- Canada
- Caribbean
- Mexico
- United States of America
- Greenland
North America
Best Countries to Visit
Best Cities to Visit
- New York
- Chicago
- Toronto
- Los Angeles
- Montreal
Size
24,709,000 KM2
Population
579,000,000
Spending Budget
$222 - $3,114
History
History of North America encompasses the past developments of people populating the continent of North America. While it was widely believed that continent first became a human habitat when people migrated across the Bering Sea 40,000 to 17,000 years ago, recent discoveries may have pushed those estimates back at least another 90,000 years. People settled throughout the continent, from the Inuit of the far north to the Mayans and Aztecs of the south. These complex communities each developed their own unique ways of life and cultures. Records of European travel to North America begin with the Norse colonization in the tenth century A.D. With the Age of Exploration and the voyages of Christopher Columbus (starting 1492), Europeans began to arrive in the Americas in large numbers and to develop colonial ambitions for both North and South America. Columbus' "discovery" of America is a contested idea because the Americas were already heavily populated by the indigenous peoples of the Americas, who had developed distinctive civilizations in their own right. After Columbus, influxes of Europeans soon followed and overwhelmed the native population. North America became a staging ground for ongoing European rivalries. The continent was divided by three prominent European powers: England, France, and Spain. The influences of colonization by these states on North American cultures are still apparent today. Conflict over resources on North America ensued in various wars between these powers, but, gradually, the new European colonies developed desires for independence. Revolutions, such as the American Revolution and Mexican War of Independence, created new, independent states that came to dominate North America. The Canadian Confederation formed in 1867, creating the modern political landscape of North America. From the 19th to 21st centuries, North American states have developed increasingly deeper connections with each other. Although some conflicts have occurred, the continent has for the most part enjoyed peace and general cooperation between its states, as well as open commerce and trade between them. Modern developments include the opening of free trade agreements, extensive immigration from Mexico and Latin America, and drug trafficking concerns in these regions.
Present Day
North America, third largest of the world’s continents, lying for the most part between the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Cancer. North America occupies the northern portion of the landmass generally referred to as the New World, the Western Hemisphere, or simply the Americas. Mainland North America is shaped roughly like a triangle, with its base in the north and its apex in the south; associated with the continent is Greenland, the largest island in the world, and such offshore groups as the Arctic Archipelago, the West Indies, Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), and the Aleutian Islands. The continent is richly endowed with natural resources, including great mineral wealth, vast forests, immense quantities of fresh water, and some of the world’s most fertile soils. These have allowed North America to become one of the most economically developed regions in the world, and its inhabitants enjoy a high standard of living. North America has the highest average income per person of any continent and an average food intake per person that is significantly greater than that of other continents. Although it is home to less than 10 percent of the world’s population, its per capita consumption of energy is almost four times as great as the world average. North America can be divided into five physical regions: the mountainous west, the great plains, the Canadian shield, the varied eastern region and the Caribbean.
Future
By 2025, the top 100 cities with the highest GDPs will produce 75% of total US GDP, wielding considerable economic power that will influence business and politics alike. As new technology reshapes workplaces and jobs across North America, the United States, Mexico, and Canada need to reinvent the ways that they educate, train, and re-skill their workforces. With Mexico and Canada now the United States’ two largest economic partners, more than ever the three countries need to work together to effectively and equitably manage the massive transformations ahead in the skills needed by tomorrow’s employees. Already, employers across the continent are having difficulty filling jobs with suitable candidates: 50% of Mexican CEOs face that challenge, as do 46% and 41% of U.S. and Canadian employers respectively, a recent Manpower survey finds. The bottom line is that North America's workers and businesses will benefit greatly from pursuing an active dialogue and enhanced cooperation on workforce development issues. Such collaboration will improve the economic, social, and political well-being of the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of North America’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can hike, camp, and kayak in the gorges and ravines while admiring the spectacular natural beauty of the canyon. The Grand Canyon was recently named one of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Seven Wonders of the World 2019,” and we can see why! The gorgeous canyon shows millions of years of geological history in its layered bands of red rock. Some of the best viewpoints at the Grand Canyon include Mather Point, Lipan Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio. Views of the canyon are indescribable at sunset and sunrise, and make for the perfect photography opportunity.
The Yucatan Peninsula
Located in the south-eastern part of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula separates the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The area boasts many cultural and scenic attractions like Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan ruins from the pre-Columbian era and a UNESCO World Heritage site. While you’re here, take some time to relax on the beaches or enjoy a yoga class in the quiet city of Tulum. Visitors love the exciting nightlife in Cancún, and exploring the cenotes (underground caves) found around the peninsula. With such a diversity of landscape and culture, you’ll never run out of things to do!
New York
New York City is one of the most-visited cities in the world and is the most populous city in the United States. New York City is split into five boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. In Brooklyn, visitors can see a concert or watch a Nets game at the Barclays Centre, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, visit Coney Island, and spend time outdoors in Prospect Park. Manhattan is home to famous attractions such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. The Bronx is a great place to see all kinds of art. You can see a performance at the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, and visit the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Staten Island is home to Historic Ricmind Town, a living history village and museum complex, where visitors can explore the diverse American experience from the colonial period to the present. New York City is home to so much culture, history, and art. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you’re bound to fall in love with the city that never sleeps!
Banff, Canada
Located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and one of its most beautiful preserved spaces. Visitors in the summer can explore the town of Banff, kayak through the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, or hike in the Rocky Mountains. Banff is also an incredible winter destination and is considered one of the top ski destinations in North America. Winter visitors will enjoy the thousands of downhill ski runs as well as a variety of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. Banff is an amazing destination for spotting wildlife. The park is home to hundreds of bird species, grizzly bears, cougars, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. For an off-the-beaten-path attraction, visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs to learn about the history and ecology of the historic caves.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone was the first U.S. National Park and remains an iconic American symbol. The park spans through parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. The area encompassing Yellowstone features lakes, rivers, canyons, and mountain ranges. The park is home to geothermal activity such as the geyser Old Faithful, which is one of the top natural tourist attractions in the United States. Due to the ongoing volcanic activity, the park actually holds half of the world’s hydrothermal features. Visitors to Yellowstone can admire the scenic beauty of the park and view a variety of native wildlife such as elk, bears, and bison. Popular outdoor activities in Yellowstone include hiking, camping, boating, and fishing. And in the winter, visitors can access the park via guided snowmobile tours.
Mexico City
Originally known as La Ciudad de Los Palacios (“The City of Palaces”), Mexico City is a cultural and historical centre of North America. The most well known icon of Mexico City is the gold Angel of Independence located downtown. While you’re here, visit Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe to admire art and architecture, or venture out of the city to the pyramids of Teotihuacán to learn about pre-Columbian Mexico.
Bourbon Streets, New Orleans
Head to New Orleans, Louisiana for world-famous beignets, legendary nightlife, and all the Southern comfort food you can eat. Taste unique Cajun dishes such as alligator and jambalaya and stroll down lively Bourbon Street. Visit the renowned National World War II Museum or hop on a boat and tour the bayous. And if you don’t mind the crowds, partying on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Bourbon Street is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, and is famous for its many bars and clubs. Millions of tourists every year flock to this part of town for the rich insight into New Orleans’ past it provides.
Hawaiian Islands
Although over 2,000 miles from the west coast of the United States, the Hawaiian Islands remain one of North America’s most popular vacation destinations. The jaw-dropping scenery of the islands, from white sandy beaches to lush mountains to volcanic craters, makes it a beautiful place to relax on the beach, hike in the mountains, or surf in the Pacific. The Hawaiian Islands are an group of 8 major islands, numerous small islets, and seamounts in the Pacific Ocean. On the islands you can surf, swim, fish, boat, and hike, among other outdoor adventure activities. Whether you want a relaxing beach vacation, or a trip filled with activities, the Hawaiin Islands offer everything you could ever want from a trip.
Northern Lights, Alaska
The view of the night sky from Fairbanks, Alaska is known as one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. Visitors may also see the famous light show from Coldfoot, Barrow, and Elias National Park. Book a guided Northern Lights tour in Alaska anytime between late September and early April to witness this spectacular phenomenon. Tours will often include daytime activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, or “flightseeing” (sightseeing from a small plane).
Highway 1
Road trip down historic Highway 1 for a uniquely Californian experience. Start your journey in San Francisco, famous for its Victorians, classic cable cars, beautiful waterfront, and rising Golden Gate Bridge. Next stop being Monterey, here you’ll find Old Fisherman’s Wharf, a historic pier on Monterey Bay. Monterey is the perfect place to set out on a whale-watching or fishing trip, and be sure to try the clam chowder at one of the many seafood restaurants on the pier. As you make your way down Highway 1 along the coast, stop at picturesque Big Sur for a photo-op, and don’t miss out on trying the famous Ambrosia burger at Nepenthe. A must stop on your road trip is Hearst Castle in San Simeon. This mountain top Mediterranean estate is home to art and antiques from all over the world. While in SLO, as the locals call it, explore Mission Plaza and enjoy live music every Friday night in the summer. Next head down to Santa Barbara for the quintessential California town, with its good life culture, and beach town vibes.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a gigantic waterfall straddling the US-Canadian border between the Ontario Province and New York State. While they are neither the steepest nor the largest waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls may arguably be the most famous, attracting nearly 20 million visitors each year. They have been variously described as enchanting and awe-inspiring, and since the 1850s, have been among the most visited tourist attractions in the world.
The Big Sur region
The Big Sur region is located in the central region of California in the United States. Considered one of the most sparsely populated coastal regions in this part of California, the Big Sur region is located 193 kilometers, or 120 miles south of San Francisco and 394 kilometers, or 245 miles, northwest from the city of Los Angeles. The name of the region has been said to have been derived from the Spanish term El Sur Grande, which is literally translated as 'The Big South'. The primary source of income for the Big Sur region is tourism. The terrains that make up the Big Sur region offer visitors some of the most stunning sceneries on this side of the United States. One of the most visited sights in the region is Big Sur's Cone Peak, which is considered the highest coastal mountain in the entire United States. Indeed, the Big Sur region is a haven for travelers looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and commune with the pristine beauty of nature.
Historic Quebec
Historic Quebec, now a larger Quebec City neighborhood, was the complete main city in the 17th century. Centuries-old fortifications surround the old city. Many attractions and mostly all buildings within these walls are of historic nature. This is why the complete neighborhood itself is one of the top attractions in Quebec, Canada, and even North America and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge, a suspension bridge built from the San Francisco Peninsula all the way to Marin County, is no exception to this. The second-longest bridge in the United States and the seventh longest in the world, this bridge was completed in 1937 and became the symbol of pride for San Francisco and the United States.
Napa Valley
The Napa Valley is part of Napa County, situated north of the San Francisco Bay area. Considered as one of the original counties that comprised California in the United States, Napa County was established in the year 1850, about the same time that the state of California joined the other states to form what is now the United States of America. Napa Valley has been considered as one of the Viticultural areas in the entire United States. This is mainly because a large portion of the entire valley continues to be dedicated to producing different agricultural products. Today, Napa County is primarily renowned all over the world for its wine industry. It is currently home to more than three hundred large-scale and boutique wineries that grow various wines in the region. These wineries are a favorite among travelers heading out to the Napa Valley. Apart from providing breathtaking venues for weddings and romantic getaways, these wineries also have their own shops where you can purchase some of their prime vintages to take home and enjoy with your loved ones.
CN Tower
The CN Tower is the tallest free-standing infrastructure in all of Canada. Resembling the Space Needle in Seattle, the CN Tower is considered one of the world's most recognizable landmarks. Visited by millions of locals and tourists from all parts of the world, the CN Tower is situated right in the heart of Toronto's beautiful and multi-cultural cities in the province of Ontario, Canada. The CN holds the Guinness Book of World Record title of being the most visited landmark in Canada today.
Alcatraz Prison
Alcatraz is one of San Francisco's main tourist draws and favorite landmarks for all its checkered history and infamy. What attracts people to this bleak island with its sheer cliffs, swift currents, and frigid waters? Well, for one thing, this has been home to some of the world's most notorious criminals. It is also a wildlife sanctuary with numerous bird species nesting there.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is one of the best residential neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois. It features vintage townhomes that offer single-family and apartment-style living. The streets are tree-lined, and many houses even boast a small yard. Parking is difficult, though. In addition to its residential charm, Lincoln Park is host to numerous Chicago attractions. The best known are the Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Lincoln Park Zoo is open year-round and has free admission. Between this and their high-quality exhibits, the zoo attracts upwards of 3 million visitors a year. It is best to visit in the morning before the crowds grow too large.
Disney World
Magic – this is what Disney is all about. To be in Disney is to be a child again. And this is all the more seen at The Disney Resort Complex in Orlando, Florida. Be transported to worlds that only existed in your wildest imaginations and dreams. Fly away to a fairy-tale kingdom, soar through the California skies, travel through eons of time to arrive at Futureland, visit the world of Winnie the Pooh… Oh! There is so much to see and do at Disney. Magic Kingdom brings to life all the favorite adventures and fantasies one can have.
Legoland
Situated in Carlsbad, just 30 minutes away from the bustling city of San Diego, is Legoland California, a uniquely themed park that has become a longtime favorite of families all over the world. Unlike most amusement parks, Legoland prides itself on being an amusement park mostly made out of Lego blocks. Opened to the public on March 20, 1999, it is the third Legoland amusement park in the world and the only one that is not located anywhere in Europe.
Lake Tahoe
Recognized as the highest lake in the United States and the largest alpine lake in the North American continent, Lake Tahoe is one of California's most popular destinations, visited by both locals and tourists all year round. This is partly due to the breathtaking sceneries that greet you the moment you arrive at Lake Tahoe. With its crystal blue water, snowcapped mountains, and lush pine forests, Lake Tahoe offers you the opportunity to relax and unwind as you escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some precious moments in nature. There are various outdoor activities that you and your family can enjoy during your stay at Lake Tahoe, ranging from hiking through the many trails that cut through the pine forests to fishing and water skiing in the lake's sapphire blue waters.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park of Alberta, Canada, has the largest known concentration of fossilized dinosaur bones and other animal species living in the water and on land alongside the great dinosaurs. Because of this massive concentration of perfectly-preserved fossils and the wealth of information that it holds for us in our world today: Dinosaur Provincial Park was named a World Heritage site in 1980. An impressive thirty-nine different dinosaurs species have been identified from the fossils contained here, and a whopping 500 samples have been excavated for further research from this valuable, historical site.
Death Valley
The Death Valley is perhaps the most popular desert region in the United States. Situated in the southwestern part of the country between the borders of the states of California and Nevada, the Death Valley is the lowest, driest and hottest region not just in the United States but in the entire North American continent. Contrary to its name, the Death Valley is actually a very much alive region with a unique range of flora and fauna. In fact, many tourists visiting the southwestern region of the United States can be found spending some time in this seemingly desolate region. One of the prime tourist destinations in the Death Valley region is the Death Valley National Park.
Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is one of Canada's greatest natural treasures. It is a 170-mile long swath of coastline that stretches from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick. The main pull of this area is that the Bay experiences the highest tides in the world. In a single day, the tides move more water than exists in all the freshwater sources across the entire world. There are many ways that you can experience the Bay of Fundy. There are provincial and national parks full of coastline hiking. There are also natural history museums sprinkled along the way. For the history of people on the Bay of Fundy, you can go lighthouse hopping or visit many museums or interpretation centers.
Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, is the final resting place of thousands of American military personnel, Native Americans, and former slaves. Over one hundred graveside services are performed in the cemetery each week. The cemetery attracts over four million visitors each year and is an important Virginia landmark. The Arlington National Cemetery covers two hundred sprawling acres of the city and includes famous landmarks like the Arlington Mansion and the Tomb of The Unknown Soldiers.