Single Parent Cruising Tips and Tricks for a Memorable Adventure

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

As fantasy is a driving force in Haruki Murakami’s work, the astonishing Hokkaido Beach in Western Japan is nothing short of a dream! It is the land where snow, sand, and sea meet. It’s surreal when you see snow-covered sand dunes appearing before your eyes against the backdrop of the sea. Also, the blocks of ice or jewelry ice in the Tokachi River mouth attract a lot of visitors in the winter.  And that’s not all! The beach has sandbars, volcanoes, coasts, and valleys.  Further, located inside the San’in Kaigan Geopark (a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010), Hokkaido beach Japan, sits pretty between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.  Do you also want to see Hokkaido beach snow and other unique attractions? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido Beach?  Hokkaido beach weather remains pleasant throughout the year. So, it’s a year-round destination.  However, if you want to witness the golden moments where the sea, sand, and snow meet, you have to plan a trip from December to February.  And let me spill the beans for you, Hokkaido Beach is not located in Hokkaido. Moreover, if you especially want to see the phenomenon of ice, snow, and sand meeting, you have to travel to the main island of Honshu. Why Does Hokkaido Beach Have So Much Snow? Hokkaido Beach has so much snow because strong wind blows and shift ice to the beach from late January to February.  This ice comes from the frozen chunks of freshwater from the Amur River. Further, during January and February, you will find icebergs in the water and on the beach. How To Reach Hokkaido Beach From Tokyo? The distance between Tokyo and San’in Kaigan Geopark, the home of Hokkaido Beach, is around 657 km.  The best way to reach San’in Kaigan Geopark from Tokyo is by taking a bullet train.  Take a bullet train from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. It will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Then, travel on the Super Hakuto limited express train for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Tottori Station. Finally, you can take a bus from the Tottori Station to Hokkaido Beach. However, if you want to really enjoy the scene of ice, sand, and sea meeting, you have to take a cruise ride from Monbetsu, Rausu, and Abashiri.  Everything will appear before your eyes as an impossible dream as you see the Hokkaido Beach from the shore or an icebreaker.  Do you want some more adventure while exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Beach? You can go for a guided ice walk from Shiretoko.  And as you walk toward the beach, you will meet the most fascinating wildlife of the area. The sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, especially, will cross your path many a time.  You will see a real-life example of how the food chain in nature works as these birds prey on fish before your eyes.  Having said that, you will have to wear a dry suit and snowshoes for the walk. You will rent snowshoes from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.  Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site On Your Way To Hokkaido Beach Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, is a favorite of hikers. You can go for a hike through the Furepe Waterfall Trail.  The trail passes through a forest, and it opens in a meadow looked over by Mount Io, Mount Rausu, and Mount Tenchosan.  Finally, the trail ends with a fascinating cliff-side view of Furepe Waterfall. It looks the most fascinating during the winter season.  Due to extreme cold temperatures, the water of the waterfall gets transformed into blueish ice.  Exploring San’in Kaigan Geopark: Home To The Hokkaido Beach San’in Kaigan Geopark is a celebration of the Earth's heritage. Stretching over 245,844 hectares, this Geopark is also home to the Genbudo Cave, “known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt.” **“The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks accumulated when Japan rifted away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) to form the Sea of Japan, a geological process still on-going today.”**- UNESCO Further, due to the unique geological features, the park is also home to diverse flora and fauna. You will find rare plant species such as Ciconia boyciana, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ranunculus nipponicus here.  Moreover, you will be able to see many marine animals and avian creatures in the park. During the winter season, especially, you will spot marine animals such as: Steller sea lions Sea eagles Seals The Steller sea lions come here from the Kuril Islands in the south as the ice starts drifting toward the Hokkaido Beach.  Again, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will meet Blakiston’s fish owl in San’in Kaigan Geopark. It is an endangered species.  In addition, the nearby mountains here have some of the biggest mammals in Japan. You will find here “Ezo red foxes,” “Ussuri brown bears,” and “Ezo silka deer.” Hokkaido Beach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and their answers about Hokkaido Beach.  Does Hokkaido Have A Beach? Yes, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has many beaches. The beaches and coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk show diversity in their characters.Nevertheless, some popular beaches in Hokkaido are Shimamui Beach, Shiretoko Beach, Otsu Beach, and Otaru Dream Beach.  Why Is Hokkaido So Famous? Hokkaido is famous in the world for its milk and dairy products. It is also the land of inspiration behind many of Haruki Murakami’s work. Further, Hokkaido has a vibrant food scene with specialties such as Sapporo ramen and crab and scallop delicacies. Also, it has geological wonders such as Mount Asah volcano in the Daisetsuzan National Park and geothermal spots such as Noboribetsu Onsen.  Where Is The Beach Where Snow, Sand, And Sea Meet? Hokkaido Beach is the place where snow, sand, and sea meet. It is located in western Japan and it stretches between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori. 

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2025

Pamukkale is one of the most visited regions in Turkey in 2025. With its natural beauty and historical intrigue, it welcomed 1.6 million visitors in 2025, according to a recent Travel and Tour World report.  Home to the Hierapolis spa city, Pamukkale Turkey, has snow-white travertine terraces, which look dramatic against the backdrop of blue skies. Also, it is one of the most prominent destinations in Turkey to promote nature-based tourism.  Also, resembling a winter wonderland covered with snow, Pamukkale is actually a unique landscape formed by hot spring waters in a Sun-kissed zone of Turkey.  Where Is Pamukkale Turkey?  Pamukkale is in the Denizli Province of southwestern Turkey. It has Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique landscape, including white travertine terraces.  The unique landscape is built with the carbonite mineral deposits of the hot water springs here.  Furthermore, Pamukkale is in the Inner Aegean region of Turkey and it is in the valley of the River Menderes.  How To Reach Pamukkale Turkey From Istanbul? The distance between Pamukkale and Istanbul is close to 572 km, and based on your mode of transport, it will take between 6 hours 20 minutes and 11 hours to reach Pamukkale.  1. Istanbul To Pamukkale Turkey By Train You can take a train from Istanbul to Eskişehir and then board the Pamukkale Express from Eskişehir to Denizli, where Pamukkale is located. This 8-hour journey by train allows you to cherish the beauty of central Anatolia.  Otherwise, board a train from Istanbul to Yenikapı and then a train to Pamukkale. The train will pass through stations such as Istanbul Pendik, Eskişehir, and Goncalı. 2. Istanbul To Pamukkale By Air The Denizli-Çardak Airport (DNZ) is the nearest airport to Pamukkale. It is located at a distance of 67 km. You can take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Pamukkale and then take a shuttle or a bus to reach Pamukkale by road within 50 minutes.  3. Istanbul To Pamukkale By Road Companies such as Kamil Koç operate direct buses from Istanbul to Sarayköy. From Sarayköy to Pamukkale, it is a journey of less than 30 minutes by road.  Moreover, you can take overnight buses to Pamukkale from Istanbul.  What Is So Special About Pamukkale Turkey?  With thermal springs, white hills of cascading water, and crystal lakes, the unique landscape of Pamukkale looks stunning. Furthermore, it has Hierapolis or the “Holy City.”  Fortunately, all these unique features of Pamukkale are mostly intact even today. Moreover, as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says, it is a wonderful fusion of natural beauty and cultural richness.  “The property is largely intact and includes all the attributes necessary to express its Outstanding Universal Value, based on the strong and tight integration between the natural landscape (the white travertine terraces and numerous thermal springs) and culture (the city ruins from the Greco-Roman and Byzantine period, especially the theatre and the necropolis). The boundaries of the site are adequate to reflect the site’s significance.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  Let’s explore its unique features and landmarks.  1. Cotton Castle Pamukkale Turkey Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkey, and the name comes from the travertine terraces, which have white formations with a cotton-like appearance. The terraces here form stepped pools, and together they look like a cascading castle of white cotton and crystals.  But do you know how this unique landmark was formed? Western Anatolia in Turkey has the largest deposits of calcium carbonate rocks in the world. However, it is also the region where the Earth’s crust faces the maximum pull.  Furthermore, various geothermal, seismic, and volcanic activities here create many fissures and faults. The Pamukkale plateau in the Denizli Basin is one of the main examples of this kind of geological formation.  Here, the calcite terraces and rimstone pools fall from over a 200-meter-tall cliff. Being rich in minerals, the cascading water covers the rocks with a thick layer of white sediments. These rocks look like layers of cotton and have thus got the name Cotton Castle.   According to NASA, the mineral deposition in this area is aged between 50000 and 600,000 years. The process started from the Pleistocene epoch, and the latest deposition here is related to the Laodikeia earthquake.  2. The Pools Of Pamukkale Turkey The thermal pools in the travertine terraces of Pamukkale were formed with mineral-rich hot spring water falling down the hillside and solidifying the deposits.  The vast Cleopatra’s Pool is probably the most prominent example when we talk about the pools of Pamukkale. The average water temperature of these pools ranges between 19 and 57 degrees Celsius. Sometimes the temperature can be as much as 100 degrees Celsius.  3. The Hot Springs Of Pamukkale The hot springs of Pamukkale have geothermal water, which is rich in minerals. Being mineral-rich, these waters have many therapeutic benefits. Moreover, it is a lifetime experience to swim in the geothermal pools on travertine terraces against the beautiful white walls.  4. The Ancient Hierapolis Or The Holy City Of Pamukkale  King Antiochus II founded ancient Hierapolis in the 2nd century BCE at the top of Pamukkale. Its strategic position near the thermal rings and along the trade route made it a thriving city during the Roman Rule.  Furthermore, Hierapolis became a prominent spa and healing city, and it grew in religious and cultural significance over time. The vast necropolis, the Temple of Apollo, and the Roman theater are the telltale signs of a rich history of Hierapolis, or the Holy City of Pamukkale.  Moreover, during the Byzantine era, Hierapolis experienced tremendous growth as a Christian hub, and it became a bishopric. In addition, the necropolis area saw many churches being built, and it became a chosen resting place for Christian martyrs.  Finally, in 1988, UNESCO gave the combination of Hierapolis and Pamukkale the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  5. The Gate To Hel Or Pluto’s Gate In Hierapolis View this post on Instagram A post shared by M. Tolga Akbulut (@mtolgaakbulut) Pluto’s Gate was believed to be the gate to hell or the underworld. This prominent archaeological site was associated with Pluto, the Roman God of the dead, wealth, and the underworld.  The scientific explanation behind this place is that geothermal activities in Pamukkale caused the release of a large amount of carbon dioxide. Thus, it became a lethal area, and the priests utilized this natural phenomenon to convince pilgrims of the place’s mystical power.  What Are The Things To Do In Pamukkale Turkey? As I have already mentioned, the things to do in Pamukkale are the perfect fusions of natural, cultural, and religious explorations. Try these activities here.  1. Taking A Bath In Cleopatra’s Pool Cleopatra’s Pool got its name from Queen Cleopatra taking a bath in this pool. It is surrounded by marble columns that go back 1000 years.  This pool is just a 10-minute walk away from the main ruins of Hierapolis. 2. Exploring The Roman Theater The history of the Roman Theater goes back to the 2nd century AD. It could accommodate 12,000 visitors and was the venue for theatrical performances and gladiatorial battles.  Even today, the Roman Theater is well-maintained, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of Pamukkale from this place.  3. Taking A Stroll Around The Necropolis The necropolis area of Pamukkale has tombs and family mausoleums that belong to the Byzantine, Roman, and Hellenistic periods.  The necropolis area is like an outdoor museum where you can read the plaques and learn a lot about the people who stayed here and how they viewed life and the afterlife.  4. Visiting The Local Villages The Pamukkale Village offers you a slice of the ultimate Turkish rural life. Try the mezes or appetizers, kebabs, and Pide or Turkish pizzas from local shops and restaurants here.  Also, you can explore the shops here to buy ceramic items, jewelry, and textiles.  5. Enjoying A Walk Through The Travertine Terraces Take a walk along the travertine terraces and experience the wonder of nature at its best. Furthermore, you can wet your feet in the warm waters of the pools here.  However, you have to walk carefully on the surface as it can be slippery.  Pamukkale Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Pamukkale Turkey.  1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Pamukkale Turkey? April to June, or the spring season, and September to November, or the autumn season, are ideal times for a visit to Pamukkale. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, the winter months of December to March are the best options.  2. Which City Is The Closest To Pamukkale Turkey? Denizli is the closest city to Pamukkale. The distance between these two places is around 17 km. Today, Denizli City is a bustling hub of textile production and export.  3. Is It Possible To Swim In Pamukkale? Yes, swimming is allowed in the travertine pools in Pamukkale. However, there are only some designated pools, such as the Cleopatra Pool, where you can swim.  4. Is 1 Day Enough In Pamukkale? Yes, one day is enough to explore the Pamukkale. You can take a bath in the travertine pools, explore the ancient ruins, and visit the local villages within 5-6 hours.  5. Which One Is Better? Cappadocia Or Pamukkale? Cappadocia and Pamukkale both have stunning landscapes. However, Cappadocia is famous for adventurous activities, like hot air balloon rides. On the other hand, Pamukkale is a place for natural exploration, visiting the ancient ruins, and taking a bath in the travertine pools.  6. What Language Is Spoken In Pamukkale? Turkish, the official language of Turkey, is the main language in Pamukkale. However, people here also speak in English.  7. Is Pamukkale Good For Skin? Yes, Pamukkale is good for the skin. The presence of silica, sulfur, and calcium in the water improves the elasticity of the skin, cleanses the skin, and alleviates eczema and other skin conditions.  8. Can I Drink Water In Pamukkale? The water of the thermal springs and pools of Pamukkale is rich in minerals. So, it is better to avoid drinking the water from the hot springs and pools in Pamukkale.  9. Do I Need To Pay Entry Fee To Visit Pamukkale Yes, you will need to pay an entry fee to visit Pamukkale. Furthermore, there will be an additional fee if you want to swim in the Cleopatra Pool.  Read Also: You Cannot Miss These Unique Things To Do In Indiana | Explore The Hidden Gems To Visit Your Visa Guide: Turkey Transit Visa Information & Hong Kong Visa Processing Time Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In 2025: Let’s Know The Names

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.