1. Banff National Park, Canada

Discover Canada’s beautiful scenery and wildlife on a peaceful horseback ride with real Canadian cowboys and cowgirls. Banff Trail Riders even offers overnight trail rides, mimicking the experience of early explorers of the Canadian Rockies. You spend all day riding but get to rest at night with modern comforts. 

2. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

For many centuries, gauchos rode horses through Patagonia—and, in fact, they still do today. Argentina is famous for its horses and polo, and horseback riding is intimately woven into the culture there. If you want a taste of what it’s like to ride through the Andes, make sure to check out opportunities for horseback riding, especially in Torres del Paine National Park.

3. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah, U.S.

It’s hard to count just how many films have been set in Monument Valley—including many of the most famous western films to date. Follow in the footsteps of Billy the Kid (1941), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), and just about every John Ford film by discovering the wild west on horseback.

4. Andalucia, Spain

Andalusian horses are incredibly intelligent, obedient, and docile, and they’re usually best suited for experienced riders because of their speed. If you’re not experienced, you can still experience this region on horseback by selecting a tour or guide that can help you. On your rest day, head to famous Jerez to see the dancing horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.

5. Masai Mara, Kenya

Going on safari on horseback could be the most incredible way to take in the wildlife of the African savannah. Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border, where you can see lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos. Expect gazelles to be grazing near you as you trot along on your horse.

6. Cappadocia, Turkey

Explore the unique rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia on horseback and you won’t regret it. Cappadocia is famous for its cool rocks and history, and it is a must-see while visiting Turkey. At the insanely affordable price of only $5-10 USD, a ride through this unique desert is totally worth it, especially if you catch a sunrise or sunset.

7. The Camargue, France

Discover the wetlands and white horses of this picturesque region with green grass, marshlands, and pink flamingos in the south of France on a beautiful white horse just like a “manade,” the French version of cowboys who tend to sheep.

8. Petra, Jordan

Take a two-hour tour of the amazing ancient city of Petra with tombs and temples carved into sandstone cliffs from around 300 B.C.The desert views and ancient ruins are even better when you ride a horse to get there.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, U.S.

One of the most amazing things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park is to explore the unique hoodoos and rock formations while riding a horse. Bryce’s unforgettable scenery makes this horseback ride a true adventure.

10. Bagan, Myanmar

Explore the historic temples and pagodas of Bagan on horseback. You can even rent a traditional horse and cart to see Bagan attractions like the Min O Chantha Pagoda and Dhammayangyi Pagoda.

11. Iceland

In Iceland, you can ride horses through otherworldly landscapes, like volcanic lava fields and glaciers. There are guided horseback tours to be found all over the country, so choose the one that best suits your interests—green fields in Polar Hestar, lava rides near Reykjavik, or a Viking adventure along the coast.

12. Machu Picchu, Peru

Take an amazing overnight multi-day horse trek along Machu Picchu to Cusco or Puna. Ride along the Inca Trail and reach the ancient ruins on hooves instead of feet.

13. Queenstown, New Zealand

Explore Middle Earth and the landscape used to film Lord of the Rings on horseback, just like Legolas, Gandalf, and Aragorn. Or go deep into Queenstown’s high country, rivers, and backcountry near Glenorchy with soaring peaks and snow-capped mountains.

14. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, U.S.

A horseback riding tour of the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of this natural wonder in true Western style. Many of the trails actually use mules not horses, because mules are more agile on the winding and narrow paths.

15. Kakadu National Park, Australia

Head on horseback to Kangaroo Island to see sea lions, koalas, penguins, and the distinct coastal rock formations of Kakadu National Park in the Australian Outback, home to Aboriginal people for more than 50,000 years. View waterfalls, billabongs, and rocky cliffs from atop your trusty steed.

The post 15 Amazing Places to Go Horseback Riding appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

After spending her childhood in captivity, Helena Petterier (played by Daisy Ridley of Star Wars fame) is forced to face her past when her survivalist father escapes from prison after 20 years. Convinced her father, Jacob (played by Ben Mendelsohn), will come to take her young daughter, Helena must use all she learned from the man she once idolized growing up in isolation in the wilderness. 

Key Filming Locations 

Filming for The Marsh King’s Daughter took place over two months, June through August 2021, in Toronto and upper Ontario and included both city scenes and swamp and marshland locations. Although the book author Dionne wanted film production to take place in her home of 30 years, the Michigan UP (Upper Peninsula), she was happy that director Neil Burger chose filming locations that closely resembled that area. She could not be onsite during much of the filming due to the border being closed from COVID restrictions. However, after seeing photos from the shoot, she tweeted, “gives me shivers! This is going to be such a gorgeous film.”

Kent County Circuit Court—Alliston, Ontario

Court scenes involving Helena’s father were filmed at the Kent County Circuit Court in Alliston, Ontario. 

Kimberley School and Community Centre 55 (formerly Police Station #10 and #55)—Main St. Toronto, Ontario

Some street scenes show Helena getting off a school bus surrounded by news trucks. Helena and her mother leave the police station where photographers try to get their pictures for news stories, and these were all filmed off Main Street in Toronto. 

Ken Reid Conservation Area—Lindsay, Ontario, Canada 

This protected area is 276 acres (110 hectares) and encompasses McLaren’s Creek Wetland, which looks very much like the UP. Filming took place over several days in the marshland area, providing the backdrop for several important scenes in the movie.

Wild Areas of French River, Lake Simcoe, Kawartha Lakes, and Kingston Pen—Greater Ontario Area

The wildlife and nature areas around Ontario, including Mississauga, Caledon, and Lake Simcoe are featured throughout the film—from scenes shot above showing the waterways to the woodland areas surrounding the cabin the family called home when Helena was a child. The fictional cabin where Helena grows up is actually in the Tahquamenon River Valley of the Upper Peninsula, surrounded by swamp and marshland. Production of the cabin scenes featured in both the beginning and end of the film took place in the wilds of Ontario meant to resemble the UP.  

At the forested home of an adult Helena and her daughter and husband who know nothing about her past, Helena sets booby traps just in case her father comes for her. Alongside the marshland and natural areas of upper Ontario, these areas create the perfect background for building tension, fear, and madness while Helena tries to protect her family.

Helena goes to hell and back to protect her family, using the hunting and navigational skills she learned early in life as she tries to outwit the very person who taught her those survival skills in the first place. Dokis First Nation helped carry equipment, actors, and crew to the remote filming locations, which were sometimes a 20-minute boat ride away.

The post Survival Skills Are Put to the Test in ‘The Marsh King’s Daughter’—But Where Was It Filmed? appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

A new article from Travel Awaits highlights the best cities for dogs. West Coast destinations dominate the results, with Sacramento, California topping the list. Portland, Oregon came in second. Rounding out the top five are three cities in the Golden State: San Francisco, Bakersfield, and Long Beach.

The rankings were formulated by looking at dog services, dog-friendly restaurants, places to hike with your pet, and more.

See more about the study and find out which city ranks near the bottom on Travel Awaits.

The post Is Your Dog Your Adventure Buddy? These Are the Best Cities to Visit appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Grand View Lodge : Nisswa, MN

What’s better than a picturesque sleigh ride through the North woods of Minnesota? A free one.
The Grand View Lodge offers up their pair of Clydesdale horses for a short (15 minute) but sweet ride around their property in Nisswa. You’ll be able to take in the beauty of the pine trees, the sound of their hooves in the snow and the jingle of their bells before your hands even get a chance to freeze over. If you’re looking to make a weekend out of it, be sure to check out their cabins, cottages and suites – and complete your weekend outing.

Grand View Lodge
23521 Nokomis Avenue
Nisswa, MN 56468
(866)801-2951

Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch: Stewartville, MN

There’s something to be said about a ranch that’ll accommodate sleigh ride groups from 2 people all the way up to more than 60 – they’re built for it! The Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch will deliver a romantic “cutter ride” on their sleigh built for two, along the Root River near Stewartville. If the group outing is more your speed, their 20 person sleigh will work in shifts, ensuring that everyone in your group gets a chance to be pulled behind their horse fleet. The amount of time on the sleigh varies depending on how many are in your group – and they even offer meeting space to make sure that no one is left out in the cold while they’re waiting.

Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch
7291 Couty Road 6 SW
Stewartville, MN 55976
(507)533-4315

Roselawn Stables : St. Francis, MN

Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis sits the Roselawn Stables, and their team of horses. Situated outside the scenic town of St. Francis, this dedicated horse and riding ranch will whisk you away on a once-in-a-lifetime horse drawn sleigh ride that’s ideal as either a family friendly activity or as a romantic evening away near the Twin Cities. Their options range from their Enchanted Sleigh, designed for groups up to 4 people all the way up to their Bob Sled for groups up to 20.

Roselawn Stables
24069 Rum River Blvd. NW
Saint Francis, MN 55070
(763)753-5517

Mr. Ed’s Farm : Hibbing, MN

If you close your eyes, you can almost picture it. A sleigh ride through snow covered woods, meadows and pastures near Hibbing. You’re not dreaming, and Mr. Ed’s will make it a reality! While the farm takes its name from the famous talking horse, we can (almost) guarantee that you won’t find him on this sleigh ride. If you’re planning on a group outing of 12 people or more, Mr. Ed’s also offers an event center that can be reserved for hanging out after the ride. If that wasn’t good enough – you’re welcome to hang out and visit with the animals as well. Be sure to dress for the weather, the only thing that cancels trips at Mr. Ed’s is ice!

Mr. Ed’s Farm
10796 Foss Rd.
Hibbing, MN 55746
(218)966-1354

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1. Wadi Rum, Jordan

Sitting inside my dome in Jordan’s Wadi Rum, a wondrous desert landscape with arches, cliffs, petroglyphs, and more, I gazed outside through the clear panels and saw endless stars. After a long day complete with a jeep tour to check out the desert and an evening astronomy adventure with Rum Sky—including opportunities to gaze deep into the cosmos with enormous telescopes—I settled into the comfy round bed in my dome and gazed out at the stars. I was spending the night at Palmera Camp Wadi Rum.

Deep in the desert of southern Jordan, the dark skies are amazing, and a number of camps are set up that allow visitors to gaze deep into the night sky. Some provide basic accommodations while others, like Palmera Camp Wadi Rum, offer a luxury experience. Stay in a simple wall tent or opt for a full glamping night in a bubble tent or dome while you soak up the night sky.

2. Alta, Norway

In northern Norway, the winter nights are long and staying in a dome is a fantastic way to enjoy the dark skies—including the stars and, if you’re lucky, a peek at the Northern Lights. Staying in a GLØD Aurora Canvas Dome is a cozy way to watch the sky from the comfort of your bed. Norway gets cold, but with a wood-burning stove, snuggly duvet, and electric blanket, you will stay toasty warm on cold, clear nights when you’re looking up. The dome allows sounds of nature in, but you’ll have the comforts of home, including an en suite toilet.

3. Eastern Townships, Quebec

In Quebec, le vertendre offers a truly unique glamping experience with great views of the night sky from a sustainable off-grid Zoobox. In the units, beds descend from the ceiling and expansive windows provide beautiful scenery by day and night. With the accommodations set out in the woods, you’ll need to be prepared to walk to your unit. The length of these paths can vary based on which one you have, though the walk can be up to 1.5 miles (luggage assistance is available). Enjoy a climbing wall, outdoor campfire, suspended hammocks, and wood or propane heating.

Zooboxes even include a “human-sized hamster wheel” or an electricity generating bicycle set-up. But don’t worry—solar panels provide most of the juice that’s needed, so you don’t have to pedal to keep the power on. The Zoobox is a special way to see the night sky while also enjoying local outdoor adventures during the day, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, as well as winter sports like snowshoeing.

4. Big Bend, Texas

If you’ve stargazed from all sorts of domes, tents, yurts, and other dazzling accommodations, here is one you still probably haven’t crossed off your list: stargazing from bed in a cave. That will change with a visit to The Summit at Big Bend in Texas. It is located around 17 miles from Big Bend National Park, which is part of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve. This spectacular reserve renowned for its dark skies totals more than 9 million acres. This property offers a number of different accommodation options that are perfect for soaking in the dark skies. Opt for a stargazing dome that comes complete with a clear ceiling, or splurge on a luxury cave. These luxe hotel rooms are carved right into Tres Cuevas Mountain and include panoramic windows that offer breathtaking views by day and night. They also have all the amenities you’ll want, including a king-sized bed, climate control with heating and air conditioning, a private bathroom, and even Wi-Fi.

5. Baa Atoll, Maldives

Look up at the night sky from an overwater bungalow in the Maldives. Located on Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas features an “overwater observatory” at Sky Bar—complete with luxury cocktails. Enjoy stories of the sky from a local expert, peek through the region’s most powerful telescope, and simply look up. Since the Maldives are located near the equator in the Indian Ocean, skygazers can see stars in both the northern and southern skies. After an evening out at the Sky Bar, settle in for the night and look up from your accommodations—a variety of villas and residences are available.

6. Nova Scotia, Canada 

Sleep in a heated Sky Bubble under the night sky in Nova Scotia, Canada’s Acadian Skies and Mi’kmaq Lands Starlight Reserve. The Deep Sky Eye Observatory Sky Bubbles are inflatable tents that feature a large dome that allows people to gaze into the night sky from a queen-sized bed. The bubbles feature cozy beds, lighting, tables and chairs, nightstands, and a shared restroom is available onsite. Family Sky Bubbles are also available with two double beds to accommodate more people. Activities like the Nocturnal Sky Theatre Experience are also available, providing opportunities to enjoy an expert-led tour of the universe outdoors, using telescopes, and even sitting in an anti-gravity chair to watch the sky above.

7. Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia is known for its stunning glaciers and rugged mountains by day—but by night, a new world emerges: dark skies. EcoCamp Patagonia is located about 7 miles (a four-hour hike) from the famous Torres del Paine, and you can even see the iconic rock towers from camp. After a day of exploring, spend the night in a cozy geodesic dome. Every dome option has clear panels to look out at the night sky, but the suite domes have the largest clear panels for the best views of the stars. 

8. Onduli Enclave, Namibia

Scheduled to open this November, Namibia’s Onduli Enclave promises to provide a phenomenal stargazing experience. This remote villa camp is located near Onduli Ridge, and its suites will provide stunning views, with “star beds” that can be rolled out on private decks for the full stargazing experience. Guests will be able to relax in bed and watch the night sky directly above. Other options include outdoor wood-fired hot tubs on private decks. While starwatching is a great draw in the evening hours, day time also provides wonderful opportunities for wildlife viewing, swimming, and other activities.

9. South Africa’s Garden Route

The Lifetree Collection features a number of unique luxury pods, cabins, cubes, and more that feature awe-inspiring stargazing in South Africa. Along Tsitsikamma National Park and Garden Route National Park, The Stargazing Cube and The Pyramid are two distinctive accommodations geared towards people who want to watch the night sky. The Stargazing Cube is a transparent cube where you can even move the remote-controlled bed outdoors for an unobstructed view of the night sky. The Pyramid is one-of-a-kind, with a fully transparent pyramid shape to provide full views of the forest, ocean, and the stars. It is located on an escarpment with fantastic views of the forest and beyond.

The post 9 of the Best Accommodations in the World for Spectacular Stargazing  appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

There is so much to do and see here, so we’ll help you narrow it down. Here are 13 things you can’t miss on your next trip to Whistler. 

1. Conquer the drop-offs and burns of the Whistler Bike Park 

Whether you like to cruise downhill, hit the twisties, or go off rock faces, the Whistler Bike Park has something for you. Open seasonally, depending on weather conditions, the park has the most terrain of any bike park in North America divided into four zones.  Even if you aren’t a mountain biker, check out the scene from the base or sightsee with lift service. You might be mesmerized by the skills and lack of fear in some of the riders. 

2. Cross the Cloudraker Skybridge

At over 6,650 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level, the Cloudraker Skybridge is a 426-foot (130-meter) suspension bridge for those who will trade the fear of heights for unobstructed views. Take the Peak Chair up to the bridge for a look down at Whistler Glacier. Visit the Raven’s Claw Cliff Walk from the West Ridge that extends 39 feet (12 meters) up with views of Whistler’s Bowl, the valley, and the Spearhead Range. Don’t miss the Figure 8 loop Whistler Summit Interpretive Walk. The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) hike explains the mountain ranges and more. Consider visiting the Roundhouse Lodge while hiking Mathews Traverse on a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) hike down.  

3. Experience a Canadian Christmas 

There is nothing quite like celebrating the holidays in a ski village. From skiing and riding the slopes to dining in a snow globe-like village, Whistler brings out the fun. There are plenty of special events, visits from Santa, and non-skiing outdoor activities like tubing, skating, and snowmobiling. A fire and ice show kicks off the New Year. For those who celebrate Hanukkah, the Whistler Library also has an annual celebration. 

4. Go off road

Going off road is a great way to see the diverse ecosystems of the temperate rainforest, including everything from bogs and wetlands areas to mossy forests full of firs, maples, and cedars. A woodlands snowmobile tour takes you deep into the wilderness. Off-road 4×4 tours let you see the alpine backcountry. 

5. Hike the Whistler Train Wreck Trail

This sight combines the fun of a suspension bridge with colorful street art. The hike to the Cheakamus Suspension Bridge is short 1.2 miles (2 km) each way. A bit past the bridge on the opposite side of the trailhead is where the train wreck took place. Five cargo cars remain covered with drawings and more. If you choose to, you can climb into the carriages for a closer look. 

6. Hit the slopes 

Whether you rock the twin tips or the split board, Whistler offers some of the best terrain in the Canadian Rockies with 448 inches of average snowfall. Whistler Blackcomb is the largest resort in North America with two mountains to choose from, including 200+ trails for every level of skier or rider—a combined 8,171 acres of total terrain, several parks, a superpipe, and a snocross track. If you want to explore the backcountry of Whistler, go heli-skiing or cat skiing at Powder Mountain.  

7. Journey into an ice cave and volcano 

Head deep into a glacier to experience a series of ice caves like none other. A helicopter takes you to the Coast Mountains to these remote ice caves through tunnels of azure-blue crystalline. You can add a trip to see an ancient volcano with steam vents amongst sheer walls of ice onto the itinerary. Trips are available in summer and winter. 

8. Slide on a glacier

Yes, you can even slide down a 14,000-year-old glacier in the summer while visiting Whistler. Known as glissading, thrill seekers can pick from a gentle slide to a more adventurous one along with an interpretive hike along the Whistler Glacier. For ages eight and up, this is a one-of-a-kind experience not found in many places. 

9. Take in the view from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

If you want to spend a full day on the mountain and see expansive views of the Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers the perfect opportunity. It takes you between the ski resort mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb.  Also worth checking out is the Sea to Sky Gondola, which offers a more quiet and personal experience taking you to the summit of Mt. Habrich with a view of Howe Sound. 

10. Test your mountain skills 

Do you have the guts to hike along the edge of a mountain cliff and climb to the peak of Whistler Mountain? With a harness and helmet, you can be clipped in and walk along the edge of Whistler Mountain on the Whistler Sky Walk. If you want to climb up the side of a mountain with ladder rungs, one of two Via Ferrata courses can challenge you. Ice climbing, rock climbing, rappelling Shannon Falls, heli-hiking, and rim snowshoe hikes are just some of the ways to test your skills in the mountains, depending on the season. 

11. Visit Brandywine Falls

Within Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is the 229-foot (70-meter) waterfall, cascading with beauty. Located along the Sea to Sky Highway between Whistler and Squamish, a 0.7-mile out-and-back hike takes you to the falls and includes views of the surrounding mountains and Daisy Lake. The falls are best viewed from April to October. Leashed dogs are welcome. 

12. Walk amongst the Snow Walls 

If you are visiting Whistler in early summer (May-July), you can experience the uniqueness of walking through the Whistler Snow Walls. To access the alpine, the Snow Walls allow passage along Pika’s Traverse. 

13. Zip across the landscape 

Whether you are a newbie or an experienced zipliner, a zipline adventure over Whistler’s diverse terrain should be on your visit bucket list. The Whistler Sasquatch Zipline is a popular option to take in the diverse landscape of Whistler from above. 

Additional experiences to consider:

• Bobsledding at the Whistler Sliding Centre
• Whistler helicopter tour 

Kayak, paddle, or canoe on the River of Golden Dreams

The post 13 Cool Things to See and Do in Whistler appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

The park partially reopened on October 15, and visitors have noticed that the tropical storm left behind a rather unusual sight . . . lakes in the desert. One of these temporary lakes in particular is creating a buzz of excitement among visitors in the Badwater Basin salt flats. The lake is an estimated 2 feet deep. 

Visitors have enjoyed witnessing the stunning scene of shimmering water surrounded by a backdrop of tall sand dunes. “Ephemeral lakes popped up around the park, which is both pretty rare and amazing! They disappear fast, so they most likely will not be there when you visit,” Death Valley National Park Service shared in an Instagram post.

Sitting below sea level, Death Valley experiences long periods of drought and record high summer temperatures, sometimes reaching up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet, there is plenty of natural beauty to discover, including a vast number of plant species, wildlife, and birds.

“Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley,” the National Park Service explains on the park’s website.

If you want to see these unlikely lakes, be sure to visit Death Valley sooner rather than later.

The post There’s an Unlikely Lake In Death Valley National Park—See It Before It’s Gone appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

8. Triple Divide Pass

Besides being home to an incredible view, Triple Divide Pass is home to a rare hydrological phenomenon. The Rocky Mountains run along the Continental Divide, which divides America’s waterways. All the water that flows east from the Continental Divide goes to the Atlantic Ocean, while all the water that flows west goes to the Pacific. At Triple Divide Pass, that separation merges with a third: all the water that flows north from Triple Divide flows to the Arctic. Standing at Triple Divide, you’ll be standing at an apex of possibility that spreads across the entire continent.

7. Waterton Lakes

If you’re willing to get backcountry permits and backpack for a few days, you can go and touch the Canadian border, where Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park meets Glacier. The history of these two parks is intertwined, ever since they were declared a joint International Peace Park. Once upon a time, Waterton-Glacier was a place where folks could freely walk this natural area, crossing the border between the two countries at will. Sadly, COVID complicated things. Still, their joining represents peace and unity between the two countries.

6. Going-to-the-Sun Road

This is one of Glacier National Park’s most iconic attractions. If you’re in the park, you simply have to take the time and drive this road. It offers epic views the whole way. As you drive, I recommend listening to Fleet Foxes’ song of the same name—it’s the perfect soundtrack. While most visitors know of this road, they might not know that it features in movies like The Shining and Forrest Gump.

6. Dawson Pass

If you want a gnarly hike with outstanding views, this is the one for you. Named after Thomas Dawson, a guide from Glacier’s early days, this trail boasts views of Sinopah Mountain, Mt. Helen, Tinkham Mountain, and a small spur trail to No Name Lake. Most folks will connect back to Many Glacier campground via the Pitamakan Pass trail, which makes for an incredible loop. Watch out for high winds on this high, exposed traverse. Trekking poles are recommended, and cameras are required.

4. Trail of the Cedars

For those less focused on hard hiking and high-adrenaline views, there’s another gorgeous option available to you here in Glacier. The Trail of the Cedars is a short, wheelchair-accessible hike that boasts some ancient, towering trees. Few things inspire human wonder in the same way as massive trees that were here before us and will (hopefully) be here long after. Enjoy the footbridge over Avalanche Creek and the views of Lower Avalanche Gorge.

3. Two Medicine

Two Medicine is a part of Glacier National Park that isn’t talked about as much as, say, Going-to-the-Sun Road, but it’s well worth your time. It’s another extension of Glacier’s natural beauty, but it’s a sacred spot in its own right. Along with Chief Mountain up by the border, Two Medicine has significant spiritual meaning. I caught a ride from Chief Mountain with David from Mountain Chief Cab Company, and he told me some nearby peaks’ names and some stories as we drove back to East Glacier. As I remember, he told us the name Two Medicine came from a year in the past where, because of some natural event, Blackfeet people could not have their annual gathering where they normally would. Some of them met in their original meeting place, and the rest established a new one in the form of Two Medicine. In that way, it represents community despite obstacles.

2. Many Glacier

Maybe because it’s nestled slightly further into the park, the feeling of a stay in Many Glacier is special in its own right. There’s the historic Many Glacier Hotel, designed much like an alpine Swiss chalet, which lends a regal air to Swiftcurrent Lake. The campground, though, is where the real magic is. People from far and wide gather here for the easy access to world-class hikes and natural features to explore. With a stay at Many Glacier, you can head up Swiftcurrent Pass and stop at some stunning backcountry campsites. You could also hike through the Ptarmigan Tunnel or check out Iceberg Cirque, an incredible national amphitheater carved out by glaciers.

1. Grinnell Glacier

Easily accessed from Many Glacier, the hike to Grinnell is a highlight. It’s a great slice of Glacier’s offerings, and while it is challenging, families could certainly take it on. The glaciers for which this park is named are, of course, receding. This is one reason it’s important to check out Grinnell or some similar glacier during your visit. It’s good to get a sense of that process, even as you look around at the landscape they carved out once upon a time, imagining their former size and power. It’s a reminder that things change. As you hike, you may find yourself grounded again in the beauty, in the possibility of spying mountain goats, moose, or grizzly bears, and loving the wild land for what it is now.

The post 8 Must-See Spots in Glacier National Park appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

In a second post, he captured the incredible sight of dolphins swimming through the bioluminescence. It happened whilst Patrick was on a wildlife watching tour with Newport Coastal Adventure. 

“The bioluminescence has been absolutely unreal and last night we filmed dolphins swimming in it again!” Patrick shared on Instagram. 

Watch it here:

Bioluminescence is created by a chemical reaction inside the bodies of living things, usually organisms found in the ocean, including fish and bacteria. It is a much rarer sight to see on land, but species such as fireflies and fungi can also create their own light. 

There are two chemicals required for the reaction to occur: luciferin and photoprotein. Many other variables, including water temperature, have to be right for this glittering spectacle to take place.  

If you want to experience bioluminescence, try kayaking the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, which is another place to witness this magical phenomenon. 

The post WATCH: Dolphins Swimming Through Bioluminescence appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Elias travels the world in a converted Land Rover Discovery, exploring some extremely remote locations. He left his camera recording overnight and managed to capture vibrant, neon green shots of the aurora borealis dancing across the sky during his time in northern Finland.

Elias’s Instagram is full of amazing photos and videos of the aurora. He’s seen the Northern Lights in Tornio, Sweden, and parts of Norway too. Scandinavian countries are among the best places to catch a sighting, but the Northern Lights can also be seen in the U.S., in spots such as Colorado and sections of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, which is known for being one of the best places in North America to witness the phenomenon. 

On a very chilly evening, reaching as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius), Elias got this footage on his Sony A7S II camera using a Sony 20 mm F1.8 lens, and the resulting Instagram reel has been viewed 1.8 million times and counting. Check it out here:

Photographing the night sky can be a challenging task for photographers, with different lenses and cameras offering varying results. No two auroras are the same, so you might need to experiment with a few different set-ups to capture the perfect shot.

The post WATCH: Photographer Leaves Camera Outside and Gets Insane Footage of Northern Lights appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.