RV Lifestyle 13. The Caverns of Sonora, Texas The Caverns of Sonora is more than 12 km long, but only 3.2 km of trails are developed for tours. There are five levels of the cave that vary in depth from 1 m to 65 m below the surface. The Cavern is known for its abundant and stunningly varied array of extremely delicate calcite crystal formations. You’ll find helictites, soda straws stalactites, speleothems, stalagmites and cave bacon. The cave is a constant 21 degrees Celsius with 98 per cent humidity, which makes it feel like about 30 degrees. 14. Canadian Rockies One of the most spectacular and beautiful places you will find anywhere, the Canadian Rockies are a huge, pristine wilderness with local gems such as Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks. Not to mention the world-famous lakes in the region. You’ll have plenty to explore with Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Pyramid Lake and Maligne Lake all stunning and fed by the large super glaciers in the area. 15. La Conner, Washington La Conner is one of those places that people love to visit time and time again. The reasons are many, but one that stands out is that there are so many things to do in – and around – La Conner. A waterfront village in northwestern Washington, La Conner is nestled beside the Swinomish Channel near the mouth of the Skagit River. La Conner is a unique combination of a fishing village, artists’ colony, eclectic shops, historic buildings and tourist destination. Relax by the water, enjoy fine restaurants and browse through unique shops and art galleries. 16. Icefields Parkway, Alberta Linking Lake Louise with Jasper is one of the most beautiful journeys on the planet – the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, the Icefield Parkway is a 235-km stretch of double-lane highway winding along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and vast sweeping valleys. The Icefields Parkway is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in huge valleys of thick pine and larch forests. Just as the name implies, these glaciers or fields of ice is the largest group south of the Arctic Circle. Glacier Sky Walk, opened in May 2014, is a unique experience that puts you on a glass-floored observation platform 85 m above the Sunwapta Valley. 17. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most unusual national parks in the United States. This park preserves the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archeological sites that are hundreds of years old. Short hikes, scenic drives and viewpoints make the to-do list, but the best way to experience this park is to get up close with the cliff dwellings on a tour. 18. Lake Louise, Alberta Going to the Rockies and skipping Lake Louise is like going to Vancouver and not visiting Stanley Park. It’s crowded, but there’s a reason that it’s crowded. An extensive network of hiking trails around the lake offers an easy escape from the tour groups. If you have a few hours, a hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House originally built in 1901 is a great way to savour everything that the area has to offer. 19. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia Experience the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands as you drive the famous Cabot Trail. This 298 km highway weaves through The Cape Breton Highlands National Park, rewarding travellers with spectacular valley and coastal views all along the way. Hike and camp within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, play a round of golf at Highlands Links, peruse artisan shops along the trail or book your spot on a sea kayaking, cycling or whale-watching tour. 20. Old Québec A UNESCO world heritage site, Old Québec (VieuxQuébec) isn’t so much an attraction as a collection of impressive attractions all within one historic area. In just a few hours, you can see architecture dating back centuries, as well as stunning churches and chapels that drive home the religious history of the province. Many people don’t realize that Quebec is a walled city – North America’s only remaining fortified city, in fact. At around 4.5 kilometres in length, the fortifications of Quebec are part of a defence system built between 1608 (when Samuel de Champlain founded the city) and 1871, by French then British and, eventually, Canadian forces. Take a tour along the walls to learn their history and enjoy views of the historic city within… and the St. Lawrence River beyond. Follow the walls right to the Citadel, a star-shaped fortress built following the War of 1812. Observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony, watch muskets being fired and complete the experience with a visit to the new regimental museum. Worth Pondering… Alberta Bound My truck tore across Montana Ian Tyson sang a lonesome lullaby And so I cranked up the radio Cause there’s just a little more to go For I’d cross the border at that Sweet Grass sign I’m Alberta Bound. Alberta-born Country Music singer, Paul Brandt, 2004 The Caverns of Sonora Canadian Rockies Icefields Parkway Mesa Verde 24 | www.snowbirds.org
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