The diversity and rich cultural heritage of Montréal never ceases to captivate the traveler. Take a horse-drawn carriage through the Vieux-Montréal, the largest collection of historic buildings in North America. Browse the shops and boutiques along the 19-miles of neon-lit corridors of the Underground City. Explore the exquisite works on display at the Musée des Beaux Artes or walk part of the Jardin Botanique, the largest Chinese garden in North America.

Be charmed by Québec City, North America's only walled metropolis and a taste of authentic French culture. Stroll Basse-Ville's cobbled streets, admire its 17th- and 18th-century architecture, parks, and cafés, browse local art on Rue du Trésor, visit Place Royale, and see Château Frontenac. End at Dufferin Terrace for views of the St. Lawrence River, Île d'Orléans, and the Laurentians.

Surrounded by verdant mountains and high plateaus, Saguenay with its breathtaking scenery, is Canada's only navigable fjord, and its rich eco-system draws pods of visiting whales, seals and seabirds. Nestled among the flowering hills discover some of the most picturesque villages in Québec. Saquenay is the travelers portal to a host of activities including: kayaking, power boating, whale watching and hiking amid simply gorgeous surroundings.

Sydney on Cape Breton Island is the gateway to the Cape Breton Highlands and Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Canada's largest historical reconstruction. Once called the "Gibraltar of the New World," the fortress was the scene of major 18th-century battles between France and Great Britain and has been restored to its 1740 appearance. Sydney also offers harbor views along The Boardwalk and at Alexander Graham Bell's summer home, now a museum.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, blends history, maritime charm, and great dining. Visit Halifax Citadel, the historic waterfront, or the Public Gardens, Canada's oldest Victorian gardens. Enjoy local lobster and seafood. Known to the Mi'kmaq as "Chebuctook" ("Great Long Harbor"), Halifax's natural harbor made it a key convoy base in both world wars. Across the water, scenic Dartmouth is reached by Canada's oldest saltwater ferry.

St. Maarten is the smallest piece of land shared by two sovereign states. Legend has it that the Dutch and French boundaries of the island were determined by two men who challenged one another in a race around the island, with the Frenchman walking faster and claiming more land. Legend or not, both the Dutch and French settled here in the 1630s and despite occupancy by the British twice, the Dutch and French have lived peacefully together ever since they arrived.

Antigua, especially St. John's, is a classic British Caribbean destination, with 365 beaches, coral reefs, forts, and colonial architecture. See St. John's Cathedral, rebuilt on the same spot three times after earthquakes, and the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, with island history and semiprecious stones. For nature, visit Nelson's Dockyard National Park or the Shirley Heights trail. St. John's also has nightlife and live music, and local restaurants serve buttery "flying fish."

With over a quarter of the island set aside as a national park and rainforest still growing, St. Kitts is a stunning tropical escape. Zip through the Valley of the Giants, hike to Sofa Rock atop a still-smoldering volcano, or relax on beaches protected by coral reefs. Enjoy fresh seafood and seasonal fruits like soursop and mammy apples, plus duty-free shopping for copperware, local beer and rum, and embroidered fabrics.

Spend a glorious day swimming at famed Cane Bay Garden Beach, hiking the island's rainforest and enjoying a scenic drive around this lush island. Swim with dolphins, go sea kayaking or head over to Virgin Gorda and climb down to the famous Baths for a day of swimming and exploring this natural phenomenon. Take home charming local crafts, straw items, artwork and resort wear. Enjoy local fish dishes or perhaps a pub lunch or burger!

Old San Juan, the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction and second-oldest European settlement in the Americas, blends historic landmarks, pristine beaches, great cuisine, and resilience. Walk cobblestoned streets past Spanish Colonial sites, browse colorful plazas, and visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristobal, and Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Then explore El Yunque's rainforest and waterfalls before relaxing on Luquillo Beach.

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth, nightlife, and a diverse culture define this cosmopolitan city. South Beach draws crowds, while the Art Deco District is the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture. Shop from Bal Harbour to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove, enjoy Cuban culture on Calle Ocho, or visit the historic Venetian Pool. There's something for everyone in this "Gateway to the Americas."