San Francisco is a city full of famous American landmarks, intriguing history, and delicious food. It has attractions ranging from the Ghirardelli chocolate to cioppino, various cultures, and typical California scenery. With so much to see and do in this vibrant, scenic West Coast city, even the residents could never grow bored. If you are looking for things to do in San Francisco this weekend, we have made a list of the top ones that you just can’t miss.
Things To Do in San Francisco
San Francisco’s famous hilly roads and cable cars have made a mark on travelers and global citizens. But there is more to this city than meets the eye. Here are the top unique things to do in san francisco this weekend.
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most iconic images in the United States is the Golden Gate Bridge. Cars and pedestrians can cross the strait which is named after this 1.7-mile-long, brick-red structure, which connects San Francisco and Marin County.
When visiting the city for the first time, crossing the bridge by foot or bicycle is practically required. Depending on the day of the week and the time of day you cross the bridge, there are rules governing which of the two sidewalks should be used for walking and cycling.
The Presidio
A great place to explore outside is The Presidio, a 1,500-acre public park that was formerly a military post. Take a hike or a bike ride on the 24 miles of trails and stop at one of the lookout points for a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, making it one of the greatest spots to get away from the hustle and take a peaceful moment.
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Above a six-lane highway lies green space provided by the Presidio Tunnel Tops. The 14 acres of parklands, which opened in 2022, offer some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and connect the main post of the former military base to the waterfront at Crissy Field.
You can even reserve a picnic table with the best view for a truly memorable experience. In addition, there are lots of chances for leisure and education, like the weekend campfire talks given by rangers from the National Park Service.
Institute for Contemporary Art San Francisco
Yes, this vibrantly creative city has a lot of places to view art, but the Institute for Contemporary Art San Francisco is unique: It is non-profit, does not collect, and is “dedicated to experimenting.”
It’s the opposite of pretentiousness in the arts. There is free admission, so you won’t have to pay to view any of the pieces, which include photography, textile art, video, and mixed media.
JFK Promenade
JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park was only car-free on weekends prior to 2022. Then, voters in San Francisco decided to permanently restrict traffic on the road to pedestrians.
It is now free of traffic, so you can ride your bike, walk, skate, or travel along it however you please. Along the route, there will be art installations, lounging chairs, and public pianos.
San Francisco is a city known for its hills. Using public transportation to get around might be advantageous unless you’re looking to get a serious leg workout. Since its inception in 1873, the city’s renowned cable car system has been a popular tourist destination.
The cable cars are still a great way to get around and a must-try Instagram-worthy experience. Tickets cost $8 for a one-way ride and can be bought at kiosks located throughout the city.
Ferry to the Alcatraz
While going to jail might not seem like a very vacation-like activity, Alcatraz isn’t your typical jail. Some of the most infamous criminals in the country were housed at the long-closed penitentiary. It was situated on the island bearing the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Some of them attempted to swim across the dangerous waters to escape.
The prison is so well-known that it has appeared in motion pictures, including “The Rock” and “Bird Man of Alcatraz.” To discover more about the intriguing history of the prison, anyone can take the ferry to the island. Moreover, it is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. So you can take a guided tour of the prison.
North America’s Oldest Chinatown
The Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street marks the entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown, which is the oldest in North America. The neighborhood, which covers thirty square blocks, is a miniature, thriving city unto itself.
Visit the stores, indulge in delicious dim sum or authentic congee, enjoy boba, or pick up a fortune cookie flavored with green tea from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
Lovers’ Lane
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Lovers’ Lane, the Presidio’s oldest footpath, for a treat outside. When on vacation in San Francisco, the roughly half-mile trail is the ideal location. Stroll hand in hand with your significant other or find a moment of solitude amidst the trees. The trail is rated easy to moderate and has pavement. The walk takes about half an hour.
Palace of Fine Arts
Architect Bernard Maybeck created the Neoclassical Palace of Fine Arts for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibition. He imagined it to be a Roman ruin that would be demolished once the fair was over. Rather, a committed group of locals preserved the cherished building, which by the late 1950s had truly become a ruin.
It was more permanently rebuilt in the ensuing ten years and is still a breathtaking landmark. Situated in a park at the edge of the Presidio, the free attraction boasts a stunning 162-foot-tall open-air rotunda. It overlooks a serene lagoon and is flanked by two Corinthian colonnades. It’s a fantastic location for your next Instagram photoshoot, meeting spot, or stroll.
Oracle Park
Cheering on the Giants at Oracle Park is a sign of support for the San Francisco natives. While baseball enthusiasts will want to sit in the 100s near the field, this waterfront stadium’s upper deck offers breathtaking views of the bay.
This is seriously one of those times when it pays off to sit in the nosebleeds. Just remember to pack a glove and be prepared to catch a home run or foul ball if necessary.
Alamo Square Park
One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco is Alamo Square Park, primarily because it provides the ideal angle for photographing the pastel-colored Painted Ladies. They are also known as the Victorian-style homes made famous by the television series Full House.
However, it also provides an amazing 360-degree view of the city. Bring a blanket and a snack so you can enjoy people-watching for as long as you want.
TreasureFest
Although there is some excellent vintage shopping in San Francisco, Treasure Fest may be the best place to locate a few unusual pieces. The outdoor market, formerly called Treasure Island Flea, features apparel, antiques, handcrafted goods, and more.
In addition, there are lots of food trucks available to feed the famished masses. This flea is open only a few weekends a year; check the website for schedules and locations.
Bay Cruise
Take a bay cruise to experience the city from a different angle. This will let you get up close to some of the attractions, such as Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.
While out on the water, keep a watch out for seals and other marine life. You can reserve a thrilling 90-minute inflatable raft excursion with Bay Voyager or an hour-long tour with Blue and Gold Fleet. There are numerous options for boat tours.
Exploratorium
A “public learning laboratory” and museum, The Exploratorium lets anyone become a crazy scientist. With the resources at their disposal, visitors can unleash their creativity. They become active explorers, creating anything they can dream up.
It’s no surprise that kids love this place, but Thursday nights are adult-only at the museum, so you can go without kids. If not, visit at any time to engage with the exhibits and listen to regular speakers.
SFMOMA Art
It would be an understatement to say that the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is enormous. Moreover, the museum is over 45,000 square feet, spread across seven gallery floors. It is crammed full of contemporary artwork, pictures, sculptures, and much more. You could certainly explore SFMOMA and take in everything it has to offer for a full day, if not longer.
Snack at the Ferry Building
Searching for a delicious treat? Visit the historic Ferry Building, a marketplace with a variety of locally sourced treats. They offer sweet treats from the Donut Farm and foamy beers from Fort Point Beer Co.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are market days when local purveyors come in to sell their products directly from the farms (or straight from the studio). If you’re lucky, you might even visit on one of these days.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
The most amazing flora in the city can be found at the 55-acre San Francisco Botanical Garden. Strolling through the various gardens will make you feel as though you’re in the Andes one minute and the Mediterranean the next.
If you’re visiting during the blooming season, make sure to stop by and take a whiff of the magnolia collection. This location is especially well-known for the flowers from December through March.
Tiki Drink in the Tonga Room
There are plenty of great restaurants and bars in the city that will gladly bring you a drink. However, only a few are perhaps as famous as the Tonga Room. Travelers have always loved the Fairmont San Francisco’s tiki-style bar. This is despite its oddball setting in the Bay Area. Transport yourself to the tropics with a fruity cocktail as well as some bite-sized treats inspired by islands.
Outdoor Music Festival
Those who attend festivals frequently are probably familiar with Outside Lands, which is one of the world’s highest-grossing music festivals. Every August, Golden Gate Park hosts a three-day festival. It draws hundreds of thousands of attendees and dozens of top-notch bands.
The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, which ends the season with lovely folk music, and the Stern Grove Festival, which offers free outdoor concerts all summer long, are less well-known but still worthwhile visits.
Walt Disney Family Museum
Any Disney enthusiast visiting San Francisco should not miss the Walt Disney Family Museum. The museum provides plenty of insider knowledge along with interactive exhibits that highlight the personal side of the man behind the brand.
Original storyboards, vintage movie posters, Disney memorabilia, and some of Walt Walton’s personal belongings are among the items on exhibit. You will undoubtedly come away inspired. It will make you want to watch your beloved animated classic again.
Lombard Street
The location that most embodies the distinctively hilly and winding terrain of San Francisco is Lombard Street. It is also referred to as the “crookedest street in the world.” It zigzags through eight steep turns on the hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets.
Although you can walk the street and see the houses along the way if you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a fun little stretch for a leisurely drive.
Davies Symphony Hall
A performance at the Civic Center neighborhood’s Davies Symphony Hall is a visual as well as auditory feast. Attend a traditional concert or the San Francisco Symphony’s special screenings. Here, a big-screen blockbuster film is shown with a live soundtrack provided by the orchestra. Visit the symphony’s website to view the schedule.
The Weed Dispensary
Are you eager to experience something that is distinctly San Francisco? Visit one of the many dispensaries in the city. Despite your stance against marijuana use, it can still be interesting to observe this booming industry up close.
Since the state legalized cannabis for adult use in 2016, the practice has developed into a full-service way of life. Consider it like visiting a winery. To get assistance, simply ask a helpful “budtender.” Use Weedmaps to locate a place.
Ghirardelli Square
You probably have a sweet tooth if the name Ghirardelli Square sounds familiar to you. The renowned chocolate company of the same name once called the entertainment and retail complex between Fort Mason and Fisherman’s Wharf home.
Ghirardelli relocated its headquarters to the neighboring city of San Leandro in 1966. However, the Chocolate Experience, which includes a sundae station and a pick-and-mix bar, faithfully honors the site’s past. Visit its nearby eateries as well as bars for a larger bite or stop in for a taste.
Mission Murals
Take a self-guided tour of the Mission Murals to see some amazing street art for nothing. Even though there are over a thousand murals lining the streets, the best way to see them is to stroll down Caledonia, Clarion, Balmy, and Horace Alleys. Alternatively, you can just explore the neighborhood and pick your own favorite mural.
Palace Hotel
Do you wish you were a little more regal? For afternoon tea, proceed to the Palace Hotel. The hotel’s Garden Court dining room hosts a traditional ceremony every Saturday. There, stands of traditional English bites, such as finger sandwiches and scones, adorn the tables and provide a perfect pick-me-up for both locals and hungry tourists.
Wrapping Up
So, this was a list of enjoyable things to do in San Francisco over the weekend. We could probably make this guide ten times longer with all the things we could do in SF for weekend adventures. The options are as varied as the city itself. However, it is best to take things a little at a time. We hope this guide will help you choose a few things to do during your next trip to San Francisco.
For every weekend visitor, the City by the Bay guarantees an amazing experience, ranging from culinary delights and historical excursions to outdoor adventures and cultural explorations. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.
Heading down to Texas for a one-of-a-kind adventure? Get ready for amazing food, incredible people, and the time of your life! With so much to explore and experience throughout Lone Star State, planning your trip will take a bit of thought.
Where to go? What to do? How much time to allot for each activity? All these decisions can make it all overwhelming. But do not fret!
Here's our guide on planning the most amazing Texas trip ever so you can make the most of your journey. Read on to learn essential tips for creating an unforgettable getaway you'll want to take again and again!
Pick A Home Base
Texas is a big state, and with so many attractions to see and places to explore, it can be hard to fit everything into one trip. Consider picking a home base where you’ll stay for most of your stay. It will help save both time and money as you won’t have to pack up, move hotels, and pay for transportation to each destination.
Fredericksburg is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a relaxed vibe to destress while enjoying the spectacular views of Hill Country. Here you'll find plenty of restaurants and outdoor activities. There's also the Fredericksburg resort, Firefly, where you can relax in the hot tub and spa.
Fredericksburg is also close to Austin and San Antonio. So, you can explore both without having to pack up and move hotels.
Choose The Best Time Of Year
Texas is an incredibly diverse state, with temperatures ranging from the triple digits to below freezing. Depending on your interests and tolerance for heat, it’s important to map out a timeline for your Texas trip that fits your needs.
Do you want to hike in the mountains or explore the desert? Maybe you’re just looking to catch some rays at a beach on the coast. Understanding what climate you prefer will help narrow down when the best time of year to go is.
Generally, late October/November, March/April, and May/June are great times to visit Texas. During these months, you'll be able to avoid heavy rainfalls, extreme heat, and shivering cold.
Bring Your Best Communi
Texans are some of the most spirited people you’ll ever meet. If you want to experience a true Texas adventure, it helps to bring your best communication skills. You don't have to learn a new language. But understanding the culture of Texas, its colloquialisms, and its unique sense of humor can go a long way in making friends.
From the old-timers in small towns to the hipsters in big cities, you’ll make unforgettable memories if you get to know the locals and ask them for their recommendations.
Travel Strategically
Texas is big. It means you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car. Make your trip more efficient and less tiring by planning out your routes strategically. Take the Texas State Highway System or any other major roadways that will help you get from point A to point B quickly and safely.
If you’re looking for scenic routes, consider the Old Spanish Trail or the Texas Hill Country National Scenic Byway. The naturally beautiful countryside can often be overlooked on a map, so make sure you take the time to explore these areas.
If you don't have a car, don't worry. Texas is one of the few states where you can rent an RV and drive it. It is an experience like no other!
Don’t Forget To Have Fun
Of course, fun is inevitable when traveling to Texas. From some of the craziest rodeos and epic festivals, there are endless possibilities for making memories. Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest, Hill Country Film Festival, and Gillespie County Fair are all must-visit events. If you're staying for long, you can also head to Austin for the legendary SXSW music festival.
Besides music and art, Texas is also home to some amazing outdoor thrills. For adventurous spirits, horseback riding is a must-do activity. Or why not try fishing and boating on one of the many lakes and rivers? And if you want to explore the Lone Star state, take a canoe or kayak tour of one of Texas’s many rivers.
Relish The Delish Cuisine
Texas cuisine is unlike any other. From mouthwatering BBQ to rich Mexican dishes, it’s sure to make your taste buds dance. No matter where you go, Texas has something delicious to offer.
The farm-to-table movement is alive and well in Texas. Farmers' markets are an excellent way to get a real taste of the area. Local restaurants serve up some amazing dishes using fresh ingredients. Or you could go for something more rustic and try cowboy cooking over an open fire or on a campfire.
If you're in the mood for Texas BBQ, Mac's Bar-B-Q and David's Old-Fashioned BBQ will not disappoint. At Mac’s Downtown Fredericksburg location, try their signature green chili mac and cheese, while over at David’s on Main Street, West End, enjoy some of their delicious pulled pork!
There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and family-style eateries, too, so even the pickiest eaters won’t be disappointed.
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Shop Your Heart Out, But Don’t Overpack
is also great for shopping. Antique stores, boutiques, and eclectic shops line the streets in towns like Fredericksburg, Austin, and San Antonio.
Don't forget to pick up a souvenir or something that reminds you of your Texas adventure. It could be a vintage t-shirt or even some artisanal leather goods. You can also check out the local art galleries and museums for unique gifts.
Keep in mind that you’ll be on the road for a while, so keep your packing light. Opt for items with multiple uses and use your super-packing skills.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to head off on a spiritual retreat or party in the streets, Texas has something to revive your spirit. The culture, the cuisine, and the people of Texas will ensure you never forget your trip.
Just make it a point to give yourself ample time to explore, make friends and let loose. We also highly recommend visiting the wineries and vineyards of the Texas Hill Country to complete your Texas experience. Now, start planning that amazing trip to Texas with these tips!
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There is hardly anyone who does not like to travel. There are many benefits of traveling. It helps us break the mundane routine of our hectic life. It also inspires and energizes us to do things better. After all the effort and hard work that we put into our day-to-day lives, traveling is more like a reward.
However, people who love to travel and are passionate about it had a very rough time after the onset of the coronavirus in 2020. Travelers (well, everyone in general) were not allowed to explore the world or even step out of their houses unless it was an emergency. So this pandemic has been really challenging.
As the positive cases of the covid-19 virus are currently on the decline, it has been studied by the Travel and Tourism Department of the world that this sector will see a massive growth this year.
With so many different options available to choose from when it comes to travel agencies, it might get a little difficult to finally decide which one to go with. That is why I am here to help you.
In this article, I am going to guide you through every detail about Booking.com, and why or why not you should choose it. Stick till the end.
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Booking.Com: What Is It?
The company booking.com was a small startup that was founded in the year 1996 in Amsterdam. However, the organization is not a small company anymore. Currently it is one of the top leading digital travel businesses globally.
The mission of the organization regarding traveling, as they say, is to
“make it easier for everyone to experience the world.”
With that in mind, they provide everything that is needed while traveling. From the travel reservations to booking the hotels and lodges, there is literally nothing that you cannot find on the website. Some of the booking services that the company offers are:
Rental cars
Trains
Flights
Business apartments
Hotels
Restaurants
It is a very popular site that offers the services of booking accommodation, restaurants, flights, and even vehicles. This means, after you have become a registered user of the company, you will no longer have to scrounge on the internet to look for every other booking.
The site originally started as an online hotel booking and reservation site. However, with the changing times and the mind-blowing competition it faced, it went through massive transformation. From the year 2011, it has diversified the offers and services.
This transformation has helped the company a lot.
It is now one of the most popular and leading online travel agencies in the world right now. This is the reason why it also has an app now. This step has made it even easier for the customers to use the services of the company.
Making reservations on the app or through the website is also very easy. All you need to do is use the address bar on the landing page. You will also be able to customize your search results by specifying your location, budget, and other additional filters.
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Should You Or Should You Not?
Pros
The company makes sure to provide innovative, supporting, and transparent partnership.
There is a 24/7 visibility, assistance, and support from the customer service.
There are many attractive offers and discounts are available most times.
You can use the booking.com promo code to avail offers.
Saves a lot of time as you do not have to scrounge the internet.
It keeps you updated about the status of your reservations.
The cancellations are easy.
Cons
Not all the hotels are signed under the company.
The cancellation policy and the refunds depend on the service providers.
The listing can be misleading at times.
Booking.Com: Alternatives
There are many alternatives to booking.com, if that is something that you are looking for. Some of them are:
TripAdvisor
Expedia
DirectHotels
Agoda
Hotels.com
Airbnb
Some Facts About Booking.Com
Before you decide whether or not you want to choose booking.com, here are some of the most unknown facts of the company:
The headquarters of Booking.com is located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
It was founded in the year 1996.
It is a member of the Priceline travel agency group.
The services are available in 43 languages.
You can add your property and become a host in Booking.com.
Reviews: Is Booking.Com Genuine?
Yes, yes, I know that unless you get the proof, you get the proof you will not believe me. That is the reason for your search afterall. So here they are.
Some of the reviews for Booking.com are as follows:
Booking.com prices are low compared to other travel agencies websites. The hotel reviews are of visitors from all over the world traveling, taking vacation, sharing their opinions and experience. I never had a problem using Booking.com. They have a very simple process. Fast and easy reservation. They also show nice photos of activities that will occur in the area during the time of your visit. Also have available rental transportation options, to travel to the festivities, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Most hotels have breakfast. Booking.com will share the info comfortably at your fingertips. I've always left please with a smile. When you know your reservation are secured and you have extra curriculum you can enjoy planned. It makes the trip a lot more exciting. Booking.com is Awesome. Two Thumbs definitely.
J of Arlington, TX
Booking.com specifically Jhona Q. Was a lifesaver. My 18 y/o is traveling across country and I booked a hotel at Quality Inn, Middleborough MA and even though there is no age requirement on their website the front desk clerk stated my child was not welcome and all guests had to be 21. Jhona went above and beyond to help me. As a single mom it was scary and very costly but Jhona found a solution and saved the day. Thank you. I wish all customer service representatives were as wonderful as Jhona.
Pam of Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Is Booking.Com Trustworthy? Booking.com is completely a trustworthy company that helps the customers choose the services they want to avail of. You can book hotel rooms, rental cars, flights, and even restaurants on the website. Q2. What Is Booking.Com Customer Service? If you are looking for the company's customer service number, it is 000 800 001 6075. This customer helpline number of Booking.com is available all the time, 24*7. Q3. Is Booking.Com Refundable? According to the company, whether or not the Booking of your stay is refundable completely depends on your Service Provider. The company states that if the provider needs the payment to be made upfront, it might be non-refundable.
And That's A Wrap!
If you are looking for a site or an app that will provide you with all the things you need while traveling, starting from hotel reservations to flight tickets, Booking.com is the place for you.
This travel agency company started online in 1996 as a small startup in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. However, currently, it is one of the best and leading travel agency companies in the world. The Booking.com phone number or customer care service number is also available on their site as well as on the app.This means that they will provide you with 24*7 customer service. It is more like an integrated system that lets the customer use the services that they want to avail.
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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.
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