Latest news with #waterfalls
CTV News
a day ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Cape Breton waterfall tourism a silver lining for wet Maritime weekends
When it rains on the weekend, don't expect researcher Benoit Lalonde to shed any tears. 'To me, that's great news,' said the author. 'Anytime there's a lot of rain forecasted I'm ready to go because those waterfalls are just going to get roaring.' Lalonde has literally written the book – two books, in fact - on waterfalls in Nova Scotia. After eleven straight weekends with at least some precipitation through much of the Maritimes, Lalonde says the extra water has given some of the hidden gems a chance to shine - particularly on Cape Breton Island. 'Definitely the Gairlock Falls in Middle River in Cape Beton has gotten a lot of traction from social media posts,' Lalonde said. 'Egypt Falls (near Margaree) has always been a big one, but I think as people take beautiful pictures and post them it just draws more and more people to them.' Lalonde's books are popular amongst tourists. 'I'm hearing a lot of people are carrying the Waterfalls of Cape Breton book,' said Dan Coffin, manager of tourism and recreation for Victoria County. Cape Breton's main tourism marketing organization - Destination Cape Breton - put a focus on spring waterfalls in recent years to stimulate the industry during the quieter shoulder season. Coffin said the model for this season was based the one used in Tofino, B.C. and highlights the variability of the weather. 'The people who are coming to do this are prepared and ready and are more than willing to explore waterfalls no matter what the weather,' Coffin said. He said it makes a real difference for tour operators' bottom lines. 'Having a couple of extra rooms that you pick up during the week or on a weekend can make or break, in a lot of cases, when it comes to May/June time frame,' Coffin said. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
I've Chased Waterfalls Around the World—but These Twin Falls in the Caribbean Stunned Me
I've always had a bit of a rebellious travel streak, defying the advice of the popular 1994 TLC song and chasing waterfalls around the globe. Perhaps inspired by childhood trips to Niagara Falls and Yosemite Falls, I've never hesitated to go the distance to witness the roaring power of natural cascades, even traveling to Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls and to both Brazil and Argentina for Iguazú Falls. Having witnessed so many of the greats—of all sizes, shapes, and flows—I became somewhat jaded to waterfalls. That is, until I visited the Caribbean island nation of Dominica a few weeks back. As soon as I arrived to Nature Island—which earned its moniker for its lush terrain filled with verdant rainforests, mountains, and stunning shorelines—all the gregariously welcoming locals asked me if I'd been to Trafalgar Falls. There was a sense of pride when they mentioned the waterfalls, and my curiosity grew deeper. While many waterfalls have names that are plural because they're made up of smaller cascades, I learned that what made this one so distinctive is that it was actually a pair of twin falls, tucked within Morne Trois Pitons National Park. A 17,297-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the park's 'luxuriant natural tropical forest blends with scenic volcanic features of great scientific interest,' according to UNESCO. With steep valleys, fumaroles, lakes, and volcanos, the unusual combination made it a rather distinct backdrop that this waterfall chaser couldn't resist. Located about a 20-minute drive from the capital of Roseau, the narrow road twisted and turned before reaching the modest visitors' center. From there, a pathway through the rainforest served as the opening act, drawing me deeper into the trenches of the valley hugged by the mountain peaks on all sides. Just 10 minutes into the walk, I was surprised to hear the gentle roar of the falls. Sure enough, just steps later, I was on a wooden platform, in awe of the sight in front of me. The two falls appeared simultaneously, almost as if they had choreographed their appearance, positioned on their stage back-to-back. The taller 125-foot one sat on the left and is referred to as Mother, while the 75-foot smaller (but stronger) one on the right is referred to as Father. (Many people reverse the nicknames, going purely by height, according to Discover Dominica.) With a bold granite stone between them, they appeared like two sides of a coin, so I was especially stunned to learn that they actually come from two completely different sources, with the Father Falls sourced by Freshwater Lake, whose waters flow through Ti-Tou Gorge. Meanwhile, the Mother Falls' water actually comes from the Breakfast River. That very fact made them even more impressive: it was an act of Mother Nature's happenstance that joined them at this point. (Sure I had seen multiple falls before, but just imagining how two completely separate sources led to the same spot and happened to create the mesmerizing sight was mind-boggling.) As I peered at the falls, I saw there was actually another pair of falls within them, like another generation of baby twin falls, within the lower cascades on the left. For the adventurously spirited, there's a hot springs pool within the Mother Falls where we spotted a pair of travelers climbing the rock scramble. The Dominican government's forestry, wildlife, and parks division says that while the 0.12-mile walk to the viewing platform is easy to moderate, the one down to the base of the falls is difficult and that 'a tour guide is highly recommended for accessing beyond viewing platform.' On this rainy day with slippery rocks, I opted to stay and enjoy the view of the pair together in the warmth of the thermal heat, thanks to the five volcanos in the national park. On my way back down, I passed the small village of Trafalgar, after which the falls are named, before stopping at Ti Kwen Glo Cho in Wotten Waven to soak in its natural hot springs pools. Getting to experience the warm waters of the area while also sitting right in the rainforest among local families truly felt like I was striking the best of both worlds. Trafalgar Falls is located about five miles east of Dominica's capital of Roseau, accessible through Trafalgar or Wotten Waven, and has a $5 admission fee for non-residents, payable on site.
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Travel + Leisure
31-05-2025
- General
- Travel + Leisure
This Gorgeous River Canyon Has the Highest Concentration of Waterfalls in North America—and It's Just 10 Minutes From Portland
Appreciate the Columbia River Gorge's natural splendor while catching some wind and waves on the water, hiking to waterfalls, or cycling through rocky tunnels. Refresh yourself at a Nordic-style bathhouse before drifting off to dreamland in chic cabins at Bingen's Society Hotel. Have some of the best barbecue on the West Coast at Hood River's Grasslands Barbecue. Visit in spring to avoid the worst of the crowds, and see the landscape awash in seasonal wildflower blooms. Hang out in riverside towns like Hood River and Cascade Locks, where your post-hike beer comes with unbeatable views. For travelers heading to Portland, Oregon, the two-drop, 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls in the nearby Columbia River Gorge is usually a must-see. But while the gorge is home to North America's greatest concentration of waterfalls, they're just a drop in the bucket of everything this river canyon has to offer. Stretching over 80 miles in length and reaching depths of up to 4,000 feet, the Columbia River Gorge—a designated National Scenic Area since 1986—is a geological wonder. Formed by volcanoes and carved by Ice Age floods, it's a land of contrasts, where rainforests and woodlands coexist alongside semi-arid grasslands and rugged bluffs. Framed by looming basalt cliffs, the Columbia River cuts through the landscape, marking the boundary between Oregon to the south and Washington to the north. 'The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the largest and most ecologically diverse scenic area in the nation,' says Krystyna Wolniakowski, the executive director of the Columbia River Gorge Commission, an organization that protects the National Scenic Area. As well as being an outdoorsmen's paradise thanks to its diversity of landscapes, gorge-goers will also find the area is a food haven, with farms, orchards, and an American Viticultural Area wine region that supports 'gorge-to-table' dining. Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to the Columbia River Gorge. The safari style glamping tents at Skamania Lodge. Surrounded by 175 acres of woodlands, the grand Skamania Lodge offers a choose-your-own-adventure style of stay with traditional lodge rooms, cabins, glamping tents, and elevated tree houses. After hiking in nearby Beacon Rock State Park or trying onsite activities like golf, the spa awaits with restorative massages or hot tub soaks before dinner. Located on a working farm and organic apple and pear orchard roughly eight miles from Hood River, Oregon, the five-bedroom, log cabin-style Sakura Ridge has everything you'll need for a romantic getaway: cozily-appointed rooms, soaking tubs, and dreamy views of Mount Hood. Start each day with a breakfast of seasonal, fresh-from-the-farm goodies, and enjoy additional culinary delights like bento boxes and chef-led private dinners. The boutique Society Hotel is set in an old schoolhouse and has the complete traveler accommodation toolkit: bunk rooms, private rooms, and cutesy cabins. Easy on the eyes with its sleek, Scandinavian-style design, the spa and bathhouse is a stand-out perk with a saltwater soaking pool, al-fresco hot pool, cedar sauna, and cold plunge. Open seasonally from late spring to late October, Under Canvas's newest property fully immerses you in the gorge's outdoor splendor with its stylish glamping tents. Glampers can enjoy views of Mount Hood from the site's hilltop perch near White Salmon, Washington, as well as on-site amenities like locally-sourced grub, nightly s'mores, and fun programming, like live music. Harvest your own fruit at the Hood River Fruit Loop. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge Chasing waterfalls here is a given, but there's so much more to see and do, outdoorsy or otherwise. 'We encourage people to recreate responsibly when visiting these fragile and beautiful ecosystems,' says a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson, reminding visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles and acquire any necessary permits. Adventure abounds here, both on land and in the water. Hiking is huge, with over 200 trails that delve deep into the woods to lush canyons like Eagle Creek, or head skyward on leg-busting routes with worth-the-pain vistas. 'My personal favorites are hiking up Dog Mountain … for the wildflower bonanza in May, and to Rowena Crest viewpoint,' says Wolniakowski. Cyclists can bike through cliffside tunnels and along car-free sections of Oregon's Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail, and the gorge has watersports-lovers covered with kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. The Columbia River and its tributaries have anglers firmly on the hook as renowned fishing spots. The spring salmon run brings over a million Chinook, sockeye, and coho, but there's plenty of year-round catches like walleye. If you're lucky, you may get a sturgeon on the line—these prehistoric 'living fossils' are the biggest fish in North America and reach up to 800 pounds. In the fall, head to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery to see spawning coho and Chinook. Okay, you can't find bananas here, but you can find apples, pears, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, and much more growing in abundance, thanks to the Hood River Valley's unique soil composition. Taste the bounty for yourself along the Hood River Fruit Loop, a collection of 32 farmstands, wineries, and eateries spread throughout the valley, and pluck your own seasonal goodies at "U-Pick" farms around the area. Grab a post-hike pint of craft beer or glass of gorge-grown wine; there are roughly 12 craft breweries and over 30 wineries to choose from, plus cideries and distilleries. Sip on high-altitude pinot gris paired with Mount Hood views at Loop de Loop Wines, watch windsurfers as you sample beers made with locally foraged botanicals at Ferment Brewing Company, or enjoy zero-proof cocktails and flights at Wilderton Aperitivo Co., the U.S.'s first non-alcoholic distillery and tasting room. Head to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum to learn more about the area's human history, from ancestral Indigenous residents to Lewis and Clark's voyage. It's also worth making the 45-minute drive from Hood River to Mount Hood for summertime paddleboarding or wintertime skiing. A clear starry night taken in the Columbia River Gorge. Stay up late for stellar stargazing from lookouts like the Vista House at Crown Point, a popular waystop among motorists since the early 1900s, who come to bask in the gorge's grandeur. On rare occasions, the northern lights have made appearances. A plate of BBQ and sides from Grasslands BBQ. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge Kick off your trip at Sugarpine Drive-In in Troutdale, Oregon, at the gorge's western entrance. Housed in a refurbished 1920s gas station, pull up to the drive-through window to order sumptuous sundaes, simple soft-serves, or hearty soups and sandwiches like waffle-ironed grilled cheese with tomato soup. This Hood River barbecue truck is only open a couple of days a week, but it's worth planning your day around; the Texas-style barbecue is some of the best in the Pacific Northwest. Load up trays with oak-smoked brisket, hatch chile, cheddar sausages, and pulled pork, plus sides like mac and cheese. Go early, though—they sell out fast. Recognized by the James Beard Awards for its outstanding wine program, Hiyu Wine Farm's culinary events are among the Gorge's most coveted seatings. Experience 'sense of place' meals made with seasonal goods grown or foraged on the property, paired with boundary-pushing natural wines. Fuel up for a day of hikes, bike rides, or winery-hopping with breakfast at White Salmon Baking Company. Satisfy savory or sweet cravings with avocado toast or pastries, and grab a Reuben panini for the road. Leavened with wild yeast, the breads are divine, with rotating flavors and varieties. If you think fruit doesn't belong on pizza, this spot for wood-fired pies along the Hood River waterfront may convince you otherwise. Local pears complement blue cheese and caramelized onions, and cherries sing alongside chorizo sausage and goat cheese. For the pizza purists, there are plenty of other options, which also make full use of local ingredients like mushrooms and Columbia River salmon. Wildflower growing in Rowena Crest. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge The best time to visit the Columbia River Gorge is late spring through early fall to take full advantage of long, balmy summer days, perfect for being outdoors. At the height of summer, popular sites like Multnomah Falls can get crowded, especially on weekends, so plan your sightseeing accordingly. Springtime is a favorite of locals thanks to vibrant wildflower blooms like lupine and balsamroot, and autumn brings leaf-peeping in the forests and vineyards. Enjoying a boat ride along the Columbia River in Cascade Locks. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge With Portland and the Portland International Airport (PDX) being just a 10-minute drive away, the western entrance to the gorge is the best point of access. Traveling by car along Oregon's Highway 84 or Washington's State Route 14 is worth it for the views alone, and it takes about an hour to drive from Portland to Hood River or White Salmon at the gorge's eastern terminus. City view of Hood River from the water. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge Known as the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River is also one of the gorge's main hubs for dining, shopping, and stays. After a Scandinavian breakfast at Broder Øst, spend the day cycling through the surrounding farmlands or riding the Mount Hood Railroad before winding down over beers and 'za at the Waterfront Park. Surrounded by wineries, hiking areas, and rivers with world-class whitewater rafting, Washington's White Salmon sits across the Columbia from Hood River. Even though the great outdoors calls very persistently here, be sure to spend time in town checking out its thriving art scene at galleries and workshops. Situated about halfway through the gorge, this tiny town is worth a stopover. Grab burgers and soft-serve at the retro Eastwind Drive-in, chow down on smoked salmon quesadillas and Columbia-caught fish at the Indigenous-owned Brigham Fish Market, and snap a picture on the Bridge of the Gods. People riding their bikes through The Dalles. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge Renting a car gives you the greatest ease of access, but there are ways to go without. The Columbia Gorge Express links Portland, Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, and Hood River on the Oregon side, with select Washington routes during spring and summer. Shuttle services like Sasquatch Shuttle also relieve congestion at popular sites like Multnomah Falls.
Times
11-05-2025
- Times
A guide to Iguazu Falls: when to go, how to visit and what to expect
The Iguazu Falls might have stolen the limelight from Robert de Niro and Jeremy Irons in the 1986 blockbuster The Mission — just one among many of this natural wonder's big-screen roles — but no two-dimensional image comes close to capturing the vast power of them in real life. To fully appreciate the roar of water tumbling over the cliffs; to feel it vibrating through your bones; to glimpse butterflies dancing through the humid mist into the surrounding rainforest; and to see, with your own eyes, toco toucans and rufous-collared sparrows in kaleidoscopic flight over the Iguazu River… well, you really have to be there. Viewable from Argentina and Brazil, and also accessible from Paraguay, this is a place where nature doesn't whisper — it shouts. Ready to embark on your own Indiana Jones-style adventure of a lifetime? Here's everything you need to know about the Iguazu Falls. • Read our full guide to South America Situated on the Iguazu River, the awesome cataracts of Iguazu Falls form part of the natural border separating Argentina and Brazil. Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side (entry costs about £15), and Iguazu National Park in Argentina (about £28) both offer stunning views and tours of surely the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. So should you explore the Brazilian side of the falls, or visit Iguazu from the Argentinian side? The short answer is both. Some 80 per cent of the falls lie in Argentina, with the remaining 20 per cent on the Brazilian side, but each country offers a unique perspective of this stunning spectacle. The Argentinian side is the place for an up-close and visceral experience of the falls, with spray-drenched speedboat rides beneath the roaring torrents, and suspended walkways taking you right to the very edge of the Devil's Throat and beyond. The Brazilian side offers perspective. Spectacular, panoramic views of Iguazu Falls make it the perfect place to take photographs and get a sense of its scope and scale, without getting your camera drenched. The falls are located in remote corners of Brazil and Argentina. To get there you'll need to travel to either the town of Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, or Puerto Iguazu on the Argentinian side of the border. You can get a very comfortable, fully reclining coach seat for the 17-hour bus trip from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu, but with airports serving each town, in most cases it's quicker and easier to fly. Foz do Iguaçu Airport is about eight miles from the town centre, served by taxis and regular buses. Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport in Argentina is 12 miles from Puerto Iguazu and is also well connected. If your trip to the falls is part of a holiday in Argentina or Brazil, then you're better off staying each night in the town in which you arrived rather than taking your luggage across the border when visiting the other side. Foz do Iguaçu is the larger of the two towns and offers more choices for accommodation, dining and nightlife. If you happen to be in Paraguay, you can also visit from the country's easternmost city, Ciudad del Este, which is served by Guarani International Airport. From here you can simply cross the border — the mighty Parana River — to Foz do Iguaçu via Friendship Bridge. • Brazil's best hotels The best time to go is between late March to May, or August to September. The falls are spectacular and flowing all year round, of course, so you can really visit any time, but there are a number of factors to consider when picking the best dates. With the exception of the period around Easter — which is the busiest time of year — the dry season between late March and early June boasts sunshine, manageable heat and humidity, less chance of being caught in the rain, and — particularly from Monday and Friday — it's a quieter time to visit, with better hotel availability and prices. August and September are also drier months, but the weather is a little cooler, making it an excellent time to explore the surrounding rainforests on hikes or bike rides. During these periods of lower rainfall, the waterfalls aren't at their peak, but they are certainly still impressive. It's during the southern summer months that the falls have their highest water levels, so you can visit between December and February if you don't mind getting wet. Aside from the rain, the downsides to visiting at this time are the humid, hot weather — which can make visits a little less comfortable — and some of the hiking trails may be unreachable too. This period is when Brazilians and Argentinians take their annual holidays, so the park can be particularly crowded and hotel rooms more scarce, especially at weekends. The Iguazu region's culture, history and culinary traditions are shaped by its Guarani roots and the cross-border influences of Brazil and Argentina. On both sides, you'll spot traditionally-made heritage crafts such as intricately woven baskets and hand-carved wooden figurines. But it's the food that truly captures the essence of the region. Argentina's surubi, a succulent fish from the Parana River, is a must-try, whether grilled to perfection or served in a rich stew atop a mound of fluffy rice. Brazil counters with its pao de queijo, a moreish cheese bread eaten at breakfast or as a snack. To dive deeper into local flavours, join a food tour that weaves through both countries. Highlights might include stops to sample artisanal sweet treats — including alfajores (Argentina's beloved dulce de leche-laden cookies) and Brazilian favourite cocadas (chewy coconut confections) — and at Foz do Iguaçu's roadside churrascarias, where sizzling meat awaits. • Best things to do in Argentina On the Argentinian side of the falls, visitors can take a step back in time at the San Ignacio Ruins, a Unesco World Heritage site nestled in the Misiones jungle. Founded in the 17th century, these now-crumbling, baroque-style Jesuit missions offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of colonial South America. An hour south from Puerto Iguazu lies the quirky Wanda Mines, home to an array of semi-precious stones including amethyst and topaz. Treasure-seekers will love taking a tour into the heart of the operation to learn about the glittering mineral wealth hidden beneath the earth. On the Brazil-Paraguay border, you'll find another watery lodestar in the form of Itaipu Dam, a feat of modern engineering. One of the world's largest hydroelectric plants, its man-made might provides a sleek contrast to Iguazu's raw, elemental power. • Best places to visit in South America • Locally known variously as Cataratas del Iguazu, Cataratas do Iguaçu, and sometimes as Iguassu Falls, 'Iguazu' is actually a word from the Guarani language that translates to 'great water'.• The longest drops at Iguazu Falls are more than 80m (260ft) high. To put that into perspective, Niagara Falls are 57m (188ft) in height, and — lacking the incredible scope and setting of Iguazu — are less impressive. In fact, when former American First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited, she's said to have gasped, 'Poor Niagara!' However, Iguazu Falls are not the tallest in the world by any stretch — that record is held by Angel Falls in Venezuela, with a total drop of 979m (3,212ft).• Iguazu Falls actually consists of approximately 275 individual cascades spread out around a 1.7-mile-long, U-shaped cliff formation that cuts through the Iguazu River. It's partly this shape that makes them so magnificent, allowing visitors to witness the falls thundering all around them. • The ultimate bucket-list trips
