Hi everyone,
We’re planning to head to Québec on June 11th (departing from CDG) and return around July 3rd, leaving from Toronto—so about 3 weeks there, traveling by rental car.
We’re thinking of stopping in Ottawa to visit a friend.
We’d love to see the "must-see" spots, but not *too* many, along with nature, parks, some short hikes, canoeing, a seaplane ride, and wrapping up with Niagara Falls.
Do you think we can fit all that into the time we have?
What are the spots you’d recommend not missing along our route?
Is a short trip to Gaspésie at the start of our trip worth considering?
Anyway, as you’ve probably guessed, we’re still in the early planning stages and aren’t quite sure how to organize everything 🤪
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice!
hi, if you want to go canoeing, there’s:
*Algonquin Park in Ontario—you’ll need to rent a car to get there
*Mont-Tremblant Park—same, a car is necessary
*La Vérendrye, but it’s far from Montreal and there’s a bus service.
So, heading to Gaspésie seems tricky to me because the distances are long
Gaspé is 750 km and 8 hours by road from Québec City—it’s a lot of kilometers. If you want an idea of that kind of scenery, I recommend the Charlevoix region (Baie-St-Paul: less than 90 minutes from Québec City), or Tadoussac as a stretch. There are several great hikes with beautiful viewpoints (Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes, Acropole des Draveurs). Since you’re already going to Ottawa, Gatineau Park would be a good option. I agree with the Algonquin Park suggestion. The Thousand Islands region (from Brockville to Kingston) is lovely, though less wild.
You’ll be traveling at a good time for the first part of your trip since everything will be open, but it won’t yet be peak season, which starts on June 24 (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day). I’m not sure what the July 1st festivities will look like this year in Toronto or Niagara Falls, but I’d expect more significant displays of patriotism than in the past.
It's always nice to plan a trip. As you'll quickly realize, you'll have to sacrifice a few destinations due to lack of time. 🤷♂️
Before going any further, I recommend reading some trip reports from other members. You’ll see just how vast the distances are—between Gaspésie and Niagara Falls alone, there’s plenty to do... Three weeks isn’t nothing, but it’s still not much for your list. 😅
Humbly, if you need to meet a friend in Ottawa and you’re arriving in Quebec City, I’d suggest following the river toward Montreal until you reach your destination (Ottawa). After spending a few days in Quebec City and its surroundings, you could take the Chemin du Roi along the north shore. Montreal and its area for a few days. Then head toward Ontario via Gatineau and its museum (if you’re interested).
Depending on your planning, you might even make it to the falls—or even Toronto, who knows? 🤔
Once you’ve sketched out a rough itinerary, I can help a bit more. But one thing’s for sure: don’t wait too long to make your reservations, because I’ve got a feeling Quebecers (and Canadians) won’t be heading south much this summer. Their president kinda ruined that for us... 😅 Plus, you’ll be overlapping with the start of school vacations. By the way, Quebec’s national holiday is on June 24th—don’t miss it! Canada Day is July 1st. For that one, you’ll ideally want to be on the Ontario side. 😉
Thanks to all of you for these ideas and tips.
I’ll look into this and come back with something a bit more polished, if I can put it that way 😉
See you soon.
As a travel enthusiast who loves immersive experiences, I’ve explored Québec and Ontario with a desire to connect with the places and people. I mixed big cities with hidden gems, prioritizing authentic experiences: picnics by the St. Lawrence River, impromptu evenings in Montréal, morning strolls through historic neighborhoods, and even a few gourmet detours (special shout-out to the reinvented poutine in Québec!).
My 20-day itinerary let me soak in the essence of these regions at a relaxed pace, and I took the time to write it all up here: Sejour Canada.
If this helps anyone here plan their own trip, I’d be thrilled! !
Voyager Autrement est Possible
Un Voyage à votre image
Voyages en immersion et éco-responsables
Hi,
If I understood correctly, you’re arriving from France directly in Québec.
Since you’re leaving from Toronto and will pass through Ottawa, you can pretty much rule out Gaspésie (you’ll have to come back to see Percé and the Northern Gannet colony in Bonaventure ;))
However, since you’re landing in Québec, you could take a little "loop east" before heading "leisurely" west toward Toronto. This loop would start with exploring the Bas-Saint-Laurent (south shore of the St. Lawrence River) up to Parc du Bic. Then, cross the river between Trois-Pistoles and Les Escoumins to discover the Tadoussac area (and its famous whales!!). After that, make a small "detour" into the Saguenay Fjord—maybe as far as Rivière-Éternité. Then, cross Charlevoix while following the north shore of the river (don’t miss the gorgeous little villages like Port-au-Persil and Baie-Saint-Paul). Take a short break in Parc des Hautes-Gorges—if you like hiking, the "Acropole des Draveurs" trail offers an amazing view from the top!
Next, continue west, stopping in the Québec City area (Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls, and of course, Québec City itself). Then, it’s time to explore Montréal!
After that, head toward Ottawa, making a stop at Parc Omega. Don’t miss the Canadian History Museum in Gatineau while visiting Ottawa.
Then, head to Toronto via the Thousand Islands region, planning a little cruise around Gananoque.
And soon, it’s the end of the trip with Toronto and Niagara Falls. Splurging on a hotel with a view of the falls—what a treat to wake up and see them "from above" ;-)
So, here’s a suggested "travel outline" for you.
I’ll be following your planning!
Happy planning!
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
Here’s the plan:
Arrival in Québec City on the evening of June 11.
From June 12 to 14: Québec City, visiting the city, Montmorency Falls, etc...
June 15: Heading to Malbaie, stopping at Canyon Sainte-Anne and Baie-Saint-Paul, staying in Malbaie.
June 16: Day in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, staying in Malbaie.
June 17: Heading to Tadoussac, visit and whale-watching boat tour, staying in Tadoussac.
June 18: Morning in Tadoussac, then heading to Saguenay, staying in Saguenay.
June 19: Day in Monts-Valin National Park, staying in Chicoutimi.
June 20: Day in Saguenay Fjord National Park or another option, staying in Chicoutimi.
June 21: Heading to Saint-Félicien, visiting the Wildlife Zoo, staying in Saint-Prime.
June 22: Transfer day toward La Mauricie National Park, passing through La Tuque, staying in Shawinigan.
June 23: Seaplane ride, staying in Shawinigan.
June 24: Day in La Mauricie National Park, staying in Shawinigan.
June 25: Heading to Montréal, quick visit, staying in Montréal.
June 26: Heading to Mont-Tremblant, visit, staying in Mont-Tremblant.
June 27: Day in Mont-Tremblant National Park, staying in Mont-Tremblant.
June 28: Transfer to Kingston, passing through Ottawa (we’ll return to Ottawa on a future trip), quick visit to Kingston, staying in Kingston.
June 29 to July 1: Transfer to Toronto, visiting Toronto, staying in Toronto.
July 2: Niagara Falls, staying in Niagara Falls.
July 3: Return to Toronto for our evening flight back.
We’ve tried to minimize travel days as much as possible. The longest drive will be between Mont-Tremblant and Kingston—about 364 km, or roughly 4 hours.
Hey,
I see the holidays are starting to take shape 😛
Just a few casual remarks
June 24th is Québec’s National Holiday—it might be worth being in Montréal to catch the parade (but don’t expect to see military marches like on the Champs-Élysées on July 14th; Rue Sherbrooke is way more colorful 😛 The traditional Parade - Québec National Holiday in Montreal
In Tremblant, in my humble opinion, the village isn’t worth the detour—but the Mont-Tremblant Park definitely is. I’d recommend canoeing down the Diable River (Canoeing at Mont-Tremblant National Park - Diable River | Tremblant Activities Centre, Québec)
For accommodation, here’s a really nice spot: Hotel-Motel Le Boisé du Lac - Mont Tremblant - Official Website
July 1st is Canada Day, so expect huge crowds in Niagara on July 2nd. I’d suggest spending the night in Niagara the day before your visit. And while you’re at it, treat yourself to a room with a view of the falls! I’ll dig through my travel archives to find the place I took my French family—I’ll get back to you with the address!
Here are a few quick ideas—take ‘em or leave ‘em
Happy planning
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
Thanks for these tips!
On the contrary, I’d love some "must-do" activity recommendations based on where we’re visiting ;)
In Mont-Tremblant, we booked our stay at Auberge Morrit to be closer to the National Park.
Hi,
On your way to Tadoussac, make a stop in the charming village of Port au Persil—a perfect spot for a picnic ''on the go,'' and it’s not even out of your way. Isn’t life grand? 😛
For Tadoussac, don’t miss the dunes, and take a walk on the Pointe de l’Ilet trail or the Colline de l’Anse à l’Eau (Hiking trails).
For accommodation, check out Essipit. Vacances Essipit in the heart of the fascinating Innu territory.
For Montreal, a great place to stay: Pavillon Jean XXIII - Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal | Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. The perk? You get parking for your car. Then grab a 24-hour transit pass and explore relaxed by bus/metro (seriously, avoid driving in Montreal—parking is a nightmare!).
I found the hotel where I stayed in Niagara—it’s the Embassy Suites Embassy Suites Niagara Falls Hotel - Official Site. And since a picture’s worth a thousand words, here are two photos taken from the room (before bed and at sunrise):
Hopefully, the prices aren’t jacked up for Canada Day...
Around Kingston, if you have time, take a cruise on the river. I did one from Gananoque, but I’m sure you can find departures from Kingston too.
That’s all for now—if I think of more, I’ll let you know!!
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
Amérique du Nord › États-Unis / Canada · 22 replies
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Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.
So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.
Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026:
Car rental – check,
Hotels – check,
Itinerary – almost check,
Photo gear – check,
Budget – check, 🤪
Meal planning – meh, we’ll see...
Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.
And now, without too much detail...
Fort Worth:
The Longhorns and the Stockyards;
JR’s ranch (for the missus);
Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.
Houston and NASA Space Center:
See the Gulf of Mexico/America.
San Antonio and the missions.
Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.
El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains:
El Paso and White Sands.
Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum:
Tombstone, Bisbee.
Phoenix:
Still working on the program.
Sedona:
Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.
Albuquerque:
Santa Fe,
Turquoise Trail,
Los Alamos.
Amarillo via Route 66:
Old Route 66 in the city;
Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.
Dallas:
JFK Museum;
Perot Museum;
West End district.
And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!
We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).
Hello everyone! Really damaged due to flooding caused by runoff after forest fires (a total mess!), does anyone in this friendly forum have any updates on the Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam? Is there still a section of the road that’s tough to navigate?
We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary.
Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between:
- The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc.
- The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...
We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road.
Thanks for your input!
I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.
This park is split into two distinct zones with no connection between them, and the mileage from Coalinga to Monterey is pretty much the same for both. Which area do you recommend visiting—east or west? And which route is the most scenic?
I’ve spotted two short hikes:
- East: Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
- West: Balconies Cliffs Cave Loop
Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?
Thanks in advance, and have a great afternoon!
Marcalamar 🙂
After our first trip as a young couple to the West in 2007 (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), we’re planning to go back in 2028, but this time as a family of four! (We have two boys who’ll be 5½ and 13 years old in the summer of 2028.)
Our plan is to combine a few big cities (SF and LA, maybe San Diego) with national parks and state parks, mostly!
Ideally, we’d like to leave at the end of June and head back to France around July 19–20, so we can enjoy the first week of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Since we already did the "loop" in 2007, there are must-see places we absolutely want to revisit—and especially share with our kids: Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and above all, the Grand Canyon, which is still the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen on Earth!
On the other hand, some places didn’t leave a big impression on us for various reasons, so we’re not making them a priority: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, for example.
We’re planning ahead, but might as well be smart about it😏
Do you have any tips for a fun and doable itinerary over about 20–25 days with kids, without rushing?
Hi everyone! 🙂
Just a quick question about King Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
Before our night in Miramonte, we plan to visit King Canyon. The next stop will be two nights in Three Rivers to explore Sequoia National Park. I wanted to go all the way to Roaring River Falls on the King Canyon Scenic Byway and then turn back to head to Miramonte. Since we’re coming from Oakhurst, Google Maps says it’s 300 km and 5 hours of driving. Since we also want to hike to see the sequoias (Big Stump Area and Grand Grove) before tackling the King Canyon Scenic Byway, the timing’s going to be tight. How far do you recommend going before turning back to miss as few points of interest as possible on the King Canyon Scenic Byway? Thanks for your advice, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
Hi everyone!
After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route:
Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles
Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman
Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon
Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page
Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page
Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley
Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango
Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango
Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango
Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango
Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs
Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs
Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab
Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab
Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab
Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab
Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab
Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal
Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton
Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton
Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody
Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone
Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City
Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon
Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion
Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion
Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion
Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas
Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas
Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles
Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels
Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Hello.
I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.
There are several attractions along the way:
- Mormon Rocks
- Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave Desert
- Mojave National Preserve
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre.
Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Hi,
My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well.
Thanks for your replies,
Good evening, everyone! 🙂
Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.
**Parking:**
We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:**
Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:**
Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Davis – overnight stop
Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen)
Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes
Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike
Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes)
Day 6: South Lake Tahoe
Day 7: South Lake Tahoe
Day 8: Mammoth Lake
Day 9: Mammoth Lake
Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road
Day 11: El Portal
Day 12: El Portal
Day 13: Oakhurst
Day 14: Miramonte
Day 15: Three Rivers
Day 16: Three Rivers
Day 17: Coalinga
Day 18: Monterey
Day 19: Monterey
Day 20: San Francisco
Day 21: San Francisco
Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned:
Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2)
Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3)
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4)
Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV?
Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast.
I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October.
My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips.
I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Merci de me conseiller pour la réservation pour la plus belle vue faut il réserver une chambre dans l'hôtel ou choisir une cabane ?
Prendre le petit déjeuner ou pas ?
Que pensez vous du restaurant ?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas)
T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC)
W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page
Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV)
F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab
Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce
Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion
M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas
Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks...
For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400,
which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.).
Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026.
The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!!
Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it?
Thanks for your tips.
Arnale
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense?
Day 1: Orlando
Day 2: Amelia Island
Day 3: Amelia Island
Day 4: Tallahassee
Day 5: Panama City Beach
Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin)
Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way)
Day 8: Crystal River
Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater)
Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete)
Day 11: Anna Maria
Day 12: Orlando
Day 13: Orlando
Day 14: Orlando
Day 15: Departure
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus.
In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high.
Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities?
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco
Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?
