Canada

Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the soaring Coast Mountains, Vancouver is equal parts urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. The city is one of Canada’s most ethnically diverse, reflecting Asian, Latin American and Aboriginal traditions in its rich cultural tapestry. A national historic site, Gastown is a lovely neighborhood of Victorian architecture, local boutiques, art galleries and world-class restaurants, while nearby Granville Island offers an eclectic mix of farmer’s markets, artisanal shops and street performances.

Prince Rupert is a vibrant coastal city located on Kaien Island at the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest. The area is steeped in native history, having served as the traditional territory of the Tsimshian Nation for thousands of years, and the Museum of Northern British Columbia showcases this heritage in a remarkable collection of artifacts and exhibits. More recent history is revealed on a tour of the restored North Pacific Cannery, a world leader in the sockeye salmon industry in the 19th and 20th centuries.

With its wild landscapes and a Scottish heritage that can be felt at every turn, Cape Breton Island is one of the most unique destinations in Canada. Take a stroll along Sydney’s waterfront and stop for a photo beside the world’s biggest fiddle – a massive nod to the region’s Celtic musical roots at over 60-feet-tall – or head to the Witney Pier Historical Society Museum to learn about the people who immigrated here from all over the world. Sydney is also an ideal base for exploring the Cabot Trail, which is a great place for golfing, kayaking and whale-watching.

Take a stroll through Saint John and you’ll find beautifully-preserved 19th century buildings, traditional restaurants, and charming boutiques and galleries.  In the City Market, the historic heart of the city, a colorful market offers everything from fresh produce and seafood to locally-made goods and souvenirs, as well as a wonderful place to chat with the locals.   Visit the charming fishing village of St.

Sitting between the mighty St. Lawrence and a vast expanse of boreal forest, Sept-Iles is a working port and the gateway to Quebec’s wild Côte-Nord. This remote region is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Go whale-watching, kayaking or boating on the river, or spend your time hiking, lake swimming and salmon fishing at a backcountry nature reserve. Sept-Iles is also the largest town and cultural hub of the North Shore.

Mother Nature – on a massive, mindboggling scale – takes center stage in the Saguenay region. This is where wild rocky cliffs overlook the deep blue waters of one of the planet’s longest and loveliest fjords. It’s also where the fresh water of the River Saguenay blends with the saltwater of the Saint Lawrence River – a quirky trick of nature that attracts whales to the krill-filled waters. Enjoy a cycling adventure through Saguenay Fjord National Park or visit the beluga whales that choose to make Saguenay-Saint Lawrence Marine Park their year-round home.

Bracing and beautiful, this tiny fishing town on the Gulf of Saint Lawrence’s rugged coastline was settled by the Acadians in 1857 – which accounts for the lovely lyrical lilt of the local accent.

Mere miles off Newfoundland lies a tiny French archipelago, the legacy of the once-vast North American empire. Breton, Norman and Basque fishermen settled on a great natural harbor, and their descendants still live here today. The narrow, winding streets of Saint-Pierre are a delight of boulangeries, lively bars, wine shops, restaurants serving classic Gallic and locally-sourced fare, and boutiques that close at noon for a leisurely lunch. Discover local history, including the bootlegging heyday, at the Heritage Museum and the Arche Museum and Archives.

“Islands brushed by waves” is the wonderfully poetic name the Micmac Indians gave this small archipelago in the center of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. But it fails to capture the striking palette of the seascapes: white sandy beaches, pale dunes, ochre-red sea cliffs and deep blue sea. Most Madelinots live on the six largest islands linked by Route 199, which stretches 53 miles over rolling green hills dotted with cheerfully painted houses. At the southernmost end, historic La Grave is a hub of cafes, restaurants, shops, galleries, small museums and an aquarium.

Tucked deep inside an inlet on Newfoundland’s mountainous west coast, the working mill town of Corner Brook is the gateway to Gros Morne National Park. The park’s rare features – mantle rock and ancient oceanic crust – are a window onto continental movement 1.2 billion years ago, key factors in its World Heritage designation. Glaciers carved out the spectacular fjords, deep valleys, lakes and beaches. Coastal and forested trails invite exploration, while intrepid hikers can climb the 2,644-foot-tall Gros Morne.