Don those cowboy boots and journey back to the Wild, Wild West in this frontier city, tamed, of course, but with the western spirit alive and kicking. If your weekend getaway to Wyoming's capital and largest city starts on Friday, take the whole family to the Friday night rodeo to get into the spirit of things. In keeping with the cowboy frame of mind, saddle up and go for a tour on the Outlaw Trail, the very same route used by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, among other notorious outlaws, to evade the authorities. Or visit the Terry Bison Ranch, where you can hop on a horse or horse-drawn wagon, tour the winery and see the several thousand bison that live here. History buffs will enjoy the inviting Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, which houses one of the best western horse-drawn wagon collections in the USA. For a political perspective, visit the Corinthian-style Capitol building or the Historic Governor's Mansion. There are plenty of family-oriented attractions, but if the children want something all their own, take them to the IKON Center for arcade games, laser tag and more. Whether it's rodeos, golf, parks, national forests, museums or symphonies, there's no shortage of options here to fill a fantastic weekend.

Formerly a lawless frontier town, known for wild saloons and vigilante justice, Laramie is now a quiet college town, popular with outdoor enthusiasts as well as history buffs. Over twenty sites in and around Laramie are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Wyoming Territorial Prison, which once held Butch Cassidy. The town is conveniently located between the Laramie Range and the Medicine Bow Mountains, making the area a paradise for mountain bikers, climbers and campers.

North America's biggest and most popular ski resort, Vail is an alpine village in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Long a favourite of serious skiers and jet setting celebrities, Vail now also draws a younger, hipper snowboarding crowd. Skiing is king at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, but the area's vast splendor is perfect for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or scenery-gazing at any time of the year.

A ski town that is also an authentic ranching centre, Steamboat Springs is more down home than glitzy. Cowboy hats and ski boots are equally welcome on the city's friendly streets. The place where downhill skiing first flourished in the United States, Steamboat Springs remains a premiere slopes destination. But the town also offers outdoor recreation of every stripe and season. And after a long day hiking, schussing or shopping, you can relax in one of the natural hot springs for which the town was named.

A cosmopolitan city known as the "cultural cradle of Canada," Winnipeg is family friendly with plenty of charm. It boasts a dazzling arts, theatre and indie music scene, as well as lip-smacking dining options to tantalize every taste bud. Experience nine acres of shopping and interactive fun at the Forks Market or explore Winnipeg’s diverse neighborhoods like the historic French Quarter and Exchange District or the boho chic Osborne Village.

As North America’s northernmost large metropolis, Edmonton is a fascinating study in contrasts — a vibrant urban centre in the heart of the wilderness. It’s a city that’s never been afraid to do things a little differently, as visitors discover through close encounters with free-roaming bison, a shopping mall that spans more than 48 city blocks, and a dynamic arts and culture scene that embraces more than 40 annual festivals, including the continent’s biggest and wildest Fringe Theatre Festival.

What happens when a "gassy" Englishman rows into town feeling thirsty? A pub is born. And from that a city—in this case Vancouver. Though the pubs are plentiful, food and drink aren’t the only things to take in during your trip. In its 150 years, Vancouver has grown into a cosmopolitan city nestled in the great outdoors. Enjoy the snow-capped mountains, waterfront forests, cityside beaches, Olympic history and the world’s highest suspension bridge. Hipsters welcome. (Don’t worry, they don’t bite.)

Toronto's neighbour Mississauga has more than 480 parks and woodlands for you to explore. Stroll the Waterfront Trail, rent a boat at the marina or spend a day at the racetrack. It's also called Ontario's shopping capital, with everything from shopping centres and outlet malls to picturesque village-style shopping streets.

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theatre, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.