3 Epic Summer Road Trips To Ignite Your Canadian Wanderlust
Celebrate Canada all summer long with these scenic summer road trips across the great white north. These three nature themed destinations will take you through charming small towns, rugged beauty, stunning landscapes, wildlife, rivers, oceans, epic views, and unique natural wonders. Canada, the second largest country in the world by total area, covers more than 3.85 million square miles, which is over half of the Northern Hemisphere. With more lakes than any other nation and proudly boasting the longest coastline in the world, there is always a new place to explore and discover. If you're not already in love with Canada, these eco-tourism road trips—designed for mindful, sustainable travel—might just change that. Forbes Paradise Awaits At Hilton Cancun, A Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort With Ocean Views, Infinity Pools And Outstanding Food By Miriam Porter
A peaceful rural road winds its way through the lush, expansive countryside of New Brunswick, offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. New Brunswick, Canada – June 6, 2008. getty
New Brunswick, located in Eastern Canada, is a stunning Maritime province bordering the United States. New Brunswick is Canada's only official bilingual province so get ready to practice your French, should you so desire. It's also home to the warmest salt water in the country, the world's highest tides, soft sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, rivers, forests, lighthouses, and the breathtaking Bay of Fundy.
The Hopewell Rocks, also called the Flowerpots Rocks are sea stacks caused by tidal erosion in the Bay of Fundy. The formations consist of red-brown sedimentary conglomerate, sandstone, and mud stone rock from the Carboniferous Hopewell Cape Formation. getty
One of my favorite things about New Brunswick is Hopewell Rocks where my son and I experienced Bay of Fundy tides during our nature themed road trip. Forbes You Can Walk Along The Ocean Floor In New Brunswick By Miriam Porter
We started our journey in Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, and headed out bright and early for a scenic drive along the coast. During the two-hour road trip via Trans-Canada Highway 2 heading towards Fundy National Park, we passed small towns and gorgeous landscapes. The park, located along the southeast coast of the Bay of Fundy, has camping options, over 30 trails to explore, the magnificent Acadian forest, waterfalls, freshwater lakes, and the famous tides where you can walk along the ocean floor. The high tides happen twice a day, every day, when 100 billion tons of water flows into the bay. To discover another portion of the ocean floor and learn about the famous sandstone formations, head to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, about a 30 minute drive in Upper Bay of Fundy.
Setting sun lights up the tidal pools and seastacks at Burntcoat Head in Nova Scotia at low tide. This are is know for the highest tides in the world. getty
I suggest experiencing both high tide and low tide to truly take in this natural wonder. The water is always moving and depending on the moon phases the tides can travel from six to eight vertical feet per hour. Keep a look out for the famous Sea Stacks—commonly known as flowerpots—that come in all shapes and sizes with names such as Elephant, Bear, Dinosaur, and ET!
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, New Brunswick. getty Forbes Plunge Into These 3 Refreshing Cenotes On Your Next Mexican Adventure By Miriam Porter Sea-to-Sky Highway - British Columbia
Aerial view of the Sea to Sky Highway in Howe Sound, North of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. getty
The Sea-to-Sky Highway route is a stunning road trip from Vancouver to Pemberton, a bit north of Whistler and is a multiple day journey. If you have the opportunity to visit Vancouver for a few days I suggest renting a bike to cycle along the famous seawall, walk through Stanley Park, shop and eat along vibrant and trending Robson Street, and explore Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain, both located in North Vancouver. From there you can drive towards the Sea-to-Sky Highway (often referred to as Highway 99) in about 20 minutes. Without stops the total time drive time for the route is about two hours, but unless you are in a rush, don't do this. Instead, take time to appreciate the unbelievable views of the sea and sky (hence the name).
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a popular tourist attraction where tourists walk over river and through rainforest canopy, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (October 2021) getty
This one to three day route suggests stopping at Horseshoe Bay to chill and watch the ferries sailing into port. From there it's suggested to check out Porteau Cove Park, home to hundreds of marine species. Beach lovers should check out Britannia Beach and then continue to drive north towards Sea to Sky Gondola.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Mar 25, 2024. Several Sea to Sky Gondola cabins during spring. getty Forbes 5 Must-See Attractions In Kingston, Ontario For A Family-Friendly Summer Getaway By Miriam Porter
The end of your road trip journey could end in Whistler unless you want to continue exploring British Columbia. If you spend time in Whistler you will understand why it's continuously ranked as one of the top four-season resort towns in North America. Or if you didn't catch all the sites along the route the first time (such as Squamish and Brackendale) consider visiting them on your road trip back to Vancouver.
View from mountain top at Sea to summit trail in summer. getty The Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia
World Famous Cabot Trail on Route 30 in Petit Étang, Nova Scotia, Canada getty
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is known as one of the best road trips in Canada and a totally stunning drive. The Cabot Trail, appropriately named after Italian explorer John Cabot, has several options of where you can begin your journey, from mainland Nova Scotia or somewhere on Cape Breton Island. If you start your adventure in Halifax, the energetic capital city of Nova Scotia located on the eastern coast of the country, you will take the Trans-Canada highway towards the trail. Halifax is a fun city to spend a few days and is a walkable and vibrant destination with beaches, beautiful gardens, a pretty waterfront, museums, a fun music and arts scene, and Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Canada getty
The picturesque Cabot Trail loops around the north of Cape Breton Island and there's so much to see along the way so I suggest spending at least a few days exploring the highlands and coast. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a beautiful location to chase waterfalls, hike, camp, and admire epic views along the rugged coastline.
Whale watching off coast of Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia. getty
You might spot whales near Pleasant Bay and pilot whales in particular are more common along the shore in summer. Be on the lookout for harbour and grey seals along the east coast. If you are lucky enough to see moose, bears, or coyotes, remember to be respectful, watch from a safe distance, and never feed wild animals. The mighty trail is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, and it's incredible to see them both on the same road trip.
A bright moon rises over Bra d'Or Lake with Kidston Island Lighthouse in the foreground. Cabot Trail, Baddeck, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada getty More From Forbes Forbes Paradise Awaits At Hilton Cancun, A Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort With Ocean Views, Infinity Pools And Outstanding Food By Miriam Porter Forbes 3 Gorgeous Provincial Parks In Ontario Perfect For A Road Trip By Miriam Porter Forbes 3 Charming Canadian Towns With European Vibes For Your Next Vacation By Miriam Porter
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Boston Globe
23 minutes ago
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Trump criticized the idea of presidential vacations. His Scotland trip is built around golf.
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He visited Canada's Campobello Island in New Brunswick, where he had vacationed as a child, in 1933, 1936 and 1939. Reagan spent Easter 1982 on vacation in Barbados after meeting with Caribbean leaders and warning of a Marxist threat that could spread throughout the region from nearby Grenada. Presidents also never fully go on vacation. They travel with a large entourage of aides, receive intelligence briefings, take calls and otherwise work away from Washington. Kicking back in the United States, though, has long been the norm. Harry S. Truman helped make Key West, Florida, a tourist hot spot with his 'Little White House' cottage there. Several presidents, including James Buchanan and Benjamin Harrison, visited the Victorian architecture in Cape May, New Jersey. More recently, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama boosted tourism on Massachusetts' Martha's Vineyard, while Trump has buoyed Palm Beach, Florida, with frequent trips to his Mar-a-Lago estate. 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He played golf at Turnberry in 2018 before meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Finland. Trump once decried the idea of taking vacations as president. 'Don't take vacations. What's the point? If you're not enjoying your work, you're in the wrong job,' Trump wrote in his 2004 book, 'Think Like a Billionaire.' During his presidential campaign in 2015, he pledged to 'rarely leave the White House.' Even as recently as a speech at a summit on artificial intelligence in Washington on Wednesday, Trump derided his predecessor for flying long distances for golf — something he's now doing. 'They talked about the carbon footprint and then Obama hops onto a 747, Air Force One, and flies to Hawaii to play a round of golf and comes back,' he said. On the green... Christopher Furlong/Getty ... and in the sand. Christopher Furlong/Getty Presidential vacations and any overseas trips were once taboo Trump isn't the first president not wanting to publicize taking time off. 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In the decades since, where presidents opted to vacation, even outside the U.S., has become part of their political personas. In addition to New Jersey, Grant relaxed on Martha's Vineyard. Calvin Coolidge spent the 1928 Christmas holidays at Sapelo Island, Georgia. Lyndon B. Johnson had his 'Texas White House,' a Hill Country ranch. Eisenhower vacationed in Newport, Rhode Island. John F. Kennedy went to Palm Springs, California, and his family's compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, among other places. Richard Nixon had the 'Southern White House' on Key Biscayne, Florida, while Joe Biden traveled frequently to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, while also visiting Nantucket, Massachusetts, and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. George H.W. Bush was a frequent visitor to his family's property in Kennebunkport, Maine, and didn't let the start of the Gulf War in 1991 detour him from a monthlong vacation there. His son, George W. Bush, opted for his ranch in Crawford, Texas, rather than a more posh destination. Advertisement Presidential visits help tourism in some places more than others, but Engel said that for some Americans, 'if the president of the Untied States goes some place, you want to go to the same place.' He noted that visitors emulating presidential vacations are out 'to show that you're either as cool as he or she, that you understand the same values as he or she or, heck, maybe you'll bump into he or she.'
Fox News
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Forbes
3 hours ago
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3 Overseas Havens Where Retirees Can Live Rich On Social Security
Santa Marta, Colombia. getty In June, the average monthly Social Security check for retired workers hit $2,005.05. It's a source of income that millions of Americans rely upon when they leave the workforce—but is it enough? According to Consumer Expenditure Surveys data, the average retired household in the U.S. spends around $5,000 per month. That's quite the shortfall. For those looking to get the most bang for buck from their retirement income, a move overseas could be the answer. First, it's important to note that while there are many retirement havens where you can live well on a budget of $2,000 a month or less, making a move overseas does involve additional expenses. You will need to factor in the cost of moving—yourself, your belongings, your pets—and getting legal residency. It's also advisable to have a contingency fund set aside for other expenses such as health care, a rental deposit, trips back home, etc. In addition, you will need to meet the income requirements for the residency visa in your chosen country. Some countries don't require proof of income for residency or have no set minimum amount. Others come with a high income threshold—Ireland's is €50,000 per person per year. All this considered, here are three great overseas options for those looking to stretch their retirement income without compromising on their standard of living. Freedom Beach, Phuket, Thailand. getty Phuket, Thailand's biggest island, is adorned with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, verdant jungle, and majestic limestone cliffs. It's located close to the equator, so enjoys hot to warm weather throughout the year. The average high is 90°F and average low is 75°F. This exotic spot is home to an expat community of more than 100,000—many of them English-speaking—so settling in and making friends can be an easy process. There are two private hospitals in Phuket: Bangkok Phuket Hospital and Phuket International Hospital. They treat thousands of foreigners and locals every year and offer superb quality care and English-speaking staff. The low costs are a big draw, too. Here, many indulgences—from dining out at nice restaurants to spa treatments to fishing trips to health and wellness services—cost much less than what you'd pay in North America. Phuket is a dream destination for outdoor recreation lovers with every kind of water sport imaginable available. Hiking, golf, and padel are popular here, too. Social groups organize around diverse interests and you'll find sports leagues, volunteer opportunities, get-togethers at bars, trivia nights, charity events, networking events, and more on offer here. Thailand's retirement visa is called the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa. The basic requirements are that you are at least 50 years old, receive an income of about $2,000 per month, and carry health insurance. This visa is valid for one year at a time and can be renewed indefinitely. Southeast Asia is famous for its affordability, and while Phuket's popularity with tourists and expats has driven up prices in recent years, it's still budget-friendly by most people's standards and a monthly income of $2,000 would afford you a comfortable life here. Long-term rentals start around $500 a month. Mendoza, Argentina Mendoza, Argentina. getty Mendoza is Latin America's first wine-growing region, and where vines grow, the living is generally good. Here in the interior of Argentina, food, wine, and interesting conversation are the priorities of life. This region's laid-back atmosphere, safe cities, developed infrastructure, unspoiled culture, affordable cost of living, and friendly people combine to create an idyllic lifestyle. This is a good choice for active retirees who aren't ready to sit back and rock on the front porch. You could spend your days skiing, hiking, climbing, playing golf, bird-watching, white-water rafting, kayaking, and even kite-surfing, and your evenings practicing tango. Mendoza has a reputation as one of the most affordable places to live in Argentina, so for North Americans, it's super affordable. You can rent a semi-furnished, two-bedroom apartment for $400 to $1,000 per month. Catch a bus for 50 cents and dine out for $25. A monthly budget of $2,000 would see you living well here. Argentina's retirement visa is known as the Pensionado Visa. The basic requirements are that you're 65 (men) or 60 (women) and receive pension income of five times the minimum salary. This works out to around $1,400. The initial residence permit is valid for one year, but it can be extended for up to three years. You can apply for citizenship in Argentina after just two consecutive years of residency. Mendoza has an arid, four-season climate with average highs of 76°F and lows of 11°F. Summer in Argentina is from December to March and winter is from June to September. Santa Marta, Colombia Santa Marta, Colombia. getty A 90-minute flight from Colombia's capital, Bogotá, on the country's Caribbean coast, lies Santa Marta. Colombia's oldest colonial city, Santa Marta is an under-the-radar gem popular with well-heeled, in-the-know Colombians who vacation here for reasons including its affordability, great climate, soft golden sands, and warm Caribbean waters. It's a geographically diverse spot, with the Caribbean Sea to the north and west, Tayrona National Park to the east, and Colombia's Sierra Nevada mountain range to the south. The historical center is filled with quaint, narrow lanes, white-washed Spanish-colonial architecture, and squares lined by everything from pizza joints to burger bars to more upscale Italian and Mediterranean food. The newer part of the city features an attractive seafront park, plenty of small cafés and bars, as well as boutique hotels, excellent seafood restaurants, and a cruise-ship port. There's also a 256-slip marina and new, tasteful condo projects all around. And, of course, golden sand beaches offering a wealth of recreation activities. Colombia's overall standard of health care is the best in Latin America—better ranked by the World Health Organization than both Canada and the United States. There is less English spoken in Santa Marta than in other Latin American beach destinations so you'll need to pick up some Spanish to get by here. Colombia offers a handful of different residency options, including a retiree-specific visa (the Pensionado Visa). The basic requirement is that you receive a pension of about $1,000 per month. This gets you residency for one to three years at a time. Santa Marta has a tropical dry climate with average high of 91°F and lows of 75°F. A budget of $2,000 a month will go a long way in Santa Marta. Monthly rentals start at around $400. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Retiring Abroad On A Military Pension—3 Expat Havens For U.S. Veterans By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes 5 European Towns Where You Can Buy Property For Under $100,000 By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Claiming Social Security Overseas: A Quick Guide For U.S. Citizens By Kathleen Peddicord
