The recent reopening of the Canadian border to “non-essential” travelers means that as travel roars back, those on the hunt for more photogenic fodder just regained access to a whole new country full of snapshot opportunities.
Combined with the entirety of the US, this means there are more places to explore on the never-ending quest for majestic mountains, luscious lakes and vibrant urban landscapes.
With so many options, it can be equally overwhelming to figure out where to go to capture those perfect shots. No matter your style – outdoorsy, city vibe or just looking for a good road trip – we put together a list of our can’t-miss destinations that will up your IG game in no time.
Post Hotel Lake Louise I The Icefields Parkway, Alberta/British Columbia
Let’s get right to it. The 143-mile stretch of Highway 93 linking Banff National Park to Jasper is an embarrassment of towering Canadian Rocky peaks with something new at every turn. This is a drive best saved for a relaxing day trip as you’ll want to stop at several points along the way, and contrary to popular belief – this is a four-season drive. (Just be prepared with a capable vehicle in the winter and early spring.)
Hotel St. Thomas | Mile End, Montreal, QC
The “City of Saints” isn’t short on picture-worthy sites, but certainly among the top is the hip, multicultural Mile-End neighborhood atop “Le Plateau”. Here, food is the star of the show with all sorts of great options from Greek to bagels, reflecting the range of cultures that call this area home. There are also plenty of murals to ogle and beautiful historic streets to wander down.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort | Southern Oregon Coast
The southern third of Oregon’s coastline is its least visited, largely because of remoteness. There are no big cities nearby and the craggy cliffs and expansive beaches seem to never end. Among the must-drives is the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – a 12-mile stretch of stunning views starting south of Gold Beach and ending right before Brookings near the state line.
The Wickaninnish Inn | Tofino, British Columbia
The western coast of Vancouver Island is not for the faint of heart. It’s wild, unkempt and has plenty of adventure for those willing to seek it out. Anchoring much of that exploration is the small surf village of Tofino, which acts as the gateway to Pacific Rim National Park Preserve and a favorite local pastime: island hopping. The photo opps here are easily and plentiful – perhaps so much so that you’ll spend less time on your phone and more on the expansive landscape.
La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – Borrego Springs, CA
While the desert isn’t for everyone, it does make for some great pictures that are undeniably Southern California. About 90 minutes east of San Diego you’ll find this less-trafficked parcel of land with plenty of rolling mountain ridges and unique art installations to explore. One of the most popular times of year is March when the annual wildflowers bloom, which means more visitors, but also better photos.
Noyo Harbor Inn | California’s “Lost Coast”
If you’re looking for more space to roam, head up to the state’s northern half to a long stretch of coastline that’s described as “lost” partially because it’s far down the pecking order in a state full of top attractions. We’re here to tell you there are endless places to get that perfect post anywhere between Fort Bragg and Eureka, all you need is a couple of days and your own transportation.
Big Sky Resort | Big Sky, Montana
Many use Big Sky as a starting point to explore Yellowstone National Park, but we’re here to tell you, you don’t need to leave Montana to get some fantastic photos. Big Sky is a skier’s and mountain biker’s paradise with solid peaks surrounding the enclave on all sides. For all of your winter Instagramming needs, start here.
Zero George Street Hotel | Charleston, South Carolina
As one of America’s oldest cities, Charleston has no shortage of historical charm (read: unique photo opportunities). The city is highly walkable and your best bet is to simply wander the streets and see what you discover. There also happens to be no shortage of great food and culture in this most unique of cities along the Eastern seaboard.
The Drake | West Queen West – Toronto, ON
This narrow neighborhood in the heart of Toronto is heavily influenced by the art set, but also takes nods from the city’s diversity and ever-changing makeup. There are plenty of galleries to center a night out and plenty of ways to make your followers jealous by grabbing a pic on what’s consistently named one of the coolest neighborhoods in North America.
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