Words can barely do justice to the devastation that has unfolded across Los Angeles this week amid the raging wildfires that have erupted everywhere from Pacific Palisades to Pasadena.Entire neighborhoods have been wiped off the map and residents have lost a lifetime of treasures.At last count, the death toll from the unprecedented four-day fire event stood at 10 and more than 9,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged.The Biden Administration has swiftly responded to the climate change-driven crisis. The president visited California on Wednesday and later vowed that the federal government will cover 100 percent of the disaster assistance costs for California for the next 180 days.“I told the governor and local officials, spare no expense to contain these fires,” Biden said. “We’re doing literally everything we can at the federal level.”The president has sent 400 additional federal firefighters to the state and more than 30 firefighting helicopters and planes. Canada is also providing firefighting aircraft.While all of these measures and promises have brought comfort to California, Biden only has 11 more days in office. And President-elect Donald Trump has taken the opposite tact, roundly criticizing California officials for the fires and spreading misinformation and falsehoods that have since been debunked.In addition to the Biden Administration, the travel industry has provided an outpouring of assistance and support for Los Angeles and its impacted residents.Local organizations such as the Hotel Association of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board are pitching in, as are international, national, and regional tourism industry operators including Airbnb, Delta Airlines, Internova, and Signature. Here’s a closer look at what’s unfolding.
Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Edmonton in Alberta, Canada
08.01.2025 - 10:35 / matadornetwork.com
Let’s start with perception versus reality. The perception might be that Edmonton, Alberta — the northernmost city in North America with a population of over one million — would be shy on delivering all the things travelers are looking for in these days of immersive experiences. Let’s face it — this Canadian city flies under the radar.
Now, let’s explore the reality. Today’s Edmonton is not the Edmonton of decades ago. This city is throbbing with energy. A simple stroll through any of its neighborhoods delivers thought-provoking art, incredibly posh bakery creations, cheering crowds, and must-visit gift shops. Look a little deeper, and you’ll find an Indigenous experience that’ll make your heart light up, a leather-forward speakeasy hidden behind a bookcase, and a wall of sparkling gemstones inside a modern museum.
My most recent trip to Edmonton took place during a December cold snap when temperatures plunged to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Then came the snow and wind. But none of that put a damper on anything I experienced in the city. It may have made it feel even more vibrant (although those whose explorations are best fueled by warmth and sunshine will appreciate that temperatures can push to 80 degrees in the summer). Whatever the season, here’s where to go for the best of Edmonton.
Photo: Ronnie Chua/Shutterstock
Sightseeing doesn’t get any easier than this. Simply look up at the red brick exterior warehouse wall to see the calling cards of the Princess Theatre, Georgia Baths, and, my personal favorite, the Canadian National Railway’s Freight Telegrams. It’s best to stroll by after dark to see this collaboration spearheaded by the city. The collection includes the first neon sign in Edmonton — Darling’s Drug Store in 1928 — and admission is free.
The Neon Sign Museum: 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0K7, Canada
Photo: Shel Zolkewich
I’ve been to a few National Hockey League games, and the arena atmosphere always gets my heart racing. But the vibe at the home of the Edmonton Oilers tops the list when it comes to fan fun. It’s most definitely a party atmosphere, with a brass band chiming in after goals and gifts being dropped by tiny drones into the stands.
In the expansive Ford Hall lobby area, a show-stopping public art installation called “Tsą tsą ke k’e” (“Iron Foot Place”) by the late Alex Janvier is a 45-foot diameter mosaic set in the floor. It highlights the colors of the sky and the land and mountains in the distance. The lighting above showcases the impressive architecture of the entire building.
With a capacity pushing 20,000, Rogers Place welcomes everyone. It’s fully accessible with elevator access to all seating levels, has a radio frequency assistive listening system, and offers sensory kits (as
The 15 best things to do in Toronto, from food to fashions
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Every year my family drove from Canada to Florida to see my grandparents. I still cherish those memories.
For most 8-year-olds, waking up at four in the morning would be an unwelcome experience. But for me, waking up on a frigid March morning in 1998, I was ready to go. It was our first family road trip , and we were headed down to my grandparents' Condo in Marco Island, Florida. And, in what was probably a bid to keep me quiet, my parents had bought me a brand new Gameboy with Pokémon — I was raring to go.
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The Best Airports for Car-Free Travel, According to the Guy Who Studies Cities
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Inspiring Vacations: Redefining Global Tourism Through Value and Innovation
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Destination Toronto Announces Kelly Jackson as Vice President of Destination Development
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HX Hosts Travel Advisors on ‘Phenomenal’ Galápagos Islands FAM Trips
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