The Best National Parks to Visit and Beyond

The CN Tower stands 553.3 metres high in downtown Toronto. It was the tallest free-standing structure in the world for 32 years. Visit between June and September for the best chance of clear visibility. Summer weather in Toronto is warm and ideal for outdoor movement. You should expect long security lines during peak summer weekends. Tickets are required and vary in price depending on the level you wish to access.

Yellowstone National Park spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is famous for its wildlife and geothermal features like the Old Faithful geyser. June through September is the prime window for park access. Most interior roads are closed for the winter season due to heavy snow. Crowds are intense in July and August. You will often see traffic jams caused by wildlife sightings on the main park roads.

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal located in the Atlantic Ocean. It sits on the African tectonic plate but maintains strong cultural ties to Europe. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit for hiking. These months avoid the highest tourist volume of mid-summer. The island is mountainous and rugged. If you suffer from motion sickness, the winding roads can be a challenge to navigate.

The Millau Viaduct crosses the Tarn valley in Southern France. It stands 343 metres tall and is part of the major route between Paris and the coast. May, June, and September offer the best driving conditions. The weather is generally mild during these months. It is primarily a transit point rather than a destination. Many travelers find that a quick stop at the visitor center is sufficient.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao opened in 1997. It is one of the largest art museums in Spain and features contemporary works. Visit in late spring or early autumn. Bilbao can be quite rainy, so these shoulder months offer a better chance of dry weather for city walks. The museum is a heavy metal structure that draws large crowds. You should book your entry tickets online to avoid waiting in long queues.

Lake Bled sits in the Julian Alps. It is a well-known stop for those traveling through northwestern Slovenia. May, June, September, and October are the ideal times to visit. The summer heat is less intense, and the local trails are less crowded. Popularity has made the town very busy. Finding parking near the lake can be difficult during the middle of the day in July.

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel on a rocky outcrop. It contains the ruins of the Parthenon. Visit in April, May, September, or October. Mid-summer temperatures in Athens regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius, making the climb difficult. There is very little shade on the site. Wear sensible shoes, as the marble paths are slippery and uneven.

Lake Como is a glacial lake at the foot of the Alps. It is known for its deep waters and proximity to mountainous terrain. May through October provides the best weather. The area is popular with wealthy travelers, which drives up accommodation costs. Navigating the lake by ferry is the best way to see the towns. However, ferries can become extremely crowded on sunny weekends.

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline in southern Italy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a hub for seaside tourism. May, June, and September are the best months. Avoid July and August, when the heat and tourist numbers make the coastal roads nearly impassable. The roads are narrow and winding. If you are not a confident driver, use the local bus service instead of renting a car.

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the world. It sits on the northern shore of the River Tagus. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to explore the city hills. Summer brings high heat that makes walking the steep streets tiring. The city is famous for its hills. You will walk more than you expect, so pack comfortable footwear.