Best destinations to visit in July in North America
Best destinations to visit in July in North America
July marks peak summer across North America, with national parks, beaches and cities all drawing their largest crowds of the year.
Independence Day celebrations kick off the month in the United States, adding fireworks and festivities to an already busy travel season. National parks operate at full capacity, with every trail and campground open, though popular spots can get crowded well before midday. The Caribbean and coastal Mexico stay warm through the month, with hurricane season building steadily in the background. Northern regions and Canada enjoy some of their warmest, longest days of the year, ideal for road trips and time spent outdoors. Reservations for popular campgrounds and national park lodges often need to be made months in advance, so early planning pays off in the busiest weeks.
The destinations on our list for North America reflect that same peak summer energy found across the continent.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in United States
Oregon
Diverse Landscapes and Outdoor Wonders
Pioneers on the Oregon Trail ended their journey here in the 1840s. Today the state has Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States at 594 metres. In July the rim road is open after snow melts. Multnomah Falls drops 189 metres in the Columbia River Gorge. Beaches along the coast are public.
City in Mexico
Mexico City
Vibrant Culture, History and Street Food
Families go to lucha libre matches at Arena Mexico, where masked wrestlers fight to loud cheers. July days are mild at about 23 degrees Celsius with rain showers in the afternoon. Mornings are usually clear. The Museo Nacional de Antropologia holds Aztec treasures. Xochimilco has colourful boats on old canals.
State/Prefecture in United States
Montana
Wild Beauty & Vast Big Skies
Larger than Germany but with only about 1.1 million people, Montana has wide open space. Fly fishers cast on the Madison and Yellowstone Rivers. Flathead Lake cherry orchards sell sweet fruit in late July. Livingston holds a rodeo around 4 July. Rafting trips run on the Gallatin River.
City in Canada
Montreal
A city of festivals, food and culture
On an island in the St. Lawrence River, this French speaking city is full of festivals in summer. The Montreal International Jazz Festival runs from late June into early July. Days in July are warm at about 26 degrees Celsius. Old Montreal has cobbled lanes. Bike paths link Mount Royal and the Old Port.
City in Canada
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
With about 2.6 million people in its wider area, this is one of the largest cities in Canada. Mountains rise beside Burrard Inlet. July is sunny and dry with days near 22 degrees Celsius. The Stanley Park seawall is a popular bike ride. Bard on the Beach stages Shakespeare plays in tents.
State/Prefecture in United States
Washington (State)
Diverse landscapes from mountains to coast
July is one of the driest months in Seattle and the state has long sunny days. Wildflowers cover Paradise meadow on Mount Rainier. A lavender festival is held near Sequim in the middle of the month. Orcas swim in the San Juan Islands. Ferries cross Puget Sound.
State/Prefecture in United States
Wyoming
Wild West landscapes and natural wonders
Cheyenne Frontier Days has been held every July since 1897 with rodeos, parades and pancake breakfasts. This open western state has few people and wide skies. Jackson Hole sits beneath the Tetons. Cowboys still herd cattle on ranches. Visitors can stay at working ranches and ride horses.
National Park in United States
Yellowstone National Park
Geysers, wildlife and untamed wilderness
Larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined, this park has more than most visitors can see in one trip. Mammoth Hot Springs forms white terraces. The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River drops 94 metres. Bison cross the roads in Hayden Valley. Crowds are large in July so start early.
National Park in United States
Rocky Mountain National Park
Majestic Peaks and Untamed Wilderness
High, rugged and cool, this Colorado park has more than 300 miles of hiking trails. Wildflowers cover the meadows in July. Trail Ridge Road is open and crosses the high tundra. Hikers walk to Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Longs Peak rises 4,346 metres. Elk calves graze near Estes Park.
Town in Canada
Banff
Rocky Mountain Majesty, Endless Adventure
Railway workers found hot springs here in 1883 and the park was created two years later. Today the Banff Upper Hot Springs are still open. In July snow has melted from the high trails and wildflowers cover Sunshine Meadows. Visitors paddle canoes on Lake Louise. Shuttles run to Moraine Lake.
National Park in United States
Grand Teton National Park
Stunning Peaks and Wildlife Wonders
The Teton Range runs about 40 miles and rises straight from the valley floor without foothills. Wildflowers bloom on the meadows below the peaks in July. Kayakers paddle Jenny Lake. Floaters drift down the Snake River past moose and eagles. Old wooden barns on Mormon Row make a famous photo.
State/Prefecture in United States
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
Stretching from the Pacific coast to the Arctic Ocean, this vast state has long summer days. Anchorage gets about 19 hours of light in July. Brown bears fish for salmon at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. Denali rises 6,190 metres above the tundra. Days are mild at about 18 degrees Celsius.
National Park in United States
Glacier National Park
Crown of the Continent
On the Canadian border in northwest Montana, this park straddles the Continental Divide. Going to the Sun Road is open for the summer. Hikers follow the Highline Trail past mountain goats. Boats cross Many Glacier lake. Huckleberries ripen on the hillsides in late July. Lake McDonald has colourful pebbles.
Island in Canada
Newfoundland
Coastal charm meets rugged wilderness on island
Vikings built a small settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows around the year 1000. It is now a World Heritage Site. Gros Morne National Park has fjords and flat topped mountains. Humpback whales feed off the coast. Puffins nest near Witless Bay. St. John's has rows of brightly painted houses.
Island in Canada
Cape Breton Island
Coastal charm meets rugged Atlantic scenery
This Nova Scotia island has Scottish roots, Gaelic songs and fiddle music in every town. Pubs and halls hold ceilidhs, which are lively music parties. The Fortress of Louisbourg is a rebuilt 1740s French town where staff wear period costumes. Pilot whales swim off the Cabot Trail. July days are about 22 degrees Celsius.
National Park in United States
Kenai Fjords National Park
Majestic fjords, glaciers and wildlife
On 4 July the town of Seward holds the Mount Marathon race. Runners dash up and down a steep mountain. The park's days are long with light for about 19 hours. Boats cruise to Aialik Glacier where ice crashes into the bay. Puffins nest on the cliffs. Exit Glacier is easy to reach.
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