Happy Earth Day, earthlings! Right now our 4.5 billion year old orb is hurtling through the Milky Way – the ultimate biodome filled with life. To celebrate this special day, I thought I’d put together a list of some of the most memorable places I’ve visited on Earth so far.
First off, I will say that living in Western Canada, I have access to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the world. So, for novelty’s sake, I’m leaving the local scenery off the list, but obviously the views from Whistler, Garibaldi, and the Canadian Rockies are among the most stunning. Some of my most memorable non-BC destinations include:
The Temple of Poseidon (Greece)
I have never seen such deep blue ocean. Perched high atop a cliff, surrounded by the sea, it’s easy to see why Greece is the land of myth and wonder. The ruins themselves end up being a dime-a-dozen, but the real estate is Hellas good. 10/10 would recommend this viewpoint.
The Lake District (England)
This place perhaps means the most of any I have visited. Apparently, my grandparents met in a hostel here, so I think my love of this idyllic land might be coded into my DNA. I’ve visited the Lake District every few years since I was small(er), and each time I stay in Keswick, I remember the last visit and how far I’ve come (or how little) as a human. Beatrix Potter-land is full of rolling hills, sheep, and narrow, winding roads. The hikes here (Great Gable, Haystacks, Striding Edge) are often filled with scrambles that push your limits, and reward you with far-reaching views of the green, rolling landscape. Plus, every hike ends in a pub with the local bitter on-hand and a lamb pie in-mouth. Wunderbar.
All of New Zealand (New Zealand!)
I had the highest of high expectations before going to New Zealand. I had envisioned a trip there since I was 14, and it did not disappoint. Coromandel Peninsula, Abel Tasman, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Nugget Point, and Mount Cook were among the main highlights, but you could throw a stone in any direction and never go wrong. For more, read my blog on My Top 15 New Zealand Scenic Spots.
Santorini (Greece)
The hypothesized home of “Atlantis”, this aquatic caldera is home to some of the world’s best sunsets, black sand beaches, and ancient ruins. I remember approaching on the Hellas ferry, thinking there was snow (?!) lining the clifftops. Confirming that it was, in fact, 40°C, and that my brain was a total idiot, I zeroed in on the white buildings wrapping around the high coastline. Perhaps the most famous location – Oia – is frequently captured for its windmill vistas, and can be seen in one of the most iconic movies of our time – Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants.
Zion National Park (The United States)
I have yet to have a bad experience at any U.S. National Parks, but Zion was in a class all its own. The red rock, carved canyons, and lush greenery were beyond impressive. While I was here, I got to witness how a sudden deluge of rainfall immediately transformed the landscape, creating flash waterfalls (and floods). I also saw a wild tarantula, which apparently is very rare to see. Unfortunately (or fortunately if you’re my Mum), Angel’s Landing was closed when I was there, so I’ll have to go back to experience this infamous hike for myself.
The Grand Canyon (The United States)
To me, the best part of Las Vegas is the cheap flights TO Las Vegas and then GTFOing into nearby nature. I was able to go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon with an overnight at Jacob Lake on the way. Approaching the North RIm was like something out of Bambi (y’know…before the fire and parental death) where you go through kilometres of forested landscape (including a herd of bounding deer!) before you arrive at the infamous scar in the Earth. Looking downward from Bright Angel Trail – effectively staring down through time – was profound.
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Those are some of my favourite places that I have visited outside of British Columbia! Next on my visitation list are Iceland, Norway, Spain, and Portugal.
Where are some of your favourite places on Earth?
