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<p>While beach resorts and seaside stays tend to top most travellers to-do lists, the world has plenty of lakes to give you an unforgettable experience too. Without further adieu, here are Gafencu&#8217;s top picks for the world&#8217;s most pristine lake to pay a visit to&#8230;</p>
<h3>Lake Taupō</h3>
<h4>New Zealand</h4>
<figure id="attachment_48257" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48257" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-48257" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o.jpg" alt="lakes" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48257" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/hotmeteor/4256111089/in/photolist-7u6FxF-axEmf-6Nipgi-frBUA7-7KU4Nd-cfsR2s-oEs1K8-oWW5Bn-9vQKvv-7PftzU-oEs23T-idooTg-ebu8Nv-oUAEod-a8FQsb-ACjgY-2emt5Va-96yBND-8t695h-7FbsDH-e7ysw5-7M1zD-eV8PR-anrBuv-7Gh496-7KQ5yF-btjVWj-VhTvHk-7Gh4mM-9y7EGz-ACnMa-uXxFr-22h6gXV-6fCVRf-96yyN6-4mDe41-V3qkyC-fZpq2y-4r5UKJ-eV8VS-aeVJkd-ACnM5-7M1zE-7M1zF-mvBDqc-mvDuPu-9y7ENn-pQPQTt-mvDvoL-qtYs4M"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Adam Campbell</span></a></figcaption></figure>
<p>Spanning across some 616sq.km and reaching depths up to 186m, Lake Taupō is equivalent to the size of Singapore and ranks in as the second-largest freshwater lake in all of the Oceania region. Clearly giving travellers more than enough room for aquatic adventures – think kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing – the northern island to which it belongs is also New Zealand&#8217;s sky diving capital.</p>
<p>Those who prefer to gaze into its scenic waters rather than dip into them can also partake in a game of golf or try their swing to win NZD$10,000 Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge which has been entertaining locals, tourists and visitors from across the globe for over 20 years now.</p>
<h3>Lake Bow</h3>
<h4>Canada</h4>
<figure id="attachment_48258" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48258" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48258 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48258" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kairologic/44493720562/in/photolist-2aMKWZ9-27KgV4F-T2ZPEA-D2u5A2-WZz6Uk-LACfmq-LZyKJU-LyN8Ry-EWTKey-RQ93Px-29b8dEt-28JpUWp-djCUhp-29eXzuv-2aEh3bD-2VoTZq-n8SSrp-297p9Xm-XbsdpY-27UnWUy-TCurHK-SbMq7J-Tr3HVY-exjC1C-WTPomp-SkYwwL-2aEfDqv-YEDeMk-REHr4W-YRytz9-o93H1x-fMjY1D-dcRKfb-293Ub2G-nmuPkS-71FVPf-WXGR6M-27Xj7Cb-cp4Z1h-RMuHBb-WH3Q8J-2azR8Qu-9MFBkR-SA8T3r-puf41G-SA8XYZ-2aHc7rV-233yPWX-SVPQkv-XU2sJD"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Brendan Bombaci</span></a></figcaption></figure>
<p>Heading north to the world&#8217;s 51st parallel, one will find a true Canadian gem – Lake Bow. Situated in Alberta&#8217;s Rocky Mountains, Bow is a relatively small lake spanning across only 0.8sq.km, with a 70m depth. While often overlooked for its sister Lake Louise, Bow, too gives nature lovers a tranquil spot to host a picnic or take a short stroll, while they marvel in its beauty.</p>
<p>With the rest of Banff National Park just a few minutes away by car, one could easily spend a whole day lake hopping, or taking advantage of the hiking trails that spread out across the park, before retiring back to town for a nightcap and star gazing.</p>
<h3>Lake Bunyonyi</h3>
<h4>Uganda</h4>
<figure id="attachment_48259" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48259" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-48259" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48259" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rod_waddington/15801942955/in/photolist-q5n67k-akwKkD-THJx5q-YJGuQm-2emeHK3-9fsmgA-9pws1X-S1JcBG-S71N8L-akxiF2-SNUokU-RzBtrY-9juC2w-DbqxtJ-rkjLn7-jEt4RW-2dW8ZGg-9eeW3c-3hAdSb-BTs8q-b5eFDt-AnS4Q-GZe1G-4PZPC7-4mwzjc-jHztT2-psYefH-p59hk8-4FDpNz-bMuyvr-5hEAqB-D7rqdP-mcrEP-3gAJSh-ebtqeA-Xo3x8C-9YchVM-21FkuKJ-awzh3h-4JTNFZ-dkrmcd-4GWhQu-Rvu7Gt-h1Hai-YX57bL-8iXXLk-hMbNdt-9pzxaf-i9ptD2-dkrjn1"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rod Waddington</span></a></figcaption></figure>
<p>Travelling to East Africa, one would find Lake Bunyonyi to the south-western region of Uganda. Occupying a surface area of 46sq.km it is also one of the deepest lakes in the world – and the second deepest in Africa – with a rumoured depth of 900m. A true place of pride for Ugandans, Bunyonyi is featured on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note and is one of the only bodies of water in the region free of&nbsp;bilharzia and safe for swimming.</p>
<p>Tourists have been known to opt for a day of canoeing to any of the lake&#8217;s 28 islands and visiting the pygmy families to truly immerse themselves in the local culture. Meanwhile, Bushara Island a visit is surely worth a visit as it offers luxury&nbsp;tents, chalets, and also campsites.</p>
<h3>Lake Cañapa</h3>
<h4>Bolivia</h4>
<figure id="attachment_48260" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48260" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-48260" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48260" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/atonglee/15382854240/in/photolist-acqy7k-62p8V-76g2XT-prk9CQ-4o1oxJ-pGUCHh-dJQ9kR-okRsii-dDrLzw-4o1m9b-8jD7tN-6arNqA-2cSY23i-isNXzi-8m6g97-S2a58Z-akggqd-92Kyj-9jKruM-akdDjV-5RAA1Q-akdAfz-5XdVbQ-qyuuuQ-rdJQsK-rdUfsj-Hqw5BV-7H9Q4k-7H9ERH-Y65h8f-2be8ZTF-rtcuJA-FDDcPy-rvtYBV-xdSjV-xdSfN-55HLuy-9jixGb-7PMP1x-xdS7A-xdS9d-xdSdR-qyVBRH-6uUFpR-xdS8p-xdSho-7PMEu2-xdSgp-4pMeng-3QKekB"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Anthony Tong Lee</span></a></figcaption></figure>
<p>Hongkongers who are willing to endure the 38,624km-roundtrip to Bolivia would be well-advised not to overlook Lake Cañapa, an&nbsp;endorheic salt lake located in the desert of Siloli. Considerably smaller than the other listed lakes, Cañapa&#8217;s surface area is rather quaint at 1.42sq.km and has a depth of only 1m.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Perhaps the most charming aspect of&nbsp;Lake Cañapa is its significant population of wildlife, particularly flamingos. Nature lovers can observe the birds as they peck at the salt larva within the gorgeous blue water. The distant volcanos have also been known to create a rather scenic background for couples travelling to the area.</p>
<h3>Lake Baikal</h3>
<h4>Russia</h4>
<figure id="attachment_48261" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48261" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-48261" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48261" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/t_eidolon/46410150235/in/photolist-5upp2o-WSbP5G-dxucA1-p2ADG-28b2LXV-RoLySf-5uk62a-4E3PCx-3rgJv6-3rgJvD-XbW6qM-2dH79L4-3qRajo-8jRgfx-3cX8Yy-Ykmi4o-oAz67P-iAYuk1-8jRg7B-VZcxbo-bf7tf4-8iLLjz-WX3TAK-6BbMM7-WwAf5J-ojkU1G-iB1oa8-6xiRKq-e1ABd1-NwN6yd-4E3Win-5qXjz9-iAXY3f-4E8bV5-4E8aRm-5o6wW9-p2z6H-Wwz5BY-WX3dMx-o48Qmb-4E3ViZ-ikJni3-6xeGQe-4E3UdD-ah3od3-oACJgA-4E8cBh-2dH7awc-5416Zz-oAQQvM/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Victoria Abrosimova</span></a></figcaption></figure>
<p>As the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world&nbsp;–&nbsp;containing 22–23% of the world&#8217;s fresh surface water – Lake Baikal is rightly a site to see. The rift lake can be found in southern&nbsp;Siberia, where it consumes a whopping 31,722sq.km of surface area, while its depths have been reported to reach&nbsp;1,642m. Rich in biodiversity, the lake is home to 1,000 plant species and over 2,500 animal species such as the Baikal seals, lemmings and reindeer.</p>
<p>Deemed to be one of Russia&#8217;s most amazing destinations – it was added to UNESCO&#8217;s World Heritage list in 1996 – the long-spanning distance of the lake allows one to visit remote areas and be at one with nature. However, with recent news reports that Russia is considering banning tourists from the area to preserve its ecosystem, it would be wise to pay it a visit before it&#8217;s too late.</p>
<p>Related: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/botanical-gardens-travel/"><em>Botanic Bests: 3 botanical gardens in Asia to visit this summer</em></a></p>


Gafencu’s Guide to the World’s Most Pristine Lakes

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Wh</span><span class="s1">en it comes to regions of natural beauty, few parts of the world can compare to the awe-inspiring wonder of the Rockies. North America’s largest mountain range, it stretches out across some 4,828km, all the way from New Mexico – the southern US state – to British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">In the land of the Canucks, the mountains occupy a space of some 180,000sq.km, expanding out across four national and three provincial parks. With such a vast array of high-altitude wonder to be explored, there really is only one way to appreciate the full majesty of these mountains. While it’s a route that’s been in place for more than a century, when it comes to savouring the real Rockies, the Canadian railway service just can’t be beaten.</span></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-46026" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelB_opt.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelB_opt.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelB_opt-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelB_opt-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelB_opt-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelB_opt-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelB_opt-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelB_opt-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">For almost 100 years after Canada was first settled, it was considered faster and easier to sail to the depths of South America and back than to chance crossing these mighty peaks. Looking to eliminate these mammoth marine marathons, the Canadian government then set about considering a bold plan for a railway system that would cross the Rocky Mountains, connecting British Columbia to the then-capital of Kingston, Ontario. </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">In 1881, they turned to making that plan a reality, and, ever since then, the Canadian Pacific Railway has played a central role in unifying the country and channelling its development. Perhaps not entirely unex</span><span class="s1">pectedly, completing such a bold and unprecedented project came at quite a cost, not all of it financial.</span></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-46027" style="line-height: 24px;" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelC_opt.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelC_opt.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelC_opt-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelC_opt-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelC_opt-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelC_opt-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelC_opt-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelC_opt-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">Between 1881 and 1884, some 17,000 Chinese labourers were hired to work on the line. Typically, their wages were considerably lower than their white counterparts, while the dangers they were exposed to were far greater. At best, they slept in freezing boxcars and received no medical care, at worst, they fell victim to haphazard blasting operations or were left to perish below one of the all-too-frequent landslides that dogged the construction process.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">Such harsh realities, though, are hard to reconcile with the modern-day Rockies, which are now scaled by countless fun and fitness seekers every year. Across their vast extent, they are home to luxury ski resorts, national parks and the kind of pris</span><span class="s1">tine lakes beloved of water sports enthusiasts. Above all, of course, they remain the ideal sanctuary for stressed-out city dwellers.</span></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46029 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelE_opt.jpg" alt="The Rockies" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelE_opt.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelE_opt-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelE_opt-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelE_opt-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelE_opt-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelE_opt-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelE_opt-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">Indeed, if you are really are keen to explore the Canadian Rockies – while keeping your carbon footprint to the minimum – it would be wise to get one of the country’s leading train tourism schedulers on board, such as Vancouver-headquartered Rocky Mountaineer. The company offers a raft of rail experiences, ranging from four- to 14-night journeys, which collectively span Alberta and British Columbia, Canada’s two westernmost provinces. Along the way, you can visit the towns and parks of Banff, Jasper, Whistler and Kamloops, before ending your journey in Vancouver.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">As Canada’s only truly luxury train service, travel is limited to the daylight hours, with bookings taken from the beginning of April to the end of October. Throughout your journey, there are plenty of opportunities to disembark and stay in one of the many luxurious hotels that line the route, such as the Fairmont Jasper Lodge Park or the Post Hotel in Lake Louise.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Once back aboard the train, though, you can just sit back, relax, recline your chair and enjoy the views. Most services even offer a beguiling outdoor viewing platform, a truly breathtaking way to take in the passing landscape.</span></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46028 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelD_opt.jpg" alt="The Rockies" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelD_opt.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelD_opt-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelD_opt-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelD_opt-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelD_opt-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelD_opt-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelD_opt-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">Whenever and wherever you choose to hop off the Mountaineer, you are assured of one thing – a bracing blast of Canada’s famously fresh air. Despite the temperature in Alberta hovering around the 20-25<sup>o</sup>C mark in the summer months – and British Columbia being known to top 30<sup>o</sup>C – the season is notoriously fickle, with a shiver or two par for the course at the higher altitudes. With that in mind, it’s best to stow a jacket beside your shorts and sunscreen. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">While the train’s dining car offers a surprisingly high standard of cuisine, it’s still worth scheduling a stop at one or two of the finer route-side eateries, most particularly the Sky Bistro. Set squarely on the peak of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain, this offers fabulous local cuisine, a wide selection of Canadian beers and, of course, glorious views. For those bold enough for a yet more rugged encounter with the Great Canadian outdoors, there’s always the option of pitching a tent and truly immersing yourself in the wilderness.</span></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46030 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelF_opt.jpg" alt="The Rockies" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelF_opt.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelF_opt-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelF_opt-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelF_opt-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelF_opt-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelF_opt-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/700x466-TravelF_opt-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Whatever option you choose, before heading back to the train for the last leg of your journey, there are a couple of quintessentially Canadian traditions you just have to observe if you want to boast that you have truly ‘done’ the country. At the very least, you need to sneak a shot of a beaver (from a safe distance, of course) and wave to a passing Mountie. Completists may also want to end at least one sentence with ‘eh’ whether it’s truly merited or not.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"> As you pull back into the station, though, don’t expect this to be the end of the line for you and the country. There’s something about Canada – its people, its environment, its landscapes and its way of life – that sees many yearning to return time and again. And when you do, you’re assured of a welcome that’s as enchanting and as enduring as the Rockies themselves.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><em>Text: <a href="mailto:bailey@itotalmedia.com">Bailey Atkinson</a><br />
</em></p>
<div class="post-content">
<p><em>For the full article, please find the latest issue of Gafencu’s print magazine or the PDF version on the Gafencu app. Download the app from the Google</em><em>&nbsp;</em><em><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gafencu.android&amp;hl=en"><strong>Play Store</strong></a></em><em>&nbsp;</em><em>or Apple</em><em>&nbsp;</em><em><strong><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gafencu/id541555130?mt=8">App Store</a>.</strong></em></p>
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Canada High: The Rockies by rail is an on-line experience like no other

<p>While Canada&#8217;s western&nbsp;provinces of&nbsp;British Columbia and Alberta may be the hot-spots for the cold winter seasons, mostly thanks to the Canadian Rockies, which provide some of the world&#8217;s most sought-after ski resorts and real-life snow globe views, it, however, would be an oversight to miss out on the beauty of BC&#8217;s summers.</p>
<p>Home to just about a dozen landscapes, British Columbia&#8217;s vast landmass includes rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, forests, lakes, mountains, inland deserts and grassy plains. Visitors with a love for nature are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to the great outdoors, and Canadian hospitality is no joke either, as the nation has been regarded as one of the <a href="https://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/06/09/news/canadas-friendliest-country-world">world&#8217;s friendliest </a><a href="https://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/06/09/news/canadas-friendliest-country-world">countries</a>.&nbsp;And so, for those who are perhaps a bit too accustomed to Hong Kong&#8217;s humid weather and are too scared to brave the West Coast&#8217;s cold, summer is the perfect time to pack your bags and finally see what British Columbia has to offer in its warmer months as temperatures rise to 20- to 30-degree Celsius.</p>
<p>However, to truly enjoy all that the province has to offer, it&#8217;s best to pay a visit to a place just as beautiful as the nature surrounding it. Below are our top picks of British Columbia&#8217;s luxury hotels.</p>
<h3>Wickaninnish Inn</h3>
<h4>Tofino, Vancouver Island</h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45079" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-wickaninnish-inn.jpg" alt="British Columbia" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-wickaninnish-inn.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-wickaninnish-inn-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-wickaninnish-inn-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-wickaninnish-inn-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-wickaninnish-inn-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-wickaninnish-inn-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-wickaninnish-inn-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Known for its prime location to watch storms on the water, the relaxed town of Tofino is situated to the south-west of Vancouver Island. Home to no more than 1,900 residents, this small town – tucked away from the bustling city of Vancouver – is a favourite to those looking for cool summers. Combining the island&#8217;s heritage with the elegant nature of the isle, <a href="https://www.wickinn.com/">Wickaninnish Inn</a> invites guests to get away from it all in its 75 deluxe guest room and suites. The inn has been operating for over sixty years now, and is lauded for its ecofriendly and green operations. It is, indeed, the perfect place for those looking to connect with nature via yoga classes and viewing the crashing waves.</p>
<h3><span style="line-height: inherit;">The Four Seasons</span></h3>
<h4>Whistler</h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45076" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/four-seasons-whistler.jpg" alt="British Columbia" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/four-seasons-whistler.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/four-seasons-whistler-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/four-seasons-whistler-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/four-seasons-whistler-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/four-seasons-whistler-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/four-seasons-whistler-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/four-seasons-whistler-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Just some 125kms north of Vancouver, Whistler is known for its&nbsp;alpine skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and mountain biking in the summer. A true family getaway, the glaciated town boasts a population of just barely 11,000, but hosts a staggering 3 million tourists each year. Found in the very heart of North America&#8217;s largest ski resort is&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/whistler/">The Four Seasons Whistler</a></strong>, an intimate hotel and lodge, dedicated to ensuring that guests experience the most from the nature, not just in winter, but also in the shorter summer months. So guests are spoilt for choice in terms of activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, horseback riding and zip trekking. Meanwhile, within its lush premises, sophisticated wooden rooms, complete with gas fireplaces and separate sitting areas beckon guests into the lap of luxury.</p>
<h3>Hume Hotel &amp; Spa</h3>
<h4>Nelson</h4>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45078" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hume.jpg" alt="British Columbia" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hume.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hume-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hume-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hume-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hume-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hume-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hume-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, some 663kms north of Vancouver, Nelson is popularly known as &#8220;The Queen City&#8221;, and a long-preferred destination within the province due to its&nbsp;impressive collection of restored heritage buildings from the glory days of the region&#8217;s silver rush. Now known for its hippiesque culture and an organic and natural lifestyle, Nelson is a particular kind of paradise for anyone looking to escape the office grind and get enter the gateway to back-country. Promising visitors a home away from home is the now 121 year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.humehotel.com/">Hume Hotel and Spa</a>, a hotel harbouring a rich history with live-music venues, cosy dining settings and, of course, Canadian charm.</p>
<p></p>
<p><em>Text: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:bailey@itotalmedia.com">Bailey Atkinson</a></span></em></p>


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