United States of America & Canada
The western region of North America—the states west of the Rockies, plus Alaska, British Columbia, and Alberta, is enormous, nearly 2.4 million square miles in total. First settled by Native Americans and First Nations peoples over 10,000 years ago, the ever-evolving story of western North America is associated with pioneers, explorers, cowboys, farmers, artists, chefs, winemakers, and entrepreneurs, with each successive generation adding to the diversity that makes this region such a dynamic and vibrant place to live and visit.
It is one of the planet’s most geographically diverse regions, home to world-famous cities, stunning coastlines, towering mountains, dense forests, deep canyons, vast plains, massive deserts, and wild rivers. Many of the most revered animals and birds are found in the wilds of the west, including grizzlies, moose, bison, wolves, whales, and eagles.
And perhaps not surprisingly, there are dozens of national parks, national monuments, and other wild and protected spaces. The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, was established in 1872 and sits atop a massive caldera that powers its many geysers and hot springs. The list of iconic destinations in western North America is mind-boggling–Banff and the Canadian Rockies, Big Sur, Denali, Jackson & Grand Teton, the Grand Canyon, Lake Louise, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Napa Valley, Palm Springs, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Vancouver, Yosemite, Zion and many more.
What to do? Get outside, of course! The open road beckons. As does backcountry wilderness and waterways accessible only by yacht, float plane, and/or helicopter. And the choices of what to do are almost endless – hiking, climbing, biking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, and wildlife viewing, to name but a few. And no matter where you are, you’ll enjoy incredible regional cuisines, wines, microbrews, and craft spirits as varied as the landscapes. This is a land that invites you to stretch your legs—and mind—but also to slow down to celebrate the rejuvenating power of nature with family and friends.
