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Best Dark Tourism In Canada: It Cannot Get Gloomier Than This

Best Dark Tourism In Canada: It Cannot Get Gloomier Than This

Sep 30, 2024

Last Updated on: Aug 29, 2025

Even if you don’t believe it, Canada has many locations and abandoned sites with ghostly stories and a dark history.

Haunted places like the Fort Edmonton Park and Princess Theatre in Edmonton or the Disaster-struck Alberta Frank Slide are a few examples of how dark tourism in Canada offers a vivid experience.

Further, sites like Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources) show how mining asbestos has caused long-term health hazards to Canadian people and victims beyond borders. Also, there is Halifax, where an explosion took the lives of around 2000 people in 1917.

So, let’s explore the sites that are scary and unusual.

THESE Are The Best Sites For Dark Tourism In Canada

In 2020, the small town of Asbestos changed its name to Val-des-Sources or the Valley of the Springs. However, the name change could not wipe off the history of diseases and suffering as it once had the largest asbestos mine in the world.

So, like the nuclear plantations that pushed numerous human lives to death, Asbestos in Canada was also a town of breathing poison. Today, it is one of the most prominent destinations for dark tourism in Canada.

Regarding dark tourism, Canada has many sites that tell the tale of human tragedy or are infamous for spooky experiences. Let me share brief accounts on these sites If you want to walk into the shadows.

Asbestos

Asbestos, a town in southern Quebec, once epitomized health-hazard horrors. Asbestos mining is not done here today, but breathing problems and other hazards caused by that “magic or miracle mineral” persist in the town.

The town had an open-pit mine for mining chrysotile asbestos, and it boomed for a century. However, in 2011, the mine stopped its operations.

Unfortunately, the use of asbestos became huge by the mid-20th century. It was a chosen material for roofing, insulation, and fireproofing. Slowly, it was discovered to cause many health hazards for people working in the industry or residing near an asbestos plant or mine.

Despite the drop in global demand and many other countries banning the use, import, and export of asbestos, Canada kept at it until 2018. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, banned the use, sale, import, and export of asbestos in 2016, and the ban came into effect in 2018.

Nevertheless, today, the town of Asbestos, or Val-des-Sources, is a popular dark tourism site with an abandoned mine. The mine now looks like a gigantic playground.

Halifax

In June 2016, the Canadian Government designated the Halifax explosion as a “national historic event.” Halifax was a busy port for the loading and unloading of food, aid, relief, and other essentials during World War I.

On an unfortunate day, 6 December 1917, the French ship SS Mont-Blanc and SS Imo, a Norwegian ship, collided. Both were carrying explosives, and the collision caused a major explosion. Almost 2000 people died, and many were injured, registering it as the biggest manmade explosion before the atomic bomb disaster.

This human tragedy, however, was a milestone in changing the medical scenario of Halifax. The improvement in pediatric surgeries and the establishment of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind were the two most prominent examples in this regard.

Today, the Fort Needham Memorial Park is a prominent site for dark tourism in Canada. The commemorative plaque there gives you a brief account of the incident. Also, the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower here has an annual memorial service for the explosion on 6th December.

Edmonton: The Hub Of Dark Tourism In Canada

Edmonton has many destinations for paranormal encounters, and Fort Edmonton Park is one of them. At the paranormal tours here, you can explore many paranormal equipment and encounter many experts for some otherworldly experience.

You can also visit the haunted buildings of Edmonton. The stories of these buildings will scare you to the bit. Also, you never know when an unknown entity gets close to you, and you can feel the breath.

Princess Theater: The Most Haunted Place In Edmonton

Another important haunted landmark here is the Princess Theater. In the 1920s, the theater was about to have an additional rental space. A bride-to-be rented that space, but her fiance left her on their wedding day.

So, she committed suicide by hanging by the neck. When the staff of the hotel found her, her body was swinging from the rope.

She was wearing a beautiful wedding gown. Legends have it that her ghostly figure is still seen at the theater. She is seen climbing down the stairs, wandering the theater halls, and moving around the projection room.

Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum: Meet The Restless Spirit

Moreover, when in Edmonton to experience haunted activities, Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum should be your destination. Many people have experienced a sense of choking, being grabbed, or disturbed at this place.

It is said that a construction worker called Peter fell from a third-floor window during renovation work in 1912. His restless spirit still lives here, and many informal investigations have captured strange silhouettes and erratic electromagnetic fields recorded here, which also vouch for paranormal activities here.

The Museum of Fear and Wonder

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It is unusual to find a rural museum of horror in the Southern Alberta rural valleys. It is eerie to the bone with Ouija boards and ventriloquist dummies.

The little jack o’lantern dollhouse, Kiddo, leather doll, and the haunted doll, Robertina, are the most prominent collectibles here. Also, the artificial human body parts and life-like human bodywork made of wax are the creepiest things you will come across.

All the collectibles in the museum are carefully placed to create a sense of fear. The aim is to show how people emotionally react to certain things. Also, Brendan, one of the founders of the museum, does not believe that things can be haunted or they can be related to paranormal activities.

According to him, things, at the most, can cause a sense of uneasiness. Thus, all the items in the museum provoke discussion about the psychological impacts of different objects on different people. For example, an adorable doll can be an object of fear or discomfort for a person who has suffered childhood trauma.

Even dolls or toys can get old and develop an eerie appearance through wear and tear. They can look messy or dirty, creating repulsive feelings.

Thus, the Museum of Fear and Wonder is not about paranormal experiences or activities. It is a place to understand the human psychology behind fear and wonder.

Saskatchewan Ghost Towns – Insinger

As India has Kuldhara, Canada has Saskatchewan, where time stands still, and the deserted town lives in the shadow of the past. Unbearable winter in the Prairie region made the residents desert the place.

In the 1800s, many European people came to Canada and got free land to set up a working farm within a year. Thus, this prairie became a bustling residence of farmers and their families.

Visiting Saskatchewan And Its Many Wonders

In Saskatchewan, you will notice a Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The old church with a domed roof stands as a witness to the bygone era.

Do you know that Saskatchewan has so many ghost towns (more than 30) that there is a “Ghost Town Trail” here? You can drive around the route to explore the towns individually.

As you walk through the ghost towns of Saskatchewan, you will never feel alone. There is a constant feeling of someone following or walking with you.

Even looking at the most dilapidated structure, you will feel like someone will come out of it any moment.

I had plans to get inside some of the structures. However, a knotty feeling in my stomach stopped me. As hours passed, I started feeling anxious and left the place.

The Ghost Towns of Alberta – Rowley

If I were to decide, I would name Alberta the capital of dark tourism in Canada. If the haunted places of Edmonton are not enough, you can explore Rowley.

The small hamlet of Rowley in Alberta has deserted railway cars and buildings. However, it also tells some inspiring stories.

Rowley used to be a town with 500 inhabitants in the 1920s. The Great Depression hit the place, making the residents leave. A lack of rain led to the drying up of the crops.
Moreover, a fire destroyed many of the small buildings.
However, only eight surviving residents of Rowley did a commendable job of transforming Rowley into a heritage site in the 1980s. They transformed some of the buildings.

Very few people know that movies like Bye Bye Blues or Legends of the Fall have some of these buildings as their locations.

Visit Rowley in the summer, as it offers free tours in the season. Also, the pizza parties here on the last Saturday of every month are fun! These pizza parties are fundraisers for restoring the buildings and preserving history here.

THESE Are The Places You Can’t Miss At Rowley

The historical buildings to visit in the ghost town of Rowley are:

Rowley Trading Post (Built in the 1920s)
A Printing Press
A School
Now Abandoned Former Hospital
Abandoned Railway Tracks
A Saloon with Swinging Doors (Dedicated to the memory of a previous owner)
Municipality of Starland Office
Canada National Telegraphs Building

Along with these historical structures, you will also find a building labeled Funeral Home and Embalming. Going inside, you will find paraphernalia and historical artifacts used in Bye Bye Blues.

The only thing I find creepy about Rowley is the mannequins. The residents have used mannequins in many places to recreate the scenarios of the 1920s.

So, if you have a faint heart, avoid peeping through the glass windows of the historical buildings. It is not very pleasant to find a mannequin looking back at you.

However, overall, the experience was like being at the location of a classic Western movie.

Alberta Frank Slide

Alberta Frank Slide is one of the most tragic spots for dark tourism in Canada. 121 years ago, this place witnessed the deadliest slide in Canada. The tragic incident took the lives of 100 people.

What Happened At Alberta Frank Slide?

It was 4:10 am on 29th April 1903. The 600 people in the mining community were still asleep as Mount Turtle crumbled down and released 110 million metric tonnes of rock. This incident took the lives of around 100 people.

Even today, if you pass through Highway 3 of Alberta or visit Frank Slide, you will find bodies and various belongings still buried under rocks.

“It was loud enough they could hear it up by the town of Cochrane, 200 kilometers away,” said Joey Ambrosi, the facility supervisor of the Alberta Frank Slide Interpretive Center. This interpretive center, built in 1985, tells the true stories of human tragedy and dismisses the myths around it.

However, the intrigue around this biggest slide does not end here. The mountain moves a few kilometers from each other, and scientists suspect it will come down again.

Having said that, there is still time for such an incident, and it will not be as deadly as the one that happened in 1903.

When at Alberta Frank Slide, don’t forget to visit The Crowsnest Pass. A landslide and a mine explosion in 1910 badly hit the area. Again, at a stone’s throw away is the Hillcrest town where 189 miners died of a coal-dust explosion on 19th June 1914.

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Sibashree Bhattacharya

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Top Rated Fun Things To Do In Austin For Adults: Enjoy A Romantic Trip With Your Partner

BY Sibashree Dec 11, 2024

Austin is a rage on socials. On Instagram, #austin has 15M posts, and the number is 4.8M for #austintexas. Further, Austin is a place for romance for young couples and the ones young at heart. Also, a popular website for young couples, FetishFinder, has termed Austin one of the topmost cities in the USA for dating. To be specific, it holds the 5th spot out of the ones mentioned in the list. So, if you are on a trip to woo your special one or want the most memorable honeymoon, you can visit Austin this season. There are many top-rated fun things to do in Austin for adults. And yes, I am not talking about the kinky stuff only. Now, in Austin, you can visit a spa, enjoy a romantic date at the best restaurants, or just hike the urban trails. So, a romantic trip to Austin will be a wonderful fusion of passionate romance, cuddling, and relaxation. Here’s more to it. Fun Things To Do In Austin For Adults On A Romantic Trip: Don’t Miss These Austin now stands in all glory, with top-rated romantic resorts being added to the city’s landscape. Further, with easy accessibility and places like the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin is on the bucket list of many honeymooners in the USA. The allure of the Big Bend National Park and wine tasting further add to the appeal of Austin as a honeymoon destination. Nevertheless, here are the top fun things to do in Austin as a couple. Further, keep listening to the Tour and Travel favorite playlist for romance in Austin as you read about the activities. Traveling To And Across Austin, Texas, Know The Transportation Options Take a flight to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).Further, you can take an Amtrak train ride from Dallas to Texas. It is one of the top-rated un things to do in Austin for adults due to the scenic beauty of the place. Also, to enjoy the landscape of Austin, you can take a drive in the car or pedicab. Local cyclists run these pedicabs, and the City of Austin Ground Transportation Department licenses them.Moreover, thanks to CapMetro, you can now easily get paratransit services, hybrid railway rides, or buses in Austin, Texas. You can reach out to CapMetro at (512) 474-1200. 1. Visit The Top Spas In Austin Getting rejuvenated is one of the fun things to do in Austin for adults. So, you can opt for massages and body treatments at these spas. Some of these also offer Yoga treatments. So, when in Austin, you can visit the following spas and Yoga retreats. Name of The SpaAddressPhone Number Seda Laser & Aesthetics1611 W 5th St Ste 180 Austin, TX 78703(737) 333-4425Face to Face Spa at Davenport Village3801 N Capital Of Texas Hwy Ste F-110 Austin, TX 78746(844) 259-2498Zen Blend Mind + Body Spa1309 West Slaughter Ln Austin, TX 78748(512) 554-3626 Moreover, many of these spas offer day packages, including outdoor dining and hiking activities. 2. Explore The Austin-Drive-In For Some Cuddle And Cozy Moments https://www.instagram.com/p/C9qt8XNsbFo/ Are you a lover of Indie films? Then, the Austin-area-drive-in will be the perfect spot for a movie date and cuddling. Further, you can especially enjoy your time at the Blue Starlite Urban Drive-In. Moreover, it is the only drive-in movie theater in Austin. Also, it shows two films per night, and you can call at (512) 766-9399 for booking. Did You Know?Blue Starlite Urban Drive-in is the first and only drive-in mini theater to showcase cult classics and childhood favorite movies. 3. Hike The Urban Trails Barton Creek Greenbelt in South Austin is the most delightful place for outdoor pursuits. So, you can try here many fun things to do in Austin for adults, including hiking and cycling. Further, the most popular hiking trails here are: Violet Crown Trail Twin Falls and Downhill along Barton Creek Gus Fruh From The Main Access Point Gus Fruh to Campbell’s Hole Moreover, in many cases, the hiking trails pass through dense forests with snakes. So, choose your footwear and gear right. Furthermore, if hiking is on your list of fun things to do in Austin for adults, you must visit the city in autumn or spring. So, for autumn hiking, come to Austin between September to November, and for the spring hike, March to May will be the best months. 4. Take A Tour Of The Wineries And Breweries https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zOutzO5c0/?img_index=1 With the natural and ancient method of winemaking very much alive today, Austin is the hub of wine and beer tasting. So, you cannot miss a tour of the wineries and breweries in Austin while exploring the fun things to do in Austin for adults. Further, the history of winemaking here goes back to the 1650s as Spanish missionaries started growing grapes and brewing wine here. In addition, Texas stands out with its wonderful craft beer. Moreover, you can visit the following breweries and wineries to taste the best local wine, beer, and spirit. Now, you can even be a part of the different wine tours, costing you around $60 per person. Name of The Austin Winery/BreweryAddressContact NumberThe Austin Winery440 E St Elmo Rd Ste A1 Austin, TX 78745(512) 326-1445Sloan + Parker2900 N Quinlan Park Rd Ste 150 Austin, TX 78732(512) 294-2416Wanderlust Wine Company, Downtown610 N Interstate Hwy 35 Austin, TX 78701(512) 522-2551Swallow Wines407 Round Rock Ave Round Rock, TX 78664(512) 630-2103 Did you know that the Austin Steam Train Association has Wine Trains covering the longest route to the Hill Country Flyer? Further, the trains start from the Cedar Park Depot, and they run on a Sunday in the months of January- June and September- November. The trains are available between 11 AM to 5 PM. To learn more about this fun ride and make your reservation, you can contact 512-915-2340. 5. Enjoy A Date At A Romantic Restaurant https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs7XCRCt2cQ/ From the fried chicken steak of BBQ brisket, Austin is a bustling food zone, and a famous destination for culinary tourism. It is also the land of breakfast tacos and migas. Further, a food tour of the city is one of the fun things to do in Austin for adults. “Secret Food Tours” features on the list of the best in the city as it has the recommendation of biggies like USA Today, The New York Times, etc. Furthermore, a food tour with Secret Tours will cost you $89 and to learn more about them, you can mail at austin@secrettours.com. Nevertheless, if dining at the most romantic restaurants is what you are looking for, here are our favorites. Name of The RestaurantAddressPhone NumberAmici9521 US Highway 290 Austin, TX 78736(512) 215-8569Rose Gose5201 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78751(737) 329-2304Justine's Brasserie4710 E 5th St Austin, TX 78702(512) 385-2900Honey Moon Spirit Lounge624 W 34th St Austin, TX 78705(737) 209-0319 Try delicacies like classic beef tartare, ratatouille, and steak frites at these restaurants. 6. Relax At The Romantic Resorts And Hotels: Fun Things To Do In Austin For Adults https://www.instagram.com/p/C8XS0BKuheE/ Once you are done exploring the best of Texas, you can plan a retreat in the top romantic resorts and hotels of Austin. Moreover, these resorts and pools have swimming pools and other amenities to help you indulge in sheer luxury. These facilities also offer complete privacy for the couples. So, you can enjoy your romantic moments there. Further, at Tour and Travel, we have curated the best resorts and hotels for couples in Austin, Texas. Let’s have a look. Name Of The Resort And RestaurantAddressContact NumberCommodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection4100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751, United States+1 866-976-4312The Loren Hotel Austin1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, United States+1 512-580-1182Austin Proper Hotel600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, United States+1 512-628-1500 So, with a decent knowledge of the fun things to do in Austin for adults and the places to stay, it’s time to plan a visit to the land of Willie Nelson. Bon voyage! Also read Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours: Your Time Starts Now! Are You A Foodie? Try These Things To Do In Salt Lake City, Utah | Culinary Tourism In The City Of Saints. Fun Activities In Nashville For Adults Throughout The Day: Kicking Off Your Nashville Experience With Focus On Christmas Celebrations.

Unique Things To Do In Richmond Indiana: Travel Like A Local | An Indiana Travel Guide

BY Sibashree Jan 10, 2025

Richmond, Indiana, was under the spotlight in early 2024, with people rushing to the place to experience the full eclipse. On 8th April 2024, the full solar eclipse was the first visible one (in the contiguous USA) after the full solar eclipse in 2017. (The USA will see the next solar eclipse in 2044.) Indiana, as one of the prime destinations to see the solar eclipse, capitalized on this tourism opportunity. With infrastructure development, food trucks, camping, and other activities, Indiana garnered a significant economic boost. The overall tourism spending during this eclipse period was $189 million, with the recreation and entertainment sections shouldering the highest percentage share (Source: Visit Indiana). Furthermore, the Meltdown Winter Ice Festival has been a great tourism event in Indiana since 2013. The sudden boost in tourism here is great! However, as travelers and researchers, we know that Richmond, Indiana, has always attracted art and cultural enthusiasts. The art scene here is vibrant with museums, and even the historic sites here evoke great interest. So, what are the most unique things to do in Richmond Indiana? Let’s explore! Unique Things To Do In Richmond Indiana | Places Of Attractions You Must Not Miss It’s a tough ask to enlist all the unique things to do in Richmond Indiana, in one guide. Hopefully, we will do another one of the things we are missing here. Nevertheless, today, I see a lot of focus on food when it comes to Richmond or Wayne County, Indiana. I was just checking out socials and I found that the pork tenderloins and BBQs are just leaving everyone behind. And there is, of course, a celebration of Jazz roots and culture in the city. So, naturally, the Tour and Travel list of the unique things to do in Richmond Indiana has the Walk Of Fame. We have also included a small section discussing the food here. So, what more awaits you here? Let’s check it out! 1. A Visit To The Richmond Art Museum Location: 350 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond Contact Number: 765-966-0256 Hours Open: Tuesday to Saturday (10 AM to 5 PM) If you want to see some brilliant examples of American impressionist artwork, the Richmond Art Museum will be your go-to destination. It also exhibits the works of the Early Indiana artists and women artists. William Merritt Chase, Guy Wiggins, and Childe Hassam are some of the American impressionists whose works are showcased in this museum. 2. Taking The Walk Of Fame Gennett Records in Richmond, Indiana, had a vital role to play in the foundation of Blues and Jazz in the city. Names like Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong have been recorded there. Gennett Records was out of business in the 1940s. However, the city still pays tribute to this musical hotspot. You must take the Walk of Fame along South First Street as a connoisseur or a music lover. The plaques on the route will remind you of the musical geniuses in jazz, blues, and country music genres. 3. Plan A Day At Wayne County Historical Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DAtkqVdJFUd/ Address: 1150 N A Street, Richmond Contact Number: 1 765-962-5756 Hours of Operation: 9:30 AM to 4 PM (Tuesday-Friday), Saturday - 12 PM to 4 PM, Monday and Sunday Closed Entry Fee: Free for Members and Children below 5 Years, $8 for Adults, $5 for Students from 6-17 Years, Seniors, Veterans, & Active Military $6.00 The Wayne County Historical Museum is a tapestry of human lives from the past. A 3000-year-old mummy resting in a painted coffin is the highlight of the collections here. Another popular exhibit is the 1880 dollhouse that belonged to Caroline R. Jones, when she was 10 years old. 4. Soak In The Vibrant Art Scenario Of The City https://www.instagram.com/p/C-IaH92CTt7/ Along with the prominent performing art centers like The Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Richmond Civic Theatre, Richmond has many visual art trails. After visiting the Richmond Art Museum, you can take a drive along the Mural Trail. Along the trail, you will discover more than 80 painted murals. These murals are the depiction of the art, culture and history of the city. No wonder the Paint Quality Institute conferred the honor of America’s Prettiest Painted Places” to Richmond Art Trail in 2013. Overbeck Art Pottery is another destination if you want to soak in the arty vibe of the city. Located in Cambridge City, which is again at the heart of the Antique Alley, it was started by four sisters in 1911. Here, you will find painted porcelain vases, utensils, and figurines. You will also come across Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles of work. 5. Plan A Visit To The Antique Alley If you have an eye for everything antique and you truly want a meaningful experience in Richmond, Antique Alley is where you need to be. The historic Cambridge City is at the heart of the Antique Alley. Here, the antique shops, malls, and dealers await you with the best antique sea glass, glassware, pottery, books, furniture, and whatnot! Larry's Antiques is one of the many antique mines in the Antique Alley of Indiana. It is located at 201 SW G Street, and you can reach out at +1 765-966-9010. 6. Explore The Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History https://www.instagram.com/p/DDIr8S_RX3u/?img_index=5 Address: 801 W Nat'l Rd, Richmond Contact Number: +1 765-983-1303 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Monday Closed) Entry Fee: Free The Joseph Moore Museum is a wonderland for people of all ages. Its collections are vast, covering areas of science like anthropology, mammalogy, ornithology, vertebrate paleontology, etc. However, if you are adventurous enough, the collection of live reptiles here will be your favorite. Here, you will find reptiles of 684 species. Recently, Zilla, the new green iguana, has been everyone's favorite at the museum. 7. Spend Your Day At Hayes Arboretum https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs_THZRO91Z/ Address: 801 Elks Road, Richmond Contact Number: +1 765-962-3745 Entry Fee: Free Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday to Saturday) If you want to spend some time in nature and enjoy the company of plants, a visit to the Hayes Arboretum will be one of the best things to do in Richmond Indiana. With an area of 466 acres, Hayes Arboretum is a natural heritage site with beech and maple trees, meadows, streams, woodlands, and native woody trees. Exploring The Food Scene | Unique Things To Do In Richmond Indiana Though not as famous as Kansas City or Texas, Indiana has some brilliant BBQ joints. Here, you will find delicious southern-style BBQ dishes and chicken fry. Wings and Rings at 500 Commerce Road is one of the most popular places to try BBQ in Richmond. You can contact them at (765) 756-5615 and must try the chicken wings there. Further, as the melting pot of various cultures, Richmond, Indiana, will allow you to taste the best Mexican food and Italian delicacies. If you want to try Italian food in Richmond, Carlos Cuisine Family Restaurant at 1310 NW 5th Street will be your go-to destination. To reserve a table, call them at (765) 373-3746. It also serves delicious Mexican cuisine. Also, the city believes in the philosophy of farm-to-table freshness. So, the dishes you eat here are a wonderful fusion of local ingredients and international flavors. Willing To Try Unique Things To Do In Richmond Indiana? Know These Things Before Packing Your Bags Richmond, Indiana, is well connected to the other states of the USA and other parts of the world thanks to the Indianapolis International Airport. The Indianapolis International Airport Authority has its own transportation and car rental service. Here, the taxi service is the cheapest option with the fare starting from $15. Further, April to June is the best time to visit Richmond despite the city being a year-round attraction. For example, during the fall season, you will find the warmest shades of orange and red in nature. In addition, in winter, the Christmas and New Year festivities attract many tourists to this part of the world. Also read Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience. You Cannot Miss These Things To Do In Wilmington, NC (With Tour And Travel Tips And Tricks)

What Is Campbell Island/ Motu Ihupuku Known For? Tour Of An Isolated Sanctuary In New Zealand

BY Sibashree Jun 30, 2025

Campbell Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to sea lions and many other species of endangered animals and birds. However, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has identified that growing temperatures in this region and increased rainfall are posing threats to the rich ecosystem here. “Extensive rainfall events and slips will potentially have the biggest impact on nesting birds. We’d also like to find out more about how sea level rise and storm surges will affect sea lions.” - Drew Bingham, Principal Science Advisor, the Department of Conservation. It’s indeed a grave concern, as it is home to many marine and terrestrial animals and is even crucial for global environmental conservation. Also, it has fascinating stories of history and human intervention to share. So, the changing weather conditions of the island put a lot at stake. Nevertheless, Campbell Island is a popular destination for tourists seeking adventures in the subantarctic zones. Hundreds of people visit this destination every year. And in this Tour and Travel Blog, we will discuss what’s so special in Campbell Island, a fascinating story of shark attack and survival, and everything else you need to know. What Is The Best Time To Visit Campbell Island? One of the best Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand, Campbell Island, is ideal for a visit from November to March. These months make the island ideal for traveling because of: Long daylight hours Mild weather and calmer sea Ideal for cruising along the coastline Great for spotting wildlife such as seals, penguins, and albatrosses Moreover, the temperature in these months ranges between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius. Do you want to know more about the weather of Campbell Island throughout the year? Have a look at the table below. MonthsHighest TemperatureLowest TemperatureDays of RainfallJanuary13616February12714March11617April10518May9420June7319July7218August6419September7318October8420November9517December11616 What Is Campbell Island Famous For? Know Why It Is Worth The Adventurous Journey Captain Frederick Hasselburgh discovered Campbell Island in 1810. With time, it became an important location for scientific observation, whaling, and sealing. It was also used as a coastwatching station after World War II. With time, Campbell Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and today, it has emerged as a popular subantarctic region for the following reasons. 1. Dramatic Geographical Features Area: 113 Square Kilometers Population: Uninhabited Shape: Oval Highest Point: Mount Honey (568 Meters) The uninhabited Campbell Island features deep coastal bays, rocky outcrops, and steep cliffs. Further, thanks to its volcanic origin and the cooling and solidification of lava over a million years, this island has geographical features such as: Peat bogs Freshwater lakes Volcanic craters Furthermore, due to its volcanic origin, this island has become home to many unique ecosystems uncommon in the subantarctic region. 2. Campbell Island And Its Rich Natural Heritage Campbell Island has many endangered species of plants and animals. They have contributed to the biodiversity of the island. Campbell Island cabbage (Azorella selago) is the most prominent name when we talk about the diversity of flora on the island. It worked as a source of food for explorers and settlers. Among the endangered fauna here, the Campbell Island teal birds are the most prominent. Other popular species are the yellow-eyed penguin, petrels, and albatross. Furthermore, elephant seals, dolphins, and various species of fish here speak volumes about the rich marine life. 3. Conservation And Restoration Efforts In Campbell Island The New Zealand government established the Campbell Island Nature Reserve in 2001. It banned human habitation and various development works here. Also, the Department of Conservation has played a critical role in protecting the delicate ecosystem of the island. In this context, the rat eradication program from 2001-2003 has been a milestone achievement. With all these conservation efforts, the island now has a growing bird population. Also, many other islands have taken Campbell Island as the benchmark for ecological restoration and development. What Are The Things To Do In Campbell Island? A close interaction with nature and adventurous activities have been the best things to do on Campbell Island. You can also enjoy a cruise tour along the coastline. Things to Do in Campbell IslandWhat’s So Special about Them?Birdwatching• Southern royal albatrosses (Campbell Island is home to the largest breeding population.)• Black-browed albatrosses• Grey-headed albatrosses• Endangered bird species such as Campbell snipe and Campbell teal• Terns• Pipits• Giant petrelsA visit to the Campbell Island National ParkYou will love the tree ferns and orchids here. Zodiac cruisingCruise along the coastline to spot elephant seals and various bird species. Hiking to Mount HoneyOnce you reach the mountain top, you will love the panoramic view of the island. Hiking to Northwest BayIt is a 16-km hike to explore the natural landscape of the island. Col Lyall BoardwalkYou will spot Southern Royal Albatrosses as you walk the boardwalk. Campbell Island Shark Attack: What Happened In 1992? Mike Fraser, a meteorologist from New Zealand, encountered a great white shark attack while snorkeling near Campbell Island. The shark cut off his right forearm, and his left arm was also severely injured. After a dramatic rescue mission and a 2,000-kilometer helicopter flight, Mike Fraser was saved. He then underwent prolonged medical treatment and got prosthetic arms. It’s great that he survived. Campbell Island: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Campbell Island. 1. Can You Go To Campbell Island? Yes, you can go to Campbell Island. However, due to the remote location of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have to visit the island on a guided expedition cruise. You can also visit the island on a helicopter. 2. How Many People Live On Campbell Island? There is no permanent human population on Campbell Island. 3. Is Campbell Island Predator Free? Yes, Campbell Island is predator-free. It had the largest rat eradication movement from 2001 to 2003. In May 2003, the Department of Conservation declared Campbell Island predator-free. 4. Does It Snow On Campbell Island? Yes, the high peaks of Campbell Island, with Mount Honey being the highest, experience snowfall during spring and winter. Read Also: Exploring the Virgin Islands: Must-See Spots You Can Visit by Boat and St John Rentals Complete Guide To The Egadi Islands: What to See, Do, And Taste Paradise Islands: Discovering Italy’s Hidden Gems

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