state-quebec Archives - MapQuest Travel

The World’s Most Spectacular and Unique Picnic Spots

Posted on August 30, 2018February 27, 2021 Author: Liam Bentley

There are few more idyllic, memorable, budget-friendly activities than enjoying an outdoor picnic. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic spot to nosh wine and cheese, a family looking for a day outing, or a big group planning an event or reunion, there are loads of spots that will enhance the overall features with scenery, amenities and unique features built right into the setting. And there are many who agree that food just taste better outside.

1. Irvine Regional Park, CA

Located in Orange, CA, Irvine Regional Park is a mecca for family fun that includes a picnic. In addition to numerous picnic tables and outdoor grills, there is a host of activities to partake in after you’ve finished your potato salad. There are bike trails (bike rentals available), equestrian trails, pony rides, paddleboats and fishing. There is even a train that the family can hop on for a ride across the park, as well as a zoo.

2. Huayna Picchu, Peru

Looking for a picnic perch with a view? You can’t get much better than spreading your blanket out atop Huayna Picchu in Peru, breaking your bread and taking into the vistas out and below. At an elevation of 9,000 ft., stopping atop this mountain after a reportedly grueling hike- not only gives you a chance to rest and refuel your body after the hike, but a chance to refresh your soul as well, with a stunning panorama of the 15th century ruins of Machu Piccu, including the Urubamba River Valley and the iconic city of Inca.

3. Gatineau Park, QC

Gatineau Park, located just outside of Ottawa, ON has 5 different picnic areas within their network of parks. The park is very popular with mountain bikers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Charcoal BBQs are available at various locations throughout the parks, as well as lots of picnic tables. The Etienne Brule Lookout is a popular picnic spot and offers fantastic views of the Ottawa River and connects to hiking and biking trails.

4. Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ

You’ve heard of dinner and a show? How about lunch and a view? And as views go, you can’t replicate the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon National Park at the South Rim has over 300 miles of trails to wander, take in this wonder of the world. Desert View Drive, which winds along the south rim of the Canyon leads to the Desert View Watchtower. Along this road are several lookout points and picnic areas. If you’re looking to extend your stay and camp, reservations are highly recommended. There are three campgrounds at the South Rim, including tent sites that can accommodate up to 50 people and three vehicles- so if your picnic plans are for a large group or reunion- this is a good spot for you.

5. Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Bristol UK

This fun park expands over 50 acres along the River Avon and has loads of family activities, including a petting zoo, mazes, a toddler village, and indoor and outdoor play areas. The park offers a “Riverside Experience” with miles of trails to follow along the river, providing idyllic picnic spots along the way.

6. Shannon Falls Provincial Park, B.C.

In Squamish B.C., Shannon Falls cascade down over Howe Sound, and are the third tallest falls in British Columbia. A meandering trail through the forest will get you down to the base of the falls- which is where you’ll want to head for photo ops and great views. If you feel like a longer hike, this trail hooks into the Stawamus Trail, which spreads its way out to three different summits. Shannon Falls Provincial Park is well-equipped for picnickers with a concession stand and picnic area located next to the parking lot. This area is for day-use only, making it ideal for a daytime hike and picnic to take in the views.

7. Villa Borghese Park, Rome

Villa Borghese is Rome’s answer to New York’s Central Park, with vast amounts of green space, walking trails and ponds. This park spreads out over 226 acres, and is populated with statues, museums, fountains, theatres and a zoo. There is a wide patchwork of lush, idyllic gardens in which to stop and smell the roses- literally. There are lots of grassy patches under trees to spread out your blanket and feast on your Italian picnic basket. Afterwards you can wander to one of the many man-made lakes and feed the ducks.

Destinations

Canada’s 10 Most Scenic Road Trips

Posted on May 27, 2013April 1, 2021 Author: Angela Ayles

Canada has some of the most beautiful roadways in the world. Grab your car keys, rent an RV or hop on a motorcycle to explore the beautiful scenery of the Canadian wilderness, the cities, and the coastline. Here are the top ten scenic road trips in Canada.

1. Pelee Island, Ontario

A road trip that will have you mesmerized is a visit to Pelee Island, Ontario. Located on the southern tip of Canada, it’s the perfect place for nature lovers to congregate and enjoy the beauty of the wildlife of the area. As the seasons change, the wildlife fluctuates and the island plays host to different types of birds and butterflies.

2. Chatham-Kent Corridor

You may have never heard of the Chatham-Kent Corridor, but you’ll soon fall in love with this scenic region. Comprised of more than twenty-three small towns along the coastlines of the Thames River, Lake St. Clair, and Lake Erie, it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular places for cruisers and motorcyclists alike to visit. Highway 3 extends all the way down the multiple lake shorelines, weaving through the many historical sights in the area, such as the route for the famous historical Underground Railroad and the pathways used by British loyalists during the War of 1812.

3. Edmonton

Edmonton is probably one of the better-known scenic spots in Canada, but that doesn’t mean it’s overrated. Far from it! Edmonton offers some of the most stunning natural beauty in the country. There are two UNESCO World Heritage Parks to visit in Edmonton, as well as Jasper National Park and the National Park from Calgary. You can glimpse special sneak peeks of glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, forests, wildlife and so much more. Just a few hours away, you can visit the urban landscaping of the city, reached after a drive across a wide, open highway through golden prairie lands.

4. Sea to Sky Highway (Squamish to Whistler, British Columbia)

Take a drive from Vancouver to Whistler and experience the beauty of the mountainous coastline of British Columbia. Make sure you stop by the many rest stops and turnouts along the road. Many of them hide true tourist treasures, such as the Tantalus Range Lookout, Shannon Falls, and Watershed Grill.

5. Kelowna, British Columbia

Looking for something outside the norm? Kelowna is known for its many wineries and upscale cuisines. A road trip through this flavorful countryside might be just what you’ve been waiting for. Visit Arlo’s Honey Farm, the Tantalus Vineyards, the famed Wild Apple Restaurant, the Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm, and so much more!

6. Stratford, Ontario

Entertainment is the name of the game in Stratford, Ontario. If you’re looking for a road trip with a little pizazz, check out the Stratford Summer Music Festival and the local theatre festival held in the city every year.

7. Eastern Townships, Quebec

Seclusion, nature, and quaint French-style bed and breakfasts await travelers of the Eastern Townships route. Gourmet restaurants, isolated wineries, even a Benedictine monastery can be found in this peaceful community.

8. Calgary to Lake Louise

It will take you a few hours to travel the highway that winds from Calgary to Lake Louise, but there are plenty of places to stop and rest. The stunning views of the Columbia Ice fields and Sulphur Mountain make it all worth it.

9. The Cabot Trail

If golfing, hiking, kayaking, swimming, scuba diving, camping, or horseback riding sound appealing to you, check out the Cabot Trail. It winds along Cape Breton Island, giving visitors access to some of Canada’s most diverse coastline.

10. Vancouver to Tofino

This is where you’ll find the famous Pacific Rim Highway. Everything from cold mountains to temperate rainforests can be found here. A surfing hotspot along the highway is Ucluelet, and don’t forget to visit the Coombs Country Market or Cathedral Grove.

Destinations

Top 10 Cities to See in Canada

Posted on May 17, 2013February 27, 2021 Author: Stuart Smith

Canada is a beautiful country full of picturesque natural settings from the sea, magnificent mountains, and charming lakes. Along with the loveliness of nature, Canada also boasts many of the world’s most gorgeous cities:

1. Toronto, Ontario

One of the most eclectic cities in all of Canada, Toronto is full of both the bohemian and the trendy. The city has many beautiful valleys full of gardens and parks and a lively waterfront with a view of the many quaint archipelagos dotting the lake. The city also boasts many impressive structures including the Flatiron Building, the Ontario Legislature, as well as the Royal Ontario Museum.

2. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Canada. Halifax is not only known for its truly impressive number of bars, pubs, live music venues, and restaurants but also for it perfect gardens and beaches. Along with the natural beauty of Nova Scotia, Halifax also offers numerous attractions including the boutiques of Granville Mall and the military re-enactments at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

3. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

This beautiful area, full of leafy trees, is located in the gorgeous South Saskatchewan River Valley. Saskatoon is particularly picturesque in the fall when the seasons change and the leaves turn orange. The city is full of parks and gardens, a lovely oasis of trees amid an otherwise treeless prairie landscape.

4. Victoria, BC

The retirement capital of Canada, the city lures in retirees for a reason – its beauty. Located near the mountains surrounding the Juan de Fuca Strait, the majesty of its surroundings is wonderfully paired with the mild climate to make the spot a must-see destination for any tourist who enjoys gardens and parks. Famous sites include the Fairmont Empress hotel and the B.C. Legislature.

5. Montreal, Quebec

Surrounded by the St. Lawrence River, Montreal offers countless attractions including quaint Old Montreal as well as Mont Royal, the peak for which the city was named. Tourists will be held captive by the glorious vistas of both mountain and beach.

6. Kelowna, BC

For those looking for a Canadian version of California, Kelowna is the the spot. Known for its beaches and its vineyards, the city also has ski slopes not far away. Essentially, everything that one would want to do is within a stone’s throw making it perfect for any tourist.

7. Ottawa, Ontario

Certainly the backdrop for some of Canada’s most impressive monuments, Ottawa boasts numerous attractions including the Museum of Civilization, Parliament Hill, the War Museum, and the National Gallery. The famous Byward market is full of clubs and shops and across the river in Gatineau lies Gatineau Park as well as the popular Casino du Lac-Leamy.

8. St. John’s, Newfoundland

Located about as far east in Canada as it is possible to get, St. John’s has a dramatic scenery consisting of several ponds and lakes as well as a breathtaking natural harbor. Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of St. John’s is the number of bars the city boasts. In fact, George Street has the largest concentration of bars per square foot in all of North America. St. John’s is also known for it’s many well known structures including the Battery neighborhood of brightly colored homes, Cabot Tower, as well as Newfoundland Museum, Art Gallery, and Provincial Archives.

9. Quebec City, Quebec

Largely a tourist town, Quebec City is a chip off the old French block. Full of European flair, the city is famous for the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac hotel, the Citadelle, and the National Assembly. Founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, Quebec City is perfect for any tourist who wants to see a piece of history or perhaps go cycling, attend a rock concert, or simply stroll through the beautiful streets and gardens.

10. Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, perhaps one of the most visited cities in all of Canada, is renowned throughout the world as being one of the best cities both to live in as well as visit. The city has both the ocean as well as snow capped peaks making it the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys a day at the slopes as much as a day at the beach.