North America Adventure Map

Yosemite National Park

Nature's Grand Cathedral

8.5

Half Dome rises about 1,450 metres above the valley floor. Hikers with permits climb its final stretch using steel cables. The 23 kilometre round trip takes most of a day. Glacier Point offers a similar view by road for visitors who prefer a short walk instead.

Highlights:

💦 Marvel at Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest in North America
🏞️ Hike to Glacier Point for one of Yosemite’s best views
🧗‍♂️ Stand before the towering granite face of El Capitan

Grand Canyon National Park

Epic Vistas, Timeless Adventure

8.1

The Colorado River carved a gorge 446 kilometres long through northern Arizona. Rafters run rapids like Lava Falls on multi day trips through the canyon. Hikers descend the Bright Angel Trail to Phantom Ranch at the bottom. Rim views at Mather Point light up red at sunrise.

Highlights:

🏘️ Explore the historic Grand Canyon Village and lodges
🌅 Enjoy sunrise views at Mather Point overlook
🥾 Hike the iconic Bright Angel Trail into the canyon

Banff National Park

Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes

9.2

Meltwater tints Lake Louise a vivid turquoise beneath the Victoria Glacier. Hikers can climb to the Lake Agnes Tea House for views over the valley. The Icefields Parkway begins nearby and heads north towards Jasper. In winter skiers head to Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Highlights:

🌊 Explore the scenic Johnston Canyon waterfalls trail
🏞️ Hike to Lake Louise and admire turquoise waters
🚡 Ride the Banff Gondola for spectacular mountain views

Hawaii

Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders

8.8

Kilauea on the Big Island is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Hikers cross the steaming Kilauea Iki crater floor at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Surfers ride winter waves at Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore. Maui offers sunrise hikes above the clouds at Haleakala crater.

Highlights:

🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano

Kauai

Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches

8.9

The Na Pali Coast rises in fluted green cliffs along Kauai's northwest shore. The Kalalau Trail runs 18 kilometres along it to a remote beach. Kayakers and boat passengers can view the cliffs from the water in summer. Waimea Canyon nearby drops about 900 metres into red rock gorges.

Highlights:

🤿 Snorkel at Poipu Beach with vibrant marine life
🚤 Take a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast
🌄 Hike the breathtaking trails of Waimea Canyon

Grand Teton National Park

Stunning Peaks and Wildlife Wonders

8.6

The Teton Range climbs abruptly from the valley floor with no foothills. Grand Teton peak reaches 4,199 metres above sea level. Hikers can walk the Cascade Canyon Trail beside Jenny Lake. Moose often wade through the Snake River at dawn near Oxbow Bend in summer.

Highlights:

🏞️ Trek through Cascade Canyon for breathtaking views
💧 Explore Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point nearby
🚶‍♂️ Hike the scenic Jenny Lake Loop Trail

California

Golden State of Endless Experiences

8.7

Mount Whitney rises 4,421 metres in the Sierra Nevada. It is the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Hikers need a permit for the 35 kilometre round trip on the Mount Whitney Trail. Big wave surfers ride giant winter swells at Mavericks near Half Moon Bay.

Highlights:

🚗 Drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Big Sur
🏞️ Explore Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls and granite cliffs
🌉 Stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

La Fortuna

Volcano Views, Hot Springs, Adventure

7.5

The La Fortuna Waterfall drops about 70 metres into a swimming pool. Visitors can hike down roughly 500 steps to reach the base. Zip lines and hanging bridges cross the rainforest canopy nearby. Hot springs near the volcano offer a warm soak after the climb.

Highlights:

🌉 Walk the hanging bridges at Mistico Park
♨️ Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
🌊 Hike to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall

Arenal Volcano National Park

Lava Trails, Rainforest and Epic Views

8.4

A near perfect volcanic cone rises 1,657 metres above Lake Arenal. Its last major eruptive phase ended in 2010. Hikers can walk old lava flows on the Arenal 1968 Trail. Kayakers and paddleboarders cross the lake at the base while the summit stays in view.

Highlights:

🌄 Enjoy spectacular volcano views from multiple lookout points
🌿 Explore rainforest biodiversity on the El Ceibo circuit
🌋 Hike the Las Coladas trail over old lava flows

Whistler

Alpine Adventure, Epic Views, Year-Round Fun

8.8

Two mountains join through the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a 4.4 kilometre ride. Skiers cover more than 8,000 acres of terrain in winter. Summer riders take lift access bike trails at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Hikers walk the High Note Trail across alpine ridges.

Highlights:

🥾 Hike to Garibaldi Lake’s turquoise waters
🚠 Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for alpine views
🎿 Ski or snowboard the legendary Whistler Blackcomb slopes

Jasper National Park

Untamed Wilderness and Starry Skies

8.8

A dark sky preserve covers the entire park above Jasper town. Maligne Lake lets paddlers reach Spirit Island by canoe or boat tour. Hikers climb the Skyline Trail for long alpine ridge views. Elk and bighorn sheep often wander through the town itself in autumn.

Highlights:

🧊 Walk on the Athabasca Glacier with a guided tour
🐻 Spot elk, moose, and bears along Icefields Parkway
🛶 Cruise Maligne Lake and marvel at Spirit Island

Denali National Park

Wild Alaska’s peaks and wildlife

8.8

North America's tallest peak rises 6,190 metres above the Alaska Range. A single narrow park road runs about 150 kilometres into the wilderness. Visitors can ride shuttle buses past grizzly bears and caribou. Backpackers hike freely across roadless tundra with no marked trails or crowds.

Highlights:

🛩️ Take a flightseeing tour above Denali’s snowy peak
🥾 Hike the Savage River Trail for rugged alpine views
🐻 Spot grizzly bears and moose in their wild habitat

Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves

Mist, Wildlife and Cloudy Magic

8.4

Cloud forest mist keeps Monteverde's trees draped in moss and orchids. The reserves shelter more than 400 bird species including the resplendent quetzal. Visitors can walk suspended bridges high in the canopy. Night tours reveal sleeping toucans and glowing insects along the winding forest trails.

Highlights:

🦜 Spot rare resplendent quetzals among misty trees
🌉 Walk the hanging bridges for canopy views
🥾 Hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest's biodiversity-rich trails

Glacier National Park

Crown of the Continent

8.9

An 80 kilometre road climbs over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Hikers walk the Highline Trail along a cliff edge with mountain goats nearby. The Grinnell Glacier hike ends at a turquoise lake below the ice. Grizzly bears roam the valleys below the peaks.

Highlights:

🌲 Explore Avalanche Lake’s serene hiking trails
🚗 Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road for views
🥾 Hike to Grinnell Glacier and stunning turquoise lakes

Corcovado National Park

Costa Rica’s Wildest Rainforest Frontier

8.2

The Osa Peninsula rainforest holds about half of Costa Rica's species. Hikers trek to the La Sirena ranger station on multi day routes. You can spot tapirs and scarlet macaws along the beach trails. Rules require a licensed guide for every visitor entering the park.

Highlights:

🐢 Watch endangered sea turtles nesting on remote beaches
🌌 Camp under the stars at La Sirena Ranger Station
🥾 Hike Corcovado’s diverse trails through rainforest and coastline

Moab

Red rock canyons echo adventure seekers' dreams

9.1

Delicate Arch stands about 14 metres tall in Arches National Park. A 5 kilometre round trip hike leads to the base at sunset. Mountain bikers ride the slickrock of the Slickrock Trail just outside town. Rafters run the Colorado River rapids through Cataract Canyon south of the city.

Highlights:

🚴‍♂️ Bike the Slickrock Trail through rugged desert terrain
🗿 Explore Arches National Park's iconic rock formations
🏜️ Climb Delicate Arch at sunrise for breathtaking views

Katmai National Park

Bears, salmon and volcanic wonders

7.2

Brown bears gather at Brooks Falls each July to catch leaping salmon. Katmai holds about 2,200 of these bears within its borders. Visitors watch from a raised platform above the rapids. Bush planes from King Salmon carry guests to the remote falls all summer long.

Highlights:

🌋 Explore volcanic landscapes shaped by past eruptions
🚁 Fly over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
🐻 Watch brown bears catch salmon at Brooks Falls

El Capitan

Yosemite's Iconic Vertical Giant

A granite wall nearly 900 metres tall rises straight above the Yosemite Valley floor. Climbers spend several days on routes like The Nose. Visitors can watch tiny figures inch up the rock from the meadow below with binoculars. Sunset turns the cliff face a glowing orange that photographers love.

Highlights:

🎤 Attend a ranger-led talk to learn climbing history
🌄 Explore the El Capitan Meadow for mountain views
🧗‍♂️ Watch expert climbers ascend the iconic granite face

Cabarete

Wind-swept paradise for adventure seekers

6.4

Steady trade winds sweep across Cabarete Bay from late morning until dusk. Kitesurfers and windsurfers fill the bay with colourful sails all day long. Beginners can book lessons at one of the many schools lining the beach. Waves at nearby Encuentro Beach draw surfers throughout the year.

Highlights:

🏄‍♂️ Surf the consistent waves at Playa Encuentro
🛖 Explore the underground caves of El Choco National Park
🪁 Kite surf at world-renowned Cabarete Beach

Squamish

Mountain‑coast escape with breathtaking vistas

8.8

The Stawamus Chief is a granite monolith rising 700 metres above Howe Sound. Rock climbers tackle hundreds of routes on its three peaks. Hikers can take a steep trail with chains and ladders to the summit. Winter eagles gather along the Squamish River to feed on salmon.

Highlights:

🚣‍♂️ Kayak along the crystal-clear Shannon River
🎨 Explore Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre's art exhibits
🏞️ Hike rugged trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park

Baja California Sur

Desert meets ocean adventure land

8.2

Grey whales migrate to Magdalena Bay each winter to give birth. Small boats take visitors close enough to touch curious calves. Near Cabo Pulmo snorkellers swim among bull sharks and huge schools of fish. Near La Paz you can kayak the Sea of Cortez around Espiritu Santo Island.

Highlights:

🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Playa Balandra
🐋 Watch grey whales breach near the lagoons of Magdalena Bay
🦈 Swim alongside whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz

Cayo District

Jungle adventures and ancient Maya ruins

7.0

Guides lead visitors through the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave to ancient Maya remains. The trek includes swimming through dark chambers with a headlamp. Above ground you can tube down the Macal River through jungle. Caracol has a pyramid called Caana that stands 43 metres tall.

Highlights:

🌳 Visit the lush Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
🛶 Tube through the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal
🏛️ Explore the ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich

Alaska

Land of superlatives and adventure

8.9

Sea kayakers paddle beside calving tidewater glaciers in Prince William Sound near Whittier. Humpback whales and sea otters often surface close to the kayaks. Bush planes carry visitors to remote lakes for fishing and hiking. Winter nights bring northern lights to the interior around Fairbanks.

Highlights:

🐻 See wild bears fishing for salmon in Katmai
🛳️ Cruise through glacier-filled waters in Glacier Bay National Park
🌌 Watch the northern lights dance above Fairbanks

Belize

Tropical paradise with diverse ecosystems

7.0

The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole off the Belize coast. Divers descend about 40 metres to see ancient stalactites inside the flooded cave. Snorkellers meet nurse sharks and rays at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The barrier reef stretches along the coast for about 300 kilometres.

Highlights:

⛵ Sail between tropical cayes across the Belize Barrier Reef
🏛️ Explore ancient Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and Caracol
🤿 Dive or snorkel the breathtaking Great Blue Hole

Colorado

Rocky mountains and red rocks

9.2

Hikers can climb any of 58 peaks over 4,200 metres, known as fourteeners. Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River runs through Browns Canyon. Winter brings deep powder skiing to resorts such as Aspen and Telluride. The Maroon Bells near Aspen rise above a lake that photographers adore.

Highlights:

🚗 Drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road
🎿 Ski the world-class slopes of Aspen or Vail
🏞️ Hike through Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine trails

Dominica

Nature island with pristine rainforests

8.1

The Waitukubuli National Trail crosses Dominica in 14 segments. It stretches about 185 kilometres from south to north. Hikers pass rainforest, waterfalls and volcanic hot springs on the way. Divers can also visit the bubbling reef at Champagne, where volcanic vents release warm gas into the sea.

Highlights:

🤿 Snorkel at Champagne Reef, bubbling volcanic waters
🌋 Hike to Boiling Lake, one of the world's largest boiling lakes
🌊 Visit Trafalgar Falls, the iconic twin waterfalls

Greenland

Arctic wilderness with ice landscapes

8.8

The Ilulissat Icefjord sheds enormous icebergs into Disko Bay each year. UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage Site. Boat trips glide between towering ice blocks under the midnight sun. Hikers can walk the Arctic Circle Trail, a 160 kilometre route between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut.

Highlights:

🌅 Experience the magic of the midnight sun on a boat cruise
🥾 Hike the rugged terrain of Kangerlussuaq and visit the Arctic Tundra
❄️ Marvel at the floating icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord, UNESCO World Heritage site

Utah

Nature's dramatic red rock playground

8.2

Five national parks form Utah's Mighty Five red rock circuit. Hikers wade the Virgin River through the Zion Narrows between towering canyon walls. Canyoneers rappel into slot canyons near Escalante. Capitol Reef and Canyonlands offer quieter trails than the busier parks in the peak season.

Highlights:

🚗 Drive the scenic Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive
🧡 Explore the colorful hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
🧗‍♂️ Hike the iconic Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park

Best adventure destinations in North America