Planning to walk the Camino de Santiago? This first-timers guide has trail-tested Camino de Santiago tips and planning resources.
The ancient city of Sorrento sits high on a cliffside about an hour outside Naples. Not only does the town make the perfect base to explore the Amalfi
Volcanoes, black sand beaches, rain forests, tropical gardens, and some of the best snorkeling of any island. Here are the 17 best things to do on Big Island of Hawaii.
For a great New England getaway, you can't beat Portsmouth. In this travel guide, discover the best things to do in Portsmouth NH including where to eat & stay.
Planning an Obidos day trip from Lisbon? This ultimate one day in Obidos itinerary is all you need to explore all the sites, day trips & more
I avert my eyes from my friend’s disbelief. “You’ve never been to Radium? How is that possible? It’s just a few hours away!” In defense I mumble that I’ve driven by the Radium Hot Springs a couple of decades ago. “No the village of Radium Hot Springs!” She speaks as though I am having difficulty hearing her. Less than three hours from Calgary, where we have lived for over thirty years, I admit I know nothing about the things to do in Radium Hot Springs, well other than the fact Radium has hot springs. “You do know about the Bighorn mountain sheep though. Right?” I ashamedly shake my head. “They have mountain sheep in the Village of Radium Hot Springs?” “No, in the Radium Hot Springs pools.” She is teasing now. “Well not in the summer, but in the spring, the mountain sheep are all over the place until they move to higher ground for when the lambs are born. In the fall they come back down to the village of Radium for their famous head banging routines to impress the females.” Sounds more like a headache routine. Yet who can resist the idea of herds of sheep wandering around a mountain village? Where is Radium Hot Springs? Located at the edge of Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, Canada, the Village of Radium Hot Springs is 250 km. (155 mi.) west of Calgary, and 135 km. (84 mi.) west of Banff. The Radium Hot Springs Mineral Pools are within the national park, just prior to entering the village of Radium. Nestled in the Columbia Valley, the village sits between the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Purcell Mountains to the west. The Columbia River runs just west of the village. 15 Things To Do In Radium Hot Springs and Area No time to read this now? Click on our 3 minute video below to see the beauty of Radium Hot Springs. Is there a bear out there? What is the difference between a mountain goat and a mountain sheep? Are there bears on the hiking trails? What does a tick look like? How is an antler different from a horn? Open 362 days a year, the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Information Centre is no ordinary tourist booth. Filled with wildlife and educational displays, the destination education centre staff are available with up to date knowledge on safely enjoying the great outdoors in the Columbia Valley. Learning to co-exist with the wildlife for which Radium is famous for, makes a stop at the Radium Hot Springs Visitor Information Centre an important one. Radium Hot Springs Visitor Information Centre The Visitor Centre counsellors can also assist with questions about Radium Hot Springs hotels and places to visit in Radium Hot Springs and the surrounding area. Golfing with mountain sheep When I tell the golf pro at The Springs Course in Radium I would be more comfortable jumping off a cliff than trying golf, I am only half joking. Having never golfed in my life, and apparently missing the gene for eye-hand coordination, I now find myself with club in hand in Radium Hot Springs. Sue and the mountain sheep gallery A smiling Sue with the most patient golf pro on the earth. Just the thought of crowds of experienced golfers impatiently glancing at their watches while I mercilessly swing at a ball, that refuses to move, makes my hands sweat. With the pro’s soothing voice, simple instructions and a gallery of mountain sheep looking on, I manage to hit the ball and not send the golf club into the side of anyone’s head. There is not another golfer in sight on this spring day. Just the scenery of majestic mountains and mountain sheep wandering in the distance. Dave and I end up playing nine holes and even I will admit to having fun. The only crowds on the course are mountain sheep Vegetarian bannock at Elevations Restaurant – The Springs Course Clubhouse Lunch with a view – Patio at Elevations Restaurant Don’t judge a restaurant by its horse It’s not every day you see a towering metal stallion, rearing on hind legs, outside a restaurant, let alone in a quaint village setting. Albeit an impressive art installation, I suspect the vegetarian choices inside Horsethief Creek Pub may taste like the boards the horse is balancing on. “Oh come on I’m sure it will be fine. “Hubby’s nose is pulling him toward the savory smells of BBQ wafting from the restaurant. The evening becomes a classic you-were-right-and-I-was-wrong couples moment. Finding the Horsethief filled with locals, I am surprised by all of the vegetarian choices along with more traditional meat fare. While inhaling a scrumptious spinach burger, I manage to steal a few sweet and salty yam fries from Dave’s plate. He’s too busy with his smoky chicken burger to notice anyway. Sweet and salty yam fries Spinach burger Hanging with the sheep at Bighorn Meadows Resort “You’ve got to see this!” At the moment Dave bellows from our deck at Bighorn Meadows, I happen to be putting refreshments in the fridge to cool. Startling at his exuberance, my head and the fridge have an unfriendly meeting. I soon forget any discomfort at the sight before me. A herd of Bighorn mountain sheep are strolling by on the 9th hole of the golf course outside our window. Gazing at the mountain sheep visitors from our deck Thinking it might be a most unusual occurrence, we incessantly snap photos. As it turns out, in spring, these four-legged visitors stroll by frequently. I suggest to my husband we could invite them to use the hot tub. Or perhaps in for coffee, since likely we could fit the whole lot of them in our suite. Dave showing how it’s done on the 9th hole with Bighorn Meadows Resort in the background He suggests we stick to taking photos. Radium Hot Springs Pool Truthfully, I have not been a fan of hot springs. Something about the smell of rotten eggs that takes the fun out of it for me. I click my heels with glee, or attempt to, when I learn the Radium Hot Springs are odourless. We spend the spring evening gazing at mountain sheep on the rocky cliffs surrounding the pool while soaking in the warmth of clear mineral water. Perhaps a dozen other people are taking advantage of the early season before Canada’s largest spring fed pool becomes frenzied with high season tourists. A visit to the hot springs is one of the top things to do in Radium Hot Springs. More information such as Radium Hot Springs hours can be found here. Radium Hot Springs hiking trails An easy walk along Sinclair Creek Gurgling its way through the the village of Radium Hot Springs, the Sinclair Creek is ours to walk alone this spring morning. As tree buds begin to bulge, awakening from winter slumber, the soothing sounds of the water provide background music for nature’s unfolding. Looking for more challenging hiking trails, we head to the Valleyview Trail which starts near the Radium Visitor Centre. Alternatively, one can drive to the Valleyview Lookout picnic area. Gazing over the Columbia Valley, the village or Radium quietly lays below. Meeting the locals on the Valleyview trail above the village of Radium Hot Springs Not far from the lookout, four Bighorn sheep rest, as if placed in a photo shoot above the village of Radium Hot Springs. We keep a respectful distance. Can I have coffee and pie for breakfast? Freshly baked pies in Radium Hot Springs BC Having once baked pies in a home business venture, I can spot quality homemade pastries at a glance. At Radium’s Big Horn Cafe, I manage to pull myself away from the callings of Sour Cherry and Strawberry-Rhubarb and settle in with a latte and a melt-in-my-mouth mixed berry scone. As locals swap stories, visitors come by ordering sandwiches to go, for hikes and adventures around the Radium area. I sip my latte and keep an eye on the pies. Stations of the Cross Wheelchair accessable path along the Radium Hot Springs Staions of the Cross Ask frequent visitors about what to do in Radium Hot Springs and very few will have found this unique activity. Directly behind the Radium Visitor Centre, is an outdoor walking path of the Stations of the Cross. With admission on a donation basis, the life sized sculptures are a public prayer path. Especially significant to those who celebrate Easter, the outdoor stations see an influx of visitors in the spring. Olive Lake Clouds admiring themselves in pristine Olive Lake near Radium Hot Springs Shimmering in the sunlight, the pristine lake, 13 km. (8 mi.) east of the village or Radium Hot Springs, peacefully absorbs its spring water source. Archaeological finds confirm that Indigenous hunting parties camped at the idyllic oasis centuries ago. Now, an easy walk from the parking lot and picnic area, we check our camera settings. Could the water truly be that emerald green? On this spring day, the gem of Radium Hot Springs attractions is ours alone to enjoy. Kootenay Valley View Point Heading toward Radium BC from Calgary, parking for the stunning Kootenay Valley View Point is on the right hand side of Highway 93. Clutching Dave’s hand as we sprint across the curving highway, I am grateful for the lack of traffic on this spring day. Kootenay Valley Viewpoint I announce that I would not attempt that highway crossing is in the summer, pedestrian sign or not. I am no sissy by any means, but the thought of crossing the road in the midst of high season with tourists distracted by the gobmacking view, leaves me shaking. It is definitely a Radium Hot Springs location not to miss. We suggest driving from Radium 16 km. (10 mi.) east, where parking will then be on the same side of the road as the lookout. How did the fish cross the road? Covered picnic area next to the educational park at Dolly Varden off Highway 93 The Dolly Varden Day Use Area, 37 km. (23 mi.) east of Radium, British Columbia on Highway 93, serves as an educational park. Like neighbouring Banff National Park, Kootenay National Park has constructed multiple wildlife crossings. Decreasing collisions and promoting natural migration patterns, the crossings serve as a animal protection model for countries around the world. The Dolly Varden presents a miniature version of the crossings where children and adults alike can burn off road trip energy while learning about how humans are helping animals cross the road. Numa Falls Although Numa Falls is not visible the mountain backdrop is spectacular. “Do not even think about going through that hole in the fence!” My husband knows my adventurous ways and the gap someone has torn in the safety barrier is tempting. Due to a bridge wash out, the Numa Falls trail is currently inaccessible, as are views of the falls. Instead we enjoy our snack on a picnic table as the Vermilion River babbles its way through a spectacular mountain backdrop. One can imagine the crush of summer crowds at this spectacular stop 80 km. (50 mi.) east of the village of Radium Hot Springs. This spring day we share the parking lot with one other vehicle. Vibrant Shades of the Paint Pots Kootenay National Park Paint Pot in early spring Although arguably not as jaw dropping as the Banff National Park’s Ink Pots, the Paint Pots of Kootenay National Park are a colour extravaganza worth seeing. With a wheelchair accessible trail, as well as a dirt trail leading to a bridge crossing the Vermillion River, the yellow, brown and red Paint Pots can be viewed by all ages and abilities. The acidic mineral spring system deposits ochre, a natural clay pigment once collected by the Ktunaxa people, for use in tipis, clothing, rock drawings and body paint. The Paint Pots are 85 km. (53 mi.) east of the village of Radium Hot Springs on Highway 93. Marble Canyon Marble Canyon is 87 km. (54 mi.) east of Radium Hot Springs I can not help myself. Running up stairs of the Marble Canyon trail to yet another stunning vista my enthusiastic shouting echoes against the deep canyon walls. The turquoise water rushing downward pays no attention to my excitement. “Why have we never been here before?” With no answer coming my way I take heart in the endless beauty that no photography will ever do justice to. Thankful to share the treasured find with only a few other spring tourists, we scamper about the protected fenced sides of the water-gouged rock. Although the area was scorched by forest fire in 2003, rock, water and the rebirth of forest create a spectacular setting. Visit Invermere, British Columbia Resting beneath the Rocky Mountains and on the shore of Lake Windermere, the community of Invermere is a 15 minute drive from Radium. Its trendy boutiques and specialty shops are still quiet in the shoulder season, making it an enjoyable addition to a list of things to do while visiting Radium BC. The non profit Village Arts consignment coop for local artists, has been promoting Canadian art for over 30 years. Canadian art at Village Arts Invermere Kicking Horse Coffee Invermere Arrowhead Brewery Invermere Walking into Arrowhead Brewing tap room is like stepping into the 1950’s. The vintage decor, fresh baked pretzels and a wide variety of craft beer make this one of our suggested stops in Invermere. If coffee is more your taste across the street you will find the home of Kicking Horse Coffee. Canada’s number one choice of fair trade organic coffee for more than a decade, you will smell the beans roasting the minute you step on the street. Want to plan your own trip to Radium Hot Springs? Pin these to your Pinterest travel board. What would be your pick of things to do in Radium Hot Springs? Thank you to Tourism Radium and partners for hosting our stay. All opinions are our own.
Planning to visit Lille? This useful guide lists all the things to do in Lille but also where to eat, where to stay... Read this article!
Going to Florida soon? Discover the most amazing things to do in Tampa. Everything from Downtown to Ybor is in this Tampa Travel guide!
Few cities in the U.S. are quite as scenic as Idaho Falls, Idaho. Resting near the 600-foot-wide waterfalls of the Snake River, the city is packed to the brim with many incredible sights and beautiful places to explore. Here are 17+ things to do in Idaho Falls that we know you and your family will love.
Beautiful glacial mountains, pristine turquoise lakes, serene scenery everywhere you look. That’s what Instagram tells you expect when you plan a trip to Banff, and in fact, Instagram and social media are probably a large part of the reason why you’re planning a trip to Banff in the first place. The truth is that Banff...
Midwesterners know that summer means Michigan. With over 3,000 miles of coastline, there is plenty to do by land and by sea, er...lake. While there is so much to love about the proximity of Southwest Michigan, I also like the quieter, slower, harder to get to places of the state. Last year, my mom and
Want to capture the best of Nova Scotia? This photography guide rounds up top locations to get you closer to Nova Scotia's landscapes and culture!
Read our Spain and Portugal Itinerary 10 days with city exploration, and day trips to Gibraltar, Andorra & Morocco. Spain and Portugal 14 days
Are you tired of always visiting the same places and you're ready to discover some true hidden gems in Belgium? I am here to help you! When the lockdown in Belgium started to ease up and we were allowed to go out and explore I made it my mission to discover my own country. And damn... I found some truly amazing places that completely blew me away.
Planning a trip in northern France? This Brittany travel guide takes you to the 20 most beautiful towns and villages in Brittany. Brittany is just filled with secret medieval towns. If you want to get off the beaten path and explore some hidden gems in France, Brittany makes the perfect escape. These Brittany towns are among the best places to go and visit in France.
Here are some things to know before visiting Iceland, a country still keeps finding a way to surprise me every next time I visit
10 best things to do in Congaree National Park. Best hikes, how to go canoeing or kayaking, fireflies, how many days do you need, when to go.
Mallorca Itinerary in 3 Days | The Ultimate Guide
If you plan on visiting Lisbon for the first time, this guide will be your go-to source for quick tips, where to stay, eat, shop and more.
Passing through La Spezia, Italy? Be sure to step outside the train station to visit this little hidden gem. Here's how to visit La Spezia!
Plan your trip to Greece the easy way with this comprehensive guide. This 10 day guide will take you to Athens, Santorini, and Paros!
Everything to do and see during the perfect week in St Thomas USVI. All the best beaches, day trips, and delicious restaurants to experience.
Discover the best sights and activities with this itinerary for 2 days in Edinburgh! From historic landmarks to delicious food, this travel guide has everything you need for the perfect weekend trip to Edinburgh, Scotland.
Planning a trip to Krakow Poland? Make sure you don't miss any of the BEST things to do in Krakow! Here are top 10 things you absolutely must see!
Albuquerque, New Mexico is a city with a name that's fun to say and an environment that's even more fun to be a part of.
Visiting Quebec Canada? Check out these 15 can't miss things to do in Quebec City. It's a little slice of Europe but in our greater backyard.
There are several things to do in Cork City. Being one of Europe’s oldest city, Cork has gone through several developments which made it a hub for tourists nowadays.
The ultimate Liverpool day trip including a 1 day in Liverpool itinerary plus what to see, do and eat, and how to get there and away.
3-day Washington DC itinerary for first-time visitors. This travel guide shows you how to visit all the top attractions in the city on a budget.
Discover the best things to do in Palm Springs, California: mid-centrury modernism, great art, fabulous resorts, hot springs, and national and state parks!
Dreaming about Seattle and looking for fun family activities? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Seattle with kids - AND GET FR
I was born in Germantown, Tennessee but haven’t been back since I was in 1st grade. I was so excited when I was invited to explore Memphis again. It was so nostalgic because my family has a lot of memories there. This time, getting to experience them with my husband, and make new memories was
Spending 2 days in Quebec City will give you just enough time for it to steal your heart – it’s not hard to fall head-over-heels in love with the city’s European vibes, cobblestoned streets, and fairytale architecture. Quebec City came onto my radar when I was itching to get to Europe, but had to cancel …
Chicago is one of America's most iconic cities. This 3 Day Chicago Itinerary will help you get the most out of your visit. On Day 1, you'll visit Millennium Park and check out Chicago's famous loop neighborhood. On Day 2, you'll bike up the lakeshore and check out Navy
This is the ultimate two weeeks in Japan Itinerary that breaks down where to visit. With stops in Kyoto, Tokyo, Kiso Valley, and more.
Are you thinking of visiting Europe's least visited country soon? Here are some of the best things to do in Moldova.
Searching for something extraordinary to add to your next vacation itinerary? Branson is full of rare treasures to explore. Find some of Branson's best-kept secrets below! International Flavor Find Mediterranean fare at Vasken's International Deli, a local favorite serving a tasty assortment of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and more. You can’t go wrong with any of Vasken’s delicious gyros (especially the Firehouse Gyro—a spicy, savory combination of lamb and beef), chicken shawarma, Greek salad, or combo platter with falafels, grape leaves, feta cheese, pita bread, and other Mediterranean finger foods. For dessert, be sure to try their homemade baklava, a gooey, flakey pastry with layers of chopped nuts and honey. For an Indian culinary journey, visit India Clay Oven. If you’ve never tried Indian food, this restaurant might make you an immediate fan. The extensive menu of traditional Indian cuisine includes delicious tikka masala, pakora, tandoori, and warm naan bread. Serving Japanese steak and sushi, Wakyoto's offers authentic Asian cuisine and specialties. Try teriyaki entrees, tempura shrimp, edamame, and the wasabi special roll, a signature menu item. A favorite among locals, Thai Thai Cuisine offers dishes such as chicken satay, deep-fried calamari, beef salad, won ton soup, spicy noodles and more. Want a slice of New York? Look to your right when you walk into Pizza by the Slice and you'll find an epic mural New York-inspired characters chilling in front of the Branson Skyline. Have your choice of a pizza slice (or slices), wings, salads, and deserts, in a very cool place to take the friend group and family. You'll also find multiple Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Irish, and other international restaurants around Branson. See a full list here. Record-setting Attractions Branson is home to several noteworthy roadside attractions. The world's largest rooster, better known as Mr. Peck, stands 43ft. tall at Branson's Great American Steak & Chicken House. Stop to snap a photo by the city's feathered fiberglass friend, and try the restaurant's sizzlin’ steaks and farm fresh chicken. Music is instrumental to Branson’s character (no pun intended), which is why the world’s largest banjo is located inside the Fun Spot at Grand Country Resort. Towering 47ft. in the air, the banjo is a working replica of a Gibson-style banjo. It’s a great quirky stop for a unique vacation photo! Ripley's Believe It or Not is full of eccentric items, including the world’s largest ball of nylon twine. Weighing a whopping 12,000lbs. and totaling a circumference of over 40ft., the ball is a must-see attraction. Be sure to check out the museum's other 450 exhibits and artifacts, including a stagecoach made entirely of toothpicks, a spinning vortex tunnel, rare animal skeletons and more. Another great photo opportunity and record attraction in Branson awaits at the world’s largest fork and meatball outside Pasghetti's in Branson. Bring your appetite and eat in one of the restaurant's Italian-themed dining rooms. While you wait for your food to arrive, stay entertained with a game room and indoor Ferris wheel ride. Local Sweet Spots YOLO Rolled Ice Cream is quite the frozen treat locale. Watch as the "mad scientists" scoop and roll your ice cream into a beautiful ice cream taco! Choose which toppings you would like rolled inside or on top of your ice cream and enjoy, because "YOLO," you only live once! Located at the College of the Ozarks, the ice cream from the creamery at the Keeter Center is so fresh you can see the cows it came from just outside in the pasture! Part of the college's “Hard Work U” student work program, the creamery's ice cream is made farm-fresh from the campus dairy. Students then pasteurize, bottle and deliver it to the Keeter Center, where natural ingredients are combined to create delicious flavors such as vanilla custard, chocolate, and the very popular salted caramel. Tucked away in the Grand Village Shops, Sugar Leaf Bakery, Cafe & Espresso offers a delicious assortment of baked goods, sandwiches, salads, specialty coffee and more. Fruit cobblers, giant cookies, and made-from-scratch hot chocolate with glacier marshmallows are just a few of the bakery's top sellers. This cozy spot is the perfect place for a cute date or an afternoon of fun with the girls in Branson. Nightlife Venues Looking for nighttime entertainment? Branson has several venues with plenty of fun to fill an evening. Near the Branson Landing, Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub & Restaurant is a great late-night stop for enjoying drinks and live music. Vintage Paris, a quaint, cozy, locally-owned cafe in Hollister (just a few miles south of Branson) is a popular hangout spot for the locals. They serve handcrafted espresso beverages late into the night and feature a large selection of fine wines, craft beer, cigars, and scrumptious pastries. Experience an evening on the cafe's string-lit porch or stay inside and admire their vintage and eccentric aesthetic. Andy B's Bowl Social at the Branson Landing is a perfect experience for evening fun with friends or family. Live it up with bowling, arcade games, private karaoke rooms, virtual reality, escape rooms and more. Andy B's full restaurant and bar will keep you fueled for the evening. Also located at the Branson Landing, Smith Creek Moonshine not only offers tasty concoctions made with its specialty moonshine; the venue also features mouthwatering barbecue and fabulous evening entertainment. Try the caramel moonshine along with melt-in-your-mouth Pig Stickers (pork shanks that have been dry rubbed, smoked, steamed and then flash fried to perfection) for a unique culinary encounter. Be sure to save room for Moonshine Bread Pudding to end your evening on a sweet note! Summit Nightlife says it all. Branson's only night club, Summit brings the night to life with good music and great drinks. Check their events calendar to see when the next big party will come alive, and in the meantime, live it up this Friday and Saturday! Historic Sites Branson literally keeps history alive with several sites in the area. Since the early 1920s, cave exploration has been a popular pastime in the Ozarks. Officially gaining its name in 1969 when Silver Dollar City purchased the cave, Talking Rocks Cavern has shown its glistening walls of crystal and rock to many guests over the years. Go on a one-hour tour to learn about the cave's history referred to by cave management as "edutainment," an experience full of education and entertainment. A hiking trail and mini-golf course are also on site for above-ground fun. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Bonniebrook Gallery, Museum and Homestead displays a collection of work from Rose O'Neill, the renowned artist, illustrator, activist and creator of the famous Kewpie character. In addition to an exhibit of nearly 60 pieces of original art, there are also over 100 antique Kewpie items showcased throughout the recreation of O'Neill's 14-room Ozarks mansion. Visitors can also explore nearby walking trails, sculpture gardens, the O'Neill family cemetery and more. For more Ozarks history, visit the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks. The museum is home to a collection of items relating to the Ozarks, including antiques, natural artifacts, machinery and more. One of the most famous items on display is the original vehicle used in the hit television series, "The Beverly Hillbillies!" Find an interactive piece of history at the Branson Scenic Railway in Historic Downtown Branson. The vintage passenger train takes guests on a one-hour-and-45-minute trip departing from the 1905 depot through the foothills of the Ozarks. A narrator tells the story of extinct railroad communities and the outline of railway history that shaped the Ozarks. Passengers will travel approximately 20 miles outside Branson before returning to the depot. Looking for more to do and see during your next visit to Branson? Check out these must-do Branson bucket list activities for even more fun!
Heading to Leavenworth, Washington? Check out this list of incredible things to do during your weekend getaway, based on personal experience and research!
From world-class dining and art, to a vibrant outdoors scene... here are the best things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico!
This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary is perfect for nature lovers wanting to explore the tropical rainforests, waterfalls and beaches of Costa Rica.
This 2 days in Porto itinerary covers the city's best sights and foods, from azulejo tiled churches to the iconic Francesinha sandwich.
There are so many things to do in dublin with kids. From visiting the theatre to interactive museums and Irish dancing, here we cover it all.
