The 10 Healthiest Cities to Visit

One of the best ways to enjoy exercise is to put yourself in a new environment. If at home you jog on a beach, taking a trip to a forest in the mountains will give your daily workout a whole new feeling. Just like cities with gorgeous scenery can revitalize your workout, new and healthy cuisines can be a great way to introduce nutritious recipes with flavors you’ve never experienced. Here are ten North American cities that will keep you active, well-nourished and loving life.

Madison, WI

You’ve probably seen a picture of Madison and its surrounding area before—just above October in the hanging calendar above your desk. The forest between Door County and Madison is known for its fall colors, but Madison’s beauty and charm is year-round. Mountain bike trails surround the city and its many lakes and ponds. Greet the sunrise with a warm glass of cider and set the tone for a sunny day of outdoor fun.

Fort Collins, CO

Found at over 5,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins has fresh air and fresh food in excess. This Colorado destination is a great place to visit for people who love exploring quaint downtown shops on foot and sampling locally sourced foods at highly-rated restaurants.

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is home to some of the best cuisine in North America. Boutique restaurants with an eye for homegrown ingredients line the streets from the bay to the center of town. Hundreds of parks dot the city, offering unending trails and paths for runners and commuting bikers alike. If you’re looking for a challenge, there is no shortage of steep hills to make running stadium stairs a thing of the past.

Arlington, VA

Just across the Potomac, visitors of Arlington can see the downtown commotion of the nation’s capital. There is a different feeling on the western shore. Locals can be found jogging Arlington’s historic streets, weaving in and out of lush parks, before they head in to work.

Portland, ME

With a population of just over 66,000, Portland is a small town escape with modern comforts. The city hosts numerous downtown festivals that have visitors enjoying fresh air and delicious seafood. Life moves a little slower in Portland, but the locals are just as prone to adventure as they are to reading a book on the porch at sunset. From sailing to skiing, the shores and forests of Maine are a destination for any active traveler.

Flagstaff, AZ

Visitors of Flagstaff are often surprised by its green mountains and lush forests. At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Flagstaff resembles a Colorado resort more than the desert landscape of Phoenix, just two hours south. With an average of 100 inches of annual snowfall (nearly twice that of Denver) and 266 sunny days per year, there are few places more inviting for travelers with an eye for adventure.

Honolulu, HI

On one side of Oahu, mountains jut directly out of the sea and on the other side, white sand beaches crash into perfect waves. All of this combines to create a landscape like no other. Where else can you surf in the morning and summit a mountain in the afternoon? Top it off with fresh island fare and you will be living cleaner than ever before.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a major metropolitan area and a powerful center of commerce for the American Northwest. The next time you visit for business, take a moment to enjoy the unique recreation that surrounds the city. If you’re looking for a thrill, world-renowned ski resorts like Whistler are just a short drive away, while nearby Squamish Canyon is home to some of the most challenging rock climbing in the world. Historical Gastown is the gastronomical center for the city, offering everything from fresh sushi to steaks.

Toronto, Ontario

Did you know that Toronto is known for its beaches? In the summertime, locals and tourists flock to the vast shores of Lake Ontario to lay out and swim in the cool water. Cherry Beach is one for the most popular spots, but there are many other beaches just a few steps from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Triathlons, jazz festivals and farmers markets keep Saskatoon visitors and locals outside to enjoy the fresh air and clean cuisine. Saskatoon is split by the South Saskatchewan River, which provides miles of waterfront paths and entertainment that will make exercise a joy.

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