Historic Ward Charcoal Ovens in Nevada, USA

Ward Charcoal Ovens Historic Park, Nevada, USA. Six large ovens were built outside of Ward, established by the silver miners. Today it is a ghost town, while these ovens are the best preserved heritage. Built in 1876 by Italian masons, they were used for producing charcoal: this kind of construction appeared to be much more efficient then the previously used beehive shape ovens.

The park is part of the Great Basin, which results in a desert and arid environment. There are creeks and springs, pinyon and juniper forests, and a diverse wildlife, that includes mountain lion, deer, coyote, fox, rabbit and more. Tourists can have a nice hike and go camping – various facilities here enable to enjoy a day or two of outdoor activities.

Why to go there?
In the park visitors can admire unspoiled nature, have a nice hike and spend a night at a camp. Moreover these ovens and the ghost town of Ward provide a valuable insight into the history of the USA.

When to go there?
The park is open all year round. Most visitors come between May and August. In winter there can be snow, which provides skiing opportunities.

How to get there?
The site is found only 32 km (20 mi) from the town of Ely. The best way to get there is via road U.S. 93.

Waterton Lake, Canada

Waterton Lake, Alberta, Canada. The gorgeous mountain lake has borders with southern Alberta and Montana, USA. Waterton Lakes National Park is named after this one – the most picturesque and striking natural wonder around.

Waterton’s surroundings are preserved by UNESCO, since it features a diverse variety of flora, including prairie grasslands, aspen parkland, subalpine forests, alpine tundra and freshwater fens. Visitors are offered an exciting cruise in a historic ship, which follows the shores of Waterton and allows to admire its stunning unspoiled nature.

Why to go there?There is Waterton town on the lake’s shores, therefore visitors can find all the facilities, which make their trip comfortable. Yet the nature is very well preserved and unspoiled outside the town, thus allowing to enjoy a quiet getaway.

When to go there?Anytime, although the cruises are in service from May to November.

How to get there?By car using Highway 5. The nearest big town is Calgary.

Antelope Canyon, USA

The sprawling Navajo Nation has no shortage of magical places, but the most photogenic might be Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, located just outside Page, Arizona. They are a testament to the power of water and time, as over the years, flash flooding has created deep, gorgeous passageways—called slot canyons—that you can walk through. While you’re in the area, check out Rainbow Bridge, a stunning 275-foot-tall rock bridge over man-made Lake Powell. It, too, is sacred to the Navajo, so in order to hike to it, you need a permit from Navajo Parks & Recreation.