Emerald City to the Rockies

Seattle, Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, and Jasper offer culture, history, and stunning landscapes

“The journey not the arrival matters” – T.S. Eliot

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

Trans Canadian Railway - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:

• Emerald City to the Rockies

• The Best Day-trips from New York City

• Around the World: Granville to Bowen Island Cruise; Pacific Marine Adventures;

  The Ultimate Irish Castle Bucket List and a whole lot more…

• Seasonal & Special Occasions To Add To Your List

• Into Orbit: China’s Space Ambitions Hit a New Gear

• From Social Media: The Blackfriar Pub, located in Blackfriars, London, is a historic and iconic venue

• Travel Grub: Feijoada - Canadian Cuisine - Typical Dishes of Canada

• Curious Cove: The Canadian Rockies by Rail

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Emerald City to the Rockies

The journey begins in Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Known as the “Emerald City,” it is home to over 680,000 people and major tech companies. With a rich Aboriginal history dating back 4,000 years, Seattle grew rapidly due to its timber industry. Crossing into Canada, the first stop is Vancouver, British Columbia’s most populous city. Located between mountains, forests, and the Salish Sea, Vancouver is both scenic and culturally diverse, with Aboriginal presence spanning 8,000 years. Next is Kamloops, located at the meeting of the North and South Thompson rivers. Known as Canada’s Tournament Capital, it is also a rising star in winemaking. The journey continues to Banff, a mountain town famous for its hot springs, railway hotels, and stunning landscapes. Finally, Jasper offers spectacular natural beauty and is home to Jasper National Park, Canada’s largest Rocky Mountain park. Once a railway town, it now draws visitors for its glaciers, waterfalls, and serene lakes

Railroad on the riverbanks to Bow River - Shutterstock

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The Best Day-trips from New York City

Visiting New York City is an unforgettable experience—with its famous landmarks, world-class museums, and endless energy. But if you have a few extra days in your trip, why not take a break from the hustle and bustle and explore beyond the city?

There are many exciting places just a short drive or train ride away from NYC. From peaceful towns and beachside escapes to scenic hikes and historic spots, these destinations give you a chance to see a different side of New York and nearby states

A bear climbing on rocks at Bear Mountain State Park in Bear Mountain, NY - Shutterstock

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Around the World

Granville to Bowen Island Cruise

Cruise from Granville Island to Bowen Island in a small-group zodiac boat, enjoy a delicious dinner with scenic views, and spot local wildlife along Vancouver’s stunning coastline. Suitable for ages 4+ and runs Wednesday to Sunday evenings

Pacific Marine Adventures

Explore the Pacific near Flores and Long Beach to spot grey whales, humpbacks, orcas, and marine wildlife. Choose between the open-air Whiteraven or covered Blackfish for a comfortable, small-group experience. Guaranteed sightings or return free with the Tofino Promise

Fun on Two Wheels

Family-friendly bike hire with free helmet, lock, basket, and map included. Choose from comfort cruisers, tandems, kids’ bikes, and more – all sizes available. Book now for a safe, easy, and fun cycling experience

Spirit Cruises

Host unforgettable weddings, parties, or corporate dinners aboard the Pride of Vancouver, a spacious catamaran with panoramic views, dining, dancing, and full-service bar. Serving Vancouver’s coast for over 28 years

New Gondola & Forest Care

A Mountain Admission Ticket includes round-trip travel via the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola. Our new gondola features 15 towers, 27 eight-person cabins, and a 5.5-minute trip, carrying up to 1,000 people per hour.

The Ultimate Irish Castle Bucket List

Visiting Ireland’s castles isn’t just about ticking landmarks off a list — it’s about stepping straight into the country’s story. Walk through centuries-old archways, feel the cool stone under your hands, and imagine the clang of swords or the soft chatter of medieval banquets. Each turret and tower carries echoes of lives once lived here. At Blarney Castle, you’ll do more than kiss the famous stone for the gift of the gab — you can wander through magical gardens filled with winding paths, hidden corners, and even a poison garden that would make any herbalist shiver with delight. Up north, Dunluce Castle perches dramatically on the edge of the Atlantic, its crumbling walls and haunting legends giving you goosebumps long before the sea spray reaches your face

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Seasonal & Special Occasions To Add To Your List

Explore this list of seasonal activities not to be missed.

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Into Orbit

China’s Space Ambitions Hit a New Gear

The United States is at risk of losing the strategic high ground that underpins modern military power, according to a sweeping new report that urges Congress to move quickly as China accelerates its bid to dominate space

Station Nation: Meet Alyssa Yockey, Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Flight Lead

Alyssa Yockey supports the International Space Station from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston as a flight lead at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory is one of the world’s largest indoor pools where astronauts and support teams conduct trainings and other large-scale operations, both in the water and on the pool deck

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From Social Media

The Blackfriar Pub, located in Blackfriars, London, is a historic and iconic venue

Travel Grub

Recipe

Canadian Cuisine - Typical Dishes of Canada

Curious Cove

The Canadian Rockies by Rail

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