Category: USA & Canada

Travel TipsUSA & Canada

Happy 100th Anniversary Grand Canyon!

on April 23, 2019

Happy Anniversary to one of the most iconic landmarks in the USA; the Grand Canyon. The park officially became recognized as a national park 100 years ago and we are celebrating with a post dedicated to the history of this geological wonder, with a few fun facts mixed in. It’s time to pack your bags, grab your sun glasses and join us on our journey through the Grand Canyon.

Long before the canyon was a national park, scientists estimate the canyon was formed anywhere from 5-70 million years ago. It is estimated that about 30- 70 million years ago tectonic plates shifted back and forth to create the Colorado Plateau. From there, about 5-6 million years ago, the Colorado River helped shape the canyon over the next millions of years by slowly weathering away the Colorado Plateau. Even today these forces of nature continue to slowly widen and deepen the formation. Even though the formation of the canyon is a young 70 million or so years old, some of the oldest rock in the canyon, like that found in the inner gorge, can be traced back to around 2 billion years ago!

Since its formation, the Grand Canyon has hosted indigenous populations, groups of explorers and many who struggled to explore the land. It is estimated that the first humans passed in and around the Grand Canyon about 12,000 years ago. The first recorded group to inhabit the canyon was the Ancient Pueblas, who lived there an estimated 2,300 years ago. The park has had continuous occupants since that time. The first scientific expedition took place here in 1896 when US Major John Wesley Powell led a passage through the Grand Canyon with a volunteer group of nine men to see if the land could be successfully traversed. This was due to the widely believed theory that the land in the Grand Canyon was uninhabitable. Powell and his men completed the journey successfully and showed that the canyon can be crossed in its entirety. He also coined the name “Grand Canyon” as opposed to its previous names of “Big Canyon” or “Great Canyon.”

From there, the Grand Canyon still had several years and political hurdles until it became a national park. Before his presidency, Benjamin Harrison introduced a bill to attempt to crown the Grand Canyon a national park in the years 1882, 1883 and 1886, all of which were unsuccessful. In 1893, now President Harrison established the area as the Grand Canyon Reserve and in 1893 it was declared a monument. Even after these milestones, the US Senate attempted to elevate the canyon to national park status in both 1910 and 1911 and both attempts were shut down. The Grand Canyon had supporters in very high places and still did not see national park status for 8 more years.

Finally, in 1919, under the administration of President Wilson, the area was delegated as an official national park on February 26. For a place to be considered for designation, it must possess a unique natural, cultural or recreational resource. In the United States, it is maintained by the national government and by act of congress.

The Grand Canyon was finally a protected national park and its popularity skyrocketed and continues to. The area now sees over 5 million visitors a year and is continuously one of the top most visited national parks in the United States. It was the 2nd last year just behind the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. It is a true piece of Americana and holds a place in the hearts of visitors for a lifetime.

That’s enough of our history lesson, we will now provide you with some fun facts about the Grand Canyon National Park!

  • The US Bureau of Reclamation wanted to build a staircase of reservoirs through the canyon in the late 1960s.
  • The Grand Canyon Railway was completed in 1901 and now brings over 225.000 passengers to the park each year.

  • In 2014, a five-day routine flooding of the Grand Canyon was ordered in hopes to improve the environment by delivering sediment to the Grand Canyon. This flooding released enough water in the Grand Canyon to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 2.5 seconds. These floods are expected to continue through 2020.

  • Grand Canyon National Park is larger than the state of Rhode Island at 277 miles in length.

  • The canyon is 18 miles at its widest point across with it stretching a mere 4 miles at its narrowest.

  • The rock found at the bottom of the canyon is around 2 billions years old with the rock on top being only 230 million.

  • The Grand Canyon is not the widest, longest or deepest canyon in the world but it is one of the most popular with around 5 million visitors per year.

  • It is around 6,000 feet deep.

  • Native Americans have been living in and around the canyon for thousands of years, long before Powell started his journey.

  • It creates its own weather because of the drastically varying elevations. The weather you are experiencing in one part of the park can be completely different from the weather just a few miles away.

  • There are no dinosaur bones in the Grand Canyon because the rock that makes up the majority of the canyon is about a billion years older than the dinosaurs.

*As a special bonus, we wanted to give a shout out to National Parks week from April 20- April 28! Celebrate National Parks Week by visiting our Celebrating National Parks Week: Facts from our National Parks blog post. Learn more about your national parks and get inspired to see some of these beautiful places for yourself!

Gate 1 ConnectionsUSA & Canada

It’s All Here. Cultural Treasures, Remarkable History, Jaw-Dropping Beauty

on March 20, 2019

The greatest discoveries of your life could be right under your nose. The truth is, you don’t need to look far to gaze on breathtaking vistas … to immerse yourself in local ways of life … to uncover a history that you never knew about. It’s all here, in the United States. From the magnificent sweep of our national parks to bustling cultural centers, from coastal beauty to southern charm, Gate 1 pulls the curtain back on a remarkable country that you only thought you knew, all at a value that you never thought possible. 

The full roster of our itineraries in the U.S. is here. But we hope you’ll take a few minutes to read more about our favorite corners of this great nation below.

North by Northeast: Rich Histories and Seductive Charms

We’ll begin where the U.S. began. You’ve long heard about the birth of the nation and the gently rolling hills outside Boston, Massachusetts, that were the stage of the American Revolution. It’s quite a moving experience to witness firsthand the historic places that carry echoes of pre- and post-colonial days. It all comes startlingly to life in New England, particularly at the first settlement at Plymouth Rock. 

Of course, Boston was the hub of it all. Legendary sites like the Old North Church, Beacon Hill, and the Boston Commons—the oldest public park in the country—take you back to inspiring moments in history. There’s more inspiration in Hyannis on Cape Cod, lined with beautiful sand beaches and home of the Kennedy Compound, witness to so much national pride and tragedy. Massachusetts also nurtured some world-renowned literary and artistic talents. One stands apart at the Norman Rockwell Museum, where you will gain incredible insight into the life of a man whose work has stood the test of time. 

Those lovely rolling hills of Massachusetts rise into dramatic mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire. Traversing these stunningly beautiful states—much of them protected U.S. Forest Land—you’ll pause to explore charming, steepled New England villages and admire sweeping vistas of granite cliffs and hills blanketed in evergreen.

There’s more northern beauty along the legendary lakes that surround Michigan. This truly is one of the undiscovered corners of the U.S. But Michiganders are in the know about the tranquil beauty here, from inviting shores lined with Victorian gems and green forests to the charming Bavarian village of Frankenmuth. Major moments in history have also played out here: Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum chronicles the achievements of American inventors and Fort Mackinac was erected by the British to fend off the new colonists during the American Revolution.

The South: Grace and Vitality

The American South is a virtual gumbo of history, culture and beauty. Antebellum charms, pretty green parks, and trees dripping with Spanish moss line the streets in Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. These inviting and very walkable cities are home to some of the country’s most treasured Greek Revival, Revolutionary Era, and plantation mansions. It’s easy to imagine sipping a mint julep on any of the sprawling porches of these gracious cities. Nearby, St. Augustine, Florida holds the torch as the country’s oldest city. Straddling the Matanzas River near its mouth, it was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1565, more than two centuries before independence.

For a completely different southern experience, you can visit New Orleans, where life is lived slowly and strains of jazz echo on the bayou. Home of Bourbon Street and the annual Mardi Gras festival, New Orleans’ French Quarter is one of the most captivating musical centers in the country—a place to let your hair down and join in the fun. But the state of Louisiana has much more in store. You can take time to explore its rich history in its fascinating museums; take in the blend of Spanish, French, Creole and Cajun cultures in Baton Rouge; and witness the natural beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest River Swamp in the U.S. 

There’s music to be danced to, as well, in Tennessee. For country and rock music lovers, the state is home to revered pilgrimage sites. In Nashville, you can visit the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. In Memphis, music clubs lure you in with twangs and strums spilling onto the famous Beale Street. And, of course, no visit here should bypass Graceland, the palatial home of Elvis Presley. Another musical legend, BB King, is memorialized at his namesake museum in the Mississippi Delta.

Our National Parks: Magnificence Preserved

West of the Mississippi, the plains open up to some of the grandest vistas in the country. Symbols of the grand American ideal, many are protected as American Parkland.

Perhaps one of the most interesting parks, South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore is more known for its man-made wonder than its natural ones. For many visitors, its quartet of presidential sculptures carved into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills serves as an altar to democracy. In Wyoming, endless grassland and soaring peaks set the stage for the drama of Yellowstone. Its countless hot springs, massive mountain faces, and towering waterfalls are truly stunning, but the “Old Faithful” geyser steals the show. Not to be outdone, the Grand Teton massif, with its distinctive and spectacular craggy range, is a humbling testament to the west’s natural beauty.

In Arizona and Utah, fissures in the earth have carved out breathtaking natural wonders. Almost 280 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon is the great American icon. Though the colossal chasm was sculpted over millennia, it is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a national park in 2019. It was February 26, 1919, when Woodrow Wilson signed the Grand Canyon National Park Act. In Utah’s Bryce Canyon, conical-shaped rock formations stand like sentries among pine-dotted hillsides. And at Zion National Park, red sandstone canyons are kissed by cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers and vivid desert colors. Though it is nowhere near the size of the Grand Canyon, it’s been said that its beauty far surpasses that of its larger cousin.

More startling earthen colors and stunning rock formations grace the landscapes of Canyonlands National Park. Ascend to its 1,500-foot mesa to marvel at red-rock vistas, including the legendary Mesa Arch. Many more of these astonishing natural sculptures – the densest concentration in the world – greet you in Arches National Park. In Colorado, you can get a glimpse of how ancient peoples lived amidst such ruggedly beautiful terrain at the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, home to 5,000 known archaeological sites.

Farther north, you might answer the call of the wild in Alaska. Mt. McKinley watches over an untouched wilderness in Denali National Park. This is a pristine world of magnificent panoramas cut by babbling streams and salmon-rich rivers. A deluxe train journey and a tour of the tundra highlight it all. Incredible scenery is everywhere in Alaska; even our transfer days take the breath away! And no trip here would be complete without seeing its impressive glaciers. Kenai Fjords National Park and its 300-square-mile Harding Ice Field is one of the best spots to witness them as they calve into the icy waters. You can watch from a safe distance during a spectacular cruise among soaring, snow-capped peaks.  Alaska also offers visitors the opportunity to search the skies for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), among the most spectacular phenomena on earth.

The West: Glittering Cities Amidst Natural Beauty

The western U.S. has a lot more to offer than its national parks. California, especially, is home to beautiful cities that enjoy magnificent settings. To be sure, the hills of San Francisco, its situation on its famous bay, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge make for one of the most breathtaking skylines in the world. Exploring the city—with its bustling Union Square and Ghirardelli Square—and the vineyards to the north—with their inviting wineries and galleries—is pure pleasure. 

The star of California’s coast is the “17 Mile Drive.” Widely called one of the most scenic panoramas in the world, this road follows the jagged Big Sur coast to the Del Monte Forest. Sweeping vistas unfold around every corner, from crashing surf on rocky shores to multi-million-dollar homes hugging hillsides. And of course, one cannot visit northern California without laying eyes on its towering redwoods, which you can do during visits to Redwood National Park and Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Long heralded as one of the most magnificent corners of the U.S., the Pacific Northwest offers an enriching blend of natural beauty and rich culture. If you want to get a sense of how much Oregonians love and respect the wilderness that surrounds them, just consider that Portland ranks high on the list of the most “green and livable” cities in the world. From here, an exploration of the Columbia River Gorge, an 80-mile-long twisting river canyon fed by plummeting waterfalls, takes the breath away. The lush, rugged Oregon coast and Crater National Park punctuate the state’s unrivaled natural diversity.

An entirely different landscape mesmerizes all who visit New Mexico, where starkly beautiful desert vistas have long inspired artists and craftspeople for generations. Glimpse the old Pueblo ways in Albuquerque at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Bandelier Monument, one of North America’s oldest settlements. In Taos, explore the streets of Taos Pueblo, a typical ancient village preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And get to know the life and works of the region’s most famous artist, Georgia O’Keefe, at her home known as Ghost Ranch and at Santa Fe’s renowned museum named for her.

Gate 1’s U.S. Escorted Tours: The Ultimate in Convenience and Value 

Here’s the real beauty of seeing this magnificent country on a Gate 1 Escorted Tour: We take care of everything for you. This saves you countless hours of planning—arranging airfare and car rental, researching sites to visit and making sure you have driving directions, hoping you’ve picked a decent restaurant for your meals. Plus, you’ll gain insight and learn more about your destination than you ever would on your own, thanks to the expert knowledge of our tour managers. Simply put, the only thing you have to worry about is enjoying yourself and taking in our country’s glorious sites. 

What’s more, our buying power with hotels and other travel providers ensures you the lowest possible price for your overall trip. In fact, if you were to try to duplicate any one of our trips on your own, you would end up paying far more. 

Convenience and ease … the unmatched value of our buying power … magnificent and awe-inspiring destinations … a comprehensive trip made all the more fascinating by our expert tour managers. If you’re planning to explore your own country, then a Gate 1 Escorted Tour is your ticket to a trip unlike any other. Join us!

Evening at Lake Louise
USA & Canada

Canada: Where Wonders Never Cease

on January 16, 2019

Between the forested Pacific shores of Vancouver Island and the rocky fingers of land that reach into the Atlantic at Newfoundland’s Terra Nova National Park, the second largest country on earth spans some 4,700 miles as the bird flies. Within its vast expanse, countless natural treasures and cultural riches unfold. Snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes are encircled by mountains and European-flavored Old Towns. Sophisticated cities, sleepy fishing villages littered with lobster traps and tranquil lands, sacred to the First Nations people who have lived here for millennia. This is all woven together by a rich tapestry of French, British, Scottish, and Asian traditions.

This is Canada. And if you’ve only been looking at it from afar, you’ve been missing out. Lucky for you, we have a myriad opportunities for you to experience it up close. Herewith, our survey of Gate 1 Travel’s inspiring destinations from west to east …

The Scintillating Cultural Centers of British Columbia 

The capital of British Columbia (BC) is a seaside gem. Situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is every bit as regal as the queen for whom it was named. The British settled here in 1843 and many historic buildings central to its founding remain. Get a sweeping and insightful view of the city’s past at the Royal BC Museum, a fascinating chronicle of the region’s natural history, First Nations heritage, and modern history. View some colorful, towering totem poles next door in Thunderbird Park and experience the second oldest Chinatown in North America. Vancouver Island’s natural splendor is on full display at Beacon Hill Park, where you can marvel at stunning views of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains of Washington State. And you surely won’t want to miss the floral brilliance of Butchart Gardens, a fantastic showcase of flowers, topiary, statuary, and fountains. 

Vancouver, the largest city in BC, has literally been shaped by water. The Fraser River courses to the south and the Burrard Inlet meanders in from the sea to the north. Other scenic bays, inlets and rivulets make this one of the most picturesque cities in the world. The diverse heritage of the people – Chinese and other Asian populations are equally at home here as Vancouverites of European descent bringing a unique multiculturalism found in few other cities.  You can see where the city was born, take in its frontier spirit, and imagine its logging and fishing past as you browse the historic street of Gastown and the large public market at Granville Island.  As for Vancouver’s natural beauty, there’s ample to admire not only in the spectacular vistas of the nearby Coast Mountain range, but also at Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre haven of dense rainforest often cited as the most stunning public park in the world.

Alberta’s Soul-Stirring Beauty

Where BC and Alberta meet, a magnificent wall of alpine peaks emerges, continuing its reach from the United States. The Canadian Rocky Mountains host innumerable turquoise lakes, gleaming glaciers, hot springs, yawning canyons, and torrential waterfalls. Sprawling vistas here can only be described as majestic; forests climb up steep slopes, stopping short of bald rocky summits, and sinewy rivers wind their way through deep-cut valleys. You can explore it all from two bases, each exuding a relaxed mountain setting where nature takes center stage. 

Laid-back Jasper in the Athabasca Valley was established in 1813 as a fur trading outpost. The surrounding namesake park was founded in 1907 as Jasper Forest Park and later given national park designation. You are truly in the midst of astonishing wilderness here. The massive wall of Pyramid Mountain rises to the north of town, named for its pyramidal shape. After gazing upward at its peak, you can peer downward into the nearby Maligne Canyon. Thrilling walking trails lead to breathtaking overlooks into the depths of its narrow crevice, which was carved by river waters over eons. East of here, a dramatic valley road leads to the incredible Maligne Lake. Set in a long, narrow trough between soaring hills, it is the largest glacier-fed lake in the Rockies. Tiny Spirit Island, a cluster of evergreens floating on aqua-green waters, enjoys a jaw-dropping backdrop of jagged peaks.

The epically scenic Icefields Parkway links Jasper and Banff, tracing the Continental Divide past jagged mountains and glistening glaciers. Along the way, the powerful Athabasca Falls roar through a pine forest and the Athabasca Glacier—just one finger of the massive Columbia Icefield—spills down into the valley from Mt. Columbia. Measuring up to 900 feet thick in some places, its ice is nonetheless receding at about 16 feet per year and may not be around for future generations to witness. You will see the vast Athabasca river valley when you dare to step on to the thrilling Glacier Skywalk, a glass walkway that clings to the edge! After such a dramatic experience, breathe in the serenity of emerald-hued Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most visited natural sites for its magnificent setting at the foot of Fairview Mountain.

Set in a valley near the eastern reaches of the Rockies, the resort town of Banff is the gateway to more natural wonders. The town enjoys a unique setting as it wraps around the dome-like Tunnel Mountain, which is also partly encircled by the meandering Bow River. Banff was settled after workers of the Canadian Pacific Railroad discovered hot springs at Sulphur Mountain. As interest in the area grew, so did the desire to preserve the natural beauty here, and so Canada’s National Parks system began. 

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain, site of those first hot springs, is where it all began. You can step inside the cave system to visit the steaming reservoirs and imagine they were your own discovery. If you wish, ascend the summit of Sulphur Mountain by gondola. Nearby, follow footpaths into the wide Johnston Canyon, formed over thousands of years by the flow of Johnston Creek. Another astonishing lake awaits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, named for the ten pointy pinnacles lined up all in a row. You may not be able to decide which moves your spirit more: the peaks themselves or their mirror-like reflection in the pristine waters of Moraine Lake. 

In the unlikely event that your spirit is not moved by Lake Moraine, then the dappling of lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park should do the trick, located near the US border. You’ll even step over into Glacier National Park in the US state of Montana, which, with Waterton, forms the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. This is a soul-stirring wonderland of mountains, prairies, forests, falls, and lakes that bring the wild west to mind. And for a true glimpse of life on the frontier, visit the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Fort MacLeod, Alberta. For 5,500 years, indigenous Blackfoot people killed buffalo by driving them from their grazing spot to this 36-foot-high cliff.

Sophisticated Cities from Calgary to Quebec City 

Speaking of stampedes, Calgary recalls the days of old Alberta with its famed annual rodeo. Canada’s largest city was founded as a headquarters for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1886 and has evolved into a modern cultural center, rich in history and architecture. Alberta’s capital, Edmonton, contains Canada’s largest living history museum, Heritage Park. It boasts replicas of historic houses, churches, covered wagons and more. For a more modern glimpse of Edmonton’s agricultural traditions, you can browse the famed Farmer’s Market in Old Strathcona. 

Jump farther east into Ontario and you’ll experience the world-renowned multicultural mélange of Toronto. More than 140 languages can be heard on its streets and the city boasts a varied culinary scene that reflects its many colorful ethnicities. Of course, the centerpiece of Toronto is the famed CN Tower, once the largest freestanding structure in the world at more than 1,800 feet. Around it, a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods, museums, and remarkable architecture unfold. 

One of Canada’s most spectacular natural wonders is a short drive from Toronto: the spellbinding Niagara Falls, fed by a torrent of water from four of the five Great Lakes. Daredevils have risked their lives by encasing themselves in barrels and balancing on tightropes here. Your experience will be considerably tamer as you feel the soothing mist of the falls from a boat, followed by a wine tasting on the Niagara Peninsula. Niagara is not the only spectacular gathering of water in this intimate corner of Ontario. The mighty St. Lawrence River courses its way northeast, following the New York border. Along the way, it plays host to an astounding 50-mile archipelago of 1,864 islands known as the Thousand Islands. A boat cruise lets you witness some of them up close. 

The sheer grandeur of Canada is on display in its scintillating capital, Ottawa. Locals love their city so much that not even the winter’s cold keeps them inside; many skate to work or school on the frozen Rideau Canal. But you’ll be visiting in warmer months when the city is at its most glorious, marveling at the Gothic-style Parliament buildings and paying homage at the National War Memorial. Free time might lead you to any of the city’s many splendid museums or to a pleasant cruise along the canal.

More than any other region in Canada, the province of Quebec has long clung to its French heritage. This tenacity lends its two major cities—Montreal and Quebec City—a delightful joie de vivre. History appears on every corner in these fraternal towns, but it’s not to be outdone by succulent pastries from French bakeries and fine cuisine served in cafes and brasseries. In Montreal, situated on an island in the St. Lawrence River, sophisticated culture meets Old World charm. It is pure pleasure to take in the details of its many art galleries, admire sweeping city views from atop Mount Royal, marvel at the Basilica of Notre Dame, and stroll the cobbled streets of Vieux-Montreal. Quebec City has been called the “most French” city outside France. Adding to its European flavor, it is also the only walled North American city north of Mexico. Its Place Royale transports you back in time to the city’s original settlement while the iconic Chateau Frontenac and an adjacent terrace provide stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.

The Maritimes & More: Serenity by the Sea

Few places on earth match Canada’s easternmost provinces for their sheer tranquility, classic coastal ambiance, and authentic culture. Historically, the British and Acadians (descendants of the French) settled here during the 1600s. Today, Atlantic Canada is renowned for its cultural charms, breathtaking vistas, and a contagious love of seaside living.

Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, seems torn from a storybook. Rolling green hills and rock-strewn coasts embrace small farming towns and fishing villages. This unique gem evolved with little outside influence; it wasn’t until 1997 that it was connected to the mainland by the nine-mile Confederation Bridge. PEI’s northern shores actually are from a storybook: the town of Cavendish was the idyllic inspiration and setting for Anne of Green Gables. You can step into the beloved Green Gables House, visit other sites from the life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, and marvel at the red beaches and stunning dunes of Cavendish. 

Known to some as “New Scotland,” Nova Scotia is deeply admired by all who visit. One of the province’s largest seaside cities is also one of its most cosmopolitan. Halifax, the maritime capital, enjoys a prime spot on a wide harbor. Its many heritage buildings—including St. Paul’s Church, City Hall, and Government House—its green parks and bustling arts and culinary scenes are all kissed by sea breezes and steeped in a vibrant history. Nearby, the highest tides anywhere roar in to the Bay of Fundy, they rise 48 feet in just six hours. The force of the waves has sculpted astonishing rock formations such as the Hopewell Rocks, gigantic towers topped with tiny forest clusters. You’ll find a more peaceful scene at Peggy’s Cove on St. Margaret’s Bay. Its quaint harbor bobs with fishing boats and its perfectly situated lighthouse creates a quintessential seaside tableau.

One notable part-time Nova Scotia resident, Alexander Graham Bell, wrote that “for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals” all the places in the world he had ever been. You may agree as you drive Cape Breton’s famed Cabot Trail through a rugged seaside highland landscape reminiscent of Scotland. As you traverse this spectacular region, witness the area’s varied heritage in old fishing villages descended from Acadian, Irish, and Scottish settlements. Take in more of the cape’s charms during your stay in Baddeck, a quaint shire town on the northern shores of Bras d’Or Lake, stopping by to visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and Historic Site.

Explore More of Canada with Our Sister Company, Discovery Tours!

Our Discovery Tours small groups are renowned for exploring off the beaten path. In Canada, we head farther north into Newfoundland and Labrador. These two geographic regions were merged into one province in 2001: Newfoundland is the wedge-shaped island jutting into the North Atlantic and Labrador spreads across the mainland. Together, they present travelers with unrivalled opportunities to head deeper into the continent and experience more of its unspoiled splendor and rich cultures.

On Newfoundland, the easternmost region of North America, cruise into the breathtaking fjords of Bonne Bay and view unique geological features at Gros Morne National Park. Uncover millennia of history amidst the stunning scenery of Port aux Choix National Historic Site. Explore the Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows—where Leif Erikson landed in the Americas 500 years before Columbus—and see the site of John Cabot’s landing in 1497. Tour the provincial capital of St. John’s, one of the oldest cities in North America. In Labrador, traverse primeval landscapes to stop by an old Basque-era whaling station of Red Bay. Along the way, visit tiny villages, sample local cuisine, and head out to sea to view the largest puffin colony on the North American east coast.

Experience Canada Up Close with Gate 1!

More than ever, travelers have been discovering Canada’s magnificent beauty, vibrant and traditional cultures, and welcoming locals. We invite you to join them, while enjoying the local insight, ultimate comfort, and terrific value you’ve come to expect from Gate 1 Travel.

#G1PhotoFridayUncategorizedUSA & Canada

Getting Back to Nature in Banff, Alberta

on September 14, 2018

Banff, Alberta is located in Western Central Canada nestled among the Rocky Mountains and located about an hour and a half outside of Calgary. This beautiful resort town is picturesque thanks to its various gardens, wildlife, incredible setting among the mountains and, of course, Banff National Park! When in Banff, be sure to take a stroll down Banff Avenue, the main street, that features boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and luxurious hotels. Other attractions include Lake Louise, Bow Falls, Whyte Museum, Cave and Basin National Historic Site and much more!

banff

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @megan_dlm using the hashtag #gate1travel. This colorful scene was taken in Banff, Alberta, Canada.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Canada trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayUSA & Canada

Iconic Mount Rushmore

on August 31, 2018

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson welcome you to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota. One of the most famous landmarks in the United States, this granite sculpture is carved into the Black Hills in west South Dakota. These sculptures are 60 feet long and are visited by about 3 million people a year! Come visit some of the most important people in the history of the United States.

mountrushmore

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @Amy Bubenheim using the hashtag #gate1travel. This historic scene was taken at Mount Rushmore National Park in Keystone, South Dakota.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s National Parks and USA trips here!

Travel TipsUSA & Canada

Celebrating National Parks Week: Facts from our National Parks

on April 26, 2018

The national parks of the United States are a long-honored treasure and a must see for tourists and locals alike. With these parks sprinkled all over the country, there’s something different for everyone! Whether it be snow on the mountains in Denali National Park in Alaska or plunging canyons in the Grand Canyon of Arizona, you will find adventure at its best right in America. We are taking you on our own tour through the country and highlighting some of the most fascinating facts from each of these parks. Put on your hiking shoes, grab your canteen and join us on this magical journey.

Arches National Park:

  • Arches National Park is located in Moab, Utah and is perfect for nature enthusiast, hikers, campers and geology lovers
  • Bring your camera to Delicate Arch; it is one of the most photographed sites within the park and features a large sandstone arch that you can see from near and far
  • The park contains over 2000 natural sandstone arches, it is a true one-of-a-kind adventure

Denali National Park and Preserve:

  • Denali, Alaska 1405_dt_26795163Mt. Denali, formerly Mt. McKinley is the highest peak in North America and it is right here in this Alaskan park
  • Mt. Denali was renamed in 2015 to pay homage to the native Koyukon language of the Athabaskan people
  • Denali encompasses 6 million acres in a sub-arctic ecosystem and contains fascinating animals such as grizzly bear, wolf, Dall sheep and moose.

Kenai Fjords National Park:

  • Kenai Fjords is home to an array of marine wildlife that includes orcas, sea lions and fin, gray, minke, sei and humpback whales. Animals to see on land are moose, goats, otters, hares, lynx, black and brown bears, wolverines and gray wolves
  • Exit Glacier is one of the parks most famous attractions because of its accessibility and gradual recession, be sure to listen to its crackle!
  • Paddle the fjords, go on a boat ride, take a tour with a ranger or take a flight tour while in the park

Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve:

  • This Alaskan park is the largest national park in all of the United States; it also covers the largest wilderness area in the entire National Wilderness Preservation System, it equals 6 Yellowstones
  • Mount Wrangell, from which the park gets its name, is one of the largest active volcanoes in North America
  • The Malaspina Glacier spills out from the St. Elias Mountains between the bays of Icy and Yakutat, this natural phenomenon is called a Piedmont glacier

Grand Canyon National Park:

  • The Grand Canyon’s appearance is mainly due to erosion and took 3-6 million yearsGrand Canyon to form; erosion continues to alter it to this day
  • The Grand Canyon National Park receives close to 5 millions visitors each year
  • Grand Canyon was made a national monument in 1908 and established as a national park in 1919
  • The Grand Canyon area contains about 277 miles of the Colorado River and is populated by five main Indian tribes including; The Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Paiute and Hualapai

Yosemite National Park:

  • Yosemite has a huge array of things to do while in the park including Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Road, Hetch Hetchy Valley, Crane Flat Area, waterfalls, rock formations, lakes and rivers.
  • Yosemite welcomes millions of guests a year due to its large area of over 1,000 square miles
  • Bears are plentiful in Yosemite so it important to follow the rules regarding bears and food storage while in the park

Redwood National Park:

  • Named for the tallest trees on Earth, this 200 square mile park is also home to prairies, woodlands, coastline and river ways
  • Hiking and camping is an excellent way to see the beauty of the Redwood National Park and some areas even allow a leashed pet
  • Find animals here such as banana slugs, gray whales, black bears and sea anemones to name a few

Sequoia National Park:

  • This park is named for the towering Sequoia trees and is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains
  • While the Redwood is the tallest tree, a tree by the name of General Sherman, a giant sequoia located in the park, is the largest tree in the world
  • Glacial canyons, large lake basins, green meadows and granite peaks are all natural sites that you must see while in this park

Mesa Verde National Park:

  • Located in Colorado, this national park is home to the Ancestral Pueblo people who have called it home for over 700 years
  • The park protects around 5,000 known archaeological sites which includes 600 cliff dwellings that can be seen while visiting the park
  • Mesa Verde means “green table” in Spanish and describes the beauty of plant life and natural formations in the park

Crater Lake National Park:

  • Named for Crater Lake, a caldera lake formed within a now collapsed volcano called Mount Mazama
  • A violent eruption occurred 7,700 years ago and caused the collapse of this tall peak, it was even witnessed by Native Americans in the area at the time
  • Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and it is fed by rain and snow; it is known for its dark blue color and excellent water clarity

Badlands National Park:

  • Layered rock formations, towering landscapes, towering mountains, and steep canyons all await you at this national park located in South Dakota
  • The park contains one of the worlds richest fossil beds and some fossils are on display for visitors at the Fossil Exhibit Trail
  • Highway 240, or Badlands Loop Road, is a great place to go for a drive and enjoy many scenic lookouts

Bryce Canyon National Park:

  • Bryce Canyon is located in southern Utah and is home to hoodoos, or crimson-
  • Byrce Canyon_1111_dt_11825835colored spire rock formations that make this park famous
  • The Bryce Amphitheater, a depression filled with hoodoos, is a must-see while visiting the park
  • Prime viewing hours for the park and its magnificent formations are around sunup and sundown, so get your cameras out during this time!

Zion National Park:

  • Located in southwest Utah, this national park is most famous for its steep red cliffs and beautiful rock formations
  • Sites that you must see while in Zion include Angels Landing, Virgin River and The Narrows, these sites are all great for a hike and picture
  • Enjoy paths and trails that pioneers and ancient peoples walked in this narrow slot canyon

Canyonlands National Park:

  • Canyonlands National Park was carved by the Colorado River and is located in the southeastern part of Utah, near Moab
  • Fantastic buttes, canyons, rock pinnacles called “The Needles”, Horseshoe Canyon and Island in the Sky, a flat-topped mesa, are all sites you must see while visiting Canyonlands
  • Rivers divide this diverse park into four main districts; Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze and the rivers

Grand Teton National Park:

  • This picturesque park is located in the state of Wyoming and encompasses an entire mountain range, the TetonsMN0147SchwabackersLanding
  • The park is excellent for hiking, camping, fishing, mountaineering and getting excellent pictures
  • Must see adventures in this alpine landscape include Jenny Lake, an extremely picturesque site you will want a photograph of, Taggart Lake Trail, an easy/moderate hiking trail and Teton Park Road, a road that gives a nice overview of the park

Yellowstone National Park:

  • Wyoming, Montana and Idaho share this large park that is atop a volcanic hot-spot; this results in mud pots, hot springs, geysers and lots of steam
  • Old Faithful, perhaps the world’s most famous geyser, is located here and is named for the predictable nature of its eruptions
  • Yellowstone was the world’s first national park for good reason; mountains, forests, lakes, wildlife and the beauty of the natural world are all here for your pleasure

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve:

  • Located in the southeast Alaskan wilderness, this park gets its name for the immense glaciers that can be seen here, including the Grand Pacific Glacier
  • This huge park covers 3.3 million acres and includes every aspect of nature from steep mountains to large glaciers to temperate rain-forests
  • Be on the lookout for excellent wildlife viewing here including humpback whales, sea-lions, puffins and brown bears
Small Group DiscoveriesUSA & Canada

The Grand Old Beacons of Newfoundland & Labrador

on February 22, 2017

Once European settlements were established in Northeastern Canada, ships transporting goods needed to be safely guided along the rocky coasts of Newfoundland & Labrador. So the province is home to many historic lighthouses that enrich the character and the coastal landscape of this pristine region, providing glimpses of its seafaring past. In a Discovery Tours small group, you’ll visit these national treasures, listed here by order of their appearance on the coast.

Cape Spear, Newfoundland (1836). Perched on a hill overlooking St. John’s harbor at the easternmost point of Canada, Cape Spear was the second lighthouse to be built on the island but is the oldest surviving one. During World War II, a gun battery was installed on the site to defend the harbor. Barracks were added for troops. Cape Spear National Historic Park was opened to great fanfare by Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1983.

Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland (1843). Marking the entrances to Bonavista and Trinity Bays, this historic lighthouse is the fourth-oldest in Newfoundland. Its original lamps and reflectors were shipped here from Scotland. It operated for about 120 years until an electric light on a nearby skeleton tower was illuminated to serve the same purpose. Today, Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is a museum with period furnishings and whaling and ecological exhibits, and still boasts the vertical red and white stripes of the island’s original lighthouses.

Point Amour, Labrador (1857). The tallest in Atlantic Canada and the second tallest in the entire country, Point Amour Lighthouse was built of limestone from local quarries at a time when steamships sailed through the Strait of Belle Isle, the stretch of sea that separates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador. The cylindrical tower is a Provincial Historic Site and was one of a series of “Imperial Towers,” so named as they were financed by the British Empire.

Lobster Cove Head, Newfoundland (1898). Before construction of the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse in Bonne Bay, a simple oil lamp burned in the private home of G.C. Fearn to alert ships to the perils of the rocky coast. The townspeople, convinced that a stronger light was needed, got together to arrange for this iron tower to be built. Signal flags were also used here to convey messages between ships and the shore.

Fox Point, Newfoundland (1906). This charming square tower on a rocky promontory is quite modern, completed in 2003. When a light was originally placed here, in 1906, it was a round iron tower just a couple stories tall. It was replaced by another around 1960, at which point the first tower was lowered down the cliff face, presumably to be disposed of in the sea. The structure jammed in a crevice until the continual lash of waves washed it away.

Cow Head, Newfoundland (1909). The Cow Head Peninsula was long a summer destination for families, but not for vacationing. Before roadways were modernized, many Newfoundlanders lived on the ocean in warm months and sheltered themselves inland during winter so they had easier access to fishing in summer. When the Cow Head Lighthouse was completed, it became a gathering place where locals enjoyed picnic lunches and gazed out to sea.

Small Group DiscoveriesUSA & Canada

A Riot of Puffins on Witless Bay

on February 20, 2017

Each year between April and September, roughly a half million Atlantic puffins descend on Witless Bay in Newfoundland to nest. It is the largest colony in the western Atlantic and it truly takes the breath away.

This odd looking bird (some would call it adorable) is marked by its black crown and back, white underbelly and cheeks, the bold red markings on its beak, and its orange webbed feet. It is often called the “clown of the sea” for its bright colors and clumsy gait. But this is no clown: The Atlantic puffin is as graceful a swimmer as it is a flier, using its wings to propel itself through water and deftly catch small fish.

Remarkably, the Atlantic puffin spends autumn and winter (October through March, roughly) in the open waters of the northern seas. It comes to Witless Bay to breed, burrowing into the cliffs of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a quartet of small islands off the main island of Newfoundland. It lays a single white egg and, once the chick hatches, feeds it babies whole fish. It only takes six weeks for the chick to mature enough to set out on its own. Once it does, it flies the coop in the most dramatic fashion: In the dark of night, the fledgling swims out to sea and does not return to land for several years, following its instinct as it survives in a harsh marine environment.

Though the Atlantic puffin is a highly social bird during breeding season, taking over Witless Bay with a half million of its closest friends, it lives a solitary existence while at sea. Though it hasn’t been studied extensively in its open-water habitat, it seems to spend more time bobbing on the surface of the ocean than flying in the air. This helps to explain its plumage: Its black back makes it difficult for predator birds to spot it from the air, and its white belly can be easily mistaken by underwater predators for a bright sun spot or clouds in the sky. Once a year during winter, it becomes more vulnerable as it sheds its feathers to make way for new ones. This leaves it stranded on the water for up to two months.

Back on land during breeding season, the bird is monogamous. But their loyalty is to the burrow rather than their mate, as each male and female habitually return to the same nest year after year. Once they are settled in and their egg is laid, incubation duty is shared between partners. Incubation lasts about 45 days.

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve plays a key role in the survival of the Atlantic puffin and in preserving the natural cycle of which they are a part. Witnessing some 500,000 of these incredible creatures at once makes for quite a spectacle, which our small group does during our new Newfoundland & Labrador trip. We hope you’ll join us to see one of nature’s greatest gatherings of sea birds!

Small Group DiscoveriesUSA & Canada

The UNESCO Sites of Newfoundland & Labrador

on February 17, 2017

The province of Newfoundland & Labrador takes the breath away with its astonishing natural beauty and fascinating history. Three of its landmarks stand out for their significance to the character of Eastern Canada and to the collective cultural identity of the world. Visit this remarkable corner of the globe with Discovery Tours, and you’ll experience these three important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gros Morne National Park

This magnificent landscape is the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada. It is named for its highest point, a misty-top mountain of barren rock that calls to mind the Scottish Highlands. But the park, of course, consists of much more. Vast Tablelands stretch out among the hilly orange-brown terrain; these rocky expanses are made more dramatic by their proximity to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Bonne Bay, in particular, is a spectacular sight, formed when two glaciers converged here 10,000 years ago. Today, the deep ravines that guided those two glaciers are now a double-armed fjord, a 15-mile inlet lined with steep cliffs.

Why it’s important: Gros Morne National Park is sometimes referred to as the “Galapagos of Geology.” Just as those islands provided evidence for biological evolution, these coastal mountains offer proof of plate tectonics. Scientists with a trained eye value this unique landscape because it illustrates the process of continental drift. The earth here shows clear evidence of the geologic forces the occurred when the continental coast of North America was carved by oceanic plate movement.

Red Bay Basque Whaling Station

In the 16th century, Red Bay was buzzing with the comings and goings of the whaling industry. At this west-coast settlement established by the Basques, hunters set out on their chalupas, or whaling boats, so they could harvest the creature’s oil for light lamps back in Europe. Each season from 1530 to the beginning of the 1600s, about 15 whale ships and 600 men were sent here from Europe in search of the right whale and the bowhead whale. Today, the old whaling station is a museum of original Basque artifacts and ships recovered from the bottom of the ocean.

Why it’s important: Red Bay provides the most complete picture of the European whaling tradition. Every aspect of whaling was conducted here, from hunting to butchering to oil production for shipment back to Europe. The old station features remains of ovens, cooperages, living quarters and underwater remnants of ships and whale bones.

L’Anse aux Meadows

Around the year 1001, the renowned Viking Leif Eriksson and his crew landed on the coast of Newfoundland, the first Europeans to reach North America. He called it “Vinland,” and sent back word to Greenland that others could follow. The settlement did not last long, however. Scholars disagree whether it was the harsh winters or conflicts with indigenous people that drove the Vikings away. But they left behind a treasure trove that offers a snapshot of their culture, from the remains of their sod longhouses to iron tools. Since the discovery of the site in the 1960s, a longhouse has been reconstructed and many theories have pondered how Vikings spent their time here.

Why it’s important: L’Anse aux Meadows provides ironclad evidence that Norsemen were the first to set foot on North American shores. When the site was discovered, it generated a fair amount of controversy among those who gave the credit to Christopher Columbus. But as the timber-framed turf buildings here were identical to those found in Greenland and Iceland from the Viking Age, this fascinating place marks a milestone in the history of human migration and exploration.

Visit these captivating UNESCO World Heritage Sites during our Newfoundland & Labrador tour!

Gate 1 ConnectionsUSA & Canada

Staying Close to Home? A Gate 1 Escorted Tour Makes It Easy!

on February 16, 2017

We hear time and again from friends and family that they’ve been so eager to visit other countries—from Europe to Asia, from Australia to Africa—that they’ve all but forgotten to see their own. So we want to tell you more about Gate 1 Travel’s itineraries right here in the U.S. Each one is carefully designed to be as enriching, as comprehensive, and as value-packed as our international trips.

From the magnificent sweep of our national parks to bustling cultural centers, from coastal beauty to southern charm, Gate 1 gives you plenty of reasons to stay close to home in 2017 and 2018. So join us … take a closer look at your own backyard.

Gate 1’s U.S. Escorted Tours: The Ultimate in Convenience and Value

Here’s the real beauty of seeing this magnificent country on a Gate 1 Escorted Tour: We take care of everything for you. This saves you countless hours of planning—arranging airfare and car rental, researching sites to visit and making sure you have driving directions, hoping you’ve picked a decent restaurant for your meals. We take care of all that for you, and are happy to recommend dining venues for meals that are not included in your trip cost. Plus, you’ll gain insight and learn more about your destination than you ever would on your own, thanks to the expert knowledge of our tour managers. Simply put, the only thing you have to worry about is enjoying yourself and taking in our country’s glorious sites.

What’s more, our buying power with hotels and other travel providers ensures you the lowest possible price for your overall trip. In fact, if you were to try to duplicate any one of our trips on your own, you would end up paying far more.

So let’s take a look at the breadth of Gate 1’s reach across our very own great country.

North by Northeast: Rich Histories and Seductive Charms

We’ll begin where the U.S. began. You’ve long heard about the birth of the nation and the gently rolling hills outside Boston, Massachusetts, that were the stage of the American Revolution. It’s quite a moving experience to witness firsthand the historic places that carry echoes of pre- and post-colonial days. It all comes startlingly to life in New England, from the first settlement at Plymouth Rock to the living museum of Old Sturbridge Village.

Of course, Boston was the hub of it all. Legendary sites like the Old North Church, Beacon Hill, and the Boston Commons—the oldest public park in the country—take you back to inspiring moments in history. There’s more inspiration in Hyannis on Cape Cod, lined with beautiful sand beaches and home of the Kennedy Compound, witness to so much national pride and tragedy. Massachusetts also nurtured some world-renowned literary and artistic talents, as you can see at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead; Edith Wharton’s home, the Mount; and the Norman Rockwell Museum—each one providing incredible insight into the lives of artists whose work has stood the test of time.

Those lovely rolling hills of Massachusetts rise into dramatic mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire. Traversing these stunningly beautiful states—much of them protected U.S. Forest Land—you’ll pause to explore charming, steepled New England villages and admire sweeping vistas of granite cliffs and hills blanketed in evergreen.

There’s more northern beauty along the legendary lakes that surround Michigan. This truly is one of the undiscovered corners of the U.S. But Michiganders are in the know about the tranquil beauty here, from inviting shores lined with Victorian gems and green forests to the charming Bavarian village of Frankenmuth. Major moments in history have also played out here: Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum chronicles the achievements of American inventors and Fort Mackinac was erected by the British to fend off the new colonists during the American Revolution.

The South: Grace and Vitality

The American South is a virtual gumbo of history, culture and beauty. Antebellum charms, pretty green parks, and trees dripping with Spanish moss line the streets in Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. These inviting and very walkable cities are home to some of the country’s most treasured Greek Revival, Revolutionary Era, and plantation mansions. It’s easy to imagine sipping a mint julep on any of the sprawling porches of these gracious cities. Nearby, St. Augustine, Florida holds the torch as the country’s oldest city. Straddling the Matanzas River near its mouth, it was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1565, more than two centuries before independence.

For a completely different southern experience, you can visit New Orleans and Cajun Country, where life is lived slowly and strains of jazz echo on the bayou. Home of Bourbon Street and the annual Mardi Gras festival, New Orleans’ French Quarter is one of the most captivating musical centers in the country—a place to let your hair down and join in the fun. But the state of Louisiana has much more in store. You can take time to explore its rich history in its fascinating museums; take in the blend of Spanish, French, Creole and Cajun cultures in Baton Rouge; and witness the natural beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest wetlands in the U.S.

There’s music to be danced to, as well, in Tennessee. For country and rock music lovers, the state is home to revered pilgrimage sites. In Nashville, you can visit the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. In Memphis, music clubs lure you in with twangs and strums spilling onto the famous Beale Street. And, of course, no visit here should bypass Graceland, the palatial home of Elvis Presley. Another musical legend, BB King, is memorialized at his namesake museum in the Mississippi Delta.

Texas, too, has its musical roots and much of them live in the lively capital of Austin. But the Lone Star State is known more for its Old West charm, cowboy culture and presidential past. Near Austin, the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park preserves the memory of the 36th president and Lady Bird Johnson. Dallas is home to the sobering John F. Kennedy Memorial and the Sixth Floor Museum, fronted by the infamous “grassy knoll.”  The George W. Bush Presidential Library is also here, and you’ll pay a visit. From San Antonio to Houston, you’ll admire Spanish colonial charms and an impressive cosmopolitan air. And you’ll see where Texas gets it reputation for indulging in all things in the biggest possible way; Houston even helped send men to the moon.

Our National Parks: Magnificence Preserved

West of the Mississippi, the plains open up to some of the grandest vistas in the country. Symbols of the grand American ideal, many are protected as American Parkland.

Perhaps one of the most interesting parks, South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore is more know for its man-made wonder than its natural ones. For many visitors, its quartet of presidential sculptures carved into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills serves as an altar to democracy. In Wyoming, endless grassland and soaring peaks set the stage for the drama of Yellowstone. Its countless hot springs, massive mountain faces, and towering waterfalls are truly stunning, but the “Old Faithful” geyser steals the show. Not to be outdone, the Grand Teton massif, with its distinctive and spectacular craggy range, is a humbling testament to the west’s natural beauty.

In Arizona and Utah, fissures in the earth have carved out breathtaking natural wonders. Almost 280 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon is the great American icon—a colossal chasm sculpted over millennia. In Utah’s Bryce Canyon, conical-shaped rock formations stand like sentries among pine-dotted hillsides. And at Zion National Park, red sandstone canyons are kissed by cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers and vivid desert colors. Though it is nowhere near the size of the Grand Canyon, it’s been said that its beauty far surpasses its larger cousin.

More startling earthen colors and stunning rock formations grace the landscapes of Canyonlands National Park. Ascend to its 1,500-foot mesa to marvel at red-rock vistas, including the legendary Mesa Arch. Many more of these astonishing natural sculptures – the densest concentration in the world – greet you in Arches National Park. In Colorado, you can get a glimpse of how ancient peoples lived amidst such ruggedly beautiful terrain at the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, home to 5,000 known archaeological sites.

Farther north, you might answer the call of the wild in Alaska. Denali, (formerly Mt. McKinley) watches over an untouched wilderness in Denali National Park. This is a pristine world of magnificent panoramas cut by babbling streams and salmon-rich rivers. A deluxe train journey and a tour of the tundra highlight it all. Incredible scenery is everywhere in Alaska; even our transfer days take the breath away! And no trip here would be complete without seeing its impressive glaciers. Kenai Fjords National Park and its 300-square-mile Harding Ice Field is one of the best spots to witness them as they calve into the icy waters. You can watch from a safe distance during a spectacular cruise among soaring, snow-capped peaks.

The West: Glittering Cities Amidst Natural Beauty

The western U.S. has a lot more to offer than its national parks. California, especially, is home to beautiful cities that enjoy beautiful settings. To be sure, the hills of San Francisco, its situation on its famous bay, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge make for one of the most breathtaking skylines in the world. Exploring the city—with its bustling Union Square and Ghirardelli Square—and the vineyards to the north—with their inviting wineries and galleries—is pure pleasure.

The star of California’s coast is the “17 Mile Drive.” Widely called one of the most scenic panoramas in the world, this road follows the jagged Big Sur coast to the Del Monte Forest. Sweeping vistas unfold around every corner, from crashing surf on rocky shores to multi-million dollar homes hugging hillsides. And of course, one cannot visit northern California without laying eyes on its towering redwoods, which you can do during visits to Redwood National Park and Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Long heralded as one of the most magnificent corners of the U.S., the Pacific Northwest offers an enriching blend of natural beauty and rich culture. If you want to get a sense of how much Oregonians love and respect the wilderness that surrounds them, just consider that Portland ranks high on the list of the most “green and livable” cities in the world. From here, an exploration of the Columbia River Gorge, an 80-mile-long twisting river canyon fed by plummeting waterfalls, takes the breath away. The lush, rugged Oregon coast and Crater National Park punctuate the state’s unrivalled natural diversity.

An entirely different landscape mesmerizes all who visit New Mexico, where starkly beautiful desert vistas have long inspired artists and craftspeople for generations. Glimpse the old Pueblo ways in Albuquerque at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Bandelier Monument, one of North America’s oldest settlements. In Taos, explore the streets of Taos Pueblo, a typical ancient village preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And get to know the life and works of the region’s most famous artist, Georgia O’Keefe, at her home known as Ghost Ranch and at Santa Fe’s renowned museum named for her.

Explore More of the Americas with Gate 1 Travel!

Convenience and ease … the unmatched value of our buying power … magnificent and awe-inspiring destinations … a comprehensive trip made all the more fascinating by our expert tour managers. If you’re planning to explore your own country in 2017 or 2018, then a Gate 1 Escorted Tour is your ticket to a trip unlike any other. Join us!

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