Catch The Day With The Ultimate Fishing Guide For Travelers

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

No, it’s not the battle of the Starks, Lannisters, and other houses of Westeros. In Canada lies Kootenay National Park, the actual land of ice and fire. The glacier-made canyons and valleys sing the song of the ice, while the hot springs and grasslands keep the “fire” element alive here.  Also, the national park is a hub of ancient fossils, encouraging walks through the fossil trails. Moreover, you can take a scenic drive through the park, rich in Indigenous culture, history, architecture, and cultural landscape.   So, do you want a virtual tour of this Canadian national park? THIS is where your journey begins! THESE Are The Things You Will Do At Kootenay National Park With no cell service available in Kootenay National Park, you can get lost in the wilderness and explore the most fascinating landscape. However, being respectful to the wildlife is a must for this national park. This August, I came across disturbing news while doing my research on Kootenay National Park.  I have been in touch with a local from Radium Hot Springs for quite some time now. He told me that a grizzly bear coming out of Kootenay National Park was almost struck by an SUV on 19th August 2024.  This incident occurred on a busy highway in southeastern British Columbia, and fortunately, the Kia Sportage SUV made its way to the other side safely. Further, it was a lesson on why following the safety guidelines is crucial while driving in and around the Kootenay National Park. On the major routes of Kootenay National Park, you will have to maintain a maximum speed of 56 mph.However, on the minor routes, the highest driving speed limit will be 37 mph.  Also, around one month before the incident, on 24th July 2024, there was a minor fire in the  Sinclair Canyon slopes (near Radium Hot Springs) of the national park. It was called the Berland Ridge wildfire. This fire was under control thanks to a helicopter bucketing water on it. However, outside the park’s southern boundary, there was a blazing fire that was brought under control after pain-stricken efforts.  So, these incidents show how mindful and cautious you need to be while taking part in the following activities.  Hiking In Kootenay National Park (Hikers’ Favorite Trails) The hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are full of elevation gains and losses. Also, today, the national park has more than 70 hiking trails at easy, moderate, and difficult levels.  However, I have curated a few hiking trails in the table below. After interacting with a couple of hikers, I found out that these are the ones most preferred. Name of the Trail Difficulty LevelDistanceLocationHighlightsMarble CanyonEasy1.4 Km with 42 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaHiking, snowshoeing, and running are the favorite activities here.It is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly trail. It is a year-long hiking trail. Stanley Glacier Trail Difficult 10.9 Km with 607 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaSnowshoeing, camping, and hiking are popular activities on this trail.You can take your dog as a company.June to September is the best time to hike this trail. Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail Moderate5.8 Km with 291 M Elevation GainIt is close to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia.You will have to hike through a beautiful cedar fir forest on this trail.The view of verdant Sinclair Canyon Falls and the Columbia Valley from this trail is breathtaking.Marble Canyon to Paint PotsModerate2.9 Km with 110 M Elevation GainRadium Hot Springs (Marble Canyon Parking Lot  - 89 km east of Radium Hot Springs, Paint Pots - 86 Km east of Radium Hot Springs).Explore a good mix of mature and burnt forest throughout the trail.Behold the Vermillion River running parallel to the trail. Floe LakeDifficult10.5 Km with 1,110 M Elevation Gain Near Radium Hot Springs (72 Km East)Backpacking and camping are popular activities on this trail. The trail leads to the Floe Lake Backcountry campground. This popular meadowy trail is known for its views of peaks, glaciers, and the beautiful Floe Lake. Numa CreeksModerate 6.3 Km with 385 M Elevation GainThe trailhead is near the Numa Falls, which is 80 Km east of the Radium Hot Springs. It is a forested trail.The trail leads to heavy avalanche paths in the park.  The hikers’ words about the trails in this national park are quite encouraging. Let’s find out what they are saying about the mesmerizing hiking trails.  “This is a beautiful, deep canyon hike. The trail crosses the canyon multiple times to view the ferocious Kootenay river below. Hiking boots aren't necessary since it is a well-traveled trail.” - Deborah Turcotte on the Marble Canyon Trail  “The trail was mostly dry and in very good condition. No snow on the trail, just a few short wet spots. Trek up is mostly sheltered but a bit chilly and windy in the bowl so bring layers as the temp changes quickly when the sun is behind clouds. Still lots of snow in the bowl. Found one rock with fossils. There are a few small waterfalls on Stanley Peak. Lots of boulders at the base of the bowl to sit and enjoy a lunch and 360 views. An easy to moderate 3-4 hour hike with nice views of Stanley Peak, Storm Mtn, and the Kootenay Valley.” - Sue W on the Stanley Glacier Trail  Kootenay National Park Camping  Kootenay National Park is a wonderful place for frontcountry and backcountry camping. You can even live in oTENTiks and spend some unforgettable days in the park under the sky.  Frontcountry Camping You can camp near the Vermillion, Kootenay, and Simpson rivers. Also, you can find some quiet spots near Radium Hot Springs village.  Summer is the best season for front-country camping in the national park. However, the sites remain crowded. So, you must go for a prior booking.  Further, the daytime temperature in the national park remains between 16-23 degrees centigrade. Still, the temperature at night can drop below 0 degrees centigrade. So, abiding by the camping rules is crucial, and especially, be particular about the things you will have to carry. Moreover, like camping in any national park, here also you have to ensure that you don’t leave any trace behind as you leave the site.  Backcountry Camping Backcountry camping and backpacking are the best ways to explore the wilderness of this Canadian national park. However, you must make a prior booking and carry a backcountry permit if you want to spend some days and nights amidst grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elks, and cougars.  Further, there are six backcountry camping grounds in the park, five of which are located along the  Rockwall Trail. The  Verdant Creek Trail has the sixth camping ground.  Random camping is not allowed during summer, as protecting the landscape and vegetation is crucial. This restriction applies from May to October.  However, in the winter months, you can do random camping in the designated areas. You will still need a permit for this. As I have mentioned, the Rockwall trail is the most prominent place for backcountry camping in the park. This site is also popular for the presence of various multi-day hiking trails. These trails are: Honeymoon Pass and Verdant Creek Tumbling - Floe The Rockwall  Tumbling - Helmet - Ochre Loop Numa Creek Helmet Creek and Falls Tumbling Creek Helmet - Ochre Junction In the popular backcountry camping areas, the trails are maintained quite well. Further, there will be amenities like food storage cables, food lockers, picnic tables, and tent pads.  Living in oTENTik An oTENTik is a modern fusion of a cabin and a tent. In the park, you will find the oTENTik site on the Redstreak campground’s A loop.  If you stay in an oTENTik, you will wake up amidst nature, and taking a bath at the hot springs will be the most rejuvenating experience. Then, you can explore the nearby hiking trails and gorge on traditional meals cooked in the campfire.  Relaxing At Radium Hot Springs  Beneath the colorful Sinclair Canyon mountains lie the most refreshing hot springs. Further, the mineral-rich water of the hot springs does not have any odor, and you can take a bath with your entire family.  To reach the Radium Hot Springs, you must drive from Banff and Lake Louise for around 1.5 hours. Further, the journey is as interesting as the destination, as you will get to small turquoise lakes, falls, canyons, and bridges over rivers as you drive through the Kootenay National Park. Also, don’t forget to stop at the following locations to make the most of your journey. Continental Divide (The line diving the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds) Marble Canyon Hike Paint Pots Trail Numa Falls Kootenay Valley Viewpoint (It is the place to get the most beautiful view of Vermilion and Mitchell Ranges.)  Olive Lake Trail and Day-Use Area However, the highlight of the journey, of course, is the Sinclair Canyon, where you will also find big horn sheep roaming. As you hike through the Juniper / Sinclair trail, you will get a “bird’s eye view” of Sinclair Canyon.  Further, as you enter the Radium Hot Springs village, you will see an iconic steel horn sculpture. The “Bighorns Public Art Sculpture” was officially unveiled on 7th April 2021. Moreover, Clara Reinhardt, the mayor of Radium in 2021, said,  “We chose something that implies a sense of arrival to Radium, the Columbia Valley, and beyond. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” “We wanted to create a piece of art that speaks to both the history and the future of bighorn sheep in Radium. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” - Adam Meikle (Artist of the Bighorns Public Art Sculpture) Burgess Shale Fossil Hike  The Burgess Shale Fossil Hike in the national park will give you access to Mount Stephen and Walcott Quarry. These are UNESCO Restricted Sites. Further, you will get to see some of the oldest fossils in the world here.  However, in total, you have three routes to explore in the Burgess Shale Fossil Hike. Let’s discuss them in detail.  Walcott Quarry Starting Point: Takakkaw Falls Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 825 Meters Duration: 11 Hours Return Distance: 22 Kms Walcott Quarry is a classic example of a fossil hike. Also, the top view of the Emerald Lake from here is amazing. Further, you will find Burgess Shale creatures here, which were found in fossilized conditions at the mountaintop in the Yoho National Park.  “The Burgess Shale organisms lived 508 million years ago in a time period that Geologists call the Cambrian, which began at 541 Ma (million years ago) and ended by 485.4 Ma. The first fossil occurence of most animal lineages (at the phylum and class levels) occur in the Cambrian. As a result of this fact, and because the fossils are well preserved, Paleontologists studying the Burgess Shale fossils can deduce a great deal about the ancestory of animal lineages.” The Burgess Shale fossils were discovered at the Walcott Quarry site in 1909 by Charles Doolittle Walcott. 1 Mount Stephen Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 795 Meters Duration: 7.5 Hours Return Distance: 9 Kms As you hike through the Mount Stephen trilobite beds, you will get to overlook the “town of Field” in British Columbia. Railway workers in the 1880s used to call the town of Field the space of “stone bugs.”  Further, during this trek, you will see trilobite fossils (now extinct and one of the earliest marine arthropods), and the view of the Kicking Horse River from the trail is amazing.  Stanley Glacier Difficulty: Moderate Return Distance: 10 km Elevation Gain: 385 m Duration: 7.5 hours You will start hiking the Stanley Glacier in a fire-swept forest. The forest has lodgepole pine and wildflowers. Further, along your route, you will get to see a turquoise river, waterfalls, and the best view of the Stanley Glacier. Moreover, you will get to see the fossils of hyolithids, sponges, trilobites, and sponges here, and they are from the Eldon Formation.  Cambroraster, an ancient arthropod, and many other species are found in the quarry near the Stanley Glacier. Further, the shell of a Cambroraster looks like the Millennium Falcon spaceship in its shape. Important Kootenay National Park Data At A Glance  Before you start for the Kootenay National Park, don’t forget to have a look at the stats. Location: British Columbia, Canada Established: 21st April, 1920 Area: 1,406 km² Highest Landscape: Deltaform Mountain (3,102 m) Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 (As Part of the “Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks ) Visitor Center: Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre (7556 Main Street East; Radium Hot Springs, B.C.) How to Reach: Via Highway 1 from Banff, AB or Calgary, AB/Via Highway 95 at Radium Hot Springs, BC Also Read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Sep 9, 2024

Are you a travel blogger? Do you want to share the best moments from your last trip on Instagram reels and stories? Here is a list of the best songs for Instagram travel reels.  The English songs I have picked are eclectic, and I have curated pieces that fit various moods. Further, from John Denver to Ed Sheeran, your most loved artists feature on this list.  So, let’s find out music tracks that add wind beneath our wings! Have You Checked Out These Best Songs For Instagram Travel Reels?  When we travel, the gust of the wind, the murmuring of the leaves, or the chirping of the birds are probably the best music you can listen to. However, as you return, those moments become memories and the photographs and videos we click turn into stories we want to tell the world.  What’s better than a piece of music to enhance these stories? It can be Whitesnake’s rock anthem, “Here I Go Again,” Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” or the feel-good “On My Way” by Carswell & Hope. 1. "Wave" by Lyxe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DfTWt8_Ec0 Perfect For: Roadtrip reels Everyone was crazy when Lyxe reconfigured Wave in June 2023. The song’s upbeat tempo is inspiring, and it asks you to get “'Everything You Could Ever Want.”  As the soundtrack opens, you are already transported to a highway with the embrace of majestic trees on both sides. The melody just works as the sunlight peeps through the vegetation.  2. “On My Way" by Carswell & Hope https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0qkhXoiGCQ Perfect For: Couple Travel Videos I find “On My Way" close to Denver’s Country Roads in spirit. It’s like a country ballad with an urban touch. And the guitar is just out of the world in the piece.  However, as you reach the lines,  “Me and my vice, and you in your wisdom Lightly tripped along the passing days Wouldn’t it be nice if you could finally listen? To hear the tune that’s calling you home today”  You realize that it’s about the journey of your life with your love! Listening to the tunes that are calling you “home today.”  3. “Unto Myself” by Serene Fiend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kogF2cchLCk Perfect For: Adventure Sports Reels Here’s something for a metal head. As you explore outdoor pursuits and make reels for Instagram, “Unto Myself” becomes your go-to travel song.  Watch out for the edgy twists in this one of the best songs for Instagram travel reels.  4. Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyF8RHM1OCg Perfect For: Road Trips/ Adventure Activities Reels/Solo Travel Videos Exuding the spirit of classic rock, Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again is a vintage travel song that emancipates and transports. This is also a kinda prayer where the traveler asks for courage and strength to carry on. Further, this song can be the greatest kick for solo travelers who love to walk the street alone.  5. Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SneCkM0bJq0 Perfect For: Long Trips/Foreign Trips Leaving on a Jet Plane is a classic, and it’s, for me, the most romantic conversation between two lovers. One leaves on a trip and asks the other to kiss, smile, and wait until they return.  A sense of melancholy, the signature of Denver, makes the song timeless. It’s like we all travel to return to the people we love and all good things! We are not always sure about the return, but we want to!  6. “Galway Girl” By Ed Sheeran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87gWaABqGYs Perfect For: Romantic Travel Reels  Are you on a trip to Ireland or the gorgeous European cities? Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl is the perfect song to add a dash of romance and whims to your travel reel.  So, are you ready to meet her on “Grafton Street?” 7. "Enjoy The Show" by The Sluts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnurG4O5og4 Perfect For: City Nightlife Reels  You can be in Las Vegas or Barcelona. You can pump up your nightlife reels with this high-energy number from The Sluts. Having said that, the underlying laid-back charm of this song keeps it psychedelic for you, and the powerful vocal just helps you get going!  8. "About Damn Time" by Lizzo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXXxciRUMzE Perfect For: Girls’ Solo Trip Travel Reels  Oh, my girl, are you on a break and want to be on top of your game? "About Damn Time" by Lizzo is the kick you need.  It inspires and assures that everything is about time and that everything will be okay. So, use this song for travel stories that mend you.  9. "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E07s5ZYygMg Perfect For: Beach Holiday Reels/Couple Travel Videos Your coastal summer holidays could not be better than this Harry Styles song. The song has a zing, and its youthful charm is infectious. The passionate undertone further makes the song a hit among the young at heart.  10. “Saturday Sun" by Vance Joy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKqMNQkjHmI Perfect For: Weekend Trip Reels/Coastal Holidays The happy tempo of the song is something that strikes instantly. Further, the song is about meeting someone for the first time and falling in love with them. So young and refreshing! Perfect for a weekend escapade!  11. “Perfect" by Ed Sheeran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vv-BfVoq4g Perfect For: Couple Holiday Reels Who doesn’t know of Sheeran’s “Perfect?” This song just makes walking “Barefoot on the Grass” with your love more special.  It’s time to enjoy the most romantic journey with your love in your arms. The soft melody is just worth melting!  Some Of The Best Songs For Instagram Travel Reels My Friends Love  Music is such a subjective thing to decide upon! How about asking my friends about the songs they like in their travel reels? These thoughts came to mind while curating the travel songs for Instagram reels. I quickly worked on the idea, and here is what my friends have to say about the best songs for Instagram travel reels.  “Paradise by Coldplay is my favorite, as it has several parts that fit like a glove over any travel reel. From revealing the grandeur of a mountain to a montage of chasing sunsets, the first couple of seconds is my go-to!”  - Harsha Sharma. “Country Roads by Denver: It highlights a major theme that's common for all travel experiences. We travel to rejuvenate our spirits, and for most adventure lovers, this rejuvenation feels like home.” - Saswati. “Music can help establish an emotional connection. Paris by Chainsmokers resonates with emotions and experiences from a specific moment in your travels with your loved ones.” - Nikita Marilyn Gomes. “Taylor Swift: 22! There is nothing better than a good old road trip with your girls. Taylor Swift will always be at the top of our list. Especially 22 (...although none of us are anymore). It is when we cruise through the windy roads and cross cities with only each other it feels like we are only young and 22, awaiting all the adventures.” - Deepanwita.  “Forever Young by Alphaville: "Forever Young, I want to be forever young," the timeless melody and meaningful lyrics awaken the urge to stay young to explore more, to live more, and to explore the unknown.” - Piyasa M.  “The Nights by Avicii: this song has a very upbeat tempo, a wonderful chorus, and nostalgic lyrics that can perfectly capture the ultimate spirit of adventure and life's moments.” - Pijus. Want to revel in some child-like fun like my friend Subhasree? A young lady of 25, she still finds The Singing Walrus’s travel song delightful. “I’m on my way/ To a new place…” This is where all travel stories begin. Isn’t it?   Also Read Did You Know You can Hear Banshee’s Wail at the Killarney National Park! OMG! THIS Is The FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card 2024| Travel Finance Guide. Joy Cho Death At Grand Teton National Park: How To Remain Safe While Hiking In This Beautiful Yet Dangerous Land.

BY  Arnab Jan 20, 2023

Gatlinburg is a popular vacation destination in the state of Tennessee that offers something for every type of traveler. Situated just outside the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this charming town is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and enjoyable recreational activities. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or an art lover, a vacation in Gatlinburg won't disappoint you. Here Are The Eight Best Ideas For Vacationing In Gatlinburg To ensure you make the most of your vacation, we've put together a list of helpful tips to make planning easier. Here's what you need to know: 1. Plan ahead Any vacation can become a stressful experience if not planned carefully. So it's important to begin planning early to ensure you don't have trouble at the eleventh hour. And after choosing your destination, next comes selecting the accommodation. A convenient option is to stay in a condo. Condos offer an extensive array of amenities for a comfortable stay, such as a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable living space, and are ideal if you're planning a trip with family or want to enjoy a more upscale experience. Look up downtown Gatlinburg condos online, compare prices, read reviews, and book one that suits your travel needs. Be sure to book in advance to score a better deal. 2. Explore the great outdoors Gatlinburg is approximately 5 miles away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers many opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails suitable for first-timers and avid trekkers. Some popular trails include Mt. Leconte, Mt. Cammerer, Charlies Bunion, the Chimney Tops Trail, and Thunderhead Mountain. So be sure to pack your hiking gear if you're up for one. The national park is also home to more than 1200 species of plants and animals, including big black bears. Be sure to follow directions and stay out of areas cordoned off for the public. Also, don't litter. 3. Indulge in local cuisine Who doesn't love food? If you long for unique flavors, there are plenty of options to tantalize your taste buds. Gatlinburg has diverse dining options, including traditional southern comfort food to continental and several popular fast-food brands. You can enjoy a finger-licking meal that you will remember for a long time. Some popular places to dine include Donut Frair, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Log Cabin Pancake House. Consider eating pancakes at the pancake house is a must-do. Be sure to try some of the local moonshine and barbecue. 4. Shop around Gatlinburg has many shopping options, from souvenir shops to high-end boutiques. Be sure to check out the downtown area for one-of-a-kind finds. You can shop till you drop at outlet malls and small mom-and-pop arts and crafts stores. If you visit the downtown area, you'll find a mix of unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. Here, you can find exclusive dresses, artistries, and a collection of extremely rare souvenirs. Also, check out the local farmer's market for fresh produce, homemade jams, and more. 5. Relax and unwind Whether it's soaking in a hot tub or taking a leisurely walk around the town, take some time out for yourself and relax. There are several places in Gatlinburg where you can unwind and burn off stress, including hot tubs, saunas, spas, and massages. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or want to indulge in some quality self-care, Gatlinburg is worth a try. Just be sure to reserve some time for yourself during your trip. 6. Hit the slopes A vacation in Gatlinburg is a must if you are into winter sports. Gatlinburg is a great destination for winter sports, with Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort offering skiing opportunities. Even if you're not a skier, the resort has an indoor ice-skating rink designed for casuals. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is the only ski resort in Tennessee, and it offers a wide range of winter activities. These include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow tubing. 7. Take a tour Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of Gatlinburg and the surrounding area. From ghost tours to historical walking tours, you can explore some wonderful places that boast Appalachian culture and history. These tours are an excellent way to learn more about the antiquity and traditions of Gatlinburg. You'll also see some of the most famous and hidden sights and landmarks. Guided tours can help you discover new places in Gatlinburg that only a few know about. Whether you're interested in the town's history or the natural wonders of the area, you can't go wrong with a trip to Gatlinburg. 8. Visit the arts and crafts community Gatlinburg is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community, with many shops and studios showcasing the work of local artisans. Take a stroll through the community and bring home a unique souvenir. The Gatlinburg arts and crafts community is also one of North America's largest groups of independent artisans. The community offers a wide range of unique artwork and dexterities, from traditional to contemporary. Conclusion Overall, Gatlinburg offers a wonderful natural getaway destination that promises a memorable experience for tourists. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors or simply relax and unwind, Gatlinburg has it all. Following the tips above can help you make the most of your time in this delightful town. So, don't wait any longer; plan your next vacation and experience all this beautiful place has to offer. Read Also: Crucial Hiking Tips To Ensure Your Safety While Hiking Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide Witness The Beauty Of Chilko Lake In British Columbia – Travel Guide