A visit to Lewis and Harris is like stepping into the pages of a Scottish fairy tale. In Lewis—the northern part of the island—the legendary Callanish Standing Stones poke up from the ground like a strange and massive rock city. The Blackhouse, the Shawbost Norse Mill and Kiln, and the Carloway Broch all offer a peek at what island life used to look like. In southern Harris, the east side beaches boast some of the oldest known rocks in the world, dating back millions of years. Cruise over to the volcanic islands of St. Kilda to explore the ruins of a medieval village.

A visit to the Isle of Lewis is like stepping into the pages of a Scottish fairy tale. Everywhere you look, medieval structures remind you of the island’s remarkable history. The legendary Callanish Standing Stones poke up from the ground like a strange and massive stone city. The Blackhouse, the Shawbost Norse Mill and Kiln, and the Carloway Broch all offer insight into what life on Lewis used to look like. Cheerful Stornoway boasts a charming, colourful harbour and several lovely restaurants and pubs.

Glencoe, a designated National Scenic Area sometimes referred to as the Glen of Weeping, was the scene of the infamous 'Massacre of Glencoe' in 1692. The Glen has a number of viewing stops on the road through the valley, and the National Trust for Scotland has a visitor centre along the main route.

Thanks to its unique micro-climate, Nairn gets more hours of sunshine and less rainfall than other towns just a few miles away. Thankfully, this combination of abundant sun and no rain provide the perfect weather conditions for golf, as Nairn boasts two 18-hole championship courses. (And if you have time on your hands, there are 30 more courses within 60 miles.) Don't miss the town's jazz and film festivals, the latter of which was started by Nairn resident and actress Tilda Swinton (you'd know her if you saw her).

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.

Ottawa is a compact, clean, cleverly planned centre of culture and politics. And it's an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Nature Museum and the National Aviation Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.

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.

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.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a family-friendly beach destination—which means in addition to great beaches, there’s plenty to do when the kids are sick of making sand castles. Amusement parks, water sports and golf courses are nearby. And family-friendly dining and hotels abound.

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.