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Green Guadeloupe: A Travel Guide to the Caribbean’s Lesser-Known Gem

May 5, 2026

In the French Antilles, real luxury lies in natural beauty.

By Eve Thomas

For some tropical vacation destinations, the dream is to find that one perfect spot, that dream beach or green valley where reality looks as good as the brochure. In Guadeloupe, that dream becomes reality around every corner.

The French overseas territory is an archipelago with two main sections shaped like a butterfly. I start my visit on leafy, mountainous Basse-Terre, which attracts outdoorsy types who want nature hikes or exciting sports like mountain biking and diving. On our first morning, we head to Guadeloupe National Park, a tropical rainforest that’s home to myriad ferns, orchids, and several houseplants I recognise from my own home, only here they’re enormous and thriving. As we amble along the cobblestone walkway (a bit slippery in spots, but not too challenging, and notably absent of any scary fauna) we greet hikers forging further ahead, all the way up to the active volcano La Soufrière.

In search of a more lowkey experience, we head to the Deshaies Botanical Garden for lunch. With a table overlooking some wading pink flamingos, we dine on classic local delicacies: grilled mahi mahi, Indian-inspired Colombo chicken, and accras (salt cod fritters), plus some planter’s punch and an impressive French wine list. Refreshingly, all the fruit on our plates (pineapple, melon, bananas) is locally grown. Not always a given, in the Caribbean.

Alongside aviaries of parrots and some mischievous miniature goats, the highlight of the garden may be the sheer number of wild hummingbirds enjoying the blossom buffet. Despite seeing dozens, each one feels special, to me and to the birders who wander by, binoculars at the ready.

After lunch, we head to the coast to experience the national park’s watery side: a marine reserve. On a boat tour of the mangroves, we learn about how essential they are to the whole ecosystem, their roots protecting young fish from predators, and the islands themselves against natural disasters. Another little paradise is revealed as we drop anchor by a sandbar, high enough for us to stand in the water, a cup of rum punch or guava juice in hand. And beneath the sea, snorkel affixed, I find an underwater paradise full of angelfish and sea turtles.

A few days later, we move to Grande-Terre island. Flat, more populated, and brimming with golden beaches, it draws tourists in search of bigger hotels and bustling nightlife. Still in search of natural beauty, we wend our way along the coast, finding oases wherever we look. All beaches are public, and parking is quite “casual,” making it easy to stop on a whim. We pause for fresh coconut water one minute, then a swim in a hidden alcove the next. An unassuming roadside gallery, Kreol West Indies, turns out to be a revelation of Guadeloupe history and modern art.

When we check into a chic Les Voiles Bleues villa, the modern design and private chef dinner set a polished tone, but it’s the nightly frog song that becomes the most memorable amenity. When we visit five-star hotel La Toubana for lunch, the lobster tagliatelle and Sisley spa may be showstoppers, but it’s the sea view beyond the infinity pool that really takes my breath away. I know by now that, in Guadeloupe, luxury doesn’t just lie in the architecture or the menu. It is all around you: in the land, in the details, in the secret spots and natural beauty. You just need to know where to look.

The List: Guadeloupe

STAY: At Les Voiles Bleues, guests settle into architect-designed villas that balance privacy and proximity to the coast, making it easy to slip between poolside calm and nearby beaches.

EAT: Sugarcane chicken and ginger-fried bream at Jangal Kafé; lobster pasta at La Toubana Hôtel & Spa; waterside accras and Planter’s punch at Le Kanaoa.

DO: Take the ferry to Terre-de-Haut and explore on foot, including historic Fort Napoléon, home to a garden full of iguanas and sweeping panoramic views.

DRINK: The best French wine list in the country at 619 Restaurant; a flight of rum against the sugarcane fields at Longueteau Distillery.

BRING BACK: A box of “Torment d’amour” pastries from Les Saintes Islands (first made by sailors’ wives to welcome them home); a piece of original art or an antique print from Kreol West Indies gallery and museum.

Sandy Cay: MSC’s New Luxury Private Island Retreat Opens in the Bahamas in 2028

May 5, 2026

The cruise group’s second Bahamian private island promises seclusion and elevated experiences for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys passengers.

MSC Group’s cruise division has announced Sandy Cay, a new luxury private island set to open in the Bahamas in 2028. Located adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, it will be exclusively available to MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests.

Where Ocean Cay delivers a full-scale resort experience, Sandy Cay is designed around seclusion. The island takes its name from its aragonite sands – among the purest and brightest in the world – and that elemental, unhurried quality defines the whole concept. Fewer people, more space, a closer connection to the natural rhythms of the Bahamian ocean.

MSC frames Sandy Cay as a complement to Ocean Cay rather than a replacement, giving guests two distinct modes of private island experience within the same marine reserve. Both destinations are continuing to evolve. Separately, MSC has announced a round of upgrades coming to Ocean Cay: new dining venues, family and adults-only beach concepts, expanded relaxation areas, and new marine conservation experiences.

Private island stops have become one of the most coveted elements of a Caribbean cruise itinerary, and MSC is clearly investing in owning that space. Sandy Cay adds a more refined, intimate option to what’s already a strong private destination offering.

Sandy Cay opens in 2028, available exclusively to MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys passengers. More at msccruises.com.

Borneo to be Wild

April 20, 2026

A journey across Sabah, guided by wildlife and waterways.

By Steve Gillick

The Sabah Tourism Board’s slogan, Feel Sabah North Borneo, speaks to a deep-rooted connection with wilderness, wildlife, and serenity. It calls to travellers seeking a place where escape feels not just memorable, but meaningful.

The island of Borneo is shared by the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, five Indonesian provinces, and the nation of Brunei Darussalam. Our journey begins in Kota Kinabalu, on Sabah’s west coast, fronting the South China Sea. After a restful night at the Hyatt Regency, we set off for Mount Kinabalu with Mr. William, our affable guide from Amazing Borneo Tours.

Rising to 4,095 metres (13,435 feet), Mount Kinabalu is Malaysia’s highest peak and is revered locally as the resting place of the soul. Our two-hour drive unfolds through mountain forests and wildflower-strewn landscapes, with stops at the Kadamaian (Peaceful) Waterfall, the tallest in the country, and the villages of Tamparuli and Tanak Nabalu.

The purpose of the journey is threefold: to photograph Sabah’s extraordinary birdlife, to hike forest trails, and to practise shinrin-yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing — a mindful way of slowing down, de-stressing, and reconnecting with nature. Among Sabah’s 688 recorded bird species, we spot Chestnut-hooded Laughing Thrushes, Bornean Green Magpies, and Black-sided Flowerpeckers as we explore the park’s lush trails. At Kiau Gap View, a sweeping panorama opens beside a monument honouring the spiritual bond between Mount Kinabalu and the Kadazan-Dusun, Sabah’s largest Indigenous group, as well as the park’s UNESCO World Heritage designation.

A one-hour flight east to Sandakan ushers us into a different realm of adventure. After checking in to the Sabah Hotel, we head straight to the Rainforest Discovery Center in Sepilok, where winding paths, canopy bridges, and observation towers offer intimate encounters with wildlife. Within minutes, we’re face-to-face with a striking Diard’s Trogon. Nearby, a mother orangutan and her baby forage among fruiting trees, while Thick-billed Spiderhunters probe spiky red calliandra blossoms for nectar.

At the neighbouring Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, daily feedings take place at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Rangers arrive with reed baskets brimming with fruit and vegetables, greeted by orangutans already waiting on the platform, while others swing in on ropes from the surrounding forest. Later, along the boardwalk, our focus shifts to reptiles and nocturnal curiosities: a Bornean Keeled Pit Viper, a Grey-tailed Racer, and a Flying Lemur clinging to a tree trunk. At the Nursery, young orangutans and macaques play and cuddle in lively family groups.

Just down the road, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre offers forested enclosures and elevated observation points where visitors can watch and learn about the world’s smallest bears.

Our immersion in nature deepens further in Sukau. After spotting our first Oriental Pied Hornbill, we board a motorboat on the Kinabatangan River to reach Borneo Nature Lodge. Over two days and six river excursions — including a night cruise — we experience tropical rainstorms, blazing sun, postcard-worthy sunrises and sunsets, and remarkable wildlife sightings: Proboscis Monkeys, Long-tailed Macaques, Silver Langurs, Borneo Pygmy Elephants, crocodiles, and an astonishing array of birds, from hornbills and kingfishers to eagles, bee-eaters, herons, storks, and owls.

After a final dawn cruise, we return to Sandakan Airport carrying the afterglow of Sabah — a destination that delivers a true jolt to the senses. It’s a place where wildlife inspires, adventure sharpens awareness, and the memory of the experience lingers vividly long after the journey ends.

The List: Sabah, Malaysia

STAY
Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu delivers five-star Sabahan hospitality on the South China Sea waterfront. Book a seaview room for sunrise and sunset views. It’s a short walk to Wisma Merdeka, the handicrafts market and the Segama Bridge Night Market.

EAT
Near Kinabalu Park, head to Farmers Restaurant in Kundasang for the Kamppungku platter: fried fish, rice, turmeric chicken and more. In Tamparuli, Restoran Wun Chiap is known for Temparuli Mee — fried noodles with pork — best with a cold Tiger Beer.

DO
Rise at 4:30 am and head to Kota Kinabalu’s Fish Market. It’s loud, colourful and unforgettable, with puffer fish, snapper, prawns and more laid out as the city wakes.

DRINK
Caffeine-free Sabah Tea grown in the highlands, and wood-fired Tenom Coffee made with local Robusta beans.

BRING BACK
Patterned Sabah batik fabric, handwoven rattan baskets and amplang (crispy fish crackers).

Three Destinations, One Elevated Standard at Royalton

April 19, 2026

For travellers who expect more than just a beautiful setting, Royalton Hotels & Resorts continues to redefine luxury all-inclusive experiences across the Caribbean and Mexico. With design-forward resorts, elevated culinary offerings, and a signature focus on personalization, Royalton presents three standout destinations that speak to different styles of indulgence—without compromising on sophistication.

Curated experiences in Antigua

Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort brings a bold energy to one of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking islands. Set against Antigua’s turquoise waters, this vibrant adults-only retreat blends social luxury with effortless elegance, enhanced by distinctive overwater suites and the resort’s signature overwater restaurant, Pescari. Designed for travellers who appreciate stylish spaces and curated experiences, Royalton CHIC Antigua is where beachfront days seamlessly transition into chic evenings. From elevated mixology to immersive entertainment, the resort embodies its philosophy of “Party Your Way”—allowing guests to define their own rhythm, whether that’s a sunset toast, a lively rooftop moment, or an intimate culinary experience above the water under the stars.

Refined island living in Grenada

Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort offers a refined sanctuary rooted in natural beauty and understated luxury. Perfectly positioned on the island’s lush southern coast, this resort delivers a serene escape for couples, families, and multigenerational travellers alike. The design reflects Grenada’s organic elegance, pairing contemporary architecture with panoramic ocean views. Guests are invited to slow down and reconnect—through thoughtfully curated dining, tranquil spa experiences, and Royalton’s signature personalized service. It’s a destination that celebrates authenticity while maintaining the brand’s modern, upscale sensibility.

Reimagined luxury in Riviera Cancun

Meanwhile, Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, stands as a flagship expression of Royalton’s versatility and scale—now fully renovated and reimagined to deliver a dynamic luxury experience in one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations. Ideal for families, groups, and discerning travellers seeking variety, the resort seamlessly blends high-energy entertainment with moments of calm and exclusivity. With expansive pools, world-class dining, and dedicated spaces designed for every type of traveler, Royalton Riviera Cancun offers a vibrant yet polished take on the all-inclusive concept, anchored by the brand’s commitment to innovation and comfort.

Together, these three resorts illustrate Royalton Hotels & Resorts’ ability to adapt luxury to different lifestyles and destinations—whether it’s adults-only sophistication in Antigua, tranquil elegance in Grenada, or dynamic beachfront living in Cancun. For travellers and travel advisors alike, Royalton continues to offer not just destinations, but distinct experiences, each elevated, intentional, and unmistakably Royalton.

Looking ahead, Royalton Hotels & Resorts continues to shape its future with intention. The opening of Royalton Vessence Barbados on June 1st introduces a new expression of refined, experience-driven travel, while the addition of Paraíso de la Bonita, A Luxury Collection Resort, marks a meaningful evolution of the brand’s luxury portfolio.

Book your luxury escape with Sunwing at Royalton Hotels & Resorts today.

The World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship Takes to the Water

April 7, 2026

The Viking Libra has officially touched water, marking a pivotal step toward zero-emission sailing and a new era for ocean travel.

There are ship launches, and then there are shifts in the industry. The recent float out of Viking’s newest vessel falls into the latter. The Viking Libra has now entered the water for the first time, marking a key milestone in construction and bringing the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship one step closer to reality.

Scheduled for delivery in late 2026, the ship will debut with itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, but it is not the destinations that make this launch notable. It is how the ship will get there. Designed with a hybrid propulsion system that incorporates liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, the Viking Libra is engineered to operate with zero emissions, a breakthrough that could reshape how cruise lines approach sustainability.

The float out ceremony itself, held at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy, marks the transition from structural build to final outfitting. Over the course of several days, water is introduced into the dry dock, allowing the ship to rise and effectively come to life. From there, it moves into the final stages of interior construction and technical installation, where the guest experience begins to take shape.

In keeping with Viking’s small-ship philosophy, the Libra will carry just under 1,000 guests across 499 staterooms, maintaining the brand’s focus on intimate, destination-driven travel. But beneath that familiar framework lies a significant technological leap. The propulsion system, capable of producing up to six megawatts of power, will allow the ship to access environmentally sensitive regions that are increasingly off-limits to traditional vessels.

The Libra is not a one-off experiment. A sister ship, the Viking Astrea, is already under construction and is expected to follow in 2027, also powered by hydrogen. Together, they signal a long-term commitment rather than a symbolic gesture, positioning Viking at the forefront of a transition that many in the industry are still only beginning to explore.

For travellers, the shift may feel subtle at first. The same serene Scandinavian design, the same culturally focused itineraries, the same emphasis on thoughtful travel. But behind the scenes, the mechanics of how those journeys happen are changing in a meaningful way.

If the Viking Libra performs as intended, it will not just be a new ship entering the fleet. It will be a proof of concept for what the next generation of cruising could look like, one where luxury and environmental responsibility are no longer at odds, but part of the same experience.

The Four Seasons I Just Set Sail on its Inaugural Voyage

March 24, 2026

The debut of Four Seasons Yachts introduces a new benchmark for design-led, residential-style luxury at sea.

Four Seasons has officially entered the cruise space with the debut of Four Seasons I, which has now set sail on its inaugural voyage. The long-anticipated launch marks a significant milestone for the brand, extending its signature hospitality from land to sea with a vessel designed to feel more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship.

Developed in partnership with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd. and built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the 207-metre yacht introduces a new scale of luxury cruising. With just 95 suites onboard, the experience is defined by space and privacy, offering a markedly different atmosphere from larger vessels. Each suite has been conceived as a residential-style retreat, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive private terraces. The design places a strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, allowing guests to remain closely connected to the ocean throughout the journey.

At the top end of the accommodation offering is the Funnel Suite, a four-level residence spanning more than 9,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Located within the ship’s striking funnel structure, it brings a villa-style experience to sea, setting a new benchmark for suite design in the cruise sector.

Throughout the yacht, public spaces are deliberately limited and thoughtfully arranged. The result is an environment that feels open and unhurried, with multiple outdoor decks, pools, and lounges designed to maximize light, views, and comfort. A marina-style aft platform provides direct access to the water in select destinations, reinforcing the sense of being on a private vessel.

Dining plays a central role in the onboard experience, drawing on Four Seasons’ global culinary reputation. The approach favours flexibility, allowing guests to move between venues and dine on their own schedule rather than adhering to traditional cruise formats.

Now sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, Four Seasons I combines well-known destinations with smaller, less crowded ports. Extended stays and overnight calls allow for a deeper connection to each place, offering more time to explore beyond the surface.

With bookings now open, the launch is already generating strong interest among both loyal Four Seasons guests and travellers who have not previously considered cruising. The familiarity of the brand, paired with a product that mirrors the feel of a private yacht, is broadening the appeal of ocean travel within the luxury segment.

The arrival of Four Seasons I also reflects a wider shift in the cruise industry, where demand continues to favour smaller ships, elevated design, and more personalized service. Rather than focusing on volume, the emphasis here is on experience and atmosphere.

As its inaugural season gets underway, Four Seasons I enters the market as one of the most closely watched launches in recent years — not only as a new ship, but as a new way of approaching luxury at sea.

A New Chapter for Indigenous Tourism in Canada

January 27, 2026

A five-year partnership between Intrepid Travel and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada signals a shift toward more meaningful, Indigenous-led travel experiences nationwide.

Travel is changing. More travellers are looking beyond scenery and sightseeing, seeking experiences that offer cultural depth, context, and genuine connection. In Canada, that shift is helping Indigenous tourism move into a new phase — one defined by greater visibility, investment, and long-term opportunity for Indigenous communities.

This winter, Intrepid Travel committed CA$500,000 over five years to support Indigenous tourism development and promotion through a landmark partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). The agreement aims to integrate Indigenous-led experiences more fully into Canadian travel itineraries — not as optional add-ons, but as essential ways of understanding the country.

At the heart of the partnership is a clear goal: by the end of 2026, 75 percent of Intrepid’s Canadian tours will include at least one Indigenous-led experience, with a longer-term ambition of reaching full inclusion across all itineraries. Rather than developing products in isolation, Intrepid will work through ITAC’s national network of accredited Indigenous tourism businesses, ensuring experiences are community-led, culturally grounded, and designed to benefit the people who host them.

Interest in Indigenous tourism has been steadily rising, driven by travellers who want to engage more thoughtfully with the places they visit. Recent national tourism research shows that more than 60 percent of highly engaged travellers are actively seeking Indigenous-led experiences.

Despite that demand, many Indigenous tourism operators continue to face challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and visibility, particularly in rural and remote regions. ITAC has spent years working alongside First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses to help close those gaps and build sustainable, community-driven tourism economies.

This partnership connects that groundwork to global reach. Over the next five years, Intrepid will invest $50,000 annually into ITAC’s Destination Fund to support the development of Indigenous-led tourism businesses across Canada. An additional minimum of $50,000 per year will go toward promoting Indigenous tourism through media initiatives and marketing efforts, developed in consultation with ITAC to ensure respectful representation and long-term impact.

For travellers, the shift may feel subtle but significant. Indigenous experiences might include guided cultural encounters, storytelling, land-based activities, or community visits that provide insight into both tradition and contemporary Indigenous life. The emphasis is on authenticity and exchange, rather than performance.

Crucially, these experiences are designed to generate meaningful economic benefits for host communities while safeguarding cultural integrity. The aim is not simply to showcase Indigenous culture, but to support self-determined growth through tourism.

The Shangri-La Toronto has the Perfect Valentine’s Day Package

January 27, 2026

It's been a long winter. Here's your sign to treat yourself (and a loved one) to a candlelit Italian dinner and an indulgent overnight stay at Shangri-La Toronto.

This year, Shangri-La Toronto is offering a polished but unfussy way to celebrate Valentine’s Day right in the city. The hotel’s curated experiences are designed to feel intimate and unrushed — ideal for couples who want something memorable without overdoing it.

At the centre of the celebration is Valentine’s Rendezvous at bosk, the hotel’s Northern Italian restaurant. Offered on February 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the four-course dinner is meant to unfold at an easy pace, with live violin music setting the tone, a Valentine’s cocktail to start the evening, and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries to finish.

The menu highlights seasonal Canadian ingredients with Italian flair. Courses include red wine–marinated venison carpaccio with Koziak’s Triple Crunch mustard, beet root spaghetti with goat’s milk fonduta and B.C. spot prawns, and dry-aged striploin served with celeriac purée. Desserts lean elegant rather than heavy, with options like dark chocolate merveilleux with hazelnut praline or a raspberry-and-rose creation finished with rosewater ganache.

Make it a Staycation

For couples who want to turn dinner into a true escape, Shangri-La Toronto’s A Suite Valentine’s Day experience removes the need to head home at all. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and a decadent cake, followed by an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s suites.

A CAD $250 dining credit per night encourages lingering meals or room service, while breakfast for two the following morning keeps things feeling relaxed. Small details make a difference here: fresh florals on arrival, an evening turndown featuring the hotel’s signature tea set and Bathorium bath salts, and flexible check-in and check-out times (subject to availability).

Parking is included as well — a small but appreciated touch for anyone who’s ever hesitated over a downtown stay.

Whether you opt for the dinner, the overnight stay, or both, this is Valentine’s Day done with just enough luxury to make it feel like a real occasion.

Brazil Just Launched a New Multi-City Air Pass for International Travellers

January 27, 2026

The new Azul Brazil Air Pass allows visitors to explore multiple regions of the country under a single fare, making complex itineraries far easier to plan.

Brazil’s size has always been part of its allure — and its challenge. With rainforests, beaches, wetlands, and megacities spread across a continent-sized country, travellers have often had to choose just one slice of the experience. A newly launched air pass is aiming to change that.

Introduced this January, the Azul Brazil Air Pass allows international travellers to combine multiple domestic flights within Brazil under a single, fixed price. The pass is designed for visitors arriving from abroad who want to explore more than one region without booking separate tickets for each leg of their journey.

Depending on the option selected, travellers can include up to eight destinations in a single itinerary, with stays ranging from 14 to 30 days. Prices start at USD $479 for trips covering up to four destinations, rising to USD $599 for longer itineraries flown entirely on Azul. Options that include segments operated by other airlines range from USD $599 to $799.

The pass is valid for travellers entering Brazil on Azul flights as well as those arriving on other international carriers, making it accessible regardless of how visitors reach the country. It is sold exclusively outside Brazil, primarily through international travel agencies and Azul’s international call centre.

The launch comes as Brazil sees a surge in international interest. In 2025, the country welcomed approximately 9.3 million foreign visitors — a 37 percent increase over the previous year — underscoring growing demand for longer, more immersive travel experiences.

For travellers, the appeal is practical as much as aspirational: simpler booking, predictable pricing, and the freedom to move between Brazil’s vastly different regions in one continuous trip. Boa viagem!

The Best Places to See North America’s Spectacular Fall Foliage

September 20, 2025

Come mid-September, Canadians everywhere recognize the telltale signs of the autumn season. Cooler nights call for cosy knits, a dockside Caesar gets swapped for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, and in bustling cities and quiet towns alike, tree leaves begin to change colour, and eventually fall.

An abundance of external influences like warmer or cooler temperatures make “peak” autumn colour viewing times nearly impossible to predict, but generally, shades of deep burgundy, fiery orange, golden yellow and scarlet red spread across North America’s foliage from mid-September to late October, though sometimes, the changing of the leaves can start as early as September, and end as late as November, depending on location.

The thousands of trees that dot the slopes of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains are responsible for the lingering, mysterious, foggy effect, and starting mid-September, brilliant shades of gold on the yellow birch are visible below the haze. Running along the Tennessee and North Carolina border, here, elevation greatly affects the speed of the foliage turnover, with the highest points of elevation changing first. By mid-October, bright red leaves take over the sugar maples, red maples, and scarlet oaks. Part of the Appalachian Mountain chain and spanning more than 187,000 acres, the Great Smoky Mountains are one of the United States’ most-visited national parks and one of the oldest mountain ranges. There are approximately 100 species of trees in the park, which attract mass crowds, especially during mid-October when the foliage nears its peak. As one of the most popular U.S. parks, it’s best to plan ahead for fall colours tourism, as many nearby accommodations quickly fill up!

A road trip through Upstate New York in late September to early October presents one of the best opportunities to marvel at the fall leaves. The Adirondack Region spans a whopping 48,438 square kilometres and is famous for having one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the U.S. The Lake Placid area in particular presents plenty of fall foliage observation. Plan a hike to Whiteface Mountain, the fifth highest peak in all of New York, or Mount Haystack, one of the most challenging but rewarding hikes of the Adirondack High Peaks. From way up high, visitors can take in the breathtaking colours of fall foliage that stretches as far as the neighbouring state of Vermont. Scenic drives and even hot air balloon rides over the Lake George Region are just a handful of some of the other ways to take in the breathtaking colours of autumn. During the fall months, the local tourism board, Visit Adirondacks, creates a fall foliage metre that depicts the percentage of colourful leaves present in each of the ten regions of the Adirondacks. A bustling summer tourist destination, the autumn months in the Adirondacks are slightly quieter, but offer just as much opportunity for guests. Visitors can enjoy ciders and local wine tours, harvest festivals and more, while staying at cosy accommodations that range from log cabins to luxury lakefront resorts.

Composed of 7,635 square kilometres made up of rushing rivers, wetlands, lakes and deciduous and coniferous forests brimming with trails, Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Canada’s most famous viewpoints for fall foliage. Starting in September, Algonquin Park officials release their fall colour change reports, which provide a daily track record via live camera stream on the park’s 34 native tree species. Data from last year’s fall colours timeline shows that the sugar and red maple trees began turning red by the second week of September, and that the sugar maple canopy reached its “peak” by Oct. 2. However, rain, wind, cooling temperatures and moisture levels can all affect the timeline, pushing it earlier or later in the season. The park’s camera is a great way to plan a visit, as potential visitors can keep an eye on the trees daily. Ideally, the best time to visit Algonquin Provincial Park is between mid-September and mid-October, as unexpected snowfall or windstorms could spontaneously cause fragile leaves to be knocked off prematurely. Of course, the drive leading into the park is equally spectacular, with popular routes like Highway 60 and Highway 11 boasting endless kilometres of beautiful foliage.

A gorgeous destination year round, the Laurentian Mountains are one of the best places to watch Canada’s leaves change. Their proximity to Montreal (roughly 100 kilometres) make the Laurentians a popular option for daytrippers, or as a quick weekend getaway for visitors from Ontario who may be eager to explore beyond the Kawartha and Muskoka regions. Unlike Algonquin Provincial Park, which has just three lodges to provide accommodation to visitors, there are many different options available for visitors to the Laurentians. Those interested in overnight accommodation can opt for hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, cottages or campsites, which are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Every September, Croisières Alouette resumes its special fall colours sailing on Lac des Sables, where guests can enjoy a full-service bar and music as they take in the spectacular beauty of the Laurentians from the water’s edge.

While summer in the land of the Midnight Sun presents plenty of opportunities for active and adventure tourism, autumn in the north is truly an enchanting time to visit. Not only are the mountains and tundra decked out in autumn colours, but after months of endless daylight, darkness returns to the skies, and the Aurora Borealis once again paints the sky in shades of neon green, inky indigo, and deep plum. Autumn colours come to the Northwest Territories slightly earlier than the rest of Canada, with the tundra turning into brilliant shades of red as early as August. One of the best places to see this transformation take place is in the Barrenlands, a large territory residing in mainland Nunavut that extends into the Northwest Territories. Decorated with ancient sand and rock ridges and carpeted in soft moss and plants, by fall, blooms of yellow and green are replaced by deep burgundy and burnt orange. The fall months also present an excellent opportunity to camp in the Northwest Territories, as the summer crowds have all but left, and visitors have a wide selection of campsites to spend a few days or weeks watching the foliage change. During the autumn months, just as Canada geese begin their southern migration, herds of caribou begin their descent south, often sweeping through the Barrenlands, so visitors to the region can enjoy their share of wildlife watching, too.