Is San Francisco Safe? THIS is What You Should Know!

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  Nabamita Feb 20, 2024

Imagine the enchanting allure of Cancun, where crystal-clear turquoise waters beckon and fiery sunsets paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. It's the perfect setting for an unforgettable romantic proposal. Picture yourself and your loved one on a private yacht charter, gliding through the pristine waters of the Caribbean, caressed by a gentle breeze. As the waves softly lap against the yacht's hull, a sense of serenity envelops you, creating an intimate and magical moment. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature and the tranquil embrace of the ocean, you have the opportunity to create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Choosing Your Yacht When it comes to selecting your perfect yacht, there are a few things to think about. Firstly, consider the size of the boat - do you fancy a spacious and grand vessel or a more intimate and cozy one? Also, take into account the range of amazing amenities available on board. Luxury cancun yacht rentals often boast gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs, plus personal staff to cater to your every need. Some may even have water sports equipment so you can enjoy thrilling aquatic adventures. However, it's worth noting that smaller vessels, while offering a more intimate experience, may not provide the same extensive range of services and facilities. Setting the Scene Once you've carefully chosen your dream yacht, it's time to make it truly yours and create an unforgettable ambiance. Think about adding your favorite flowers, curating a special playlist to set the perfect mood, and even including a cherished photograph that holds sentimental value. If your partner isn't a fan of surprises, it might be a good idea to let them in on the trip in advance, while keeping the proposal itself a delightful secret. By paying attention to these finer details, you'll ensure that the entire experience becomes even more memorable and magical. Timing Is Everything Picture this: timing your proposal with the breathtaking sunset. Watch as the sky gracefully transitions from a brilliant blue to a mesmerizing palette of pinks and oranges, creating an unparalleled and magical romantic setting. Feel the warm glow of the sun gently kissing the horizon, casting a romantic ambiance that envelops you and your loved one. Don't forget to check the local sunset times and meticulously plan this unforgettable moment, ensuring that every detail aligns perfectly with the natural beauty of the setting sun. When it comes to proposing, timing is crucial. It's not just about the time of day, but also the stage in your relationship and the unique context of that particular day. Outside of the classic sunset proposal, here are a few other ideas: Dawn Proposal: If you and your partner are early birds, a sunrise proposal can be incredibly romantic. The quiet tranquillity of the early morning, coupled with the stunning beauty of the sun slowly rising above the horizon, can make for a truly memorable moment. Under the Stars: If your partner is an astronomy enthusiast, consider a nighttime proposal under a starlit sky. A clear night, away from city lights, presents an opportunity for a private, intimate proposal under the blanket of the cosmos. Midday Cruise: A daytime proposal offers the advantage of excellent visibility. The dazzling blue sky and shimmering Caribbean sea create a vibrant backdrop for your special moment. Special Dates: Another timing aspect to consider is the date itself. Proposing on a significant date, such as the anniversary of your relationship, a birthday, or a special holiday, can add an extra layer of sentimental value to your proposal. Remember, the best time for a proposal is one that feels right to you and resonates most with your partner’s preferences and your shared experiences. The Perfect Dinner A romantic dinner is not just any detail, my friend, but a truly unforgettable and essential part of any yacht proposal. Picture this: a serene setting on the deck, with soft lights twinkling in the background, creating an enchanting atmosphere. You have the option to choose between an intimate picnic, where you can savor delectable delicacies while basking in the breathtaking views of the open sea, or a formal dining experience that oozes elegance and sophistication. Alternatively, imagine a cozy barbecue under the twinkling stars, where you can indulge in delicious grilled treats while being embraced by the gentle sea breeze. Whichever option you choose, make sure to personalize the meal, taking into account your partner's preferences and creating a culinary journey that will leave an everlasting impression of romance and love. Capturing the Moment Opting to hire a skilled professional photographer or videographer to capture the precious proposal is truly an outstanding idea. Their expertise lies in discreetly documenting the heartfelt moment, ensuring that you both can relive and cherish this extraordinary experience for many joyous years to come. With their exceptional ability to capture every intricacy and emotion, the photographs or videos will serve as a timeless reminder of the love and commitment shared during this significant milestone in your life. After the Proposal After the magical proposal, you can embark on an enchanting night aboard a luxurious yacht, gently swaying with the rhythm of the ocean waves. As you drift off to sleep, the tranquil sounds of the sea will serenade you, preparing you for a mesmerizing awakening. Picture yourself waking up to a breathtakingly beautiful sunrise, where the sky is painted with hues of gold and pink, creating a stunning backdrop against the vast horizon. Imagine this: a luxurious yacht proposal in the breathtaking destination of Cancun. It's an experience that will leave you spellbound. As the radiant sun dips below the horizon, casting a mesmerizing glow over the turquoise Caribbean Sea, you and your beloved find yourselves aboard a magnificent yacht. The gentle sway of the vessel enhances the romantic atmosphere, enveloping you in serenity and tranquillity. In that magical moment, you present your partner with a sparkling ring, a symbol of eternal love and commitment. As the waves dance beneath you and the stars twinkle above, the memories created on this extraordinary occasion become as infinite as the vast ocean itself. Prepare to be captivated! Read Also: 4 Things To Do When Visting The British Virgin Islands On A Yacht Spa Relaxation On A Charter Yacht In Dubai How Much Does Yacht Crew Make

BY  sagnika Mar 22, 2025

Vancouver has some iconic places that you must visit when you travel there. If you are still wondering, is Vancouver safe? The natural beauty of the city will draw you in but there are outdoor activities as well. It is one of the cheapest places to travel around the world in 2025!   You must consider the safety considerations that we are sharing with you here. Be it the parks or museums, you must be aware of the policies. You have to be cautious of the wildlife when going on a hike or trail in the forests around Vancouver.   The weather is a little unpredictable, so carry an umbrella and wear waterproof shoes. When you are walking or driving, you need to be careful if the conditions become too cold or falling snow. Read the article to know more about the safety tips to be careful and enjoy your trip to Vancouver.   Want to know, Is Vancouver Safe for a Traveler?   If you want to know if Vancouver is safe to visit, these are the safety tips that will help you in being aware. Knowing the safety tips will help you enhance the overall experience. Yes, there are some property crimes and petty theft in the city, however, the rest you can avoid if you are careful.   You should try the basic personal awareness and safety tips necessary to keep yourself safe. If you are traveling with family, you should keep your children close and educate others to be aware of petty crimes.   However, if you are alone, it is better if you can store your luggage in the online applications offering these services. You also need to know the essential safety supplies to pack on your backpacking trip.   Safety Tips to Keep in mind when visiting Vancouver   Some of the tips that you must keep in mind when you first arrive in the city are here. In Vancouver, you will be blown by the scenic beauty, walking around and exploring the beautiful views of the ocean from the West End and the mountains downtown.   However, be careful of aggressive thieves or attackers. Pickpockets are not prevalent however, if you visit crowded places like Granville Island, you might face one. So, be careful. Try to keep your bags close and not leave them unattended.   When planning to visit Vancouver, you need to research the city, its streets, and its neighborhoods. You might not feel safe in Downtown Eastside however, other areas such as Kitsilano, Yaletown, and Downtown are perfectly safe, and quite a vibrant place to visit.   Safe Accommodation in Vancouver   Let me share with you some of the safest accommodation options that will keep you safe and give you the comfort you need. I will also try to keep the budget in mind when mentioning the places you must consider when booking your accommodation.   Yaletown – the waterfront views are to die for in this area, so if you are a nature person, this is the neighborhood for you. Additionally, the place gives off upscale vibes, being both stylish and safe for tourists.    Downtown Vancouver – if you are traveling for the first time to Vancouver, I would suggest you book your accommodation here. It is ideal for first-time travelers as they can access the Vancouver City Center and other major attractions of Vancouver. The place is well-lit and well patrolled thus, you can easily come and go based on your itinerary.   North Vancouver – if you love the outdoors, this place is perfect for you. This neighborhood is closer to forests and outdoors as you can easily go skiing or hiking from here. With a wide range of outdoor activities, you will enjoy the most in this area. You keep in mind the crucial hiking tips to ensure your safety while hiking.   Kitsilano – the neighborhood is quite family-friendly hence; you can easily book rooms to stay here. The place is also quite close to the beaches so, with the laid-back atmosphere, you can relax here, and go on to enjoy your trip.   Awareness of the Cultural Changes   Considering it is a different place; Vancouver is an amalgamation of several cultures. Hence, you need to be aware of the multicultural identity and the integration of progressive values, thus making it a better destination to visit. Learn about these tips here:   Language – the primary language is English however, you might hear several other languages because there is a diverse population in the city. You must be respectful to all and not insult them, either by words, actions, or gestures.   Etiquette – personal space and politeness are normal etiquette everywhere, not just in Vancouver. As an individual, you must be thankful for little gestures or help from strangers. Thus, holding the door or saying “thank you” will go a long way to make your stay safe and memorable.    Scams – Scams are common everywhere, be it Vancouver or any other place. You must be conscious of your surroundings, and beware of unsolicited offers, especially in crowds. Also, don’t buy tickets or accept any services without a trustworthy source.   Dress Code – The city is known for its unpredictable weather, so layering is the most important step. You will see a lot of locals doing the same hence, casual attire is quite acceptable. But try to wear clothing you are comfortable with and not force yourself into something uncomfortable.   There is a municipal bylaw in Vancouver that prohibits people to smoke close, at least 6 meters from a window or doorway. Do not prefer smoking cigarettes or look down upon those who do. You must not smoke in public parks because locals might raise their voices against it.   Safely Navigating the City   When you are visiting Vancouver, let me share with you some of the easiest ways to get around safely. You need to explore the city safely following these guidelines. You can also consider these smart travel solutions so that you can enjoy your trip!   Try to travel mostly by public transport because it is the safest, however, try to avoid empty stations at night. The TransLink operates SeaBuses, SkyTrains, and buses through which you can easily move around.   Did you know Vancouver is a bike-friendly city? You can easily ride cycles when visiting Vancouver especially because there are dedicated bike lanes. There is an online application Mobi which offers bike-sharing services.   During rush hours, Vancouver can easily be a difficult place with the traffic. Additionally, there are cyclists as well as pedestrians hence, if you are driving, you need to be a little careful.   It can be worse when it comes to crossing the Lions Gate bridges or the Second Narrows, plus, at the weekends, it is worse. That is when you need to try either the Swartz Bay ferry or Vancouver Metro.    Wrapping Up!   Vancouver as a city is not dangerous, however, you need to be careful and attentive to any place you travel. There is a possibility of facing some of the poorest people around town so there might be a possibility of petty theft or crime. And yet, remarkably it is safer when it comes to violent crimes.   Comment below on what you think about Vancouver or are you too scared to visit the place? Do you think I have missed any safety tips that might be helpful for others when visiting Vancouver as a traveler.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.