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Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
3 Epic Summer Road Trips To Ignite Your Canadian Wanderlust
The aptly named Sea To Sky Highway snakes it's way along the shores of Howe Sound past Lions Bay in British Columbia, Canada. Photographed as a long exposure to capture a one mile long light trail. getty Celebrate Canada all summer long with these scenic summer road trips across the great white north. These three nature themed destinations will take you through charming small towns, rugged beauty, stunning landscapes, wildlife, rivers, oceans, epic views, and unique natural wonders. Canada, the second largest country in the world by total area, covers more than 3.85 million square miles, which is over half of the Northern Hemisphere. With more lakes than any other nation and proudly boasting the longest coastline in the world, there is always a new place to explore and discover. If you're not already in love with Canada, these eco-tourism road trips—designed for mindful, sustainable travel—might just change that. Forbes Paradise Awaits At Hilton Cancun, A Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort With Ocean Views, Infinity Pools And Outstanding Food By Miriam Porter A peaceful rural road winds its way through the lush, expansive countryside of New Brunswick, offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. New Brunswick, Canada – June 6, 2008. getty New Brunswick, located in Eastern Canada, is a stunning Maritime province bordering the United States. New Brunswick is Canada's only official bilingual province so get ready to practice your French, should you so desire. It's also home to the warmest salt water in the country, the world's highest tides, soft sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, rivers, forests, lighthouses, and the breathtaking Bay of Fundy. The Hopewell Rocks, also called the Flowerpots Rocks are sea stacks caused by tidal erosion in the Bay of Fundy. The formations consist of red-brown sedimentary conglomerate, sandstone, and mud stone rock from the Carboniferous Hopewell Cape Formation. getty One of my favorite things about New Brunswick is Hopewell Rocks where my son and I experienced Bay of Fundy tides during our nature themed road trip. Forbes You Can Walk Along The Ocean Floor In New Brunswick By Miriam Porter We started our journey in Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, and headed out bright and early for a scenic drive along the coast. During the two-hour road trip via Trans-Canada Highway 2 heading towards Fundy National Park, we passed small towns and gorgeous landscapes. The park, located along the southeast coast of the Bay of Fundy, has camping options, over 30 trails to explore, the magnificent Acadian forest, waterfalls, freshwater lakes, and the famous tides where you can walk along the ocean floor. The high tides happen twice a day, every day, when 100 billion tons of water flows into the bay. To discover another portion of the ocean floor and learn about the famous sandstone formations, head to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, about a 30 minute drive in Upper Bay of Fundy. Setting sun lights up the tidal pools and seastacks at Burntcoat Head in Nova Scotia at low tide. This are is know for the highest tides in the world. getty I suggest experiencing both high tide and low tide to truly take in this natural wonder. The water is always moving and depending on the moon phases the tides can travel from six to eight vertical feet per hour. Keep a look out for the famous Sea Stacks—commonly known as flowerpots—that come in all shapes and sizes with names such as Elephant, Bear, Dinosaur, and ET! Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, New Brunswick. getty Forbes Plunge Into These 3 Refreshing Cenotes On Your Next Mexican Adventure By Miriam Porter Sea-to-Sky Highway - British Columbia Aerial view of the Sea to Sky Highway in Howe Sound, North of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. getty The Sea-to-Sky Highway route is a stunning road trip from Vancouver to Pemberton, a bit north of Whistler and is a multiple day journey. If you have the opportunity to visit Vancouver for a few days I suggest renting a bike to cycle along the famous seawall, walk through Stanley Park, shop and eat along vibrant and trending Robson Street, and explore Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain, both located in North Vancouver. From there you can drive towards the Sea-to-Sky Highway (often referred to as Highway 99) in about 20 minutes. Without stops the total time drive time for the route is about two hours, but unless you are in a rush, don't do this. Instead, take time to appreciate the unbelievable views of the sea and sky (hence the name). Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a popular tourist attraction where tourists walk over river and through rainforest canopy, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (October 2021) getty This one to three day route suggests stopping at Horseshoe Bay to chill and watch the ferries sailing into port. From there it's suggested to check out Porteau Cove Park, home to hundreds of marine species. Beach lovers should check out Britannia Beach and then continue to drive north towards Sea to Sky Gondola. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Mar 25, 2024. Several Sea to Sky Gondola cabins during spring. getty Forbes 5 Must-See Attractions In Kingston, Ontario For A Family-Friendly Summer Getaway By Miriam Porter The end of your road trip journey could end in Whistler unless you want to continue exploring British Columbia. If you spend time in Whistler you will understand why it's continuously ranked as one of the top four-season resort towns in North America. Or if you didn't catch all the sites along the route the first time (such as Squamish and Brackendale) consider visiting them on your road trip back to Vancouver. View from mountain top at Sea to summit trail in summer. getty The Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia World Famous Cabot Trail on Route 30 in Petit Étang, Nova Scotia, Canada getty The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is known as one of the best road trips in Canada and a totally stunning drive. The Cabot Trail, appropriately named after Italian explorer John Cabot, has several options of where you can begin your journey, from mainland Nova Scotia or somewhere on Cape Breton Island. If you start your adventure in Halifax, the energetic capital city of Nova Scotia located on the eastern coast of the country, you will take the Trans-Canada highway towards the trail. Halifax is a fun city to spend a few days and is a walkable and vibrant destination with beaches, beautiful gardens, a pretty waterfront, museums, a fun music and arts scene, and Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Canada getty The picturesque Cabot Trail loops around the north of Cape Breton Island and there's so much to see along the way so I suggest spending at least a few days exploring the highlands and coast. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a beautiful location to chase waterfalls, hike, camp, and admire epic views along the rugged coastline. Whale watching off coast of Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia. getty You might spot whales near Pleasant Bay and pilot whales in particular are more common along the shore in summer. Be on the lookout for harbour and grey seals along the east coast. If you are lucky enough to see moose, bears, or coyotes, remember to be respectful, watch from a safe distance, and never feed wild animals. The mighty trail is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, and it's incredible to see them both on the same road trip. A bright moon rises over Bra d'Or Lake with Kidston Island Lighthouse in the foreground. Cabot Trail, Baddeck, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada getty More From Forbes Forbes Paradise Awaits At Hilton Cancun, A Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort With Ocean Views, Infinity Pools And Outstanding Food By Miriam Porter Forbes 3 Gorgeous Provincial Parks In Ontario Perfect For A Road Trip By Miriam Porter Forbes 3 Charming Canadian Towns With European Vibes For Your Next Vacation By Miriam Porter
New York Times
18-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
From ‘America's Most Scenic Ballpark' to the majors, a baseball long shot admires the view
SAN DIEGO — Otto Kemp stood about 350 feet from home plate, and he surveyed it all. There was Sergio Sanchez, the faithful groundskeeper who wanted a photo with the kid from tiny Point Loma Nazarene University when he returned as a big leaguer. In the distance, Kemp could see the buildings where he took business classes, which were supposed to shape his career in finance. He could see the trailer that doubles as the baseball coach's office, where Kemp received a phone call from the Philadelphia Phillies with a $25,000 offer. Advertisement Then, he turned around. He peered through one of the two small sections of the outfield fence that are still chain-link at Carroll B. Land Stadium, which boasts on its scoreboard: 'America's Most Scenic Ballpark.' There is an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean below. 'This is it,' Kemp said last week. 'This is the spot.' He pointed to the building at the bottom of the cliff where Lily, now his wife, lived. She wanted to surf; her parents insisted she have a higher education, so she came to Point Loma. Kemp had no scholarship offers, not even from a Division II school, so he walked on here in 2019. Both of them expected to leave after a year. There were fewer than 3,000 undergraduates at this Christian liberal-arts university; they met as freshmen. They started dating the next fall. 'Anywhere you go on this campus has a view of the ocean,' Kemp said, 'which is just crazy to me.' 'The sunsets,' Lily said. They had everything. They wanted to stay, even if there were better opportunities elsewhere. This was it. 'It's beautiful,' Kemp said. 'It really doesn't get old. Like, how could you ever get tired of this view?' Dozens of summer campers played catch on the grass. None of them recognized Kemp, who starred at Point Loma and went undrafted in 2022, only to make the majors this year. He preferred it. Lily remembered when Kemp told her he was a baseball player. She didn't think it would be a huge thing. 'That's dope,' she had said to him. Kemp had just undergone surgery to fix a blood clot in his shoulder. They had no idea what this paradise would do to them. They had no idea how, in less than three years, the view would be greater than any imagination. And, still, it doesn't compare. There have been 1,313 players who've appeared in a Major League Baseball game this season, and Kemp is likely the only hitter to have done it as a former undrafted walk-on at a Division II school. The sport often celebrates the journey, and the Phillies have gravitated to Kemp's self-made story. He's been useful, playing in 27 major-league games. The odds were not in his favor. He kept making people notice him in pro ball; that was never a challenge in college, on the quaint Point Loma campus. Advertisement It's why he and his wife returned last week before a horde of Point Loma people flocked to Petco Park, seven miles away, to see Kemp play in a big-league game. 'This place is special,' said Kemp, 25. 'It seems fake,' said Justin James, the Point Loma head coach. 'Everyone is too nice.' James played at PLNU. He, like Kemp, met his wife there. He came back to coach. The Sea Lions have played in two DII World Series in the past four years. They were the national runner-up in 2022, Kemp's junior season, when he reached base in all 61 games. The trophy sits above James' computer in his office. A straw hat covers his printer. 'Otto changes this place,' James said. It all came rushing back as they wandered the campus. The two ACL surgeries on his left knee. The blood clot. A labrum injury in his throwing shoulder. The sprained ankle that allowed him to obtain a medical redshirt by one game. The time he played through a fractured hamate bone in his left hand and homered. 'I remember we did so much running on the field at sunrise,' Kemp said. 'There were some good mornings out there.' A voice called out. 'Excuse me, Mr. Kemp,' a student said. 'I'm a huge fan.' Kemp dapped him. His name was Noah, a junior at Point Loma. 'I was born in Philadelphia,' he said. 'I saw you from the caf. I was like, 'I think that's him.'' 'Nice to meet you,' Kemp said. 'You're killing it this year, man,' Noah said. He asked for a selfie. Noah said he'd go to all three Phillies-Padres games. He apologized for bothering them. They shook hands. 'You're getting all the fan stuff, aren't you?' said another man, who had watched from afar. Kemp laughed. 'I don't know if you know who I am,' the man said. Kerry Fulcher, the university's president, introduced himself. 'You got a lot of people excited here,' Fulcher said. 'It's fun. I mean, I check my app every day. 'How'd Otto do? How'd Otto do?'' Advertisement They bonded over their shared Point Loma connections. Kemp's cousin works at the school. There was a professor in the psychology department whom Lily liked. Was he still there? 'I'm going to go backpacking with him in two weeks,' Fulcher said. They laughed about how Kemp put Point Loma on the map in the social-media age. Fulcher wished the Kemps well. He turned toward a building's entrance, then stopped. One of his assistants would be upset if the school's president didn't pose for a photo with Point Loma's big leaguer. 'Congratulations,' Fulcher said. 'It's just been fun to live vicariously through you.' Lily quit her job right around the time she married Kemp last November. They had done long-distance for two and a half years. 'Which was a grind,' Kemp said. Lily was an event coordinator for a cancer research facility in California. But she felt a pull; Kemp had a decent idea that he'd be at Triple A. One step from the dream. 'I loved what I did,' Lily said. 'But there was always that little thing inside me that knew that if this played out, I would have to quit. Because there was just no way I wasn't going to go.' So she drove Beau, their 75-pound golden retriever, to Florida for spring training. She followed her husband to International League road trips in April and May. On Sundays, everyone has to check out of the hotel, so Lily found the closest park and took Beau. She played the Triple-A radio broadcast from her phone — be it Rochester or Syracuse — and she dreamed too. She followed Kemp to Pittsburgh when the Phillies promoted him in June. Beau came too. They never talked about the majors at Point Loma. It was too far-fetched. Sometimes, Kemp said things about pro ball. He thought he'd be drafted. Point Loma had pitchers drafted in 1980 and 2004; both made the majors. It wasn't impossible. Advertisement 'He had so many setbacks, but I never remember him being sad,' James said. 'I never had to pick him up or do any of that. Once he was hurt, he was like, 'What can I do to help?' And now seeing him play, after doing all that stuff, I think it means even more. You know what I mean? It's someone who truly deserves it. Pretty rad.' James supplies all of his players with a small black journal every season. They have to write in it weekly. 'Whatever is tugging on their heart,' James said. They gathered as a team for mental meetings on Saturday mornings. Usually, they did it at Chick-fil-A. 'I don't think he's going to realize this until years down the road,' James said. 'Like, 'Whoa, this was so sick.'' They all stepped outside James' trailer office. It was in the mid-70s. The dirt parking lot a few hundred feet below the stadium was filling up. 'The surf,' James said, 'is killer today.' For a few hours, Kemp wasn't a big leaguer. He was back at the spot with the woman who was willing to dream with him. 'It's cool to see how, like, what we both came here for and how it ended and where we're at,' Kemp said. 'I keep saying it's a full-circle moment because it really is. Just to see how everything has shaped up, it's very telling of this place. There's a lot of history here.' 'It's crazy,' Lily said. 'We had a lot of dates around this campus,' Kemp said. 'Which, like, it's just stupid. The views here.' It was almost like they were seeing it all for the first time. (Top photo of Otto and Lily Kemp at Carroll B. Land Stadium: Matt Gelb / The Athletic)
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Daily Mail
World's most Instagrammed road trips - two of the top five are close to home...
Road tripping is one of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful parts of the world at your own pace and freedom. Whether it's driving your own vehicle or renting an iconic car in the country you're visiting, a road trip offers the flexibility and control to see as much of stunning locations as you can. They often represent good value for money, especially when you're going off the beaten track to find unearthed beauty spots, quiet areas not overrun by tourists, and sights you simply wouldn't experience on a guided tour. But which roads trips are the most picturesque of all? A study by used car retailer Cinch looked at the 40 most iconic driving routes spanning six continents, then rattled the order down to the top five that have accumulated the highest volume of photos posted on Instagram - with the most snapped of all clocking a massive 2.4 million hashtag mentions. And while three of the standout picturesque road trips are a long-haul flight away on the other side of the globe, two are much closer to home - and the reality is you could jump in your car this weekend and enjoy their breathtaking views. 5. North Coast 500, Scotland Instagram hashtag mentions: 695k At number five is one of the road trips that's right on the doorstep of millions of Britons. It's called the North Coast 500, which begins in Inverness and flows along the North Highlands' stunning coastal edges, offering glistening beach views, a selection of castles, monumental Munros and hundreds of scenic stops via the best undulating roads Scotland has to offer. At 516 miles long - hence the name - it will take between five and seven days to complete if you're really soaking up the scenery and stopping regularly. Though it can easily be completed in a weekend, if you're willing to take in the scenery while on the move. The NC500 typically takes between 5-7 days to complete if you're planning to soak up the scenery and stopping regularly. Though it can easily be completed in a weekend, if you're willing to take in the scenery (like Dunnet Head Lighthouse, pictured) on the move... At the time the study was conducted, the route had amassed almost 695,000 Instagram hashtag mentions, with #nc500 accounting for over 519k and #northcoast500 referenced over 175k times. Securing a 4.7 rating on TripAdvisor, the North Coast 500 is one that fails to disappoint road trippers – especially for animal lovers on the lookout for otters, deer, seals and marine birds. 4. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA Instagram hashtag mentions: 722k The Blue Ridge Parkway secures fourth place with 722,047 Instagram hashtag mentions, with the majority from #blueridgeparkway. This 469-mile scenic route connects Virginia and North Carolina, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the full journey takes approximately 10 hours of driving time, visitors typically allocate between three and five days to fully explore the parkway's scenic views and natural wonders. And the leisurely 45mph speed limit (with some stretches at lower speeds of 25 or 35mph) encourages travellers to take in the mountain vistas slowly and carefully. Clocking up 6,998 reviews on TripAdvisor and a rating of 4.8 stars, the Blue Ridge Parkway has earned plenty of praise from road trippers for its adventure through nature – away from the busy highways – that changes with every season. 3. Great Ocean Road, Australia Instagram hashtag mentions: 1.6 million Length: 150 miles Duration: 2-4 days With over 1.6 million hashtag posts - #greatoceanroad accounting for 1.5 million and #greatoceanroadtrip over 113k - Australia's Great Ocean Road is a worthy entrant in our list of most picturesque road trips. This 150-mile route spans from Torquay to Allansford is one of the shorter journeys on the list. But visitors recommend taking between two and four days to soak in everything it has to offer. The road trip delivers dramatic cliff-edge views, pristine sun-soaked beaches, lush rainforests and the iconic Twelve Apostles - a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. Travellers who have taken it in recommend driving from east to west to stay on the same side of the road as the ocean. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8, the Great Ocean Road lives up to its name. 2. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland Instagram hashtag mentions: 1.9 million Length: 1,600 miles Duration: 7-10 days Another of the world's most amazing - and most snapped - road trips is the second on our list that's extremely close to home. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way secures second place in this list with over 1.9 million Instagram hashtag mentions, mostly driven by the #wildatlanticway hashtag alongside breathtaking coastal imagery. This amazing 1,600-mile stretch takes holidaymakers from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, claiming the title of the world's longest defined coastal route. Those who can secure long holidays or those who are enjoying retirement can extend the trip to weeks to enjoy everything this road trip has to offer. Though, it can be done in just days, if you're willing to miss out on some of the attractions Ireland's most picture-perfect route offers. With a 4.8-star TripAdvisor rating, this route continues to blow visitors away. Many said they were surprised by how pristine the beaches are - while the emerald green rolling hills are never ending in parts. 1. Route 66, USA Instagram hashtag mentions: 2.4 million It might sound like a cliché but Route 66 is by far the world's most Instagrammed road trip, amassing a whopping 2.4 million posts by visitors who have driven it in full - or just parts. The latter is understandable, given the entirety of Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles long and takes at least two to three weeks to complete start to finish. For the true experience, it's best completed in an American muscle car, like a convertible Ford Mustang. Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles long and takes at least two to three weeks to complete start to finish. Of course, it's best enjoyed in a convertible American muscle car, like a Ford Mustang The legendary 2,448-mile highway connects Chicago to Los Angeles, cutting right through America's heartland. Route 66 attracts adventurers seeking authentic American experiences, from major cities to ghost towns and everything in between. Landmarks en route include the Grand Canyon to art installations like the Cadillac Ranch. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5, Route 66 doesn't score quite as well as others in this list. However, with the most posts on the social media platform, it's number one here. I've driven Route 66: Here's a top tip Sam Sheehan, editor at Cinch says driving Route 66 is 'an experience that'll stay with me forever'. He explained: 'The contrasting landscapes from urban Chicago to the desert approaching Los Angeles, combined with the incredible diners along the way, make it an unforgettable journey for so many reasons. Every mile tells a story.' But Sam has one major tip to anyone considering embarking on the extensive drive in a vintage American muscle car. 'You might have your heart set on driving a classic Corvette but it's still worth thinking about the practicalities' he warns. 'Not to rain on anyone's parade but factoring in things like hire car prices, fuel economy and comfort will help you make the most of your journey, both financially and physically. 'Most of us have budgets and not everyone would want to spend eight hours a day in a hard-riding sports car.' And while a convertible American favourite might seem the ideal motor for an iconic wind-in-the-hair driving experience, when temperatures soar you will want some escape from the blistering heat. With many classics not having air conditioning, it's worth considering something a little more modern for the journey.
ABC News
18-06-2025
- ABC News
Roads Unknown: India
Roads Unknown: India follows Australian adventure rider Jess Zahra, as she embarks on an unforgettable 5,000km motorbike journey across India, experiencing the country's scenic landscapes and cultural richness. Saturdays. Posted 27m ago 27 minutes ago Wed 18 Jun 2025 at 2:00am
South China Morning Post
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- South China Morning Post
Better Living: Latest News and Updates
Discovering the natural and historic charm of Hong Kong's Repulse Bay Away from the city's hustle and bustle, and yet easily reachable, the scenic Repulse Bay area is a blend of luxury high-rises and lush surrounds
