Off the Beaten Path Archives - Page 13 of 14

Top 5 Best Things To Do In Denali National Park

A visit to Denali National Park has the potential to be one of the most memorable adventures you will ever experience. The vast national park located in interior Alaska offers some breathtaking views, including spectacular sights like Mt. McKinley and other peaks. This expansive park also features scenic wilderness with a unique boreal and tundra landscape.

The best part is that the national park offers something to all types of travelers and explorers. Whether you seek adventure, or prefer to relax in the wilderness, this national park provides options for both. Here’s a comprehensive list of the five best things to do in Denali National Park.

1. Bus Tours

The national park spreads across a whopping 7408 square miles, and bus tours are the best way to explore it all. No Denali expedition is complete without taking one of the three renowned bus tours of the National Park.

Though all three bus tours are full-day activities, they cover different distances, sights, and experiences. The Tundra Wilderness Tour takes eight hours and is the most popular among the three.

It covers wildlife, landscapes, and plants of the national park. You can expect a few restroom stops and quick breaks for stretching your legs and photographs.

2. Hiking

Denali National Park is an adventure enthusiast’s paradise. The national park offers adventurous hiking trails leading to scenic views. Whether you are looking for a day hike, customizable hikes for large groups, or multi-day hikes, you can find all these things to do in Denali.

You can take one of the many guided hiking tours offered by professionals, or choose to hike on your own. If going your own way, the maintained hiking trails at the entrance of the park and the Denali Backcountry are the two options available for you.

Any which way, hiking through the wilderness of this national park is indeed bliss. Ensure you pack the appropriate hiking gear and follow all safety precautions if you wish to hike on your own.

3. Flightseeing

Fancy a bird’s eye view of the national park and the reserve? Make a once in a lifetime memory and splurge on a flightseeing tour over Denali National Park. What better way can you take in the mighty mountain peaks than by soaring above them?

Instead of a flight, you can also go for a helicopter, some of which actually land on the glaciers. Or maybe you want to opt for Heli-hiking to combine an epic helicopter ride with an adventurous hike through the backcountry.

Flightseeing is an ideal option for people who prefer sitting in a relaxed airplane while witnessing the wildlife and plants from a higher view. The duration and distance of the flight seeing excursions differ from company to company. So, it’s better to compare various flight seeing services and select the one matching your preference.

4. Off-roading

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, it’s time to get your feet dirty by hopping onto an ATV or a Jeep across the muddy trails of this Alaskan national park. You can either enjoy an off road adventure as a passenger or take control by hiring a vehicle for yourself.

The jeep excursions take you through the national park highways, whereas the ATV rides take you through the Denali backcountry. You can also stop your ATV wherever you want for a quick photoshoot. Regardless of the vehicle, off-roading is one of the best things to do in Denali National Park.

5. River Rafting

Part of the beauty of Denali National Park is the impressive rivers that cut through the landscape. Is there a better way to explore those majestic waters than in a raft? River rafting not just allows you to explore the rivers, but also offers a unique view of the glaciers and wildlife across river banks.

You can opt for a relaxing trip on the Nenana River or go for a more adventurous rafting trip packed with adrenaline. Here again, there is a multitude of options depending on whether you want to grab a paddle along with the professional guide or sit back and enjoy the view.

There are also options ranging from a quick two-hour rafting experience to an entire day trip that includes a picnic lunch on the beautiful riverbanks.

Final Thoughts

That sums up the list of the five best things to do in Denali National Park. Hopefully, the list inspires you to create a fantastic itinerary that matches your preferences. You can also check out the Visitor Center at the park’s entrance to get a better picture of the things you can do during your trip.

June 14, 2021

Four Natural Wonders of Florida

Off the Beaten Path

As a vacation destination, Florida is unmatched. From the picturesque barrier islands of the Panhandle to the stunning Atlantic beaches around Fort Lauderdale and the gorgeous Gulf Coast, there are plenty of famous places that draw people to Florida year after year. With all the amazing wildlife, vibrant cities, and natural wonders, Florida is a pretty special place. You can find amazing sights and experiences across the entire state. If you are planning to cruise from Fort Lauderdale and want to see some of the most amazing spots Florida has to offer, here are four amazing natural wonders of Florida.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

The white sand beaches of the Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola is a gorgeous panorama of long, empty beaches, rolling dunes, and picturesque waves punctuated by dolphins. A wonder at any time of the year, this spot truly comes alive in the fall when the vast migration of monarch butterflies pause here on their way to Mexico. During this time, the air is set alight with the fluttering of delicate orange wings.

Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee Sunset at Flood Dam

You can shade your eyes as much as you like, but catching a glimpse of the far shore of Lake Okeechobee is nigh-on impossible. Even from the top of the bridge at Port Mayaca, Florida’s largest lake stretches out as far as the eye can see. One of the most well-known natural wonders of Florida, Lake Okeechobee has successfully resisted development and remains an untouched haven of natural beauty.

The Everglades National Park

The Everglades - one of Florida's Natural Wonders

The Florida Everglades

The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the US and one of the largest wetlands in the world. It is a unique ecosystem, stunningly biodiverse, and home to some of the most fascinating and rare species of plants, animals, birds, and marine life anywhere in the world. The Florida panther, the American crocodile, the West Indian manatee, and the snail kite are all only found in the Everglades, and exploring the 1.5 million acres of this ‘sea of grass’ is an astonishing adventure.

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

The Florida Keys

Florida’s best reef is easily accessed from almost every beach in the Keys and provides access to an underwater fantasy world of bright, electric colors and bizarre marine life. Queen angelfish and vibrant parrot fish brush fins with manta rays and groupers, all surrounded by glorious corals and gorgonians. A truly magnificent world of magic found just below the surface makes this a true natural wonder of Florida.

May 19, 2021

Tulum off the Beaten Path: 10 Day Trips from Tulum

Off the Beaten Path

Anyone who’s into world travel will be familiar with Tulum. This jungle coastline on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula has become a recent hotspot, with its stunning Cenotes and boutique beach hotels featuring prominently all over social media. While Tulum is no longer off the beaten path, the food scene, the funky artist vibe, and the stunning nearby sites make it the perfect destination in our books. If you’re in the area, be sure to take advantage of some great day trips from Tulum.

Renting a car is the best way to take day trips from Tulum, but you can also find local tour operators who will organize everything for you. You can check out Get Your Guide or Viator to get an idea of pricing and reviews and to book your tour ahead of time.

1. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza - one of the best day trips from tulum

The Chichen Itza Pyramid – one of the New Wonders of the World

It’s safe to say that the number one day trip from Tulum is a visit to one of the New Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza. It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you see this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site and how it rises impressively from the surrounding countryside.

Chichen Itza is best reached by car and takes about 2 hours one-way from Tulum. If you don’t have your own car, you can go on a full-day excursion that combines a visit to Chichen Itza, the Hubiku Cenote, and Valladolid.

2. Cenote Ik Kil

Swim in the stunning Ik Kil Cenote

Located a 2-hour drive from Tulum is one of the most beautiful Cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula. The ceiling of a former freshwater limestone cave has long since collapsed, creating a steep crater-like opening with jungle vines spilling into the pool below.

It’s hard to believe that a place like this exists on earth. Keep in mind that there is a fee to enter which seems to get more expensive year after year so come prepared with your pesos.

3. Swimming with Turtles in Akumal

For one of the best day trips from Tulum, head up the coast to Akumal, a Mayan word that means place of the turtles. In Akumal Bay, you can swim with juvenile green sea turtles who hang out here until they head to open waters in their adulthood.

Akumal is a public beach, so it’s absolutely free to swim with the turtles. However, there are some privately-owned beaches near the area, so be sure to avoid trespassing and upsetting the local owners.

4. Coba Mayan Ruins

Climb the Coba Mayan Ruins

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins, and the pyramid at Coba is a must-see. This particular site is special because it’s one of the only Mayan ruins that you can actually climb.

If you have your own car, it’s about a 45-minute drive from Tulum, but there are also local buses that connect Coba to Tulum.

5. Valladolid

The Suytun Cenote near the town of Valladolid

The colorful quaint little town of Valladolid is a perfect day trip from Tulum for anyone who wants to see an eclectic colonial town in the heart of the Yucatán. If you’re making the trek to Valladolid, don’t miss the nearby Suytun Cenote.

This Cenote is one of the most popular sites on the Yucatán, famous for its cathedral walls and stone platform that leads to the middle of the freshwater pool. It’s a popular spot, so it’s best to visit Suytun Cenote in the afternoon after the tourist buses have departed.

6. Cozumel

Take a Yucatan Peninsula day trip to the paradise beaches of Cozumel

Relax on the paradise beaches of Cozumel

Cozumel is a mostly-undeveloped island that looks like an island paradise: white sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees that grow right up to the shore. Luckily, it’s possible to take a day trip from Tulum to Cozumel.

There are ferries departing from Playa del Carmen every hour, so there is never too long of a wait. Once on Cozumel, you can go snorkelling among the reefs, or head to a sandy beach to relax.

7. Sian Ka’an Biosphere

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the impressive Mayan-built canals that can still be seen in this area. Located about an hour away, it’s one of the best day trips from Tulum for anyone looking to get a taste for the Mayan culture.

Visitors can even take a kayaking tour through the ancient canals that were used to control irrigation in the region. If you want to go with a guide through the vast Biosphere, you can take a half-day tour from Tulum that combines kayaking in the lagoon with exploring Mayan ruins in the surrounding jungle.

8. Rio Secreto underwater cave tour

Explore the Rio Secreto Caves and underground lakes

The Rio Secreto is one of the most stunning sights on the Yucatán peninsula. This network of limestone caves has underwater rivers, hiking trails, and massive cathedral-like rooms. You’ll have to go with a guide to explore the underground area, and there are tours ranging from full-day experiences to shorter visits.

9. Swimming with Whale Sharks near Isla Mujeres

Swim with Whale Sharks off the coast of Holbox

Swim with Whale Sharks off the coast of Isla Mujeres

If you’re spending a long vacation in Tulum, you should make time to take a day trip to the north. Here you’ll find a more remote and untouched part of the Yucatán peninsula, so it’s the perfect day trip for those looking to get off the beaten path.

From June to September, you can find Whale Sharks off the coast of Isla Mujeres, and it’s possible to book a tour from Tulum to swim alongside these gentle giants.

10. Bacalar Laguna de 7 Colores

The Bacalar Laguna de 7 Colores & Bacalar Cenote

If you’re looking for something further afield from Tulum, you can head 3 hours south to Bacalar Laguna de 7 Colores. It’s a good idea to take a day trip to Bacalar from Tulum if you want to get off the beaten path in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Although it’s a fair distance away from Tulum, the stunning lagoon is worth it. The best way to see the lagoon is from the water, so you might consider splurging on a full-day sailing trip that picks up from Tulum.

May 6, 2021

9 Surprising Hidden Gems In Ontario

Off the Beaten Path

Ontario can be a great place to travel. However, there are certain hidden gems in Ontario that you might not have been aware of until now. Sure, you might already be familiar with the capital city, Ottawa, but did you know that there are places there that go undiscovered? In this article, we’re writing about the 9 unexplored places in Ontario that you might not have heard of, and you might want to book a trip to for your next vacation getaway!

1. Hamilton Waterfalls, One Of Many Hidden Gems In Ontario

Albion Falls in Hamilton, Ontario

Also known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World,” Hamilton is home to almost 100 waterfalls. Whether you choose to hike through it or take a car, the possibilities are endless when exploring the picturesque waterfalls. Don’t forget to bring your camera to have photo ops from every angle possible in one of the most unexplored places in Ontario!

2. Library Of Parliament, a Hidden Gem in Ottawa

The Parliament Library in Ottawa (on the Parliament Hill, to be exact) is both a massive archive and an architectural marvel. Built in 1876, this library (which is home to information and research for the Parliament of Canada) will transport you through time as you take in its historic architecture, from the carvings to the towering shelves. This stunning library is another hidden gem in Ontario.

3. Flowerpot Island

Flowerpot Island is only 4 hours from Toronto when you travel by car. Just off the coast of Tobermory, you’ll be able to get there once you board a boat. Then, you’ll start seeing great things — including rock formations that are structured like flower pots. It’s still a relatively unexplored place in Ontario, with opportunities to hike the many trails in the area and enjoy the azure waters along the shores.

4. Inglis Falls

Love waterfalls? Ever imagined getting that great photo op of a magnificent waterfall? Then check out Inglis Falls, one of the big unexplored places in Ontario! 18 meters high, these falls were formed by Sydenham River, which meets the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. And, sitting in the middle of a forest, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie set in an exotic amazon!

5. Bruce Peninsula

Ontario may not have the ocean, but it does have rivers, lakes, and bays for you to take a swim in. One of the huge hidden gems in Ontario, the Bruce Peninsula National Park sits on the edge of Georgian Bay, and is well-known to locals for its crystal blue waters and ancient trees, along with its incredible grotto perfect for swimming near, it’s still one of the best unexplored places in Ontario.

6. Sleeping Giant

Just out on the Sibley Peninsula, you’ll come across the Sleeping Giant – a natural formation that towers over Ontario. When looked at from above, the formation resembles a large person asleep, and covered in trees. “Hikers who hike on this “giant” will be gifted with staggering views and treated to a wonderful hiking experience. Hiking here is really one of the best unique things to do in Ontario” says Jannie Lindgren, a lifestyle blogger at Revieweal and UK Services Reviews.

7. Absolute World Towers

Mississauga has two towers that make most skylines think twice before exploring it. Just among the low-lying grey landscape are twirling towers – the Absolute World Towers. Among the 5 largest towers in the world, these can twist 209 degrees from the bottom to the top, making the individual dizzy just by looking at them. One of the more frightening unique things to do in Ontario, if you’re brave enough – or at least, adventurous enough – then go for it!

8. Georgian Bay

Something out of a romantic movie and one of the hidden gems in Ontario, the Georgian Bay is one of the best places where writers can find plenty of inspiration. With picturesque sunsets, as well as an overall view of the bay itself, this place is ideal for those who love to bike through trails, those taking cruises, and for casual tourists looking to simply sit by the lake. The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding unexplored places in Ontario around Georgian Bay!

9. Bonnechere Caves

Finally, enter Eganville, one of the unexplored places in Ontario, and you’ll see the Bonnechere Caves. Encased in limestone, these caves are a local-favorite during the summer. During a tour through the caves, you’ll learn about their geology and history.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! 9 places that will surely knock your socks off the next time you plan on going to Ontario. Instead of the usual tourist traps, try one or more of these special hidden gems in Ontario, and you’ll be amazed at what you’ve been missing all along.

February 4, 2021

The Best Scenic Drives in the UK

Off the Beaten Path

Are you dreaming of getting out and going on an adventure? After the year we’ve had, it’s worth taking the time to think about how we’ll make the most of any holiday time we get.

Should you be planning a getaway, look no further than hitting one of the many scenic drives in the UK. While Great Britain might not be as vast as the US, with its epic Route 66 and Skyline Drive, there are still some truly breathtaking road trips to uncover.

If you feel ready to get behind the wheel and see some very familiar countries from a whole new perspective, read on for some inspired scenic drives in the UK.

The North Coast 500, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands near Aultbea

The North Coast 500 is a captivating scenic drive around some of Scotland’s most awesome sights. It takes in an impressive 805km along the coastline of Inverness and follows an anti-clockwise circular route through Caithness and Wester Ross up to Wick and Aultbea, before moving west to Poolewe and Gairloch. Along the way, you’ll see castles, ruins, and beaches before looping back to Bealach na Bà and across to Inverness again.

This scenic drive takes anywhere between four and seven days and covers winding back roads, so be ready to climb some highlands.

The Atlantic Highway, England

Tintagel Castle on the Atlantic Highway in England

For a route that runs from coast to coast, try the Atlantic Highway located in England in the UK. This 275km route runs along the A39 from the Devon border at Bridgewater to Land’s End.

This four to five-day UK scenic drive is perfect for nature lovers as it takes in Exmoor National Park along the way and is well worth a visit if you’re itching to get out for a hike. There’s plenty for beach lovers and surfers too, as Bude and Newquay are home to surf schools, while Land’s End looks out to where the Celtic Sea meets the English Channel.

The Black Mountain Pass, Wales

Enjoy the lowlands of the Brecon Beacons before the hairpin turns of the Black Mountain Pass in Wales

This one-day scenic drive covers an epic mountainous route through the Brecon Beacons. It starts in the north at Llandovery before heading through Herbert’s Pass then down into the village of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen.

This is a scenic drive suited to robust motors and confident motorists as there are several narrow roads and hairpin bends that need some masterful driving skills to navigate. It’s worth it for the captivating scenery, however, and is the perfect adventure holiday.

The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Set aside three to five days for this 195km scenic drive from Belfast to Derry/ Londonderry. This coastal journey is filled with castles and whiskey distilleries, beaches and UNESCO sites.

Take a detour to the Dark Hedges while traveling the Causeway Coastal Route

The famous Dark Hedges near the Causeway Coastal Route

Some of the highlights to look out for include Carrickfergus Castle and The Gobbins, a dramatic cliff path that features bridges, caves and coastal views. There’s also The Dark Hedges, an avenue of trees that featured in Game of Thrones. It’s close to the route and well worth a detour if you’re a fan of the show. You can then head to Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle before arriving in Londonderry.

Whichever scenic drive you choose, you’re sure to see the UK in a whole new light.

January 26, 2021