yosemite Valley is nearly 1,200 square miles of high meadows, crystalline lakes, ancient giant sequoias, and evergreen forests—a vast Sierra wilderness that remains relatively untouched.

Why October Is the Perfect Time to Go

Two words: fewer people. From May through September, the valley floor takes on an almost festival-like atmosphere as hundreds of thousands of visitors crowd into the park. But come October, traffic gridlock on the valley floor eases considerably, and hikers on even the most popular trails—like the Mist Trail and the Muir Trail—no longer resemble lines of marching ants.

While the higher elevations are evergreen, Wawona Meadows and Yosemite Valley have started turning fall colors. Daytime temperatures are comfortably warm in the valley (high 60s to low 70s), but higher elevations and nights can be chilly, so be sure to bring layers. This isn’t the time of year for waterfall viewing (most have dried to a trickle by now), but that’s a small price for the peacefulness you’ll enjoy.

Why It’s Great at Other Times of Year

Winter in Yosemite can be nothing short of magical. While Tioga Road and the road to Glacier Point are closed by November (which makes most of the backcountry inaccessible), Yosemite Valley and Wawona are open year-round. Sip hot chocolate in the warming hut after ice skating at Half Dome Village; enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area; or cross-country ski on the trails at Crane Flat. Park rangers also guide snowshoe tours from mid-December through March. Of course, once the snow melts, the waterfalls will be in full glory as spring comes to the park—with tourists not far behind.

If You Go, Don’t Miss

John F. Kennedy, Judy Garland, William Shatner, Steve Jobs, Lucile Ball—these are just a few notables who’ve bunked down at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. It’s more than just a shining example of what has become known as Parkitecture: Its grand public spaces and dining room were Stanley Kubrick’s inspiration for the hotel’s interior in “The Shining.” You don’t have to book a (pricey) room to enjoy the hotel. The magnificent Great Lounge, flanked on either end by enormous cut-sandstone fireplaces, is open to the public for sitting and relaxing. Dinner at the Grand Dining Room, with its views of Yosemite Falls, is a bucket-list must—but for a lower price tag, try the newly renovated bar with its tasty small plates and nice cocktail menu.

October Bonus Pick: Mammoth Caves National Park

Central Kentucky’s hardwood forests are bedecked in full fall foliage by October, covering the rolling hills of Mammoth Caves National Park in vivid hues of gold, orange, purple, and red. Days are typically mild and warm (low to mid-70s)—perfect for hiking the park’s 85 miles of trails or lazily paddling down the Green River.

But beneath the autumnal carpet of color lies a completely different world: the park’s titular cave system, the longest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. More than 400 miles of passageways have been mapped to date, with “no end in sight,” as explorers continue to discover more. Park guides lead a number of cave tours, ranging from easy one-hour strolls to an “extremely strenuous” six-hour exploration that requires climbing, hiking, and crawling through the passages.

Want to learn more about Yosemite National Park? Check out Oyster’s Ultimate Yosemite National Park Travel Guide.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Grand Canyon National Park: Our September National Park of the Month
• Glacier National Park: Our August National Park of the Month
• Wrangell-St. Elias: Our July National Park of the Month
• Yellowstone National Park: Our June National Park of the Month
• Olympic National Park: Our May National Park of the Month
• Great Smoky Mountains: Our April National Park of the Month
• Hot Springs: Our March National Park of the Month
• Death Valley: Our February National Park of the Month
• Everglades: Our January National Park of the Month

Deb Hopewell is a longtime journalist and the former editor of Yahoo Travel. She writes for Outside, Fodor’s, Architectural Digest, Travel+Leisure, and others. Follow her on Instagram @debhopewell and Twitter @dhopewell.

The post Yosemite: Our October National Park of the Month appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, you don’t want the waterproofing to weigh you down. Too-heavy boots can strain your feet and legs, tiring you out faster. Lightweight boots can help keep you nimble and are also ideal for hiking trips where you’re worried about a weight allowance while packing. 

These six hiking boots combine the best of both worlds, offering waterproof protection in a lightweight package.

Asolo Falcon Evo Jacquard GV Hiking Boots

Asolo’s Falcon Evo Jacquard GV Hiking Boots offer a perfect blend of toughness and style in a surprisingly lightweight package. Weighing just over a pound per shoe, these boots are completely waterproof and capable of withstanding the harshest trail conditions.

Asolo, a family-run European hiking brand, has earned a cult following among serious trekkers for their ultra-durable footwear, all of which can be resoled to extend the lifetime of the boot. The Falcon Evos, their lightest model, uphold this reputation while incorporating features like a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining to keep you dry even if you face water crossings or heavy rain on your hike.

I tested these boots straight out of the box, tackling a long, rocky hike without experiencing any blisters or discomfort. The Asolo/Vibram Omega soles with MegaGrip compound particularly impressed me, providing exceptional traction and grip even on steep, slippery terrain.

These boots combine the best of both worlds: the robust features of a heavy-duty hiking boot with the comfort and agility of a trail runner. They deliver excellent ankle support, superior traction, reliable waterproofing, and impressive durability in a surprisingly lightweight package.

Weight: 17.28 ounces per shoe (women’s).

Merrell Antora 3 Mid Waterproof 

Merrell’s Antora 3 Mid Waterproof feels like a sneaker but offers the support of a hiking boot, and for good reason—it’s designed off of the company’s best-selling women’s trail running shoe. I’ve worn these boots on hikes of over 12 hours without a single blister, which is impressive.

The shoe got upgraded to a boot with a more durable upper for added foot protection, trademarked FloatPro Foam pods under the heel and forefoot for extra cushioning, and an extra-grippy Vibram sole. 

The waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry no matter how many puddles you slog through, and these boots are comfortable without needing to be broken in.

Weight: 10.23 oz per shoe (women’s)

Saloman Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX

Stay light and nimble with Saloman’s Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX boots. Featuring a unique Quicklace system, these boots can be on an instant—and they won’t come untied at inopportune moments. 

A higher cut adds additional ankle support and protection, which combined with the Gore-tex exterior and deep lugs on the sole, help keep you surefooted even on the muddiest of trails.  

Available in a sleek all-black design, these boots can pull double duty for post-hike adventures in town.

Weight: 14.56 oz per shoe (men’s)

Lowa Innox Pro GTX Mid

Synthetic materials are generally better than leather when it comes to keeping things light. Lowa’s Innox Pro GTX Mid are 100 percent vegan, using man-made technology to provide an airy feel that’s sturdy enough for tough trails. 

The built-in Gore-tex lining is breathable to keep your feet dry (and not sweaty) even on hot or rainy hikes. 

Weight: 15.87 oz per shoe (men’s)

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX

Made from recycled materials, Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX  boots are kind to both the environment and your feet. Using the brand’s popular trail running shoe technology, the Speedgoat adds in Gore-tex waterproofing and a higher cut with a flexible collar for extra ankle support.

On the sole, Vibram’s Megagrip with Traction Lug keeps your footing stable even on loose soil or rocks. 

Weight: 10.30 oz per shoe (women’s)

Keen NXIS Explorer Waterproof

Feel a little cramped in regular hiking boots? Keen’s NXIS Explorers feature extra room in the front, giving your toes plenty of space to spread out. The Explorers are protected with Keen.Dry technology, a waterproof (yet breathable) membrane that will keep you dry no matter what. 

Not sure if these are the right boots for you? Keen has a great 30-day trial policy which lets you wear their shoes (even outside) for up to a month to see if you like them. 

Weight: 16.30 oz per shoe (men’s)

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The 6 Best Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Note that all trips and single supplement discounts were available at the time of publication, but they could sell out at any time. If you’re interested in these solo vacations, it’s best to book early.

Explore Madeira, Portugal, on Foot

Sweeping coastal views, sleepy fishing villages, and sheltered forests await on one of Exodus Travels’ Madeira walking tour itinerary. The eight-night trip includes leisurely walks of up to nine miles a day along some of Madeira’s most breathtaking hiking trails. The trip ends with free time to explore Funchal, the island’s historic capital. Exodus will match you with a roommate, or you can pay a modest single supplement for your own room. Departures are available every month throughout 2024.

See Morocco from the Mountains to the Desert

Overseas Adventure Travel is one of the best tour operators for solo vacations, thanks to free single supplements on most trips. That includes one of its most popular tours, the 15-night Morocco Sahara Odyssey, which takes you through the narrow streets of ancient medinas, over the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, and through the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Unique experiences include lunch in a Berber home and a couple of nights under the desert sky in a private tented camp. This trip has available departures in May and between August and December 2024.

Camp in Utah’s National Parks

Join REI on a stunning eight-day journey through the national parks of Utah. Hike and camp in Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks as you learn about the nature, geology, and cultural history of the region from REI’s experienced guides. The package includes access to group cooking gear and first aid kits, a tent, and a sleeping pad. Check out their gear list for more information on what to pack.

Explore Northern India’s Icons

See the Taj Mahal and much more on this dedicated solo trip to India from Intrepid Travel. The seven-night itinerary starts and ends in bustling Delhi, where you’ll discover the city’s oldest mosque and have free time to explore on your own. Then you’ll head to Jaipur to visit royal palaces and soar above the city in a hot air balloon before visiting the 14th-century village of Karauli and touring the magnificent Taj Mahal. Intrepid will match you with a same-gender roommate so you can avoid paying a single supplement. This trip departs on select dates between May and December 2024.

Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

A bucket list trip for many avid hikers, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro can seem like a hefty task to undertake by oneself. However travelers partaking in World Expedition’s Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route will feel anything but alone. With dozens of experienced guides, porters, and chefs to support you on the trek and a group of like-minded adventurers by your side, travelers are sure to come out of the 10-day experience with new friends and once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Discover Ireland Your Way

Not big on group tours? Consider Great Value Vacations’ Irish B&B Getaway package, which includes airfare, a rental car, and accommodations at bed and breakfasts around Ireland, allowing you to wend your way through the countryside at your own pace. Highlights include dramatic coastal roads, lively villages, and historic castles. The itinerary can be customized for six to twelve nights, and you may depart any month of the year.

See Japan by Train

Hop on a bullet train to speed between destinations around the country on G Adventures’ Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo tour. Travelers can visit shrines in Kyoto, explore the Harajuku district of Tokyo, and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko where, weather-dependent, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the famous Mount Fuji. Some G Adventures tours offers a single supplement option, however on most tours travelers will be paired with a roommate of the same gender.

Spot Rare Wildlife in Madagascar

Keep an eye out for lemurs, chameleons, boa constrictors, and numerous rare birds as you travel with Explore! through Madagascar: The Lost Continent.  In addition to wildlife-watching treks through the island’s national parks, this itinerary also features a walk along a spectacular canyon, a visit to Madagascar’s oldest palace, and a stay in a local community guesthouse. Explore! will match you with a same-gender roommate if you don’t wish to pay a single supplement. This trip has departures between May and November 2024.

Enjoy Nature in Costa Rica

Discover the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica with Road Scholar’s nine-night Taste of Costa Rica package. Highlights include river rafting in the Sarapiquí River, Latin dance lessons, a walk through a cloud forest, and a visit to the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. Road Scholar is currently offering single rooms at no added cost on this itinerary. This trip has several departures between May and December 2024.

Discover the Best of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

There’s a reason Tuscany and neighboring Umbria are two of Italy’s most beloved regions. Discover them for yourself on Insight Vacations’ Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany tour, an eight-night voyage to destinations such as Florence, Assisi, Siena, and San Gimignano. You’ll enjoy a pasta-making demonstration in Baschi, then learn about traditional textile weaving in Perugia and visit a family-run olive mill in Assisi. If you do not opt for a single supplement, you will be matched with a roommate of the same gender. Departure dates are available in April, May, June, August, and September 2024.

Have an Adventure with Fellow Women

If you, like many female travelers, feel safer and more comfortable in the company of other women, consider booking a trip with Adventure Women, which offers active, women-only tours to destinations around the world. Most of the company’s clients come alone, so you’re sure to find common ground with your fellow travelers. Solo vacations for 2024 with availability at press time include a biking and boating tour through Vietnam, an active adventure in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, a Serengeti wildlife safari, and more. You can choose to be matched with a roommate or pay a little extra for your own room.

Sarah Schlichter wants to take every one of these solo vacations. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 11 Amazing Solo Vacations to Take in 2024 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Best Hikes in St. Lucia

From drive-in volcanoes to challenges designed for the most experienced of hikers, this island offers activities for every type of traveler.

The Tet Paul Nature Trail

The Tet Paul Nature Trail takes less than an hour to complete but offers several incredible lookouts over the Pitons and a cultural and environmental learning opportunity. The hike is guided by locals who will teach you about local culture, history, and nature, including traditional medicinal plants and fruit trees, as the hike progresses.

“Other highlights include the Cassava House,” adds Richard Moss, Senior Sales Manager USA for the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, “where you can learn about the Amerindian art of Cassava production, the Traditional House offering a glimpse of how ancestors of the residents of Saint Lucia lived, and a working organic farm.”

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths

The six-acre Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths is the perfect option for the laid-back adventurer. Touted as the world’s only “drive-in volcano,” you won’t have to do much actual hiking at all. Take a dip in the mineral baths, made from mineral-rich volcanic mud, or a trip to the ever-changing hues of Diamond Falls, whose colorful waters are dyed with the vivid minerals dissolved within. 

The Pitons

Arguably the most famous formation marking the St. Lucia skyline, the Pitons are twin volcanic spires rising from the ocean on the island’s southwestern coast. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Petit Piton and Gros Piton rise 2,425 feet and 2,579 feet above sea level, respectively, and are rarely hiked without an experienced guide.

“The Gros Piton Nature Trail is a challenging hike and is popular with active visitors. It takes about five to six hours to complete, offering breathtaking views,” says Moss, “Nearby, the Petit Piton Trail is a more strenuous hike which is even more challenging.” 

For the daring traveler, try the newly launched Saint Lucia Three Peaks Challenge, where hikers are invited to summit Gros Piton, Mount Gimie and Petit Piton alongside local expert guides from The 758 Adventurers.

Pigeon Island National Park

Throughout its history, Pigeon Island National Park has been an 18th- and 19th-century military embattlement, a pirate hideaway, and now a highly-visited national park and central venue for the annual Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. Connected to the main island by Pigeon Island Causeway, dedicated hikers at nearby hotels can easily walk to the park, up the dual peaks for incredible 360 views, and back down again in just a few hours.

Other Rainforest Hikes

In St. Lucia, you’ll never be in want of beautiful rainforest treks. Check out Edmund Rainforest Trail for sweeping vistas of Mount Gimie, make a stop on your way to the Soufriere mud baths to explore Volga Nature Trail, or wonder at the waterfalls along En Bas Saut Rainforest hike. 

Birding & Wildlife in St. Lucia

Although the island is home to over 1,300 species, birds are the main attraction when it comes to wildlife in St. Lucia. Of the 180 varieties of birds you can find on the island, six are endemic, meaning you won’t catch them anywhere else. The top spots for birding are:

The Des Cartier Rainforest Trail 

This loop trail is a treat for avian enthusiasts and plant lovers alike, with most of the 2.5-mile trek wandering through the vibrant and lively jungle just off the island’s east coast. Hikers can find guided tours dedicated to birding on the trail. 

The Millet Bird Sanctuary

The 1.75-mile walk through The Millet Bird Sanctuary will put hikers in the path of five of the six endemic species of birds on the island, including black finches, warblers, and the endangered St. Lucia Parrot—the National Bird of St. Lucia.

The Vieux Fort Wetlands

The Vieux Fort Wetlands are the place to be for travelers interested in waterfowl of all kinds, with ducks, egrets, and herons passing through the 6-acre conservation. 

Tips for Outdoor Adventures in St. Lucia

Take the Sunshine Seriously

St. Lucia is sunny year-round, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s. While this is perfect for soaking up the sun, proceed with caution, especially when hiking. Moss recommends wearing sunscreen daily and hydrating consistently. He also suggests insect repellent, particularly during the morning and evening hours.

Leave the Camo at Home

It may be tempting to blend into the background to catch a glimpse of that rare St. Lucia parrot but beware: camouflage clothing is restricted for civilians in St. Lucia, and wearing the print can result in heavy fines.

Book a Guide

Many hikes across St. Lucia are enhanced by the expert knowledge of local guides, who can explain regional history, indigenous plants, and points of interest that would otherwise be missed. However, there are certain trails where hiring a guide is a matter of safety. According to Moss, for example, hiking Gros Piton is “generally not done without experienced guides.”

Visit the excursions page on the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s website to plan your hiking trip, or speak with staff at your hotel for information on the best local hikes.

The post Explore the Natural Wonders of St. Lucia appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Here are our favorite things to do in the Catskills.

Go Hiking in the Catskills Forest Preserve

The Catskill Forest Preserve (also known as Catskills Park) consists of 286,000 acres of protected state land, with waterfalls, meadows, marshes, and cool camping spots. Miles of scenic hiking trails snake across the Catskills, offering adventure for new and experienced hikers alike. Brave formidable mountain summits, take a family-friendly walk and discover remote waterfalls.

Experienced hikers and enthusiasts can brave the 7-mile climb to the highest fire tower in New York—Hunter Mountain fire tower. On a clear day, hiking to the top will reward you with stunning views as far as Vermont. You can also go easy with a flatter hike through dense forests. You might even be lucky enough to see a black bear or other wildlife as you trek beside gorgeous streams.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hunter Lodge, a Bluebird by Lark, offers quick access to hiking trails around Elka Park and stunning views of Hunter Mountain.

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Take a Thrill-seeking Adventure to Hunter Mountain

Hunter Mountain is the second-highest point of the Great Northern Catskill Mountains, and it offers some of the most thrilling adventures in the area. Here, North America’s longest and highest zipline lets visitors zip over a canopy of trees all year long. You can also take a breathtaking Skyride chair lift to the mountain summit in the summer. 

In the winter, over 50 trails offer plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing. If you time your trip right, you can partake in fun festivals in the area, like the Taste of Country Music Festival and the TAP New York Craft Beer and Food Festival.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Kaatskill Mountain Club at Hunter Mountain has an outdoor pool, sauna, and condos featuring kitchenettes and fireplaces. This hotel regularly offers room deals making it an affordable choice.

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Visit Gnome Chomsky

Driving along Route 209 in Kerhonkson, you’ll find a unique roadside attraction, Gnome Chomsky—the world’s third largest garden gnome. Towering over the roadside at 13.5 feet, Gnome Chomsky is located at Kelder’s Farm and was the world’s largest gnome at one point in time.  

If you’re traveling with kids, a photo with the friendly, bearded giant will surely put smiles on their faces. The surrounding farm is also kid-friendly, with a playground, a 10-hole mini-golf course, a petting zoo, and seasonal pick-your-own-produce. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Minnewaska Lodge is nestled in a state park preserve at the base of the Shawangunk Mountains. Only 5 miles away from Kelder’s Farm, this boutique lodge offers stunning mountain views and quick access to hiking trails.

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Sample Local Flavors at a Microbrewery

There are two attractions the Catskills never run out of, nature and craft beer. Whether you’re a connoisseur or want to try new unique flavors, there’s always a pint ready to be poured. 

Take a few hours to check out the Catskill Brewery at Livingston Manor, where you can enjoy tasty beer, food, and live music. Or, devote a day or two to following the Catskills Beverage Trail, a collection of places to sample fresh brews and artisanal wine and spirits.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hotel Vienna is centrally located to The Vineyard at Windham and other breweries along the Catskills Beverage Trail. Clean, modern bedrooms, private balconies, and proximity to skiing at Windham Mountain make this hotel an excellent place to unwind.

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Browse Stunning Art at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is the former home of Thomas Cole, the father of American landscape painting. Cole settled in Catskills and was inspired by the region’s natural beauty and rich landscape. Created in the 1800s, they served as protest art to condemn deforestation and encourage environmental preservation. 

Now you can immerse yourself in Cole’s art on display at the site’s museum, along with the works of other notable Hudson River School masters. You can also hike nearby trails to explore landmarks that inspired some of Cole’s most famous works.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: A 10-minute drive from Thomas Cole National Historic Site, the Hudson Whaler lies across the Hudson River. This boutique hotel has a fitness center and is well-situated so that you can explore the surrounding Hudson Valley on your getaway.

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Kaaterskill Falls

If the thought of a cascading waterfall excites you, you’ll love Kaaterskill Falls. Kaaterskill Falls drops over 260 feet and is easily the most beautiful waterfall in the Catskills. For decades, this mesmerizing Catskills attraction has inspired painters, photographers, and other tourists.

You can take in the beauty of the falls from multiple angles. Walk to a viewing platform above the falls for a summary but picturesque view, or hike to the base to see the iconic waterfall in all its glory. The best time to visit Kaaterskill Falls is in the fall when the foliage turns a gorgeous auburn color and the hiking conditions are better. Be careful, though, as the trail gets muddy and slippery. Make sure to pack your best hiking boots!

Nearby Recommended Hotel: SunView Motel is a no-frills property 4 miles from Kaaterskill Falls and a short ride to the Hunter Mountain ski area. Large rooms with double beds make it perfect for a family trip.

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Discover Great Craftsmanship at Opus 40

The result of a determined sculptor’s hard work, Opus 40 is a large sculpture on a 6.5-acre bluestone quarry. Constructed entirely by Harvey Fite, this rock configuration also features stone ramps, pools, platforms, and stairs. The surrounding 63-acre park offers meadows, trails, quarries, and picnic tables, so you can hike here with a packed lunch to eat out in nature.

Plan to attend one of the music concerts regularly held at this site or visit the onsite gallery to discover artwork by local artists.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Enjoy a unique stay in one of AutoCamp Catskills airstreams. The accommodation offers private fire pits and free onsite parking for guests.

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Visit the Site of the Woodstock Music Festival at Bethel Woods

One of the best things to do in the Catskills is visit the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival site. This famous festival that transformed American culture allowed young people to spread a message of unity and peace in a time of uncertainty and conflict. 

Fun fact: Woodstock Festival wasn’t held in Woodstock but 40 miles away at Bethel. The grounds house The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts theater and museum today. Visit the museum to learn about the volatile history of the 1960s and the festival that brought together a generation. Remember to pick up souvenirs: you can buy tie-dye gifts, posters, and peace and love themed items.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Best Western Monticello offers complimentary breakfast, spacious rooms, and an indoor pool. It’s a great choice if you plan to spend some days exploring Bethel and Woodstock.

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Take a Psychedelic Trip at the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope

You might want to lay back when you visit the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope at Emerson Resort. Fifty-six feet tall and housed in a converted grain silo, the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope is the trippiest attraction in the Catskills.

Kaleidoshows here are suitable for all ages and typically last about 15 minutes. Apart from the shows, you can learn about the history of kaleidoscopes and the artists that create them. Visit the stores nearby to buy original scopes signed by their artists.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The Kaatskill Kaleidoscope is located on the grounds of Emerson Resort & Spa at Mt. Tremper. Resort guests can watch shows at the attraction for free. The hotel offers modern and cabin-style rooms, so you can choose what matches your taste. 

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Discover the Overlook Mountain House Ruins

If you’re hiking one of the several trails running through Overlook Mountain, stop at the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House. Close to the mountain’s summit, Lewis Wagonen built this concrete masterpiece in 1871 and it was originally one of the first luxury hotels in New York state. Since then, it’s burnt down three times and was never fully reconstructed. 

Probably more popular now than it was in its heyday, the ruins are one of the most visited unique Catskills attractions. Hikers often rest here for a bit before summiting the mountain. Stroll through the main halls or pose for pictures in front of a staircase that leads nowhere. This spot is sure to make a cool story after your trip.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Located in an accessible but serene part of Woodstock, Woodstock Way Hotel is 15 minutes from the Overlook Mountain trailhead. In a rustic but chic setup, well-appointed rooms offer knotty pine furniture, turntables, and records. The onsite coffee shop makes delicious drinks all day.

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The post The Best Things to Do in the Catskills appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Download Our Ultimate Hiking Packing List

Don’t hit the trails without our editable hiking trip packing list.

Hiking Essentials: Gear

Backpack: A good backpack is key to a comfortable hiking trip. The right backpack for you will depend on personal fit and the length of your trip (along with how much you’ll be carrying.) For a short hike, pick a backpack that’s lightweight and big enough to hold all your hiking essentials, but not so big that you’re tempted to overpack. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Ultralight Daypack is one of the lightest daypacks out there, weighing in at just 1.26 pounds. The light weight doesn’t mean that important features are skimped on—it still has comfortable padded straps, a hip belt that can be stashed away, a water-resistant exterior, and a padded back panel. Keep your backpack organized with Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Stuff Sacks  which are equally lightweight. Bonus: All Hyperlite gear is hand-made in Maine.

For a longer trip, we love Osprey’s Eja backpack, which comes in a variety of sizes. This backpack can hold a ton without adding extra weight (it weighs just over 2.5 lbs.). The Eja features Osprey’s trademarked AirSpeed suspension system that allows for maximum airflow between your back and the pack, keeping you cool instead of sweaty.

Water Bottle: If you don’t want to carry a ton of water on a long hike, or just want to be prepared in case of an emergency, the Lifestraw Peak Series is a good choice for a water bottle. The included filter removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, so that you can safely and quickly drink from any water source you find. The soft bottle is lightweight, easy to pack, and collapsible when not in use.

Portable Battery: Don’t be stuck with a dead phone in an emergency. The Biolite Charge 80 PD won’t take up too much room in your pack and can charge anything from a smartphone to a 13″ laptop.

Trekking Poles: A good set of hiking poles can help save your knees from strain on the descent, and prevent slips and falls on tough terrain or muddy trails. I like LEKI’s Cressida FX Carbon poles, which quickly break down to a packable size, making them easy to store in your backpack when you’re not using them. With a hollow shaft made from a lightweight carbon fiber, these poles won’t weigh you down, coming in at a mere 8.64 ounces.

Hiking Essentials: Footwear

Hiking Shoes: Low-top hiking shoes are lighter weight and more nimble than hiking boots. Danner’s Trail 2650 GTX shoes are designed to comfortably carry you no matter what distance you’re hiking. Even though they weigh just 18 oz. per pair, they are still waterproof, so you can trample through mud and streams without worry.

Hiking Boots: Opt for hiking boots over shoes when you’re facing a longer, tougher hike, or for those times when you’ll be carrying a heavier pack—like on an overnight trip. Hiking boots offer more ankle support, as well as additional protection from bites, scrapes, and water. I love Salewa’s Pedroc Pro Powertex Hiking Boots which focus on three important factors: comfort, protection, and lightness. Weighing an impressive 290 grams per shoe, these boots won’t slow you down on the trail.

Hiking Essentials: Clothing

Hiking Tights: Tights are a tempting choice for hikes. You probably already own something similar to these super-flexible leggings in your wardrobe for running or yoga, but a hiking version are designed to withstand the rigors of an intense hiking trail. Fjallraven’s Abisko Trekking Tights are tough enough for hiking thanks to a super durable four-way stretch fabric that has extra reinforcement over the rear and knees to protect your skin when you’re scrambling over rocks or sitting on the ground. Plus, unlike most leggings, these trekking tights come with plenty of pockets and are available in a men’s version as well.

Socks: Good socks are the key to comfortable hiking. They keep your feet dry, prevent blisters, and provide cushioning and warmth. These socks from Smartwool are made from upcycled nylon and merino wool, with a padded sock cushion for extra relief.

Hiking Pants: For serious backcountry hikes you’ll want some heavy-duty hiking pants, like Arcteryx’s Gamme LT Pant. These pants are lightweight, durable, and wind and water resistant. These pants are specially designed for women with a lower adjustable waist and a slim feminine silhouette.

Base Layer: For cold weather hikes, add a layer underneath your hiking pants with lululemon’s Fast and Free Tight, which are made from patented Nulux fabric that’s quick-drying and sweat-wicking, yet designed to feel like you’re not wearing anything at all. For trail running or less-intense hikes that don’t involve scrambling these can be worn alone.

Sunglasses: Enjoying the view at the summit means protecting your eyes with sunglasses like these options from Maui Jim. Opt for their wrap-around frames for full eye protection and scratch-resistant lenses to handle whatever the hiking trail throws at you.

Hiking Underwear: Your favorite delicates might be comfortable, but they aren’t immune from the wear of lengthy hiking trips. Look for underwear that’s moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, like these pairs from ExOfficio for both women and men. For women, Patagonia’s Switchback Sports Bra is a soft and supportive option that’s also quick-drying and won’t cause chafing.

Hiking Shirts: Smartwool’s Merino 150 Base Layer Micro Stripe Short Sleeve tops for both women and men can be worn alone or layered for cooler days, and merino wool fabric means it won’t smell, even on a longer backpacking trip. For warmer days, Patagonia Capilene Lightweight T-Shirts for women and men are an ultra-light option that’s moisture-wicking, breathable and features patented Polygiene for odor control.

Hiking Tanks: For ultra-hot days (or hikes where you want to look good in the summit photo), Krimson Klover’s Cora Sleeveless Graphic Top is a fun option. Made from a cooling cotton/spandex fabric, the tank is available in a variety of fun colors and graphics (we like the Explore mountain option).

Hiking Shorts: For hot trail days, Helly Hansen’s Technical Trail Shorts are designed to keep you cool and dry, thanks to a moisture-wicking fabric. These lightweight shorts offer plenty of stretch so you can scramble over anything in your path, and a zippered back pocket keeps your valuables secure.

Jacket: Even if it looks like it’s going to be a warm day, packing a jacket is always a good idea on hikes, especially ones with a summit above the tree line (where it can be significantly colder/windier than it is  at the base). The weather can change quickly: Prepare by bringing along a lightweight jacket like the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody, available for both women and men, which delivers an impressive amount of warmth and wind-resistance for the weight.

Hat: You’ll want a hat to keep the sun off of your face, but a regular ball caps can get very sweaty after a while. Get a hat that’s made for activities and wicks away moisture, like Arc’teryx’s Calvus Cap.

Gloves: On chilly fall hikes or cool summer mornings, a pair of lightweight, waterproof gloves are essential. These picks for both men and women will keep you warm and dry, even in a sudden downpour.

Gaiters: Although not very fashionable, gaiters, waterproof covers that slip on over your boots to protect your ankles and calves from rain and mud, are very practical. I like this pair from Outdoor Research which easily slip on and off.

Hiking Essentials: Miscellaneous

• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Tissues
• Hand Sanitizer
• Emergency kit
• Blister bandaids
• Lipbalm with SPF
• Hair tie

Snacks: Peanut butter sandwiches, bananas, and trail mix are also good options for packable sustenance.

Caroline Morse Teel loves to hike, especially in New England. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from the summit.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

The post What to Pack for Hiking: 38 Essentials appeared first on SmarterTravel.

On my flight into Kilimanjaro International Airport, I was instantly humbled by the sight of Kilimanjaro’s three distinctive peaks poking well above the clouds at what seemed like the same height my plane was flying. Was I really ready for this? 

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I left on my trip. 

You Don’t Have to Like Camping

Although I love spending time outside hiking, I am 100 percent the opposite of a camper. When it’s time to turn in for the evening, I want electricity, climate control, and a hot shower. There are no luxury hotels on Kilimanjaro, so I spent way too much time worrying that I was going to be dirty, freezing, and miserable the entire trek. Fortunately, my fears were alleviated once I reached our first night’s camp. 

The company I summited Kilimanjaro with, World Expeditions, provided everything needed to sleep in comfort (even if it was in a tent.) There were flushing toilets housed in private bathroom tents, twice-daily bowls of hot water for sponge baths, and cozy sleeping bags that were warmer than my bed at home.

Pro tip: Pick a company that offers private toilet tents for your group. Trust me, when you see (and smell) the grim state of the public bathrooms on Kilimanjaro, which feature “long drop” style squat toilets, no running water, and a serious lack of doors, you’ll be grateful you did.

Don’t Let Anything Hold You Back

Age, physical limitations, or dietary restrictions can all be accommodated on Kilimanjaro. If an 89-year old can make it to the summit, so can you. 

Concerned about embarking on a week-long hiking trip with a severe food allergy or medical condition? World Expeditions offers a unique solution that keeps people with serious allergies safe. For an extra fee, you can hire your own private chef to cook for you in a separate tent, using dedicated clean dishes and pans. They will also assign an individual waiter to serve you to prevent any accidental cross-contact with allergens. 

On our trek we heard about inspiring people who climbed the mountain in wheelchairs or without shoes. If Kilimanjaro is your dream, there are plenty of options to make it happen.

Pack an Insulated Water Bottle

The importance of hydration for combating altitude sickness was impressed upon my group of hikers from day one. Which is why it was unfortunate that my water froze within hours during my hike to the summit, leaving me to carry two liter blocks of ice to the top.

Everything I had read about Kilimanjaro recommended bringing a Nalgene water bottle that can handle boiling water. Although these lightweight bottles were great for every other day of the trip, it was so frigid on summit night that my water quickly froze solid, despite storing my bottle upside down in my backpack and insulating it with a hiking sock. 

Packing an insulated bottle will add a little weight to your pack, but it will also give you a better chance of being able to hydrate on your long climb to the summit. 

The Food is Amazing

I packed tons of protein bars and snacks for my Kilimanjaro thinking that the food would be really basic. After all, everything you’ll eat on your hike has to be carried up the mountain by porters and cooked in a tent far from running water or electricity.

World Expeditions blew me away with the variety and taste of the food on our trek. We had three-course meals three times a day, and the dishes were varied and shockingly gourmet considering our surroundings. A typical day’s menu looked like: Eggs, sausage, and french toast for breakfast; Pasta, vegetables, and chicken for lunch; and a hearty stew over rice for dinner, accompanied by fresh fruit.

We even had a resupply of provisions halfway through our trip, provided by a team of porters who quickly hiked up from the base of the mountain to give us fresh vegetables, meats, and fruits. 

Wear All Your Layers on Summit Night

When I hike on colder days at home, I adhere to the advice: “Be bold, start cold,” and quickly warm up after walking for a few minutes—so I tend to wear less layers than I think I’ll need, and pack extras in my daypack in case the temperatures drop later on 

I figured Kilimanjaro would be the same, but that was a big mistake. It gets colder the higher you climb (according to our World Expeditions’ guide, the hours between 3-4 a.m. are the chillest on summit night).

I was completely comfortable for the first two hours on summit night, but as we ascended, it got so frigid that it was difficult to remove my mittens and outer jackets to put on more layers.

Don’t make my mistake—start as warm as possible, even if you’re overheating a bit at the beginning. (Just be careful to avoid getting too warm, as sweating can quickly turn dangerous in the cold.) It’s a fine line to walk, so make sure you try out all your layers at home in cold conditions to figure out what will work best when it counts. 

Put Your Phone on Low Battery Mode

I packed a bunch of portable chargers thinking that my phone would die quickly in the cold weather—but I only needed to charge it once for the entire trip, despite using it as my sole camera and taking tons of snapshots and videos daily. 

To make your battery last longer, put your phone on low battery and airplane modes. Sleep with it in your sleeping bag at night to keep it warm and prevent battery drain, and you won’t need a ton of extra chargers. 

Donate Your Gear

The porters who will carry your stuff up the mountain are the real heroes of the trip. Help them out (and free up some space in your luggage for souvenirs) by donating some of your gear after your hike. I can confidently say that I never wanted to put my hiking boots on again after my trip, so I was thrilled to hand them off to someone who would appreciate them. Gently used clothing, shoes, and tech gear are all happily accepted and appreciated by the porters at the end of the trip. 

You’ll Miss the Mountain After

As I mentioned earlier, I’m not a camper. So I thought I would be thrilled to get off the mountain and back into civilization after my trek. Although my post-hike shower did live up to my dreams, I was surprised at how quickly I missed being on the mountain. 

I’d never spent eight days completely immersing myself in nature. Spending the majority of my time walking outside rather than sitting at a computer and embracing the natural rhythms of the world by waking with the sun and sleeping as soon as it got dark just felt right. I miss it a lot, and the luxury of being back in my own bed just doesn’t compensate for it.

How to Book

I successfully summited Kilimanjaro with World Expeditions on their 10-day Lemosho Route tour. Prices for the trip start at $3,950 and can be booked directly on World Expeditions’ website.

Editor’s Note: The author of this story was hosted by World Expeditions.

The post 8 Things No One Tells You About Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Choose the Best Route

Vacation time is limited, so it can be tempting to book the shortest Kilimanjaro trip possible. However, when it comes to Kilimanjaro, the longer the hike, the higher your chances of making it to the summit. A slower pace gives climbers more time to acclimatize to the altitude, lowering the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is the most common reason for failure.

I opted to take the Lemosho Route with World Expeditions, which takes eight days on the mountain, because the company boasts a success rate of over 95 percent for that specific trek. I definitely felt the extra time, which allowed us to follow the tried and true advice of “climbing high and sleeping low” helped with my group’s 100 percent success rate. 

Pick the Right Company

Even more important than choosing a good route is picking the best company to hike Kilimanjaro with. Once you’re on the mountain, you’ll be completely dependent on your tour operator for everything from your health and wellbeing to your comfort and happiness, so don’t just pick the first group you find in a Google search. 

I’ve heard horror stories of people booking the lowest cost trip they could find, only to turn up and feel unsafe due to old equipment or sketchy guide practices. There are five major factors to consider when deciding who to trust with your trip.

Safety

The high altitude of Kilimanjaro makes safety a crucial consideration of every trip. You want to be sure that the company you choose takes the health and wellbeing of climbers seriously. For example, World Expeditions provides one guide for every two trekkers to better closely monitor hikers’ health. Emergency oxygen is carried throughout the trip, and all guides are highly trained in wilderness medicine. You’ll also need to purchase travel insurance before your climb.

Equipment and Amenities

When you’re on Kilimanjaro, you’ll see a wide range of setups for different tour operators, and you don’t want to be the one stuck in a tiny, leaky tent, enviously eyeing up other camps. World Expeditions uses large, mountain-quality tents that can withstand high winds and cold conditions. Hikers can rent four-season mummy sleeping bags (that were super warm) and plush sleeping pads that add to the comfort. Hiking poles and down jackets are also available to rent if you don’t want to overpack. 

Second only to the altitude, my biggest pre-trip fear was going for eight days without running water, bathrooms, or showers, but my worries were literally washed away when bowls of warm water were delivered to my tent each morning for a luxurious “washy washy”. Washing water (and the handwashing stations provided before every meal) are not just a comfort—they are important for hygiene and staying healthy.

At every camp (and lunch stop), the World Expeditions team even set up two bathroom tents equipped with flushing toilets—a minor miracle in a place where every drop of water has to be sourced from nearby rivers. 

Meals

You can burn around 4,000 calories a day hiking on Kilimanjaro, so the food plays a crucial role in getting you up the mountain. World Expeditions serves hearty, hot meals, three times a day that are designed to be hydrating and deliver maximum nutrients and protein to keep you fueled for the climb.

If you suffer from a severe food allergy, a trip like Kilimanajro might seem like something that won’t be accessible to you. Meals on treks are served family-style, and dishes are washed in a communal bucket, which could be disastrous if you can’t have cross-contact. 

World Expeditions wants to help make Kilimanjaro accessible to everyone, and they offer guests the chance to have a private chef for an additional fee. The chef will cook in a separate kitchen tent, using designated pans and utensils to prevent any cross contact. They will also provide a dedicated waiter who serves only the allergic guest throughout the entire trip in order to avoid any potential mishaps.

Ethics

Want to have a positive impact on the trip? Leave the mountain better than you found it with World Expeditions’ 10 Pieces project. Participating hikers are given a lightweight stuff sack at the start of the trip and asked to pick up ten pieces of trash per day, which makes a huge cumulative impact in cleaning up the trails.

You’ll also want to book with a company that is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), like World Expeditions. KPAP is a nonprofit organization that works to make sure the porters are treated fairly, paid well, have enough food to eat, get adequate time to rest, and don’t carry more weight than is safe. 

Cost

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park charges a lot of fees for the privilege of hiking the mountain. These mandatory fees include an entrance ticket plus daily fees for camping, conservation, and more, and total more than $1,000 per person for most trips. When evaluating the cost of a package from different tour companies, factor in if the fees are included or will be charged additionally on top of the price you pay.

Also, keep these mandatory costs in mind when evaluating low-budget tours, as you don’t want to pick an operator that won’t have enough margain to properly pay staff, provide decent food, or have good equipment.

World Expeditions’ Lemosho Route trip starts at $3,950 and includes:

• 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
• 2 nights hotel in Arusha 
• 7 nights fully-supported camping including tent
• Experienced guides, cooks, porters, and camp crew
• Emergency oxygen
• All taxes and fees

Editor’s note: The author of this story was hosted by World Expeditions on their Lemosho Route trip.

The post What Company Should You Hike Kilimanjaro With? appeared first on SmarterTravel.