Summer is here at last. Travel deals web site Cheapflights.ca has formaulated a list of the top 11 swimming holes around the world. It’s chosen five swimming holes in North America where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and cool down from summer’s heat.
Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs, Travis County, Texas: If you think Texas is just big hats and fancy boots, you’re sorely mistaken; it’s also home to some of the most beautiful swimming holes in the United States — and they get all the more popular during hot Texan summers. The Hamilton Pool, about 160 kilometres from Austin, is an impressive natural pool hidden away in a cavernous space. You’ll see a 15-metre waterfall from Hamilton Creek above leading into the shaded waters.
Little River Canyon, Alabama: Join others in the 19-kilometre-long Little River Canyon, which is surrounded by cliffs and gigantic sandstone jump-off points jutting from the waters. Most of the water runs along the top of Lookout Mountain from northwestern Georgia to the river’s end in Fort Payne, Alabama, making it one of the longest mountaintop rivers in the U.S.. Leap into the waters from one of three rope swings outside the hole!
Enfield and Lucifer Falls, Ithaca, New York: Avoid the sweltering city heat and head into upstate New York. Just outside Ithaca, you can visit the Robert H. Treman Park and all the falls that come with it. While the main attraction may be the 35-metre Lucifer Waterfall, the lesser-known Enfield (or Lower) Falls is just as beautiful. Take a walk around the reservation and park to see about a dozen waterfalls in all before splashing in at the foot of Enfield Falls.
Cummins Falls State Park, Tennessee: Located halfway between Nashville and Knoxville, this swimming hole is not for amateurs. Visitors will have to hike, wade and climb to get to the rope that walks you down to the water’s edge. The waterfall reigns high above its visitors at 22 metres high. Although the hike is only four kilometres, the level of activity makes it one for adventure-seekers.
Cyprus Lake Grotto, Ontario: Cyprus Lake Grotto in Ontario is a stunning, turquoise-coloured watering hole surrounded by a large cave. Hikers love it; it’s by far the most popular attraction in Bruce Peninsula National Park, which sees thousands of visitors a year and spreads out over 97 kilometres. The cave was formed by waves breaking along the rock formation from nearby Georgian Bay over the course of time. In addition to swimming, try your hand at kayaking or visit another travellers’ favourite, Indian Head Cove.
The swimming holes that round the Cheapflights.ca list for a memorable summer plunge are: Ik Kil, Cenote, Mexico; Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Iceland; The Blue Hole, Ochos Rios, Jamaica; Fairy Pool, Scotland; Erawan Waterfall, Thailand, and Devil’s Pool, Zimbabwe.
________________
Summer comes only once a year, and your body and soul need some action.
So now’s the time to toss the PVR box to the neighbours and get your hiking boots ready for 10 classics. From best views to historic hikes, here’s a sampling of hiking hits in the Canadian Rockies.
These 10 classic hikes won’t disappoint. We will start with primers close to Calgary to get you started and then offer up a plate of trail adventures on a giant circle tour, from day hikes to multi-day backpack trips, that are easily accessible and nearby four adventurous mountain towns.
A few words of warning. The recent floods have closed many routes in Kananaskis and around Canmore, so be sure to check the website before heading out. And remember your hiking safety rules: Pack enough water and food to stay hydrated and strong, dress in layers (don’t forget the bad-weather clothing), make sure to use proper footwear and use a good-quality, well-fitted backpack.
Close to Calgary
For a close and easy picnic-perfect hike to break in those hiking boots, set out for Point campground at Upper Kananaskis Lake. A little more than three kilometres and just over an hour of hiking time gets you views of peaks, sandy beaches and picnic tables ready for overnight tales.
In the footsteps of explorers
Elk Pass is a storied route dating back to the early days when explorers sought passes through the Rockies. Trade routes connected historic B.C. camps, and the bygone days of trading were in full swing. With a gradual access from the Elk Pass parking lot in Kananaskis, this is a nice forested walk that beckons you further into Elk Lake Provincial Park.
Alpine rambling done easy near Golden, B.C.
Golden-filled alpine meadows and an out-of-this world ridge walk make Kicking Horse Mountain Resort the perfect stop, and I’m not just saying that because I work with them. The gondola does all of the heavy lifting on this one, making it perfect for all ages. You can build up your distance to suit all levels, and get immediate spectacular views, even for those who walk less than 100 metres.
Long forgotten, classic backpack gem
Earl Grey Pass, up Toby Creek near Invermere, was once a First Nations trade route before early settlers used it to move cows from the East to West Kootenay to feed the miners breaking ground during the silver boom of early 1900s. This long backpack journey covering 18 kilometres tops out at Earl Grey Pass, surrounded by crags and littered with grassy benches to pitch that tent and spend your day gawking at the alpine splendour.
A Purcell gem near Kimberley, B.C.
The little-known St. Mary’s Alpine Provincial Park is one of my favourite places to escape because nobody goes here and it is filled with days of alpine exploration that can’t be beat. Espresso up in the alpine town of Kimberley to get that blast you will need to climb from the Dewar Creek valley floor to the high alpine entrance into St. Mary’s Alpine Provincial Park — plus endless lake-filled basins tugging at you to see more. The Mortar Lake trail is a great introductory to experience the beauty of this alpine gem.
Short scenic lake near Kimberley
Bring grandma, grandpa and the kids on this stroll to White Boar Lake, rimmed by a rocky ridge and plentiful spots for an afternoon picnic.
Tanglefoot Pass
Wildflowers abound in an alpine basin perched high in the Steeple Range of the Canadian Rockies which command the skyline above Cranbrook, B.C., but it is the emerald green of the lakes that dot the Tanglefoot trail that will mesmerize you.
Easy access lookout gives you some of the best views
Lakit Lookout near Cranbrook, B.C. gives you unbelievable views and is an easy hike, but not such an easy drive. Pay attention on this twisty and narrow forestry road. But don’t let the road stop you from enjoying this gem. Just two kilometres and you are in another world! Mountains on steroids in all directions — no better lunch spot for the whole family.
Base camp for adventure in Fernie, B.C.
The very best comes with a story of a mountain man who cut his trail through one of the most scenic sections of the Canadian Rockies. The local legend and trail builder, Heiko Socher, built the Mountain Lakes Trail, a 24-km masterpiece, from cedar-filled valleys to unmatched high alpine rambling through flower-filled basins. This is a must-do on any serious hiker’s list. Prepare to enter a magical world on this one as you see handcarved railings and benches, weeping waterfalls, mystery tunnels and, if you are lucky, you might catch a hobbit-like character.
Waterton National Park
Crypt Lake, long a favourite of many southern Alberta hikers, is a must-do hike that combines a perfect trifecta of adventure — a boat ride, walking the plank, and a tunnel. Get your adventure as you face your fear of heights and dark tunnels head-on. You can do it, as thousands do each summer.
______________
http://thoughtso.org/2012/08/04/hike-mt-indefatigable/
http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/Canada.cfm
https://withoutadornment.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/another-backpacking-trip-to-remember/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g181727-d3530257-Reviews-Upper_Kananaskis_Lake-Canmore_Kananaskis_Country_Alberta.html
http://www.worldfortravel.com/2013/02/02/most-photographed-moraine-lake-canada/
http://www.golfingpassport.com.au/blog/hammerhead-scenic-tours-ltd-canada/
http://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/beyond-calgary/banff-national-park/scenic-drives
http://www.statravel.co.uk/travel-blog/2013/12/a-dummies-guide-to-working-in-canada/
http://boardingcall.eftours.ca/2013/01/03/20-great-reasons-to-travel-across-canada/
.jpg){kind=tracking}
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g154918-Activities-Jasper_Jasper_National_Park_Alberta.html
jasper
banff
yoho
http://www.mountainsoftravelphotos.com/Canada%20-%20Banff/Best%20Jasper/slides/20%20Spirit%20Island%20In%20Maligne%20Lake%20With%20Mount%20Paul,%20Monkhead%20Mountain,%20Mount%20Mary%20Vaux%20Near%20Jasper.html
http://randomlists.co/the-most-beautiful-abandoned-places-in-the-world/
http://galleryhip.com/canadian-forest-with-l-shaped-lake.html
http://www.fashionnewhot.com/2015/04/22/photography-the-worlds-ten-thrilling-alpine-lake.html
http://www.fashionnewhot.com/2015/04/22/photography-the-worlds-ten-thrilling-alpine-lake.html
http://www.hamnqvist.org/vacations/alaska06/Day09.htm
https://visqst2012.wordpress.com
http://brushtravelog.blogspot.com/2014/05/east-glacier-national-park-montana.html
https://ashleighmanley365.wordpress.com/page/17/
https://www.pinterest.com/source/besttravelphotos.wordpress.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment