Looking to refresh your Instagram feed with dazzling new pics? From soaring Canadian summits to lush Hawaiian rainforests and noteworthy Mexican architecture, here’s a selection of the most Instagrammable destinations.
Classic Canadian Scenery
With vividly turquoise lakes, craggy summits and tumbling glaciers seemingly at every turn, there’s no shortage of Insta-worthy scenery in the Canadian Rockies. Start at the shore of Lake Louise, where you can snap shots of the milky blue water framed by colossal peaks like Fairview Mountain. To snag a quintessentially Canadian image, head to Banff Upper Hot Springs and snap a shot of Mt. Rundle from the pool. For the best photos of nearby Moraine Lake, another brilliantly hued beauty, arrive before sunrise. Take a short hike to the top of the Rockpile Trail to capture the pinkish light of the alpenglow.
Also worth hunting down are Parks Canada’s red chairs. Planted at scenic locations throughout Banff National Park, these eye-catching Adirondack chairs are perfect for fun selfies. At the Hoodoos Viewpoint, you’ll find a pair of seats perched above clusters of jagged, spire-like rocks and the spectacular Bow Valley beyond. Discover a couple more chairs at the Cascade Ponds picnic area, a popular place in the fall to take photos of golden aspen trees against the backdrop of Mount Rundle. You can share your favorite shots with the hashtag #ShareTheChair.
While the phenomenal scenery is guaranteed to impress your followers, the amazing food is sure to garner plenty of likes too. Back at the hotel, photograph meticulously presented Albertan plates like beef tenderloin and bison ribeye amid the art deco-inspired surrounds of glam dining spot Fairview. Or create a stylish cocktail montage showcasing handcrafted concoctions such as the arctic reindeer and Jalisco spicy margarita. Another must-snap dining experience is the hotel’s afternoon tea. Tiered plates stacked with inventively flavored finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and chocolate Saskatoon berry scones are fabulously photogenic (and delicious, too). Don’t forget that chilled glass of bubbly on the side!
Hawaiian Hot Spots
When it comes to stellar photo ops in Hawaii, you’ll be spoiled for choice, whether you’re looking for thick jungle, dramatic coastal cliffs or multicolored marine life. If you’re planning a vacation to the Big Island, kick off your trip with a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to grab photos of steaming vents and glowing lava. The Kīlauea volcano has been erupting since September 2021, creating a vast lava lake where fountains of lava sometimes shoot up to 30 feet into the air. For unobstructed views, one of the least crowded spots is the Kūpinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge) section of the Crater Rim Trail.
Waterproof phones or cameras come in handy in the Aloha State, where much of the Instagrammable action lies beneath the ocean. From Fairmont Orchid, on the island’s west coast, it’s only steps to pristine Pauoa Bay. Plunge beneath the surface with snorkel and fins and chronicle your underwater adventure with photos of vibrant reefs brimming with tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a sea turtle or eagle ray swooping by. Alternatively, shoot surfers cresting the waves and stay for a sunset barbecue at Pine Trees Beach, a short drive south. Chunky black lava rocks speckle this gorgeous sweep of white sand.
Over on Maui, guests at Fairmont Kea Lani can learn about Hawaiian culture and snap cool pics along the way on a selfie scavenger hunt. Solve clues to track down a mermaid statue, bamboo garden and native hibiscus flowers within the hotel grounds.
Next, hit the Hana Highway (or Road to Hana), a treasure trove of Insta-friendly scenery. Passing verdant rainforest, towering waterfalls and panoramic sea views, this serpentine route features a whopping 620 curves and 59 bridges. Favorite photo stops include Twin Falls, where you can take an invigorating dip beneath the cascades before stocking up on freshly squeezed sugarcane juice and banana bread at the farm stand. Keanae Lookout offers exceptional vistas of jungle-clad cliffs and a lava rock beach, while nearby Keanae Arboretum has a remarkable collection of rainbow eucalyptus trees.
After dark, head to Haleakalā National Park. This is why your camera has a night mode. An astonishing display of stars illuminates the inky sky above this extraordinary volcanic landscape. You’ll be able to capture incredible images of the Milky Way here. Remember to download a stargazing app beforehand, so you can easily identify major constellations.
Mexico City Mementoes
From grand monuments and bold architecture to bright murals and eclectic food stands, Mexico City is packed with Instagrammable sights. A short walk from chic Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, the landmark Angel of Independence towers above the avenue below. Built in 1910 to commemorate Mexico’s War of Independence, it’s topped with a striking bronze sculpture of a winged victory angel.
Also within easy reach of the hotel is Casa Luis Barragán, the mid-20th-century home and studio of the acclaimed Mexican architect. Simple lines and vibrant pops of color offer countless possibilities for creative Instagram images. Bosque de Chapultepec is a sprawling park crammed with photo opportunities, including boating lakes, museums and Castillo de Chapultepec, a grand hilltop castle with lavishly decorated rooms. Park vendors sell traditional crafts and tasty Mexican tamales and tortas.
Meanwhile, a few metro stops northeast of the hotel, Biblioteca Vasconcelos strikes awe in both bibliophiles and architecture fans. Filled with more than 600,000 books, this cavernous contemporary library has over 40 kilometers of hanging steel shelving. Once you finish browsing the stacks, make your way back to the hotel’s 38th floor pool for stylish selfies in the hot tub and unforgettable views across the city.
Looking for further Instagram inspiration? Read more about the Canadian Rockies, Hawaii and Mexico City, and start planning your next adventure.