From sea to shining sea, beachy coastlines and lush forests, the world has some incredible sights to offer – but according to Travel and Leisure, one of the most beautiful is actually right here in Alberta.

In addition to some unreal destinations like Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius, this year’s ’55 Most Beautiful Places in the World’ also included a Canadian gem – the country’s oldest national park.

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Revered for its mountains, dense pine forests and wildlife, Banff is undoubtedly Alberta’s pride and joy, but to be named among Machu Picchu in Peru and Shark Bay in Australia is extra special.

With glacier-fed lakes, picture-perfect peaks and a world-renowned hot spring, our little mountain town is unlike any place else and we’re lucky enough to call it our backyard.

As for their other picks? Here are just 20 more of the 55 Most Beautiful Places in the World:

  • Bagan, Myanmar
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica
  • Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
  • Grand Canyon, Arizona
  • Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
  • Whitehaven Beach, Australia
  • Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
  • Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
  • Hįŗ” Long Bay, Vietnam
  • Lake AtitlĆ”n, Guatemala
  • Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius
  • Acadia National Park, Maine
  • Okavango Delta, Botswana
  • Railay West Beach, Thailand
  • Maasai Mara, Kenya
  • Cat Island, The Bahamas
  • Zhangye National Geopark, China
  • Glencoe, Scotland
  • Mount Kōya, Japan
  • Dead Sea, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel

If you’d like to see their entire list you can visit their website now, otherwise – consider another trip to Banff.

Not everyone is as lucky to be so close to such a spot, so take advantage of it!

It really is something else.

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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