A mecca for marine life
If you like Via Ferrata
COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON AND GABE WEBB
EVENTS , EXPERIENCES , EXHIBITS , ETC .
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Dry Tortugas National Park
A mecca for marine life
Dry Tortugas National Park , about 70 miles west of Key West , appeals to both history lovers and nature enthusiasts . Its 100 square miles are mostly open water , interrupted only by seven small islands . Despite its relatively remote location , it is the site of the well-preserved Fort Jefferson , coral reefs , clear blue waters and marine life . There is no automobile access to the park , so visitors must arrive by regular ferry service , chartered boat or seaplane .
At snorkeling sites throughout the park , divers can observe shipwrecks and wildlife . The most popular dive is at the site of the sunken Avanti , a three-masted , iron-hulled sailing ship . The hull of the wreckage has become an artificial reef that attracts small tropical fish and 200-pound grouper . Laminated maps available at visitor centers provide the necessary information for a self-guided tour of the site .
Fort Jefferson is located on Garden Key , the largest island in Dry Tortugas and the place where boats and seaplanes land . Ranger-led tours cover the fort ’ s history , ecology and preservation , and living-history demonstrations and night-sky presentations also are regular parts of the park ’ s programming . Campgrounds are available for travelers staying overnight , and snorkeling excursions along the exterior walls of Fort Jefferson are popular .
Call + 1.305.242.7700 or visit nps . gov / drto to find out more . — G . W .
If you like Via Ferrata
One of the most unique ways to explore the beauty of Banff , Alberta , is on a Via Ferrata tour at Mount Norquay . Located just north of downtown Banff , the mountainous area in Banff National Park is highlighted by forests and limestone cliffs .
Via Ferrata is a European route-making method that includes the installation of steel steps , handles , ladder rungs and cables into the mountains at places where the trail gets steeper . Hikers taking part in assisted climbs are outfitted with harnesses that attach to the sequence of cables , making for a safe experience .
At Mount Norquay , guides take groups along one of the routes , where they can hike the rocky paths , climb ladders , walk across suspension bridges and view Banff and the Bow Valley . Guests can choose from the 2.5-hour Explorer route , the 4-hour Ridgewalker experience , the 5-hour Skyline excursion or the 6-hour Summiter tour that reaches the mountain ’ s 8,050-foot east peak . Necessary equipment such as harnesses , helmets and hiking boots are provided .
Less adventurous types can enjoy a chairlift ride that whisks them above natural grizzly and black bear habitats to a 7,000- foot landing . Overlooks and short hiking trails are available , or visitors can enjoy food and drink at the Cliffhouse Bistro . The café , which has the same June-to-early-October operating
PAT HENDERSON season as the Via Ferrata tours , is a good place to relax , grab a bite to eat and take in the sights .
Each winter , Mount Norquay , which is the oldest ski resort in the Canadian Rockies , becomes a popular spot for skiing , snowboarding , tubing , snowshoeing and more .
To learn more , call + 1.403.762.4421 or go to banffnorquay . com . — P . H .
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