The Role Of Self Storage In Extended Cruise Travels

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

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 https://www.instagram.com/p/CxsrNX5L7Al/?hl=en&img_index=1 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.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Barsha Feb 5, 2024

Are you looking for a fun adventure for your next girls’ trip? Are you tired of the same old same old and want to try something new with your gal pals? If so, glamping could be the perfect solution. Here is why glamping is such a popular girls’ getaway and what you need to know before you decide to book your trip.  Continue reading the article below to learn more about glamping Texas Hill Country. What is Glamping? Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” is not your typical camping trip. While traditional camping involves tents, no running water, and cooking over campfires, glamping can incorporate resort-style amenities into your experience while still allowing you to experience the great outdoors.  Many glamping destinations offer indoor rooms such as pods or cabins as well as luxury touches like hot tubs, lounges, televisions, king-sized beds, and food prepared by on-site chefs.  Three Reasons You Should Consider Glamping  Think glamping might be right for you? Whether you’re considering taking a glamping trip in the Texas Hill Country or visiting the Oregon wine valley, here are some reasons you should take the plunge.  It’s the Best of Both Worlds  For girls who want to experience nature without sacrificing comforts like indoor plumbing and climate control, glamping is the perfect option. Glamping in the Texas Hill Country or other parts of the country lets you explore the great outdoors as well as indulge in resort-like amenities. Where else can you hang out with the local wildlife during a hike and then soak in a hot tub after enjoying a gourmet meal? You Can Choose to Unplug…Or Not  If you are on a traditional camping trip, you will likely have little to no contact with the outside world via phone, laptop, or other device. While unplugging certainly has its benefits, it can be difficult for those who are leaving small children back at home or who have other demands that need to be tended to. With glamping, you can either choose to unplug fully or take advantage of on-site wi-fi to check messages and ensure you’re taking care of your obligations.  It’s Usually Affordable  Though we all like to splurge now and then, many of your girlfriends may not want to spend thousands of dollars on a spa retreat or luxury hotel. While glamping offers many of the same amenities, it’s more affordable than many other types of vacations. That means all your pals can make it, and you can spend the extra money on wine, snacks, and games to play in your pod or cabin.  The Best Places to Go Glamping Decided that glamping is the way to go for your next girls’ outing? The next decision is where to go. Here are some of the best glamping destinations in the country.  Texas Hill Country  Considered the border between the Southeast and Southwest, Texas Hill Country has caverns to explore, swimming holes to visit, and wineries to find your next favorite bottle. To enhance your glamping adventure, you can hit a nearby golf course, visit a wildlife refuge, or explore a national park.  Willamette Valley, OR  Your wine-loving gal pals will love glamping in Willamette Valley, home to more than two-thirds of the state’s vineyards and wineries. In addition to wine, the Valley also offers hot springs, hiking trails, forests, and plenty of glamping locales.  Governors Island, NY  A short eight-minute ferry ride from Manhattan, Governors Island is the perfect glamping destination for girls from New York City. Though it’s close to the metro, it seems like a different world. Featuring plenty of areas for biking as well as more than 50 abandoned military buildings ready to be explored, Governors Island is a quick trip your girl group won’t soon forget.  Things To Know Before Going Glamping If this is your first glamping trip, then there are a few things that you should know that will ensure you have a much smoother experience. Read on to what they are: Thoroughly research the Glamping Location If you have already decided where to go, then make sure to do in-depth research and find out as many details as possible about the glamping location. Here is a list of potential questions that you should look for answers to while researching:  What is the exact location of your tent/cabin on the site Is the location safe for women? How many other people will be staying at the glamping site other than you and your girlfriends? Where are the toilet and shower facilities located on-site, and how many toilets and showers are there? You should also try to find out what type of toilet is available on the glamping site and what their cleanliness and hygiene levels are. Are there any activities to do in the area? If, so, what kind of activities? How far is it from your glamping site, and do you need to bring a car Does the glamping site offer any amenities of its own - game room, pool, internet, outdoor dining, BBQ site, etc What basic necessities are available at the glamping site, and what do you need to bring with you? Pack According To Weather and Location Glamping may be an enhanced version of camping, but you still need to pack appropriately according to the weather and the location of the glamping site. If you are going glamping near a beach, make sure to pack lots of sundresses, slippers, bathing suits, SPF, and sunnies. If you and your girlfriends are glamping near a national park and plan on going on a hike, then make sure to pack your hiking boots, trekking poles, sunscreen, and suitable footwear.  Before leaving for your trip, you should constantly check the weather forecast for the glamping location. You can also directly contact the authorities at the glamping site to ask what the weather will be like and what kind of activities you should pack for. However, it is always smart to pack different layers of clothing and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. In addition to clothing, you should also pack essential items like flashlights, suitable chargers for all your electronic devices, portable chargers (in case charging sockets are not available), books and board games for entertainment, and daily essentials like your toiletries, towels, comfy blankets, first aid, and other emergency medicine. Find Out About Meal Plans Glamping can be a great opportunity to cook outdoors, enjoy local cuisine, or have a picnic with friends. However, it is always best to plan ahead, so make sure to find out what kind of cooking facilities, meal plans, and resources are available at your glamping site. Depending on the place you choose for glamping, you may need to bring your own food, utensils, dishes, or stove, or you may be able to order food from the site or nearby restaurants. Consider Glamping in the Texas Hill Country  If you and your besties are looking for something new to do for this year’s girls’ getaway, consider glamping. While there are plenty of areas to choose from, Texas Hill Country is one of the most popular destinations due to its variety of landscapes and activities as well as its fantastic glamping resorts. If you’re ready to start planning, visit UDOSCAPE’s website to learn more about their top-tier glamping accommodations. Additional Reading: Navigating The World: 6 Travel Tips For Women Hoping For A Comfortable Trip Style Meets Adventure: Top 10 Must Have Travel Essentials For Her A Backpacker’s Guide: Must-Have Camping Essentials

BY  Ankita Nov 29, 2023

Nestled amid stunning Appalachian Mountain landscapes, Pigeon Forge provides endless options for adrenaline-filled outdoor recreation beyond notable music venues and dinner shows. From outdoor snow tubing to towering ziplines, this destination proves ideal for thrill-seekers craving gorgeous panoramic settings across adventures. Here Are Seven Best Outdoor Adventures In Pigeon Forge You Can't Miss The area offers outdoor activities for all interests, skill levels, and ages beyond regional tourist draws. This comprehensive guide showcases seven exciting outdoor pursuits enticing any visitor to deeply experience Pigeon Forge’s admirable natural splendor legacy from new awe-inspiring angles. 1. Pigeon Forge Snow: Year-Round Indoor Snow Tubing In the heart of Pigeon Forge lies a unique attraction that promises year-round winter fun: Pigeon Forge Snow. This one-of-a-kind facility brings the excitement of snow tubing indoors, allowing visitors to enjoy the thrill of sliding down snowy slopes regardless of the season. The magic of this place is in its ability to maintain a winter wonderland atmosphere all year, offering an excellent escape from the summer heat or a winter adventure without the chill. What sets Pigeon Forge Snow apart is its climate-controlled environment and suitability for all ages, making it an ideal destination for family outings or even a snow tubing birthday party. Imagine celebrating a special day whizzing down snow-covered lanes, followed by laughter-filled snowball fights, without worrying about weather conditions. This venue merges the joy of snow sports with the convenience of an indoor setting, ensuring every visit is filled with memorable and exhilarating experiences. 2. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains The crowned jewel of Pigeon Forge’s wealth of outdoor adventure options is undoubtedly the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering over 500,000 protected acres filled with rugged Appalachian Mountain landscapes and terrain. Choose from over 800 miles of diverse scenic trails spanning tranquil lush rainforests, panoramic mountain peaks, and breathtaking roaring waterfalls perfect for hikers of every age and skill level. Both casual travelers and avid peak baggers find plenty of hiking adventure in the park. Classic routes like the Laurel Falls Trail, Abrams Falls, and a walk to historic Cades Cove showcase stunning nature payoffs available after just a few miles. Meanwhile, fitness die-hards can challenge stamina by hiking 16 long miles roundtrip to summit impressive Mount LeConte's towering 6,593 feet. Wandering through this environmentally rich biodiverse wonderland area never disappoints in terms of sweeping views. From plentiful wildlife sightings across fields to stumbling upon hidden wildflower meadows, the diversity continues impressing visitors for decades and decades to come through well-maintained trails. 3. Ziplining Adventures For high-flying thrills, experience Pigeon Forge's gorgeous vistas alongside steep vertical descents across the thick verdant tree canopies with area ziplining adventures. Strap securely into climbing harnesses and helmets to safely soar down elevated steel lines, allowing you to masterfully navigate multiple adrenaline-pumping ziplines showcasing glorious Smoky Mountain forest, river, and ravine landscapes 2,000 feet up through breathtaking unobstructed panoramic angles. Between ziplines, elevated sky bridges transport you effortlessly between courses across jaw-dropping scenic platforms surrounded by mountainous valleys as expert guides share fascinating details about the ecology and terrain. The result feels daring yet comfortably smooth under the assurance of trained climbing professionals dedicated fully to maximizing your rich environmental views and exhilarating emotive sensations sliding with regulated speeds. 4. White Water Rafting on the Pigeon River For those bold, adventurous souls still seeking extra extreme outdoor thrills during their Pigeon Forge getaway, consider facing 12 miles of rowdy swelling Class III and Class IV rapids by signing up to tackle rafting daily expeditions along the winding Pigeon River! Groups of 6 to 12 participants paddle inflatable rafts as teams work together across the gorgeous river terrain, bobbing and weaving between spectacular boulder outlooks and stunning Blue Ridge Mountain backdrops. This water activity lets you dive right into the action, witnessing East Tennessee's natural majestic mountain waters from engaging new low-altitude angles. While providing a thrilling ride, reputable rafting tour companies like Raft One employ only the most experienced, fun-loving guides to man the paddling commands and expertly steer rafts straight through the most challenging rapids and tight passages along the cliffs safely with their knowledge of the river. 5. Horseback Riding For travelers desiring more gentle and intimate interaction experiencing Pigeon Forge’s exquisite wilderness independently, saddle up for a delightful afternoon escaping into the forests and countryside by horseback. Various local outfitters offer visitors guided horseback riding exploration trips winding at calming paces through sun-dappled alpine forests, verdant meadows, and the sprawling foothills of the glorious Smoky Mountains to feel completely transported, experiencing iconic Appalachian nature at smooth equestrian speeds. From beginner-friendly wilderness rides in secluded oak woodlands like those gently offered by Blanton Forest Horseback Rides to hour-long weekend Smoky Mountain guided tours better suited for intermediate-level riders and equestrians, Pigeon Forge stables like Five Oaks Ranch provide quintessential smoky mountain vacations centered on 40+ years respectfully showcasing the region's spectacular environmental legacy and local horsemanship at its finest. Related: Exploring Pigeon Forge As A Weekend Getaway 6. Mountain Coaster Rides A uniquely exhilarating alternative to traditional rollercoasters, round up your family or circle of friends visiting Pigeon Forge to experience tackling the staggering 4,000-foot precipitous near vertical elevation drop racing straight down alongside rocky scarps and beautiful streams aboard the impossibly fun mountain monster thrill coaster located directly within town limits. Riders feel intensified coaster forces directly by manually “driving” individual coaster cars completely independently, personally controlling faster acceleration speeds or braking cautiously through each sharp turn's plunging dips, numerous 360° corkscrews, and countless free-falling camelback moments all dictated by your selected adrenaline-chasing comfort across 3,500 cumulative thrilling feet of gravity-driven monorail track hovering through the dense forest. Mountain coasters like this bring many nonstop grins across most age groups and orientations. 7. Dollywood Lastly, no extensive guide of quintessential iconic attractions found within Pigeon Forge itself feels entirely complete without discussing the enormously popular thrilling theme park Dollywood located just minutes from downtown. People travel incredibly far distances just to experience their award-winning outdoor rides like Tennessee Tornado, Mystery Mine, and Dragonflies rollercoasters, deliberately designed masterfully to whip riders daringly through the authentic towering Smokies themselves! With additional shows, art demonstrations and concerts continually happening routinely across the park, even long waits next to various roller coasters continue rousing fun and local connections. Neighboring water park Dollywood’s Splash Country provides necessary summer heat relief while continuing friendly Appalachian-themed thrills through numerous towering slippery slides slicing through refreshing waterfalls. Combined, both flagship Dollywood parks offer families and outdoor thrill-seekers nearly endless amounts of entertainment possibilities fully immersed just steps away from the gorgeous natural forests and wilderness that have characterized the signature Smoky Mountain region since the frontier days. It's no wonder crowds return happy year after year! Conclusion In conclusion, Pigeon Forge and the surrounding vista-rich Appalachian Mountain landscapes deliver unlimited options supporting active thrill-seeking and challenging outdoor recreation rivaling any major global destination. From tranquil wildflower-lined hiking trails to daring whitewater rafting expeditions navigating Class 4 rapids, this eastern Tennessee vacation hub offers exhilarating excursions featuring renowned southern hospitality. Ultimately, balancing these physically demanding adventures with equal amounts of relaxing downtime, enjoying stellar comfort foods, regional arts and crafts demonstrations, plus live music performances, all reflecting local cultures and traditions. Pigeon Forge continues growing into the ideal quintessential family outdoor vacation destination that visitors return to faithfully enjoy year after year as annual traditions, always finding new hidden gems and welcoming surprises along the way. Start planning your own Smoky Mountain adventures exploring untamed wilderness now while basking in expedient modern conveniences! Read Also: Your Guide To The Perfect Pigeon Forge Vacation 6 Tips For Experiencing The Best Of Pigeon Forge 4 Tips To Enjoy A Comfortable Stay In Pigeon Forge