Urban Explorations: A Canadian GIS Journey

Tucson and the Southwest might not come to mind when you think about walkability. Sunbelt cities are famous for their devotion to the automobile. Consequently, an avid walker might balk at the idea of a walkable city in Southern Arizona. No doubt the choices are limited compared to the older, denser, more dynamic cities of the East Coast or Europe.

It often strikes me how different modes of travel affect my experience of a place. Walking down a street for the first time after having driven the same street countless times opens up an entirely new world. This is valuable to keep in mind when making travel plans, too. If you really want to experience a place fully, how you go is as important as where you go.

British Columbia is graced with an abundance of natural beauty.Well-loved, oft-visited spots such as Whistler, Tofino and the Canadian Rockies need no introduction. But many other wonderful areas may have escaped your attention. One such place is Wells Gray Provincial Park; a land of calm lakes, undisturbed forests and majestic waterfalls.

Korean culture exploded into the world’s conscience following the massive popularity of the song “Gangnam Style” in 2012. Since then, K-Pop became a worldwide phenomenon and Korean dramas found huge audiences throughout Asia and beyond.

Vancouver is a must-see place; one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Vancouver offers a host of well-known, world-class sites: Stanley Park, English Bay, Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Sunshine Coast all draw scores of enthusiastic visitors.

Banff National Park is a world-class destination with some of the planet’s most inspiring mountain scenery. Soaring peaks, shimmering lakes and abundant wildlife continually thrill visitors at Canada’s oldest national park. Conde Nast says about Banff, “in terms of jaw-dropping, life-changing scenery, it’s right up there with Yellowstone and Yosemite”.