History is visible all around Goslar, from well-preserved old houses to the Romanesque imperial palace elevated over the city. Designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, the ore mine at Rammelsberg has been closed since 1988, but now teaches visitors about the more than 100 years of mining that occurred in the Harz mountains.

The second most populous town in North Germany, Bremen brings the high-tech, science and space industries together beneath a truly metropolitan backdrop. In a city where innovation, beauty and sophistication meet, it's impossible not to feel the life force. In this 1,200-year-old Hanseatic city, visit the Schlachte Promenade on the River Weser, the full-sized Columbus Space Module of the International Space Station and the Universum Science centre. Oh, and "Hanseatic" refers to an alliance of trading cities in the 13th-17th centuries. But you probably knew that.

Montreal, c’est si bon! This French-speaking city is considered the cultural capital of Canada, and is a cosmopolitan celebration of Québécois style. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the cobblestone streets and grand buildings of Vieux-Montréal will give you a taste of European flavour. The Basilique Notre-Dame is a confection of stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district will delight you with its quaint boutiques and cafés. Dig in to a massive plate of poutine to fuel up for a tour of the epic Olympic Park.

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.

We won't lie: Niagara Falls is uber-touristy. There are wax museums and a Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, and if it's a fast-food chain, you can probably find it here. But even the most jaded hipster shouldn't pass up a chance to visit this town, because the Falls themselves are spectacular.

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.

Although situated on a flat plain with few indigenous trees, Regina boasts some of western Canada's most innovative urban landscaping, with plentiful green spaces, hiking and biking paths, playgrounds, oak-lined streets and parks throughout the city. The popular Wascana Lake plays host to summer boaters and winter skating. Regina is also home to numerous cultural and educational institutions, including museums, galleries, theaters and Canada's RCMP Training Academy Grounds.