In This Issue:
Scottsdale - For outdoor enthusiasts

Discover Scottsdale's Adventure Side

In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, light-years from the everyday and ordinary, Scottsdale, Arizona, is a sophisticated urban city with a scenic backyard that's an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Whether you prefer do-it-yourself adventures or guided excursions, the options for exploring this unspoiled sanctuary are as varied as the landscape itself. Best of all, with more than 330 days of sunshine each year, any day is a great day to discover the adventurous side of Scottsdale.

Hit the Trails

Located near the city's geographic centre, Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers more than 100 kms of shared-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Trails range from the stroll-worthy, 0.5 km Bajada Nature Trail to the endurance-building Sunrise Over & Back, which measures a hearty 16 kms roundtrip. Hikers will also find spectacular scenic views - and a good workout - on the trails at Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak Park.

Saddle-up

For a true taste of the Old West, saddle-up and explore the Sonoran Desert on horseback. Two-hour to full-day rides will take you through lush arroyos and across crystalline streams into the desert's most pristine expanses. And if you've always dreamed of being a real cowboy, the Arizona Cowboy College offers week-long courses in horsemanship and cattle ranching during which you'll ride alongside working cowhands and eat and sleep under the stars.

Go Off-Road

Jeep and Hummer tours are a great way to venture into the desert's most remote locations. Tours are lead by expert guides who will entertain you with colourful stories of the area's Western heritage and help you learn about the desert's delicate ecosystem. These exciting adventures can be paired with other activities like river rafting and gold panning. And, if you're really feeling adventurous, several outfitters offer 'you-drive' options that put you behind the wheel for your desert exploration!

Make a Splash

River rafting, tubing and kayaking are great ways to explore Scottsdale's numerous rivers and lakes. The Lower Salt River provides ideal conditions for scenic, calm-water floats, while the Upper Salt River delivers whitewater thrills on class III and IV rapids.

Fly High

For the most expansive Sonoran Desert views, take to the sky on a hot-air balloon flight. All flights are followed by a traditional champagne toast and either a gourmet breakfast (sunrise flights) or delectable hors d'oeuvres (sunset flights).

Relax & Refresh

When you're ready to unwind after your Sonoran Desert adventures, Scottsdale's softer side will be waiting to pamper you with posh resorts and spas, upscale shopping, championship golf and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. And with daily non-stop flights from Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver, you'll be able to sit back, relax and save your energy for some real adventure - Scottsdale style!

For more information and to begin planning your Scottsdale adventure, visit a Flight Centre travel consultant or call 1 866 317 4794.

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