Explore North America
From the far north Canadian tundra to the sunny beaches of mainland Mexico, and the giant melting pot of the U.S. in between, North America’s vast expanse is diverse in landscape and culture. Here are few of World Trekker’s highlights for each country:
Canada—From Black Bear to French Fare
Canada offers a mix of vibrant cities and some of the most sparsely populated wilderness on the planet. The west coast province of British Columbia, which was chosen to host the 2010 Winter Olympics, is known for the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver and the English-influenced Victoria as well as its incredible outdoor recreation and amazing wildlife such as the black bear and the Orca “killer” whale. In Manitoba you can witness the imposing polar bear near the town of Churchill. And Canada’s national parkland is expansive including Banff National Park in Alberta (a UNESCO heritage site), Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, and the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield. Eastern Canada offers the nation’s capital of Ottawa, the country’s financial capital of Toronto (a northern version of NYC), and the French-inspired cities of Montreal and Quebec—both known for fantastic French cuisine and culture.
United States—Endless Opportunities
Offering every climate, culture and every major geographic landscape, where does one begin with the States? How about the wilds of Alaska? Commune with glaciers, grizzlies and gray whales. Or head to the mountains for ice climbing or heli-skiing at Denali National Park featuring the highest peak in the North America, Mt. McKinley. Looking for a little sunshine? Hit the beaches of California, or head inland to its famous Napa Valley wine country. If you’re more of a city slicker you’ll want to see L.A. and the hilly streets of San Francisco. And if outdoor recreation is your M.O., visit the country’s extensive National Park system including Yosemite in California, Yellowstone in Wyoming, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Florida Keys, and the urban park of Washington, D.C.
Once out east, a visit to New York is a must for those who enjoy the bustling city, serious shopping and dining, Broadway shows, and historic sites. In the Northeast, learn how the country unfolded in Boston and Philadelphia, visiting Revolutionary War battlefields and historic re-enactments. The South offers a slightly slower pace, and is a fascinating place for history buffs with cities such as Charleston, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. The South is also renowned for its hundreds of famous golf courses throughout the Carolinas and Florida.
Mexico—More than Margaritas
Mutter the word tequila, and most people think of Mexico. But this amazing country is known for much more than margaritas. It’s also famous for its beaches, food, and some of the most sophisticated indigenous cultures of ancient times. Covered with hundreds of Spanish colonial cities and Mayan and Aztec ruins, Mexico offers rich history. And Mexico City is a destination all its own. But many get a better feel for the culture in smaller, out-of-the-way places such as the tiny fishing villages of Baja where you can go whale watching, kayaking, and on eco-cruise adventures, or the Copper Canyon with its maze of gorges (an area four times larger and twice as deep than the Grand Canyon) reachable via the Chihuahua al Pacifico or Copper Canyon Railway—one of the most remarkable train trips in the world. And, don’t forget the Yucatan Peninsula surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. From the nightlife of Cancun and the snorkeling off Cozumel to the Mayan ruins of Chitzen Itza and Tulum, the Yucatan and the rest of Mexico amazes anyone willing to dig a little deeper than a short shot of tequila.