The world is a veritable museum of natural artworks, sculptures and arenas made by time. That’s part of what makes travelling such a life-enriching experience – we get to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of this strange and stunning planet we call home. And thanks to the age of technology, we no longer only have to rely on our memories to treasure those precious moments. Simply whip out your smartphone, equipped with better cameras than your grandparents could fit into a backpack, or unpack and set up your very own backpack filled with amateur, hobbyist or professional gear to catch that timeless shot. But the world has so many awe-inspiring destinations and picturesque sights; how would one choose which ones to eternally capture first? That’s why, to celebrate Nature Photography Day on 15 June, Expat Explore has narrowed our search to North America and rounded up the best national parks in the USA as well as some of the best natural sights to add to your bucket list!
Discover the best U.S. national parks this Nature Photography Day:
Mount Rainier National Park
Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is truly a feast for the eyes and lens. Inside, you will find the 14,000-foot icon of the Washington natural landscape – Mount Rainier. This impressive mountain is not only an active volcano but also the most glaciated mountain in the United States.
Down at sea level, five major rivers spawn from Mount Rainier while majestic meadows of wildflowers line the periphery. Slightly higher up on Mount Rainier’s lower slopes, an ancient forest blankets the icy volcano’s surface. Get your cameras ready; you’ll be spoilt for choice with natural backdrops!
Related: Discover more of the world’s must-see mountain ranges!
Niagara Falls State Park
Border of New York and Ontario
Niagara Falls is a stunning series of three waterfalls south of the Niagara Gorge, which borders Ontario in Canada and New York in the USA. This natural wonder is truly a must-visit travel destination, especially for avid photographers. With a variety of attractions at the Niagara Falls State Park, including various vantage points from which to view the falls, any amateur or avid photographer is bound to snap some unbelievable photos of this majestic natural site.
Visitors can choose to descend into the Cave of the Winds to get an up-close-and-personal view of the falls from the Hurricane Deck (appropriately named, so expect spray). Alternatively, take a boat tour of the iconic falls or simply look out over them from the comfort of the restaurant at the top of the falls. Whichever way you choose to experience it, getting that perfect shot is sure to be a breeze (albeit a misty one).
Related: Explore the world’s top natural wonders beyond North America!
Olympic National Park
Washington
Any traveller who loves nature should promptly add Olympic National Park in Washington to their travel photography wish list! What makes this national park unique and so worth the visit is the variety of ecosystems you’ll encounter! On the Olympic Mountain side, encounter dramatic peaks and a distinctly mountainous ecosystem. Then, a myriad of hiking trails throughout the park reveal the old-growth forests and rainforest ecosystems. Finally, since the park stretches all the way to the Pacific coastline, you’ll also experience breathtaking coastal views and attractions.
Combine all of that, add a few pieces of photography equipment, and you have yourself a recipe for some of the most stunning and diverse nature photographs to last a lifetime! How many other places offer views of icy mountains, age-old forests and stretching coastlines all in one?
Related: For even more breathtaking beaches, check out Europe’s most beautiful coastal views!
Manitoulin Island
Ontario
If you’re looking for natural scenery, outdoor adventure and indigenous culture all wrapped up into one travel experience, a visit to Manitoulin Island in Ontario is a must! Located in the heart of the Great Lakes, Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world. This gives the four rivers spawning from the island the perfect conditions for trout and salmon to thrive.
And if that’s not reason enough to visit, this island is still considered a hidden gem as tourists have yet to take over with crowds gathering from far and wide to witness its splendour. That means, not only will you have an incredible experience in nature, but you might also snap some once-in-a-lifetime photos without travellers in the background!
Frick Park
Pittsburgh
Tucked away in Pittsburgh is one of the city’s four large historic parks – Frick Park. This, the largest of the historic municipal parks, is a treasure trove of natural sites and outdoor activities. Explore this vast stretch of nature with its age-old secrets. Follow along a myriad of walking and hiking trails, connecting outdoor attractions like a soccer field and tennis court.
But be sure to bring your camera! Frick Park is a nature photographer’s playground! But Clayton Hill is also a widely popular spot for bird enthusiasts from around the world. Set up and shoot for the day. You might snap all of the 100+ species of birds on display.
Related: Discover must-visit countries by their national birds!
Belle Isle Park
Detroit
If photographing natural sites and attractions is your travel game, then be sure to pay Belle Isle Park in Detroit a visit! This island park in the Detroit River was created in the 19th century. It comprises Belle Isle as well as several smaller islets surrounding it. Across these islands in the Detroit River, you will find a variety of natural attractions, historic sites and outdoor and nature-themed activities.
For starters, check out the Belle Isle Aquarium which dates back to 1904. After briefly closing in 2005, the aquarium is open to the public and houses over 200 aquatic species. Sounds about enough to dedicate a whole photo album to! But don’t forget to leave film (or memory space) for the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory! The greenhouse and botanical garden make for out-of-this-world photos. Other highlights at Belle Isle Park include the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and Belle Isle Beach. Get ready for non-stop camera clicks!
Related: Show off your skills by snapping the world’s most Instagrammable views!
That wraps up our list of the best national parks in the USA as well as the top natural landmarks in North America to celebrate Nature Photography Day this year! From beaches, forests and waterfalls to animals, trails and volcanoes, you’re sure to build up quite the portfolio of nature photography on tour with Expat Explore!
Book a tour with us, and visit iconic attractions across the USA and Canada. From modern marvels to natural wonders, North America is truly a playground for nature photography. See you behind the lens on tour!