Travel in city Mountain

Before the fire, Lytton, British Columbia, was the kind of tiny town visitors alighted upon mid-road trip, pulling off the Trans-Canada Highway to get a drink, or take in views of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, running slate gray and deep blue more than 200 feet below. A mile up the road, also known as Highway 1, Kumsheen Rafting Resort drew 8,000 visitors annually to take half-day trips on raging rapids. Backpackers heading out on the Stein Valley Traverse stopped at the grocery store — known to locals as Ken Mart, after its owner, Ken Wong — to pick up rope, ramen and fuel before they hit the trail.

Jul 5, 2024 • 3 min read

Fans of winter weather can celebrate the season by attending a winter festival or carnival. Certain destinations across North America and other parts of the world present these ice and snow-related events to bring attendees outdoors and take in public art installations, celebratory activities or games of skill. Some even brighten up the night or day with illuminated fixtures. Pull out your winter boots and heavy coats and plan a trip to these annual winter festivals.

Whether hiking a new trail through a tropical rainforest or tasting an emerging wine region, people were venturing out this year in numbers that have even exceeded pre-pandemic levels. As of November 2023, more than 61 million Americans flew to international regions, compared to more than 55 million during the same period in 2019, according to the United States International Trade Administration.

Mountain spas. Dog-sledding. Hot springs. Mulled wine by a roaring fire. Many ski resorts offer much more than just skiing. If you're looking for a winter weekend break filled with fun and cozy activities, you don't need to hit the slopes to enjoy the charms of a ski resort.

I visited Banff, Canada, this past July and it is easily the most impressive place I've ever been.