Lewis & Clark, Custer, Sitting Bull and Calamity Jane may be long gone, but they are not forgotten in Billings. Museums, galleries and landmarks honoring these legendary characters from the Old West dot the city, making it a history buff's dream destination. Surrounded by six breathtaking mountain ranges, Billings also offers plenty of opportunities for fresh air recreation, including hiking, biking, golf and viewing rare Montana wildlife. Spend time at the Western Heritage Centre, an interactive museum full of clothing and remarkable artifacts from the Yellowstone River Valley. In the early 1900s, the railroad brought wealth to Billings and testaments of this prosperity are still standing. Be sure to visit the regal Moss Mansion, designed by architect H.J. Hardenbergh (who also designed the Waldorf-Astoria and Plaza Hotels in New York City). In the more modern realm, MetraPark offers horse racing, rodeos, concerts, fairs and other types of entertainment everyone will enjoy. And kids of all ages will enjoy the animals and games at ZooMontana.

Bozeman is the gem of Big Sky Country, bustling with activities for all seasons. Winter brings powder to the peaks at Bridger Bowl Ski Area and nearby Big Sky Ski Resort, while the spring brings high waters and thrilling rafting on the Gallatin River. Summer is splendid for backpacking the Gallatin Divide, and fall colors bring nearby Yellowstone Park to life as the wildlife come out to mate. The city's cultural scene thrives with annual events like the American Indian Pow Wow and the rodeo.

Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for lots of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbours, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighbourhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the USA. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavour. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science centre. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horse riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.

Saint John, New Brunswick, is the only city on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. Canada’s oldest incorporated city, Saint John is a popular tourist destination known for its historic uptown streetscapes, cultural attractions and natural wonders. Popular sights include the Reversing Rapids, where the Bay collides with the St. John River, the City Market with local vendors and artisans, the New Brunswick Museum and the trails and beauty of Rockwood Park.

travellers say Halifax is best seen on foot, so park the car and start walking. Immerse yourself in Halifax's rich history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and be sure to survey the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. Then walk into any of Halifax's great bars and restaurants and catch some live music to round out your day.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Placencia has emerged as an increasingly popular eco-destination on the Caribbean. For those who enjoy outdoor adventure, the Stann Creek region offers a host of activities: hiking through mountainous rain forests, kayaking, deep sea fishing, diving and exploring Mayan ruins. The peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches, with a lagoon to the west and the Caribbean to the east and lots of peace and quiet in the middle. Tour guides and dive centers offer a variety of excursions, with boat rides to the outer cayes an ongoing favorite. Also popular are guided land tours to Mayan Ruins or trekking the jungle trails of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where the first Jaguar Reserve in the world was established.