The Best Student-Friendly Countries To Visit

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 17, 2022

When lawyer Stephen Gleave relocated to a Hamilton office building for the shorter commute, he didn’t realize the kind of beauty he was in for. But that’s the thing about Ancaster – its unique style has a way of sneaking up on you. There’s something about Ancaster that makes you want to stay,” he explains. “There's a magic to the town. That magic he’s referring to could be its proximity to endangered Carolinian forests, which are one of the most temperate climates in all of Canada. Gleave could also be referring to the close-knit history of Ancaster – this town sat on the strategic ground of multiple major transportation routes in Upper Canada, connecting different settlements and indigenous towns. Its location near a large creek helped further develop its mill economy. Creeks also feed many of the naturally beautiful waterfalls that Ancaster has to offer. So much of this beautiful little town is covered in different historical settlements bordered by natural forests. There are plenty of trails and water features to explore. Gleave has seen most of them, but his favourites highlight some of the best that Ancaster has to offer. Sherman Falls This waterfall located in Ancaster is surrounded by moss-covered limestone and a deciduous forest. An old but sturdy bridge takes you over its creek, the rumbling of the falls itself loud enough to be heard from many feet away. It feels like a scene out of a fantasy novel, but Sherman Falls, also referred to as “Fairy” or “Angel” falls is very real. It may be located on private property, but this 17-metre-high curtain waterfall is still accessible, as the owners are happy to oblige. The trail leading to Sherman Falls is accessible year-round. “It’s a wonderful hiking trail,” explains Stephen Gleave. “One of the best in Ancaster.” Canterbury Falls Sherman Falls is located between two other water features that are just as mesmerizing. Canterbury falls on one end is located on a tributary of Sulphur Creek known as Canterbury Creek and can be found on the Bruce Trail. This waterfall cascades 9.5 metres and is about 3.3 metres wide. The land was previously owned by the Milne family in 1766-1826 but is now owned by the Anglican Church of Canada, Hamilton Diocese, which uses the site as a retreat, church and camp. A recently built bridge provides access. Tiffany Falls Tiffany Falls is a particularly interesting geological formation known as an Earth Science Area of Regional Significance thanks to its bedrock exposure, alongside a smaller waterfall called Washboard Falls. This feature has many layers of stratified soil exposed to show millions of years of changes in soil composition. Much like most of the Carolinian Forest ecosystem and the habitat around Ancaster, Tiffany Falls and the area around it is significant for the conservation of animal life. Dundas Valley Conservation Area Gleave describes the Dundas Valley Conservation Area near Ancaster as all the area has to offer, all accessible on a series of well-looked-after trails. This conservation area spans 1,200 hectares and has the same rich Carolinian Forests as well as geological formations and meadows that host a variety of rare and endangered wildlife. The entire zone was once part of a glacial valley that disappeared approximately 10,000 years ago, which is why so many of the other areas on this list are known by geological experts as areas of interest. What makes this conservation area special is its availability to the public and its equestrian-accessible trails. There are also more than 40 kilometres of recreational trails, with some trails offering wheelchair and scooter accessibility. One of the best choices I ever made was coming to Ancaster,” says Gleave. “It’s reignited my love and pride for Southern Ontario Additionals: Which City Is Known As The City Of Lakes? 11 Great Places To Take Pictures In London Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel Guide

BY  Arnab Jun 14, 2023

Camping is an activity that's beloved by many outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason. It brings you to the heart of nature, enveloping you in a world that's wholly distinct from the hustle and bustle of our professional lives. That said, just like one should practice courtesy to a generous host, you should similarly respect the sanctity of your temporary outdoor quarters. The birds and the trees can't communicate these rules and guidelines, and not all campgrounds can list an extensive amount of rules on their signboard, so allow us to do it for them. Here are some of the unspoken rules of camping that every prospective camper should follow. 1) Respect Quiet Hours If you're camping in an established camping ground, then you're likely sharing the lot with other campers. Out of respect, you should refrain from being too loud late into the night with your buds or family. These people, just like you, are here to take a break from their lives and reflect in the wilderness. Don't spoil the quiet with loud music, boisterous laughter, or chatter—especially during the late night. People in campsites tend to start unwinding as soon as the sun sets, so try to keep your voice low by 7 PM and beyond. Being too rowdy and noisy can disrupt the peace of the camping grounds, and it can even compel the park rangers to give you a stern warning or bar you from future entry altogether. 2) Watch Over Your Pets While many camping grounds have specific rules on how to deal with pets, bringing a dog or cat with you still entails a little bit of extra responsibility on your part. For instance, if your dog is quite rowdy, it's best to keep them on a leash at all times. It's not an uncommon experience for bigger dogs to catch squirrels and smaller mammals as varmints and harm them. Their barking may also scare off the local wildlife in the area, which can interfere with the future visitors' experience. As such, it's vital to keep the ecological balance of the place you're visiting as unperturbed as possible. And this could mean leaving your dog at home. If your pet is well-behaved for the most part, you should also ensure that your pet is clean and well-groomed before the camping trip. An unhygienic pet may carry fleas and ticks that can be troublesome to local wildlife and resident dogs, and this can inadvertently cause an outbreak in the local area. 3) Don't Trespass Outside Property The camping ground will likely have an established perimeter that indicates the borders of its property. As a transient visitor, you should respect and adhere to these boundaries to avoid trouble from the owners of neighboring parameters. Stepping outside the camping ground's property and entering another that could potentially be owned by a private entity, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is trespassing. LY Lawyers claim that the act of trespassing is a minor offense, and if you're found guilty of entering a property without the owner's consent, you could be charged a maximum fine of up to $550. As such, be sure to stay within the bounds of your campsite. Besides avoiding the hefty fine, you're also guaranteed safety since the trail is well-established and closely monitored by the keepers of the campgrounds. You're also keeping you and your party safe, as who knows what other people may do when you're found invading their area. 4) Leave No Trace Even in our pre-school days, we've been told to throw our trash in the proper areas. This principle doesn't change when you're camping; in fact, it becomes an even more important act given that you're sharing a pristine space with wildlife and future campers. The "leave-no-trace" principle is a closely followed rule among campers, and it essentially means that you should avoid leaving behind any trace of your stay. This doesn't only mean bringing your trash and food scraps home with you, but it also means refraining from bringing home any souvenirs from the area, like rocks or leaves. This way, you'll ensure that the next camper can have as grand of a time as you did. 5) Keep Your Night Lights Low No one likes getting bright light flashing in their eyes late at night, especially when the rest of their surroundings are dark. And while you could be minding your own business in your private camping area, it's not unlikely for you to illuminate a portion of the public area. So, to avoid contributing to any negative experiences for other campers, make sure to keep your night lights on the lower side. If you're using a headlamp, keep it at the lowest setting. If you have a fireplace going, be sure to extinguish it before heading to bed. This will give all the campers a better personal experience since you're not invading their space. 6) Don't Use Natural Waterways to Cook and Clean Is there a river or lake near your campsite? If so, you might be tempted to use it for washing your dishes or using it to pour your unfinished food scraps. However, rivers and lakes are delicate ecosystems that shouldn't be tampered with. Introducing foreign chemicals such as bleach and detergent can disrupt the river's chemistry and can be detrimental to the ecological balance of the place. So, if you must clean your dishes and cooking utensils, it's best to get some water (from the lake or your own stash) and wash 150 to 200 feet away from the waterway. Boil water if it's taken from natural resources to purify it from potential parasites and bacteria. For food scraps, chuck them in a trash bag and bring them home. The principle of LNT applies to water habitats too, so be sure to keep that in mind when cooking and cleaning near these bodies of water. Read Also: Winter Camping Checklist: 10 Must-Have Items For A Cozy Campsite Top 5 Best Camping Spots In The United States 7 Best Places For Free Camping Near Me In Las Vegas

BY  Arnab Mar 9, 2023

Spring is an epic time to be in Pigeon Forge. From soaring above the Smoky Mountains on a zip line to admiring the stars from your cabin's patio, you can't beat the scenic beauty of this mountain town. And what if you bump into your favorite celebrity on the Parkway? Now that's dreamy. Moreover, Pigeon Forge is perfect for a spring getaway. It has everything you're looking for, from waterfalls cascading down riverbeds to inviting hiking trails and thrilling adventures. But if you're still inconclusive about whether you should visit Pigeon Forge this spring, here are some convincing reasons. Eight Prime Reasons To Spend Your Spring Vacation In Pigeon Forge 1. Perfect Weather for Outdoor Fun Spring vacations aren't complete without some outdoor fun. But you can easily get your daily dose of Vitamin D in Pigeon Forge. The temperature ranges between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for various activities. Whether you want to kayak down the river or stroll in a park on a lovely spring day, Pigeon Forge is the ultimate outdoor paradise. Hiking is especially popular in the spring and summer as flora and fauna come to life. There are plenty of trails that provide stunning views of the majestic Smoky Mountains, and you can also explore caves, go fishing, and ride a horse – perfect for the whole family. However, please note that spring and summer are Pigeon Forge's peak seasons. So, book your tickets and accommodation early. 2. Exciting Dinner Shows This town also hosts one of the best dinner shows in Pigeon Forge, Dolly Parton's Stampede. It is more than just a dinner show; it's a lively and interactive experience that immerses guests in the heart of friendly competition. As soon as you enter the arena, the atmosphere shifts, and you feel as though you've been transported back in time. The show is a dazzling spectacle of horsemanship, music, and dancing, with talented performers dressed in authentic costumes. Highlights of the evening are undoubtedly the thrilling horse riding stunts, live animals, musical productions, and celebration of American patriotism. As you watch, you can also enjoy a delicious feast of Southern-style cuisine. 3. The Thrill of Amusement Parks Dollywood - the star attraction of Pigeon Forge - needs no introduction. It is Tennessee's biggest-ticketed tourist spot that'll leave you humming Dolly Parton's tunes for days. The park has a charming mix of southern hospitality and thrill rides that'll get your heart racing faster than a rodeo bull. The Wild Eagle roller coaster is a must-ride, a steel beast that sends you soaring through the mountains at 61 mph. And so is the FireChaser Express, which takes you on a wild ride of twists and turns. If speed isn't your cup of sweet tea, you can ride on the Dollywood Express, a steam engine train that winds through the park's picturesque landscape. 4. Vibrant Festivals and Events Pigeon Forge is abuzz with excitement as its current events and festivals bring together locals and tourists alike. If you’re planning to explore Pigeon Forge’s blooming springtime, you can’t miss Dollywood Flower and Food Festival. Horticulturists display stunning large flower sculptures that will surely leave you in awe. Similarly, the Spring Rod Run showcases vintage cars and hot rods, revving up the engines of auto enthusiasts. It'll be car heaven in the city this season. Or, you could visit the Blooms and Tunes at Anakeesta, a spectacular live music event featuring local bands. 5. Breathtaking Views Everywhere You Look Soothe your eyesight with spectacular views in Pigeon Forge. From the majestic mountaintops to the panoramic overlooks of the Smoky Mountains, there's no shortage of natural beauty in town. You can also visit Clingmans Dome to get up close and personal with the region's stunning vistas. It's the highest mountain at an hour-long drive from Pigeon Forge. Whether you go up for a romantic sunrise or watch the fiery sunset, it's the perfect spot to take pictures and admire Mother Nature's beauty. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island provides an amazing bird's eye view of the city. The 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel is illuminated with thousands of LED lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle in the night sky. 6. Family-Friendly Activities Brimming with family-friendly fun, Pigeon Forge is the ideal getaway for families with kids. You can walk the red carpet at the Hollywood Wax Museum or enjoy a meal with live animals in Big Top Arcade & Fun Park. The city also has some great waterparks and go-kart tracks. Downtown Flavortown is the perfect place to test your skills if you're into bowling. Ripley's Aquarium is another great option. Stroll through the Shark Lagoon, Turtle Bayou, and other fascinating exhibits as you learn about undersea life. This watery wonderland will keep your kids entertained for hours. 7. Food for Every Palate The selection of restaurants in Pigeon Forge is second to none. You will surely be well-fed, from traditional Southern specialties to gourmet pizza. Fried chicken and steaming BBQ are two of the best must-try dishes in town. But that's not all. Pigeon Forge restaurants offer mouth-watering steaks, filling burgers, and delicious seafood options. The city has plenty of international cuisines to savor if you want something more exotic. Some must-visit restaurants in Pigeon Forge include The Old Mill, Log Cabin Pancake House, and Big Daddy's Pizzeria. For a truly unique culinary experience, head to the Apple Barn & Country Store. Here you can try delicious apple fritters, pies, and ciders. Or how about a cup of their famous apple butter? 8. Pigeon Forge is Pet-Friendly Some of us have furry travel companions, and Pigeon Forge is a pet-friendly destination. That means your four-legged friends can join you on vacation – how cool is that? Be sure to check the pet policies of your accommodation before your visit. There are plenty of dog-friendly parks, restaurants, and attractions in town, so your furry pal can have a great time too. If you're looking for exciting places to take your pup, The Island in Pigeon Forge has several pet-friendly spaces. There are even special dog treats and snacks available at the shops. Wild Bear Tavern, Blue Moose Burgers & Wings, and Hard Rock Cafe are all great options for dining with your pet. You can also take them out shopping. The Big Dog Sportswear, for instance, is a pet-friendly store where you and your pup can pick up some cool gear. Conclusion It certainly looks like Pigeon Forge is a promising destination. Attractive and scenic, the city has something for everyone. From majestic mountains to incredible attractions and family-friendly activities, Pigeon Forge will surely make your spring vacation a blast. But before you load your car, pack all the essentials. You'll need layers, even during springtime. The mountains can get chilly, so be prepared. Read Also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India Tips to Help You Plan your Holidays to Morocco Top 10 Hot Springs Near Denver You Can Visit In Winter