Why speak of the Atlas Mountains and Niagara Falls in the same breath when they both sit in different climates?
The answer is simple: They both leave a lasting visual and physical impression on you.
As you travel to see the world, you can always count on the best casino in Canada to give you the best entertainment wherever you find yourself, so long as you have an internet connection.
So what is it that makes the Atlas Mountains stand out?
Chase the Peaks in Morocco
The Atlas Mountains are like the Alps, except without the snow. But the opportunity to experience the Berber people and their culture more than makes up for the absence of snow on those heights. It is home to Jebel Toubkal[1], which, at 4,167 meters, is North Africa’s highest peak.
Hikes on the range include trekking through terraced villages and multi-day climbs to peaks touched by snow.
Most adventures through the range begin in Imlil, a small village a couple of hours away from Marrakech. But a hike is more than just trekking, your Berber guides will also inform you on the historical and cultural significance of the sites you will pass, thereby enriching the experience beyond just what you see.
More than the trekking and mountains, the landscape and villages are also breathtakingly beautiful. You will get to see stone houses and enjoy mint tea on rooftops similar to the scenes from historical movies.
The best time to visit is often between April and October, when the weather allows wildflowers to carpet the valleys, and you can enjoy warm days.
Other Natural Delights Nearby
While in Morocco, you may also want to venture south of the High Atlas, where the Dades Gorges snakes through the valley in a stretch of dramatic red rock, kasbahs, and winding roads that seem to have been created just for long-winding road trips.
If you’re a climber or photographer, you will also love the Todra Gorge. Don’t take my word for it alone; countless testimonials attest to how rich an experience it is[2].
You may also want to explore the parts of the Sahara Desert within Morocco, just on the southern border of the Atlas Mountains. Right there in Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara.
Moving on to Niagara Falls
Overcommercialization aside, Niagara Falls is worth the hype it has garnered over the years. The power, the sound, the constant rainbow on show, a visit to the Falls can be hypnotic. You remember nothing outside what is right in front of your eyes, and how can you? It is one of nature’s greatest soldiers, and it forces that impression on you.
You shouldn’t hold back when you visit Niagara. Take the Hornblower boat tour[3], and go right through the spray, you won’t forget it in your life; take the helicopter ride too, so you can see and appreciate the view from the top – it’s an experience of a life time (yes, even the fear that grips your heart is exciting too!).
I recommend finding a nice place to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake while visiting. That way, you can also immerse yourself in the surrounding community.
If you prefer tranquility when visiting, then plan to visit off-peak season, say in spring or fall.
Other Things You Can Enjoy in Ontario
As you plan your visit to Niagara Falls, it won’t hurt to set an extra day or two aside to experience other parts of Ontario, which is full of escapes that will soothe your soul. If you spend most of your year in an ever-grinding city, you should take this advice.
There are so many possible places to go in Ontario that will heal your soul as you prepare for another extended period in your home city, for example:
- Cottage Country in Muskoka
- Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Or you may enjoy wines from the farms in Prince Edward County
What You Should Pack for Each Visit
Morocco and Canada exist in different climates, so packing requirements for each differ. Here’s what you should pack for single trips:
- Morocco: Pack light, breathable clothing for the day; a warm jacket for mountain nights; hiking boots; a scarf for desert dust; a camera for photos.
- Canada: Pack waterproof gear (even in summer), sturdy shoes for trails, insect repellent, and a camera for photos.