The long, warm summer days may be gone, but the good news is so are the crowds from America’s most popular coastal towns. And you don’t have to let the cooler weather stop you from soaking up the fantastic food, interesting architecture, nature activities, and cultural events that these scenic destinations have to offer. Discover a new way to fall in love with these six U.S. beach towns in the off-season. 

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic — located on the east end of Connecticut’s coast — is a quintessentially charming New England town rich in maritime history. Founded in 1654, the city was a hub of shipbuilding in the era of clipper ships. The Mystic Seaport complex, the largest maritime museum in the country, includes a collection of historic clipper ships and sailboats across dozens of preserved period buildings. Beyond boats, the complex offers stunning Mystic River views, charming gardens, a working shipyard, and a living history coastal village that will transport you back to the 19th century.  

All that said, Mystic may still be best known for Mystic Pizza, the iconic 1980s film starring Julia Roberts. Well, movie fans will be happy to know that Mystic Pizza is a real, memorabilia-filled pizzeria — and a delicious one at that. While downtown, you’ll have plenty more charming eateries and shops to choose from. And don’t miss the fantastic views of the century-old Mystic River Bascule Bridge, which swings upward each hour for boat traffic below.

Asbury Park, New Jersey

Asbury Park, on the Jersey Shore, is famous for launching the career of Bruce Springsteen, and maintains a thriving music scene with iconic venues such as the Stone Pony and Asbury Lanes. Bruce is still known to stop by for impromptu performances, but the city also hosts everything from legacy musicians to upstart punk bands, as well as Sea Hear Now, an annual music and surf-culture festival at the end of September. Events continue throughout winter and early spring, culminating in April with the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival and RunAPalooza, which includes multiple running and relay events for athletes from all over the country.

Beyond Asbury Park’s stages, the city has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in recent years, with new boutique hotels, quirky shops and galleries, and an impressive array of restaurants that offer old-school Italian options, Korean tacos, and, of course, terrific seafood. Asbury Park’s boardwalk is also a must-see. You’ll find the usual soft serve, taffy, and souvenir tee shirts, as well as historic architecture, palm reading, fusion food, and the Silverball Museum Arcade, a time capsule of vintage arcade games.

Seaside, Florida

Seaside, located on Florida’s panhandle on the Gulf Coast, served as the picture-perfect backdrop in the film The Truman Show, starring Jim Carrey. The town’s charm is no accident: Seaside is a planned community that prioritizes pedestrian travel and a neighborly feeling, thanks to narrower streets, front porches, and spaces to gather. Plus, winter in Seaside is mild, ideal for exploring the town’s sandy alleys, native plantings, open spaces, and — of course — white sand beaches.

Seaside is centered around a town plaza, and its buildings primarily feature southern-coastal architecture in soft, pastel colors. The architecturally significant beach pavilions and Seaside Chapel are worth visiting, as is Airstream Row, a collection of independent food vendors in iconic Airstream trailers.

The artsy town also is home to a delightful collection of boutique shops, galleries, and eateries famous for Florida seafood, Southern staples, and over-the-top pastries. A weekly farmer’s market, an amphitheater, and a repertory theater group offer ongoing events. Plus, the off-season is peppered with marathons, wine festivals, and the Annual 30A Songwriters Festival in January — when the town hosts dozens of musicians to fundraise for a local non-profit art organization.

Sea Ranch, California

Sea Ranch, a small Pacific coast city at the north end of California’s Sonoma County, is another planned community. Founded in the 1960s as an eco-utopia resort on former grazing land for sheep, Sea Ranch is known for unfussy homes that blend into the area’s breathtakingly rugged coastline.

While Sea Ranch is popular year-round, there’s something special about visiting post-summer. Sonoma’s famous wineries harvest their grapes in early fall, so it’s a great time for area tastings and festivals. And as autumn progresses, the vines turn maroon and orange, echoing the area’s aspen trees and creating some incredible photo opportunities.

Of course, superb food and wine abounds in and around Sea Ranch, but the main draw of this 10-mile strip is nature. Six public trails meander along the cliffs and hillsides, occasionally surprising dedicated hikers with incredible views of the ocean. Some trails offer access to untouched inlets and beaches ideal for seashell collecting, birding, and whale watching. Humpback whale migration occurs in November and December, as the giant mammals travel south, and again in March and April, which coincides with the area’s spring wildflower bloom.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

The town of Nantucket, on the island of the same name, is about 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts’ Cape Cod. The island’s population swells from 11,000 to over 50,000 people during the summer. And for good reason, since the former fishing village is endlessly charming, with gorgeous sand dunes as a backdrop for its cedar-shingled homes and cobblestoned streets.

But there’s a lot to love about off-season Nantucket, as well. The whaling museum is a must-visit for maritime history buffs, and fishing and lobstering excursions and scenic boat tours are available well past Labor Day. Come fall, you can enjoy the rare combination of beautiful beaches and stunning fall foliage. In October, a cranberry festival celebrates the island’s famous harvest. November brings peak leaf-peeping season and the Thanksgiving morning Cold Turkey Plunge, when swimmers gather to take an icy dip in the ocean.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach, on the Oregon coast northwest of Portland, often sees dramatic weather in the fall and winter — but that’s part of what makes it so alluring. Visitors can expect surreal sunrises and sunsets, roaring ocean waves, sunshowers breaking to reveal spectacular rainbows, and otherworldly mists hugging the shoreline.

Beyond the storms, Cannon Beach is a well-known destination for the arts, home to numerous art galleries and abundant live music. All that art culminates each November with the Stormy Weather Arts Festival, when visitors can enjoy live musical performances and wander among several galleries admiring art.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss the top-notch wildlife sightings here, including resident bald eagles, a local herd of elk that often ends up grazing in area parks or on beaches, or the incredible migration of up to 20,000 gray whales passing through the area each December and January. And, for a holiday escape, Cannon Beach goes all-out with a special lamp-lighting ceremony, winter concerts, charming winter decorations, and plenty of independent shops to search for gifts.

Sea cliffs are steep, often vertical faces of rock and soil that rise above coastlines. They are created by geological actions such as sea erosion — when waves relentlessly crash against the shore, the base of a cliff erodes progressively until a distinct sheer face appears. Weathering forces the process to repeat itself, thus causing the sea cliff to retreat over time. Dramatic to look at and a photographer’s dream, sea cliffs also provide natural habitats to hundreds of species of flora and fauna around the world. Below, explore six of the tallest sea cliffs on the planet.

6. Slieve League – Ireland (1,972 Feet)

Slieve League (also known as Sliabh Lag) is home to some of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe, soaring nearly 2,000 feet over Ireland’s northwest Atlantic coastline in County Donegal. Visitors can drive almost all the way to the main lookout over the cliffs, Bunglas Viewpoint, and take in stunning views of Donegal Bay, Rathlin O’Birne Island, and the so-called “Giant’s Chair and Desk” — which, according to folklore, belonged to the giant Finn McCool. 

Hikers can also explore routes such as One Man’s Path and Pilgrim’s Path. They cross land once traversed by Christian pilgrims, who consider the cliffs to be sacred. Be sure to stop by the Slieve League Cliffs Centre to learn about local history and legends or arrange a guided tour of the area.

5. Croaghaun – Ireland (2,257 Feet)

Just a few hundred feet taller than Slieve League, Croaghaun boasts the tallest sea cliffs in Ireland. They occupy the northern side of Croaghaun Mountain, which towers over the western edge of the remote and windswept Achill Island. The vertical rock faces stretch for around 11 miles along the island’s Atlantic coastline. 

Part of the mysticism that surrounds Croaghaun is that the cliffs are only accessible by foot or boat. A hike to the top takes between two and five hours, depending on the route and individual fitness levels. Keem Beach marks the start of the shortest (yet still challenging) trail. The reward for reaching the summit are views of the nearby Benmore cliffs, Achill Head promontory, far-reaching deep blue seas. Many include a stop here while journeying on the Wild Atlantic Way, a popular 1,600-mile coastal tourism trail.

4. Qingshui Cliff – Taiwan (2,408 Feet)

Qingshui Cliff is a layered rock formation consisting of marble and gneiss, a high-grade metamorphic rock. It’s the tallest of a 13-mile-long stretch of sea cliffs that hug Taiwan’s Pacific shores within Taroko National Park. In 1953, the breathtaking cliffs were designated as one of Taiwan’s “Eight Wonders.” 

One of the best ways to appreciate this area is to drive along Suao-Hualien Highway, which features vegetation-clad cliffs on one side and a sheer drop into the Pacific Ocean on the other. Scenic lookouts provide the chance to stop and appreciate the enormity of the cliffs, which reach nearly 2,500 feet above the sea. Another option is to walk the short Chongde Trail to more observation points and spot the lithophyte plants that grow in the cracks and crevices along the way.  

3. Cape Enniberg – Faroe Islands (2,474 Feet)

For intrepid explorers, a hike to the summit of Cape Enniberg is at the top of the list of adventures in the remote and rugged Faroe Islands, a territory of Denmark. Carved over centuries by the wind and rain, this enormous volcanic sea wall marks the northernmost tip of both Viðoy Island and the Faroes archipelago. 

A full-day journey to the cliffs starts with a hike up 2,759-foot Mount Villingadalsfjall, the islands’ third-tallest peak, before continuing to the edge of Cape Enniberg. The soaring heights and surrounding icy waters will make you feel as if you’re at the edge of the world. Those who prefer a more laid-back visit can experience the cliff and island on a boat tour departing from Klaksvik, on the neighboring island of Borðoy. 

2. Hornelen – Norway (2,821 Feet)

Looming over the vast fjords and islands of Norway’s southwestern coastline, Hornelen is the tallest sea cliff in Europe. Historically utilized as a navigational point for passing ships, the imposing landmark is also associated with Norwegian folklore, which says that witches gather here for the summer solstice and to rest when traveling to nearby Bloksberg mountain. Another legend states that King Olav Tryggvason once scaled the entire rock face unaided. 

Traditionally, the route to the summit was via a demanding hike across moorland and rocky terrain. However, the new Hornelen Via Ferrata, which opened in 2023, now offers guided tours climb to varying heights of the cliff. Whichever adventure you choose, you’ll get wondrous views of Norway’s emblematic fjordland.

1. Kalaupapa Cliffs – Hawaii (3,900 Feet)

According to the Guinness World Records, the world’s highest sea cliffs are found on the northern coastline of Hawaii’s Molokai island. The Kalaupapa Cliffs form part of the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, an area of jaw-dropping scenery that includes everything from volcanic craters and crater lakes to lush valleys and rain forests. The cliffs themselves appeared between 1 to 1.5 million years ago, when a northern portion of the island gave way and fell into the sea. 

Once reachable via mule rides, sections of the cliffs today are accessible on self-guided tours. Visitor numbers are controlled to protect the park residents, who are the descendants  of a Hansen’s disease colony banished to the Kalaupapa Peninsula by King Kamehameha V. Less than 10 miles to the east are the Haloku Sea Cliffs, the site of some of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S.

You may know that the U.S. is home to 63 national parks, but what country has the most national parks? The answer lies Down Under, in Australia, and the number of parks there may surprise you. But no matter what part of the world you travel to, protected lands allow visitors to experience a country’s natural beauty, wildlife, and biodiversity in one fell swoop. When it comes to conservation efforts, the following countries surpass all others, with some of the best national parks in the world.

16. Finland

Number of parks: 41

Venture to the “Land of the Midnight Sun” and you’ll have 41 national parks at your disposal — not to mention 24 hours of sunlight if you visit in the height of summer. An hour’s drive from Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park, one of Finland’s most popular parks, offers hiking trails, lakes, and camping sites. Further north in sparsely populated Lapland, the country’s largest and northernmost region, you’ll find a bevy of national parks known for their arctic wilderness. 

Also consider visiting Pyhä-Luosto National Park (home to gorges and an amethyst mine), Urho Kekkonen National Park (be on the lookout for reindeer herds), Oulanka National Park (which contains the 50-mile-long Bear’s Trail), and Riisitunturi National Park (land of Scandinavia’s famous “frozen trees”).

15. Venezuela

Number of parks: 43

Home to rainforests, savannas, caves, and tepuis (flat-topped mountains), Venezuela boasts incredible biodiversity across its 43 national parks. The country’s most famous national park, Canaima National Park, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the legendary Angel Falls — the world’s tallest waterfall — and the 115 tepuis found throughout the park. 

Established in 1937, Venezuela’s oldest national park is Henri Pittier National Park, which has 500 bird species and cloud forests at high elevations. To see the largest population of the rare nocturnal oilbird, head to Cueva del Guácharo National Park, an elaborate cave system that stretches for 6 miles underground.

14. Chile

Number of parks: 46

Like many countries on this list, Chile is a treasure trove for adventure seekers, and each of Chile’s 46 national parks — covering roughly 20% of the country’s area — is different from the next. The most well-known park is Torres del Paine in the Patagonia region in southern Chile. The park’s striking turquoise lakes, granite spires, and glaciers make it a popular spot among trekkers from around the world. 

Located 2,200 miles off the Pacific coast of Chile, Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island is famous for the mysterious Moai statues. In the Atacama Desert, travelers will find the unusual combination of penguins and cacti within Pan de Azúcar National Park’s unique ecosystem.

11. Canada (tie)

Number of parks: 48

The Great White North has 37 national parks and 11 national park preserves that extend from coast to coast. In Canada’s Maritimes region, Fundy National Park boasts the highest tides in the world, while the grassy dunes and red sand beaches at Prince Edward Island National Park are straight out of Anne of Green Gables. (Indeed, P.E.I. was the setting for the classic novel.) 

On the west coast, Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has a rainforested coastline known for its frequent whale sightings. To the north, Auyuittuq National Park is home to glaciers and polar bears, while world-famous favorites like Banff National Park (the country’s first national park, established in 1885) and Jasper National Park provide unforgettable experiences in the Canadian Rockies.

11. Norway (tie)

Number of parks: 48

From fjords to glaciers, Arctic tundra, and snowy peaks, Norway’s network of national parks showcases a jaw-dropping array of natural landscapes. Of Norway’s 48 national parks, 41 are on the mainland and seven are located in the Svalbard archipelago, a small group of remote islands above the Arctic Circle. 

Some of the country’s best wildlife spotting can be found in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, where wild musk oxen range alongside reindeer and arctic foxes. Meanwhile, Lofotodden National Park provides a mixture of dramatic seascapes and mountain vistas in the Lofoten Islands, and the country’s highest mountains, Galdhøpiggen (8,100 feet) and Glittertind (8,045 feet), are in Jotunheimen National Park.

11. Turkey (tie)

Number of parks: 48

With 48 national parks to choose from, Turkey has almost everything an outdoorsy traveler could want. On Turkey’s western coast, the Dilek Peninsula is home to white-sand beaches and pine forests, providing access to hiking trails with views of the nearby Greek Islands.

For a taste of the mountains, Aladağlar Milli Parkı contains four climbable peaks, lush valleys, and an abundance of waterfalls and glacial lakes. Köprülü Kanyon Milli Parkı also draws adventure seekers, with opportunities to white-water raft, rock climb, and traverse the historic St. Paul Trail, a 300-mile route that follows the route St. Paul the Apostle took on his first missionary journey to Anatolia.

10. Indonesia

Number of parks: 57

The archipelagic nation of Indonesia is home to an estimated 18,100 islands and islets. With so many islands to explore, Indonesia’s national parks help to narrow down the options. Adventure seekers should head to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, a volcanic region with mountain summits, horseback riding, and an exotic “sand sea.”

To spot the world’s largest reptile in its natural habitat, Komodo National Park — established in 1980 in Indonesia’s first group of national parks — is composed of three different islands, all with numerous hiking paths to search for the park’s eponymous Komodo dragon.

9. Colombia

Number of parks: 59

Thanks to decades of conservation efforts, Colombia now has 59 national parks and protected areas, adding up to 77,220 square miles. The country’s diverse landscape — from the Andes mountains to tropical rainforests and the Caribbean coastline — means that no two parks are the same.

Situated on the coast, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is a slice of paradise, with sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. Further inland, Los Nevados National Park provides a more rugged experience in Colombia’s coffee-growing region. Home to natural hot springs, an active volcano, and a hummingbird sanctuary, this high-altitude region provides no shortage of outdoor activities.

8. United States

Number of parks: 63

America’s National Park System is vast, with a total of 423 national park sites — a distinction that includes historic sites, monuments, seashores, and recreation areas. Of these sites, only 63 are designated national parks. (Several of these, such as Gates of the Arctic and Denali, are jointly classified as national parks and preserves.)

With world-renowned heavy hitters like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone (established as the world’s first national park in 1872) on the table, it can be easy to overlook some of the smaller or lesser-known parks in the U.S. But places like North Cascades National Park, Isle Royale National Park, and Lassen Volcanic National Park, are also well-worth the visit, with stunning vistas, unique experiences, and fewer crowds. 

7. Russia

Number of parks: 64

As to be expected for the world’s largest country by area, Russia’s national park system is extensive. Situated in the remote Kamchatka Peninsula, Nalychevo Nature Park contains mineral springs, snow-capped mountains, and wild rivers, making it a coveted destination for anglers. The aptly named Land of the Leopard National Park is home to an estimated 80 Amur leopards, one of the rarest big cat species on Earth. South of Moscow, Sochi National Park is one of the most-visited national parks in Russia, with waterfalls, caves, and the Black Sea coastline.

6. Mexico

Number of parks: 67

Spread throughout 23 states, Mexico’s national parks are notable for their biodiversity. Located off the Baja Peninsula, Cabo Pulmo National Park was described by French naval officer and author Jacques Cousteau as “the aquarium of the world.” The 27.5-square-mile marine protected area is home to sea turtles, tropical fish, and one of the oldest coral reefs in North America.

In Cañón del Sumidero, spider monkeys and crocodiles live within the confines of the park’s rainforest canyon. To fully experience the park, book a river float down the Grijalva River, which formed the canyon’s dramatic cliffs millions of years ago.

5. Brazil

Number of parks: 76

As the largest country in South America, Brazil’s landscape is incredibly diverse. Located in the state of Ceará, Jericoacoara National Park contains no roads — only sandy paths that meander between the park’s stunning white sand beaches, exotic dunes, and inland lakes. In Brazil’s southern region, Aparados da Serra National Park is an outdoor playground for eco-travelers. Home to the mesmerizing Itaimbezinho Canyon, the park is known for its dramatic views, staggering waterfalls, and rainforest hiking trails.

4. Israel

Number of parks: 81

With 81 national parks and a further 400 sites designated as nature reserves, Israel’s national park system covers approximately 20% of the country. Of these parks, Masada National Park, established in 1966, is perhaps the best known. Overlooking the Dead Sea, the archeological site welcomes tourists who climb to see where the Judea rebels fought the Romans in 73 and 74 CE. Near the Sea of Galilee, the Hula Nature Reserve is one of the only wet habitats in the Middle East. It’s home to eucalyptus groves, water buffalo, and thousands of birds who stop for water on their migratory routes.

3. India

Number of parks: 106

India’s protected lands offer something for everyone. Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park is a famous wildlife sanctuary and one of the best spots to see tigers in the world. Visitors can tour the former hunting ground on a Jeep safari in search of tigers, birds, and reptiles. Situated between Bhutan and Nepal, Khangchendzonga National Park draws adventurous trekkers who come to climb Kanchenjunga, the third-tallest summit in the world at 28,169 feet above sea level.

2. Thailand

Number of parks: 156

Thailand’s national parks range from the picture-perfect coastlines to wild inland jungle. Lauded as one of the best diving sites in the world, the Similan Islands park contains a protected coral reef, while Khao Sok National Park is home to caves, tropical forests, and floating accommodations. Along the Burmese border, Kaeng Krachan is the country’s largest national park, covering 1,125 square miles. It’s an ideal playground for naturalists hoping to spot the park’s varied wildlife, including leopards and sun bears.

1. Australia

Number of parks: 726

Home to a whopping 726 protected sites, Australia is the country with the most national parks. The nation’s public lands cover 13.5 million square miles, equal to roughly 4% of the country’s total land mass. With so many parks to choose from, travelers can take their pick between jaw-dropping views at Great Otway National Park, turquoise bays at Cape Le Grand National Park, or the famous 4.4-billion-year-old rock monolith, Uluru, at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. 

“Epic” doesn’t begin to describe the Trans Canada Trail. As the longest network of multiuse recreational trails on Earth, it stretches over 17,000 miles — touching three oceans, passing through incredibly varied landscapes, and connecting more than 15,000 communities across the Great White North. Eight out of every 10 Canadians live within 30 minutes of the trail. If you’re seeking a coast-to-coast Canadian adventure, here’s everything you need to know about the Trans Canada Trail. 

The History of the Trail

The concept of a national trail that would stretch from coast to coast was first discussed in 1992, when authorities sought a way of marking the country’s 125th anniversary. Also known as the “Sentier Transcanadien,” the trail would connect many shorter trails across the nation, with the potential to expand over time, and preserve greenspace for future generations. In a country as vast and sparsely populated as Canada, the trail would also signify a culturally diverse nation and serve as a reminder that rural communities are as valued as major cities.

The Trans Canada Trail launched in 2017, to coincide with Canada’s 150th anniversary, but since then it has evolved further. By August 2021, the length of the Trans Canada Trail exceeded 17,400 miles. Impressive though that is, the recreational path is set to grow even more, thanks to the continued commitment of local trail groups.

The real joy of exploring the Trans Canada Trail is traversing such diverse terrain. Some sections of the route are backcountry paths through pristine Canadian wilderness, while others follow roads or waterways through urban and rural communities. As such, adventurous trail-blazers are encouraged to partake in a range of outdoor activities along the way, such as hiking, cycling, paddling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. In other words, it doesn’t really matter how you use the trail, as long as you enjoy the great outdoors.

Traversing the Trail

If you maintained a steady pace, covering 20 miles a day, it would take you more than two years — probably more — to complete the main section of the Trans Canada Trail, which stretches from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia. You’d need to add even more time if you planned to head up to the Arctic and back. Few have achieved such a feat, but those who have form an elite club. Just ask pioneering trailblazers Dana Meise and Sarah Jackson; both managed to finish this incredible trail in 2018 and 2017, respectively — a triumph that took them years.

A more recent thru-hiker who completed the trail is filmmaker Dianne Whelan. She set out on her groundbreaking journey in 2015, before the Trans Canada Trail’s official launch, and reached her destination six years later on August 1, 2021, having averaged about eight months each year on the trail. After achieving her ambitious goal, Whelan told reporters that she hoped to turn her experience into a documentary.

Another equally intrepid hiker is German-Canadian resident Melanie Vogel, who set out from Cape Spear in June 2017. Her plan is to head west from Newfoundland, through Nova Scotia and Québec, and on to Ontario and Manitoba, before reaching the cold tundra of Yukon and the Northwest Territories. After reaching the Arctic Ocean, she plans to travel south to Alberta before finishing in Victoria.

Though Vogel intended the journey to be a solo hike, a stray yellow lab, whom she named Malo, had other ideas and tagged along for company in Manitoba. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, forced Vogel to hang around in Yukon for a year, briefly abandoning her plans. Now, as restrictions in the Northwest Territories have finally lifted and the borders are now open, this remarkable woman intends to finish what she started. When she does, it will be an extraordinary achievement.

Highlights of the Trail

Many people don’t have the determination, stamina, and sheer grit necessary to finish the Trans Canada Trail in its entirety, but exploring sections of this epic route is for everyone. To get the most out of the trail, it’s rewarding to take time to explore the sights along the way. Planning such a trip is easy, thanks to an interactive map provided on the Trans Canada Trail website and a handy app that makes light work of logistics. Here are some especially breathtaking sections to help you get started.

Fundy National Park

This trail capitalizes on the Bay of Fundy’s pristine beauty, offering visitors the chance to peer out from more than 20 scenic overlooks. From the Lighthouse Observation Deck, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay all the way to the lighthouse at Quaco Head west of St. Martin’s, while the Fuller Falls Observation Deck gets you up close to one of the area’s prettiest waterfalls.

Cross a 275-foot-long suspension footbridge, admire the iconic sea stack known as Flowerpot Rock, and learn how the region’s early settlers made a living from the logging industry. With stretches past wild beaches along the coast, home to the highest tides on the planet, as well as 600-million-year-old rock formations, it’s not hard to see why this section is a clear favorite.

Waterfront Trail

Lake Ontario is the star of this waterfront path that links Toronto to the city of Burlington and beyond. Enjoy stellar views of well-known landmarks, such as the CN Tower, Fort York, and the Toronto harbor, as well as other attractions, such as the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat (check out the monarchs when they gather here in September) and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Stick to the shoreline for the flattest terrain. Continue on, by bicycle or on foot, through the Niagara Wine Region, stopping in some of the area’s charming vineyards. End your journey at Niagara Falls, where you can hop on the famous Maid of the Mist ferry, one of the best ways to appreciate the currents that create North America’s greatest cascade.

Kananaskis Country Trail

The Bow Valley and Quaite Creek trails meet to form the Kananaskis Country Trail. This is the highest point along the entire route, which skirts around alpine lakes with dramatic views of the Canadian Rockies. As you’d expect in Alberta, the trail offers endless unspoiled vistas, yet you’re barely an hour’s drive away from the bustling city of Calgary.

Get an adrenaline rush with a canyoning tour in Bow Valley, tackling a series of descents, jumps, slides, and rappels in this outdoor playground. The wilderness surrounding the trail shares many elements that you’d find in nearby Banff National Park — with a fraction of the crowds. In summer, hike or kayak; when the winter snow appears, swap your boots for cross-country skis.

Sea to Sky Marine Trail

The Sea to Sky Marine Trail connects the Pacific Ocean to the snowy peaks of the Coast Mountains. Running from the British Columbian villages of Pemberton to Squamish for just over 100 miles, the section of the Trans Canada Trail passes Whistler, one of the country’s premier ski resorts, along the way. Expect jaw-dropping views of canyons and mountains, with craggy rocks punctuating dense groves of trees. Continue south toward Vancouver by kayak or canoe.

If you still have the energy, hike the Grouse Grind — dubbed Nature’s StairMaster — up Grouse Mountain. This grueling hike involves climbing 2,830 steps over an elevation gain of 2,800 feet in less than two miles, but the panoramic view at the top is well-worth the effort.