Yes, Cape May is, technically, on the Jersey Shore. But it’s the antithesis of the Jersey Shore you’ll see on TV—instead of nightclubs and tanning parlors, you’ll find Victorian mansions and a famous lighthouse.

Delaware's Dewey Beach is a spectacular sandbar community - on one side is Rehoboth bay, and on the other side there are the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Dewey Beach itself is a small town of less than 400 people, but it has become a popular tourist destination for anyone interested in water sports and beach holidays, and is the perfect spot for a relaxing family getaway. If you get tired of Dewey Beach, which is pretty much impossible, Cape May is only 30 miles down the road and Brandywine Zoo and the historic Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard are right around the corner.

With NASCAR at the Speedway, harness racing at Dover Downs, 10 nationally recognised museums, plus historical attractions galore, it's easy to see why the capital of Delaware is a great weekend destination. Check out the world's largest cargo plane, stationed at Dover Air Force Base, or explore the beginnings of recorded sound at the Johnson Victrola Museum. It's the perfect time to visit the Biggs Museum of Art, which is running a special exhibition to celebrate its 10th anniversary. "Artful Living: the Legacy of Sewell C. Biggs" features fine and decorative art gems from the private collection of the local patron and museum namesake. Also worth a visit: the Delaware Agricultural Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation, where staff, dressed in period costume, explain and reenact life in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Round out the day with a meander around Green and Loockerman Streets downtown. Lined with historic Colonial and Victorian buildings, plus speciality book, candle and jewellery stores, it's a great place to shop or sample the local fare at a neighbourhood cafe or restaurant.

The Atlantic coast of New Jersey, with its beaches and boardwalks, stretches from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south. Fresh ocean breezes fan 127 miles of sandy beaches. Drive between cities or catch a NJ Transit bus or Atlantic City jitney bus. Atlantic City packs people in to nightlife venues and casinos. Wildwood's boardwalk is well-trod. Asbury Park is once again popular, particularly with gays and lesbians. Cape May's restaurants and Victorian inns lure tourists to the historic town.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Named for the sweet berry that grows wild in the region, Saskatoon boasts various cultural festivals, concerts and sporting events throughout the year. Explore the trails and beaches of Beaver Creek and Cranberry Flats, cross-country ski the Meewasin Valley Trail, check out the city's many galleries and museums, and shop for bargains at Midtown Plaza.

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.)

It's still one of the most British cities in North America, but there's more to Victoria than tearooms, antique shops and galleries (though there are plenty of those). Driven by the younger generation, the city has sprouted a collection of cool shops, authentic coffee bars and unique restaurants. It also has more cycling routes than any other Canadian city, providing a great way to explore the picturesque location (and avoid an afternoon of antique shopping).