Great Sand Hills in Saskatchewan

The Great Sand Hills are one of Canada’s most unique and otherworldly natural landscapes, located in the southwest region of Saskatchewan. Spanning thousands of square kilometers, this remarkable area features rolling sand dunes, some reaching up to 20 meters high, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding prairie grasslands. Formed over 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, the dunes were shaped by glacial meltwater and strong winds, leaving behind this rare inland desert-like environment.

Despite their barren appearance, the Great Sand Hills are rich in biodiversity. The region supports a variety of specialized plants and animals that have adapted to the sandy terrain, including rare grasses, insects, and small mammals. It is also an important habitat for species at risk, making it an ecologically sensitive area that is carefully managed.

Visitors to the Great Sand Hills are drawn by the sense of isolation and natural beauty. The open landscape offers incredible opportunities for photography, hiking, and wildlife observation. Unlike more crowded tourist destinations, the area remains quiet and largely untouched, giving travelers a chance to experience the raw, windswept character of the Canadian prairies. Overall, the Great Sand Hills stand as a fascinating reminder of Canada’s diverse geography, offering a peaceful yet dramatic escape into one of the country’s most unexpected natural wonders.

 

A Stay at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is one of downtown Chicago’s most distinctive and historic places to stay, blending Gilded Age elegance with modern boutique design. Located directly across from Millennium Park, the hotel occupies a striking Venetian Gothic building originally completed in 1893 as a private men’s athletic club.

After more than a century as an exclusive club, the building underwent a major restoration and reopened in 2015 as a luxury hotel. Today, it retains many of its original architectural details, including marble staircases, stained glass windows, ornate fireplaces, and intricate woodwork. Walking through the property feels like stepping back in time, with spaces such as the Drawing Room offering a cozy, library-like atmosphere filled with vintage charm.

The hotel features around 240 guest rooms, each designed to reflect its athletic heritage with unique touches like pommel horse benches and vintage-inspired furnishings. Modern amenities are seamlessly integrated, ensuring comfort while preserving the building’s historic character.

One of the standout features is the hotel’s lively social spaces. The Game Room, set in a former boxing area, includes billiards, shuffleboard, and bocce ball, while the restored basketball court offers a playful nod to the building’s past. Dining is also a highlight, with multiple venues including a popular rooftop restaurant offering sweeping views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.

Overall, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s an immersive experience that celebrates Chicago’s history, architecture, and vibrant social culture.

Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

The Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is one of the property’s most lively and unique spaces, blending historic charm with playful entertainment. Originally the building’s billiards room when it operated as a private men’s club, the space has been transformed into a welcoming social hub open to guests and visitors alike.

Designed to reflect the spirit of old athletic clubs, the Game Room features dark wood interiors, vintage details, and a relaxed, club-like atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of classic games, including billiards, shuffleboard, bocce ball, chess, and foosball, along with nostalgic favorites like skeeball and Pop-A-Shot basketball.

Beyond the games, the space functions as a full-service bar and restaurant, offering casual, shareable food inspired by classic concession and street fare, alongside craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The combination of food, drinks, and friendly competition creates a vibrant, social environment that appeals to both hotel guests and locals.