The year 2011 marks the 35th anniversary of the completion of the CN Tower in Toronto. So before you head to Toronto, below are some really interesting facts and other tidbits to help you get to know the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere better. As youll see, the CN Tower is an amazing structure! Its no wonder the CN Tower is one of the most popular places to visit in Toronto.[Click to Enlarge]

If youre planning on making a trip to San Francisco, one thing you have to take the time to do is to ride their world famous cable cars. But did you ever wonder how they work or how they ever got started? Read the information below and youll learn a ton about the San Francisco cable cars: how they work, how fast they go, why they were built, and more![Click to Enlarge]The World Famous San Francisco Cable CarsImportant Parts of a Cable CarTHE BRAKES: Three different kinds of brakes are used on Sa

It has been said that many people spend more time planning their vacations than practically any other aspect of their lives. With todays economic conditions, the need to fully develop a plan of attack for ones next getaway seems perfectly reasonable.For those interested in visiting New York, taking the time to understand the breadth and depth of choices available should ensure maximum effectiveness when it comes to getting the most of ones vacation time and dollar.The following list has brief de

Disneyland Resort first opened its doors on July 17, 1955. Since then it has continued to grow, and millions have come to discover the happiest place on Earth and all it has to offer. The graphic below will take you through the events of Disneylands grand opening all the way up to events as recent as the reopening of Star Tours in 2011.[Click to Enlarge]1955July 17 – Grand Opening (by invitation only)Opening Sunday quickly earns the nickname of Black Sunday as the young park is burdened by

The most dominant building in the Chicago skyline, Willis Tower is home to The Skydeck, a thrilling tourist attraction that offers 360-degree views of The Windy City. The skyscraper (formerly known as the Sears Tower) has been a highlight for visitors to Chicago for many years. The Skydeck played a role in Ferris Buellers Day Off , where the main characters famously leaned their foreheads against the windows to peer down on the city below. The addition of The Ledge in 2009 allows today’s fearl

Like Goldilocks in the classic nursery tale, Ive looked high and low and found Chicago to be my just right American city. Much as I love New York, my sensible shoes and dutiful observance of flashing Dont Walk signs immediately flag me as a tourist in a sea of fashionable jaywalkers on their way to the latest, coolest restaurant/gallery/club. And my chubby 52 frame screams outsider in casual-glam LA, where super-fit residents sip designer cocktails and nibble on cauliflower-crust pizzas topped w

Theres some new holiday magic happening this year at Walt Disney World® Resort, and with fireworks, a full parade, holiday treats, and after-hours access to select attractions, its the jolliest party of the season you dont want to miss.Disney Very Merriest After Hours is a bit of a combo of previous Disney holiday events (like Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party) and former After Hours events. Itll feature unique holiday-themed entertainment and offerings along with after-hours access to some

Visiting Disneyland in Southern California is a magical experience. Here at CityPASS, some of us have been lucky enough to visit over the years, whether as children or more recently with our own families. We thought we would share some tips, favorite rides and good advice for visiting these iconic parks.The Best Part about Visiting DisneylandSeeing the parks with kids makes everything weve done a thousand times before seem new and fresh. Weve been to Disneyland more than two dozen times. But the

Since opening October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World® Resort has been called The Most Magical Place on Earth. The world-famous resort will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Celebration beginning October 1, 2021, with The Worlds Most Magical Celebration. During the 18-month event, guests will experience classic favorites and discover exciting new offerings including rides, nighttime spectaculars, thrilling visuals, character costumes, a Cinderella Castle makeover, and more throughout all four parks.

Big news! Disney Genie service is here! The new service is off and running at Walt Disney World® Resort and will follow at a later date at Disneyland® Resort. This is a big change for Disney parks, replacing FastPass and other services that Disney guests are familiar with, so read up!So, what is it and how does it work?In short, Disney Genie is a new digital service designed to create your best Disney day. While there are a number of core complimentary features, guests can also choose to

The weather is more delightful than frightful in Florida during the holiday season, and there are plenty of festive things to do. All the major theme parks celebrate the season, not only with dazzling decor, but with special events and festive shows. Weve rounded up some highlights from Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, LEGOLAND Florida Resort® and SeaWorld® Orlando. You can see as little or as much as you want with an Orlando CityPASS, a build-your-own ticket pack

Explore the best of Minnesota’s epic natural landscape with your best friend—that’s right, your pooch. There’s never been a better time to head into the woods for a hike. Following a summer of social distancing and ever-changing health and safety protocols, hiking remains a low-risk activity according to experts. With temperatures cooling off, leaves beginning to change color, and that familiar crispness in the air, fall in Minnesota is prime hiking season. What’s better than spending some regen

Minnesota’s spookiest season is back. Whether you’re looking for frightful fun or not-so-scary tricks and treats, keep reading to discover how Minnesotans are celebrating Halloween this year. Haunted Ships, Houses, Hayrides & More If venturing into a creepy woods at night is more your thing, check out the Dead End Hayride in Wyoming, where you’ll be carted into a haunted forest on a wagon and prompted to find your way back by foot—with terr

Winter in the Twin Cities is a magical time of holiday events, outdoor recreation and warming up indoors at museums, coffee shops or cozy restaurants. While winter may be long in Minnesota, there is plenty of fun things to do to keep you busy during this special season. Just remember the classic winter maxim before heading out: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. That’s always been a truism here in Minnesota, and it’s doubly important when you also need to gear up for your e

Minnesota might not be the first place to come to mind when it comes to alpine skiing. But with destinations among the best in the region, Northeast Minnesota is the place to be for everyone from beginner skiers to experts and everyone in between. Giants Ridge in the Iron Range is perfect for a family adventure up north. The resort offers 35 downhill runs and a new high-speed ski lift. Explore Giant Ridge’s 165 acres of

Northeast Minnesota is the perfect place to go to enjoy some of the state’s favorite winter pastimes: snowmobiling and ice fishing. The experience in the region is unparalleled, and the memories will be unforgettable. The North Shore Trail, spanning 146 miles, is a great opportunity for snowmobile enthusiasts to enjoy all the stunning views the region has to offer. Start in Duluth, or enter at one of several points along the way, including Two

Minnesota’s 18 ski areas have just what you need, whether you’re an expert or just starting out. Here, we highlight the different ski areas around the North Star State based on its noteworthy slopes, activities and accommodations. Skiers and snowboarders can tackle a variety of terrain throughout Minnesota, from backcountry trails to technical parks. Youll find scenic slopes in every corner of the state, making them an accessible add-on adventure to any plans to explore Minnesota this winter.

At one point, bison and prairie were abundant in Minnesota. These days both are a rare sight. But at two southern Minnesota state parks and the Minnesota Zoo, rare bison herds are being reintroduced to roam and graze on native tallgrass prairie—a time travelers glimpse of what the state once looked like.  Blue Mounds State Park Down at Blue Mounds State Park in far southwestern Minnesota, one of the world’s last remaini

When winter rolls around, snow sports are one of my favorite cures for cabin fever. And because I live in Minneapolis, I don’t have to look far to find my winter wonderland. With 20 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails to explore, Minneapolis’ Theodore Wirth Park offers a breath of icy-fresh air for competitive and recreational skiers alike, all winter long. A Winter Wonderland Just Outside Downtown Minneapolis Jus

For a beginner-friendly bike tour in Minnesota, follow this four-day itinerary along the Mississippi River Trail between Minneapolis and the Iowa border. With a mix of roads and multi-use paths, this adventure includes steep limestone bluffs, hardwood forests and more than a dozen river towns. I’ve been bike touring for a little over two years now. I love taking the opportunity to explore Minnesota on my bike, soaking in all that the state has to offer. For my latest trip, I rode the Mississippi