Exploring the Great Outdoors at Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is the epitome of the great outdoors. A 1,583-square mile wilderness area in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. It has more than 700 miles of hiking trails where you will see a diverse wildlife ranging from mountain goats to grizzly bears. The park also offers a variety of activities like hiking, cycling, and camping. Explore the great outdoors with the Glacier National Park Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     Going-to-the-Sun Road

As one of the park's highlights driving through Going-to-the-Sun Road should definitely not be missed. The spectacular 50-mile road was completed in 1932 and spans with the width of the entire Glacier National Park and crossing the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot-high Logan Pass. It passes through almost every type of terrain in the park where there are scenic viewpoints and pullouts so motorists can stop for extended views and photo opportunities.

2.      Goat Haunt

One of the more tranquil locations in the park, Goat Haunt provides you with an escape from the stresses of life. Cut trees may mark the International Boundary between the United States and Canada, but it is a place where the plants and animals here do not; they cross freely, as this is one large ecosystem and peaceful political boundaries do not affect the native flora and fauna.

3.     Lake McDonald Valley

On the west end of Glacier National Park is Lake McDonald Valley. The valley presents a wide variety of activities for you to experience. Once occupied by massive glaciers that carved this area thousands of years ago, the valley is now filled with spectacular sights, hiking trails, diverse species of plants and animals, historic chalets, and the grand Lake McDonald Lodge. Ten miles long and nearly 500 feet deep, Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park.

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Bucket list add on! Vancouver, Where Nature Meets Science

Are you planning a family trip? Why not consider visiting Vancouver in British Columbia? The bustling west-coast seaport has something to offer for every member of the family. As Canada's densest and most ethnically diverse cities, it come to no surprise that Vancouver has a lot going on. It's a sea port that's surrounded by picturesque mountains and it's thriving art scene is very much palpable with its notable architecture. Whether if dad is a thrill seeker and you're bringing grandma along Vancouver has something for every taste and personality. make sure download the Vancouver Travel Guide and Offline City Map to help you plan your trip!

1.      Science World

A sparkling geodesic dome, towering metal dinosaur and Mondrian-like exterior invite you into a museum with intricate exhibits that will keep you preoccupied for hours. Located just minutes from downtown at Main Street, it ignites your mind with its interactive indoor and outdoor displays, inspirational feature exhibitions and jaw-dropping live science demonstrations. From environment, life sciences, physics, and even sustainability, Science World is a dream come to true for any science buff. They even hosts occasional After Dark adult evenings featuring special guests such as the animators from “Jurassic World”!

2.      Stanley Park

Stanley Park was named the "Top Park in the World" by TripAdvisor and it come to no surprise. The park itself contains 27 kilometers of trails through rainforests, an almost century-old seawall, sandy beaches, First Nations totem poles, wildlife, the Vancouver aquarium, sports facilities and plenty of dining options. Walk the trails around Beaver Lake. Here you'll feel like you've been transported to another place, being surrounded by a 400-hectare rainforest, you'll never feel like you're right in the heart of downtown. Go for a walk around the lily pad covered lake and you’ll encounter wildlife such as raccoons, frogs, herons, and friendly squirrels.

3.      Granville Island

Touted as a paradise for food lovers, this man-made island is a gem located only 10 minutes from Vancouver Downtown. It's main attraction is its public market. As a hub bustling with activity, it offers fresh produce, fruit, meat, fish and more. Enjoy homemade ice cream and pastries and explore more of island as it's also considered one of the city’s most important cultural districts with theaters, artisan workshops and craft studios.

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Love to chill in cold places? Go to Québec, North America’s Winter Wonderland

If you love the cold, the city of Québec will be a paradise for you. Here are some convincing reasons why you should come to Québec City. Download the Quebec Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map so you’ll have an easy time exploring the city.

1.      The Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel is the only one of its kind in North America and it is Québec City’s most famous attraction. This modern structural wonder, located on the lower slopes of the Laurentian Mountains, is made up of 500 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow. It has 44 rooms. Curtains are used as doors and the beds are made of blocks of ice fitted in a wooden frame. Guests are provided with sleeping bags designed specifically for the ice beds. The bathrooms are in a separate outhouse building. The average temperature inside the hotel is -4˚F so don’t check in unless you are confident you can handle the cold. When you make your reservation, you can also request for a custom suite to be carved for you if you so desire.

2.      Village Vacances Valcartier

The Village Vacances Valcartier is the largest winter playground in North America. It is the perfect place to set the child in you free. The attraction has more than 35 snow slides along with ice skating, ice rafting, ice tubing, and ice carting facilities. Its slope-slide sugar shack sells the most delicious maple candy-pop in the city. Once you’ve had enough of the cold, you can warm up in the park’s restaurant and reenergize your body with some hot soup and dishes. Thrill seekers can test themselves in the Himalaya, a tube ride that features a 90-degree jump during which the tube can reach a speed of 50 miles per hour.

3.      The Nordic Spa

The Nordic Spa operates based on a millennium-old Viking tradition of tempering the body by subjecting it to extreme shifts in temperature. The first stage involves bathing in an outdoor hot tub. Then the second stage of sweating it up in a sauna follows. And finally, the final step of immersing yourself in frigid waters. To help normalize your body, a 60-minute long Swedish massage caps off the experience.

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