It’s Independence Day in America, and that generally means barbecues, fireworks, surrounding yourself with friends and family, and getting outdoors. As an American now in Scotland, this year I’ll be warmly recalling the many Fourth’s spent on the beach in my home state of New Jersey, an annual day-long party with all the traditional fixings - sun, sand and surf. Wild, open space provides the perfect backdrop for a summer celebration. And with Canada’s 150th birthday just passed on the first of July, all North America is feeling festive. If you find yourself on the continent, revel in that freedom of the great outdoors in one of these four inspiring landscapes:

Mountain As Woodie Guthrie sings, “I saw above me that endless skyway, I saw below me that golden valley”. Is there anything more freeing than roaming among mountain giants? And where better than the Canadian Rockies? Drive through Jasper and Banff National Parks, stopping to walk through wild meadows, visit falls, and take in the backdrop of the majestic peaks that touch the sky on our Best of BC and the Rockies Drive and Hike.

[caption id="attachment_26140" align="alignnone" width="900"] Banff National Park[/caption]

Forest Vermont has always felt like a world away to me. Its woods creating a barrier of sorts to the outside world, leaving a peaceful wilderness to explore. If you’re up for adventure, hop on a bike and take inspiration from the words of former poet laureate of Vermont, Robert Frost: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less travelled by." [caption id="attachment_23781" align="alignnone" width="720"] Vermont Country Roads[/caption]

Sea Staying in the Northeast of the States, venture out to the coast for another classic landscape – the rocky shoreline of New England. Through fishing villages and historic towns, our New England Coastal Cycling tour crosses three different States roughly following scenic U.S. Route 1. Stop for a break in Rye, my favourite spot along New Hampshire’s seacoast, and enjoy the panoramic Atlantic Ocean views. [caption id="attachment_23782" align="alignnone" width="800"] New England Coastal views[/caption]

One of North America’s most iconic scenes, the Grand Canyon, can’t be left off the list. Hit the road out west to discover the mammoth structure carved out by the Colorado River, and continue on your journey to experience the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and the red sandstone towers of Zion National Park. [caption id="attachment_23783" align="alignnone" width="1023"] Grand Canyon[/caption] This land is your land. This land is my land. Go, play, enjoy! For more information on any of our trips, don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists at info@macsadventure.com