Banff — Travelrags

AfarOct 15, 2026

Pine Trees That Change Color in the Fall? See Them in the Canadian Rockies.

These are Alberta’s larches, a unique species of deciduous pine whose needles change color in the autumn and drop off for the winter. And, for a few brilliant weeks each September and October, they ...

13 things in this story

Banff National ParkSightOne of the best regions for larch hikes.
Moraine LakeSightFamous scenic spot, particularly in autumn for larch hikes.
Larch ValleyTrailA 2.7-mile hike starting from Moraine Lake.
Elsewhere
Kananaskis CountryNeighborhoodCanmore, CanadaA vast, protected wilderness area of mountains, lakes, and trails.
Chester LakeSightCanmore, CanadaGlacier-carved lake with golden larches ringing its shoreline.
Kootenay National ParkSightRadium Hot Springs, CanadaLarches are found here generally at elevations around 2,000 meters.
Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial ParkSightCanmore, CanadaIt is within the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Rocky Mountain AdventuresPlaceCanmore, CanadaJoin us for a guided hike through the stunning golden larches of Larch Valley — a Canadian Rockies fall highlight.
The Malcolm HotelHotelCanmore, CanadaScottish-inspired mountain lodge overlooking two creeks.
SauvageRestaurantCanmore, CanadaA contemporary restaurant in Canmore, Alberta, offering seasonal tasting menus and à la carte dining in an intimate…
Grizzly Paw PubPubCanmore, CanadaTown's original craft brewery with an elevated restaurant.
Tank310RestaurantCanmore, CanadaElevated restaurant at the Grizzly Paw Pub.
Peter Lougheed Provincial ParkSightCanmore, Canada

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Lonely PlanetOct 13

The 13 Best Places to Visit in December

December is the ideal month to get away. Try these perfect winter escapes, taking in festive markets, action-packed adventures and the northern lights.

20 things in this story

La JollaNeighborhoodSan Diego, United StatesFancy neighborhood in San Diego.
Puerto PrincesaHotelPalawan, PhilippinesCapital of Palawan, gateway to Subterranean River.
El NidoNeighborhoodPalawan, PhilippinesOffers 20-plus dive sites with diverse marine life.
El YunqueParkPuerto RicoRainforest for hiking in Puerto Rico.
Bioluminescent BaySightPuerto RicoOffers dazzling after-dark kayaking.
RincónNeighborhoodPuerto RicoKnown for surfing in Puerto Rico.
San JuanNeighborhoodPuerto RicoOld town founded in 1521 with bright alleyways.
ViequesSightPuerto RicoLocated about 8 miles (13 km) east of the main island of Puerto Rico, it is about 20 miles (32 km) long and 4.5 miles…
PonceNeighborhoodPuerto RicoLively second city of Puerto Rico.
Coron IslandSightPalawan, PhilippinesOffers thrilling wreck diving on a sunken Japanese fleet.
Triglav National ParkSightSloveniaPark with thrilling landscapes for resorts.
Lake BledSightSloveniaMagical lake with an isle and castle.
HatilloNeighborhoodPuerto RicoTown known for high jinks on Día de los Inocentes.
Subterranean River National ParkSightPuerto Princesa, PhilippinesNavigable underground waterway through karst formations.
Lake BohinjSightSloveniaBeautiful lake in Triglav National Park.
Central Kalahari Game ReserveNature reserveBotswanaLarge reserve attracting big predators in rainy season.
Northern Deception ValleyNeighborhoodBotswanaArea attracting grazers and predators in the reserve.
EncinitasNeighborhoodSan Diego, United StatesSurfy neighborhood in San Diego.
Ocean BeachSuburbSan Diego, United StatesAlternative neighborhood in San Diego.
CulebraNeighborhoodPuerto Rico

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 6

15 Best Resorts in Canada 2026: Readers’ Choice Awards

Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top resorts in Canada.

14 hotels in this story

Fairmont Banff SpringsHotelStay here when you want the luxury of a castle stay seamlessly paired with outdoor adventures surrounded by some of…
Elsewhere
Long Beach Lodge ResortHotelTofino, CanadaWelcome to Long Beach Lodge Resort, where oceanfront views of Tofino’s Cox Bay and unforgettable experiences await.
Fairmont Château WhistlerHotelWhistler, CanadaDiscover Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a luxurious alpine resort nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences WhistlerHotelWhistler, CanadaThis is Whistler’s top luxury property, and it's worth the splurge whether it’s your first stay or your fortieth.
Fairmont TremblantHotelMont-Tremblant, CanadaSpectacular by nature, Tremblant’s iconic ski-in ski-out hotel offers a year-round alpine escape.
Fairmont Jasper Park LodgeHotelJasper, CanadaThe kind of place every beloved landscape photographer and author from Ansel Adams to John Muir dreamt of.
Clayoquot Wilderness LodgeHotelBedwell Sound, CanadaWe’re all craving more nature these days—and it doesn’t get more immersive than Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge.
Pan Pacific Whistler Village CentreHotelWhistler, CanadaRated as one of the finest ski hotels in Whistler BC Canada, Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre provides ease of…
Nita Lake LodgeHotelWhistler, Canada
Wickaninnish InnHotelTofino, Canada
Kingfisher Pacific Resort & SpaHotelPort Hardy, Canada
Cabot Cape BretonHotelInverness, Canada
Sonora ResortHotelCampbell River, Canada
Klahoose Wilderness ResortHotelCampbell River, Canada

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 4

The Most Beautiful National Parks in Canada, From the Tourist Favorites to the Hidden Gems

Whether you want to paddle across a glacier lake, hike a mountain trail, or spot moose and bison, Canada’s national parks offer stunning settings for numerous outdoor experiences.

24 things in this story

Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseHotelBest for exceptional views of the park's famous lake.
Banff National ParkSightMost visited park with aquamarine glacier lakes.
Lake LouiseSightHike above shoreline to leave selfie-taking tourists behind.
Fairmont Banff SpringsHotelBest for classic opulence.
Icefields ParkwaySightRoad trip between mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Rimrock Banff, Emblems CollectionHotelBest for a wellness getaway.
Elsewhere
West Coast TrailTrailTofino, CanadaBackpackers navigate over 100 ladders in rainforest.
Long Beach Lodge ResortHotelTofino, CanadaBest for stylish beach lodgings.
Wickaninnish InnHotelTofino, CanadaBest for oceanfront luxury.
Pacific Rim National Park ReserveSightTofino, CanadaNine-mile sand dune is longest on Vancouver Island.
Kwisitis Visitor CentreSightTofino, CanadaLearn about nine First Nations communities in the region.
Broken Group IslandsSightTofino, CanadaBest explored by kayak in Barkley Sound.
Black Rock Oceanfront ResortHotelTofino, CanadaBest for contemporary suites in the rainforest.
Mingan Archipelago National Park ReserveSightLongue-Pointe-de-Mingan, CanadaLargest collection of stone monoliths in Canada.
Auyuittuq National ParkSightPangnirtung, CanadaArctic wilderness park, harder to reach, less trodden.
Yoho National ParkSightField, CanadaMountain park with waterfalls, hoodoos, and emerald lakes.
Wapta FallsSightField, CanadaLargest cascade on the Kicking Horse River.
Takakkaw FallsSightField, CanadaOne of Canada's highest waterfalls.
Burgess ShaleSightField, CanadaUNESCO World Heritage Site with world's oldest fossils.
Emerald Lake LodgeHotelField, CanadaBest for lakeside ambiance.
Cathedral Mountain LodgeHotelField, CanadaBest for a log cabin stay.
Edelweiss VillageHotelGolden, CanadaBest for historic Swiss chalets in nearby Golden.
Gros Morne National ParkSightRocky Harbour, CanadaPark with cliffs, red rocks, boreal forest, wetlands.
Seven Corners projectPlaceRocky Harbour, CanadaHighlights life in communities surrounding the park.

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 3

The 17 Most Beautiful National Parks in the World, From Yellowstone to the Serengeti

These diverse landscapes serve as a beautiful reminder of why our planet is worth protecting.

16 sights in this story

Banff National ParkSightStaggering views of the Rockies and glacial blue lakes
Elsewhere
Plitvice Lakes National ParkSightPlitvice Lakes, CroatiaSixteen interconnected lakes cascade through the forest
Lençóis Maranhenses National ParkSightBarreirinhas, BrazilSand dunes striped with turquoise and emerald lagoons
Iguazú National ParkSightPuerto Iguazú, ArgentinaProtects the Argentine side of the enormous Iguazú Falls
Cabo Pulmo National ParkSightCabo Pulmo, MexicoCoastal wonderland with quiet beaches and rock formations
Namib-Naukluft National ParkSightSesriem, NamibiaBurnt-orange sand dunes, white salt pans, eerie skeleton trees
Tsingy de Bemaraha National ParkSightMorondava, MadagascarFamous for its forest of limestone needles jutting into the sky
Serengeti National ParkZooSerengeti, TanzaniaThe Great Migration is one of Earth’s greatest natural shows
Vatnajökull National ParkSightSkaftafell, IcelandEponymous glacier and accompanying ice caves dominate the scene
Las Salinas de Torrevieja National ParkSightTorrevieja, SpainSalt lagoon gets its hue from red-pigment-releasing microorganisms
Valley of Flowers National ParkSightJoshimath, IndiaTransforms into a huge natural garden with wildflowers
Göreme National ParkSightGöreme, TurkeyDefined by Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, best viewed from above
Kelimutu National ParkSightMoni, IndonesiaThree lakes shift colors at the whims of minerals and gases
Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkSightZhangjiajie, ChinaThousands of jagged sandstone peaks rise dramatically over treetops
Fiordland National ParkSightTe Anau, New ZealandShowcases mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and deep glacial fjords
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National ParkSightYulara, AustraliaSandstone monolith rising from an otherwise flat and open desert

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Condé Nast TravelerAug 22

Where to Stay Near Banff National Park for Incredible Views and Proximity to Lake Louise

No matter the season, here's where to stay in the birthplace of Canada's national parks system.

23 things in this story

Sulphur MountainSightBook a table at the top for an elevated dining experience.
Rimrock ResortHotelDramatically poised on the edge of Sulphur Mountain.
Parker's TableRestaurantServes Canadian dishes featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Rimrock SocialRestaurantOffers an afternoon Art of Coffee ritual.
Upper Banff Hot SpringsSightHot pool.
Fairmont Banff SpringsHotelThe copper-roofed castle with a million-dollar view.
Banff Springs Golf CourseSightBoasts one of the world's highest-ranked holes.
Surprise Corner lookoutSightOffers a view of the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Rundle BarRestaurantOffers a mixology class.
Waldhaus RestaurantRestaurantServes warm fondue.
GrapesRestaurantOffers a cheese board.
Banff GondolaSight
Elsewhere
Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseHotelLake Louise, CanadaOne of the most photographed spots in Canada.
Moraine LakeSightLake Louise, CanadaGuests can use a private shuttle service.
Big BeehiveTrailLake Louise, CanadaOffers jaw-dropping views of Lake Louise.
Victoria GlacierSightLake Louise, CanadaFlanks the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
Big Beehive trailTrailLake Louise, CanadaOffers unmatched views of the surrounding scenery.
Fairview Bar & RestaurantRestaurantLake Louise, CanadaEnjoy cocktails with a view.
Post Hotel & SpaHotelLake Louise, CanadaEuropean elegance meets Rocky Mountain grandeur.
Lake Louise Ski ResortSightLake Louise, CanadaFive minutes away from the hotel.
Temple Mountain SpaPlaceLake Louise, CanadaOffers a Roman-inspired saltwater pool and hot tubs.
Moraine Lake LodgeHotelLake Louise, CanadaPerched right on the shores of Moraine Lake.
Valley of the Ten PeaksSightLake Louise, CanadaOffers stunning lake views.

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Lonely PlanetAug 17

10 beautiful destinations to see fall foliage around the world

From fiery maples and copper-colored tundra to liquid gold aspens and larches, these are the best places to take in fall’s magic around the world.

22 things in this story

Banff National ParkSightNational park accessible from Calgary.
Lake LouiseSightIconic and beautiful spot for fall foliage.
Moraine LakeSightPopular sunrise spot, shuttle required.
Banff Sunshine VillageHotelOffers gondola access to hike Sunshine Meadows.
Two Jack LakeSightGreat spot for sunrise viewing.
Johnston CanyonSightScenic spot for fall foliage.
Peyto LakeSightScenic lake that will have you grabbing your camera.
Elsewhere
AdirondacksTrailNew York City, United StatesExtensive network of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams for leaf-peeping.
Elk Lake LodgeHotelNew York City, United StatesAll-inclusive wilderness lodge with one of the best park views.
Adirondack ParkSightNew York City, United StatesVast park with 6 million acres, scenic byways, and hiking trails.
Saranac LakeSightNew York City, United StatesIsland camping available.
Adirondack Balloon FestivalFestivalLake George, United StatesFall festival held in Lake George.
Whiteface OktoberfestFestivalWhiteface, United StatesOktoberfest event in late September.
Adirondack Rail TrailTrailNew York City, United StatesA 34-mile trail for biking.
Tupper LakeSightNew York City, United StatesOne of the up-and-coming dark sky areas for stargazing.
Coney MountainTrailNew York City, United States2-mile round trip hike for 360-degree night sky views.
Adirondack Sky Center & ObservatorySightNew York City, United StatesOffers stargazing opportunities.
AlbertaNeighborhoodCalgary, CanadaIt is a part of Western Canada and is one of the three prairie provinces.
Spray Valley Provincial ParkSightCalgary, CanadaOff-beat gem for fall foliage viewing.
Jasper National ParkSightJasper, CanadaNational park accessible from Edmonton.
Cascade MountainTrailNew York City, United States
Giant MountainTrailNew York City, United States

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Lonely PlanetAug 4

23 of the best destinations for fall travel in 2026

Fall smacks of leaf peeping, road tripping, the last bits of swimming and so much more. These destinations offer the best for fall travel across the globe.

20 things in this story

Fes el-BaliGuest houseFez, Moroccooldest section of the walled medina
ÖlüdenizSightFethiye, Turkeylagoon-side town great for paragliding
PataraAttractionKaş, Turkeytown with endless swathes of golden sand
ÇıralıNeighborhoodKemer, Turkeyprotected area where sea turtles nest
Nara ParkParkNara, Japanhome to over 1000 sika deer
Tōdai-jiMuseumNara, Japantemple with one of the largest bronze Buddha images
Alta Via 1TrailCortina d'Ampezzo, Italyclassic trek through the Dolomites
Lake TaupoSightTaupo, New Zealandarea with hot-spring complexes
Kerosene CreekSightRotorua, New Zealandwild-and-free thermal pool with hot waterfall
HobbitonSightMatamata, New Zealandfilm set
Waipoua ForestSightDargaville, New Zealandforest with towering kauri trees
Taos PuebloSightTaos, United States1000-year-old Native American site
Sangre de Cristos mountainsSightSanta Fe, United Statesmountain range in northern New Mexico
Albuquerque International Balloon FiestaFestivalAlbuquerque, United Statesiconic balloon festival
Bocas del ToroNeighborhoodBocas Town, Panamaarchipelago with beaches and watersports
Samburu National ReserveSightMaralal, Kenyareserve with kopje-studded plains and acacia hills
Maó (Mahón)NeighborhoodMaó, Spaincharismatic capital with Anglo-Spanish heritage
CiutadellaNeighborhoodCiutadella de Menorca, Spainformer chief settlement with Anglo-Spanish heritage
Camí de CavallsTrailMaó, Spain185km coastal circuit for hiking or biking
SeychellesNeighborhoodVictoria, Seychellesarchipelago with palm trees and white-sand beaches

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Lonely PlanetJul 15

15 of the best places in Canada

Breathtaking mountains, lively cities and natural wonders.

16 things in this story

Montréal International Jazz FestivalFestivalMontreal, CanadaThe Festival international de Jazz de Montréal is an annual jazz festival held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Maid of the MistPlaceNiagara Falls, CanadaBoat tour to feel the thunderous spray up close.
Niagara Glen hiking trailTrailNiagara Falls, CanadaTakes you through ancient forests and rugged terrain.
Greater Niagara Circle RouteTrailNiagara Falls, CanadaScenic biking adventure.
Wildplay ZiplinePlaceNiagara Falls, CanadaOffers unmatched views of the falls.
Stanley ParkParkVancouver, CanadaThick rainforest near downtown.
Audain Art MuseumMuseumWhistler, CanadaDesigned by Patkau Architects and opened to the public in 2016, it holds a comprehensive permanent collection of…
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural CentreMuseumWhistler, CanadaVisit Whistler's First Nations museum, tours, art gallery, exhibitions, gift shop, cafe, tourist attraction, events…
Royal Tyrrell MuseumMuseumDrumheller, CanadaHome to one of the planet's pre-eminent fossil collections.
ManitoulinNeighborhoodManitoulin Island, CanadaWorld's largest freshwater island with First Nations culture.
Sylvia Grinnell ParkParkIqaluit, CanadaLandscape on Baffin Island, Nunavut.
Canadian RockiesSightCalgary, CanadaStraddles British Columbia and Alberta, offers national parks.
Pacific Rim National ParkSightUcluelet, CanadaIt is located in the Pacific Coast Mountains, which are characterized by rugged…
West Coast TrailMotelPort Renfrew, CanadaIt is West Coast of Vancouver Island, a 2 hour drive from Victoria, BC.
ChinatownNeighborhoodToronto, Canada
GreektownNeighborhoodToronto, Canada

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 3, 2025

50 Most Beautiful Places in the World

From the Serengeti to the Grand Canyon—plus 55 more destinations you need to see to believe.

10 sights in this story

Banff National ParkSightOverwhelms with views of the Canadian Rockies.
Moraine LakeSightIt is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of approximately 1,884 metres (6,181 ft).
Lake MinnewankaSightThe lake is 21 km (13 mi) long and 142 m (466 ft) deep, making it the 2nd longest lake in the mountain parks of the…
Lake LouiseSight
Elsewhere
Valle de la LunaSightAtacama Desert, ChileLandscape startlingly similar to the moon.
Grand Canyon National ParkSightGrand Canyon, United StatesHike scenic loops for views of rocky badlands.
Avenue of the BaobabsAttractionMadagascarCenturies-old trees reach heights of nearly 100 feet.
Bathsheba BeachSightBathsheba, BarbadosKnown for huge boulders and best waves for surfers.
Whitehaven BeachSightWhitsundays, AustraliaConsidered one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Danxia Landform Geological ParkSightDanxia, ChinaStriped, multicolored mountains formed over 20 million years.

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 7, 2025

18 Best Airbnbs for Ski Vacations, From Vermont to the Canadian Rockies

Here's where to call home when you're done on the slopes.

17 things in this story

WindhamNeighborhoodProperty is 10 minutes from this town.
Sundance ResortHotelOffers ski slopes and is near a river.
Big Bear MountainSightOffers ski slopes for winter adventures.
Park City MountainSightHas ski-in/ski-out access from Silver Star lift.
Sundance Film FestivalFestivalWinter nights are enhanced by a private hot tub.
Killington ResortPlaceOffers expansive and buzzy slopes.
Big Sky ResortPlaceSkiers can quickly reach this resort.
Vail ResortPlaceSlopeside penthouse offers ski-in/ski-out access.
Hunter MountainPlaceLog cabin is perched above this mountain.
Big BearNeighborhoodVillage attractions are convenient.
Stowe VillageNeighborhoodQuiet acreage and Mt. Elmore views nearby.
Powder River TrailTrailProvides ski-in/ski-out access.
Cowboy HeavenNeighborhoodLocated within this community for trail access.
Beehive Basin TrailTrailOffers direct access for backcountry skiing.
Sun Valley ResortSightSupports day trips for skiers.
Ritz-CarltonHotelOffers spa and concierge amenities.
Elkhorn ResortSightOffers free guest passes.

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 3, 2025

9 Best Places to Ski in 2026

From the Canadian Rockies to Japan, here’s where to go for new on-site mountain lodges, swanky après wellness, and smooth slope-side experiences.

20 things in this story

Mount NorquaySightCelebrates its centennial with a two-stage gondola.
Sunshine VillageSightKnown for its expansive bowls and sweeping views.
Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseHotelUnmatched with a new lakeside alpine spa.
Richardson’s RidgeSight200 acres of new intermediate and advanced terrain.
The Kenrick HotelHotelFresh and modern base in downtown Banff.
Elsewhere
Bald MountainSightSun Valley, United StatesDelivers 3,400 vertical feet of uninterrupted skiing.
St. Regis Deer ValleyHotelDeer Valley, United StatesPinnacle of five-star ski-in/ski-out luxury.
Dollar MountainSightSun Valley, United StatesCaters to first-timers and families.
Sun Valley lodgeHotelSun Valley, United StatesClassic with direct lift access and spa.
Lone Peak TramSightBig Sky, United StatesTram-accessed chutes for experts.
Madison 8SightBig Sky, United StatesNorth America’s longest high-speed eight-seater.
Lone Mountain RanchHotelBig Sky, United StatesCozy, cabin-style escape with horse-drawn sleigh rides.
One&Only Moonlight BasinHotelBig Sky, United StatesChic recommendation with gondola service.
Summit Hotel at Big Sky ResortHotelBig Sky, United StatesCentral village access, slope-side convenience.
Viceroy Sun ValleyHotelSun Valley, United StatesNew level of slope-side style.
Limelight KetchumHotelSun Valley, United StatesFamily-friendly and just blocks from downtown.
The Knob Hill InnHotelSun Valley, United StatesEuropean-inspired lodge with easy access to dining.
East Village GondolaSightDeer Valley, United StatesA sleek link between East Village and Park Peak.
Montage Deer ValleyHotelDeer Valley, United StatesDirect mountain access, slope-side convenience.
The Goldener Hirsch ResidencesHotelDeer Valley, United StatesSpacious and stylish hub with ski access.

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