Catapulted to fame for its part in the 1988 Winter Olympics, this former coal-mining town in the Canadian Rockies is a perfect base for visiting some of the country’s most impressive national parks. First stop for most visitors is the ski trails in Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. Contemplate natural wonders at the Museum and Geoscience Centre, and mush through the snow on a sled-dog tour.

Soaring mountains, jewel-coloured lakes and pristine wilderness await you in Canada’s first National Park. The irresistible beauty of the landscape invites travellers to immerse themselves in the outdoors all year round — whether hiking through untouched forests and paddling the turquoise lakes in summertime, or skiing the slopes and soaking in the steamy hot springs during the winter. Travellers also enjoy the warm hospitality of Banff or Lake Louise, the region’s charming mountain townships.

Jagged glacial peaks tower over wide valleys. Hot springs gurgle. Fabulous inns beckon. Easily accessed by train or bus, and by car in summer, the Rockies contain a plethora of national and provincial parks. Yoho, Banff, Jasper and Kootenay are best known, and along with other Alberta and British Columbia parks comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Banff's energetic arts scene. Peer into turquoise Lake Louise. Explore Icefields Parkway on foot, ski or dog sled. Cruise or kayak on glacier-fed Maligne Lake.

Maybe you're not an Olympian, but if you're looking for a top-notch winter sports destination, Lake Placid is the place for you. Try bobsledding, downhill skiing, ice climbing, speed skating or even ski jumping, or just enjoy shopping in the town's boutiques and warming up in one of the many restaurants. But Lake Placid isn't just a winter wonderland. Beautiful Adirondack State Park, which is larger than Yosemite or Yellowstone National Parks, offers year-round outdoor activities.

Refer to Vancouver Island as Victoria Island and risk a chorus of eye-rolls from the otherwise-friendly locals. Yes, Victoria is the main city on the island, but there are many distinct flavours to its logging and fishing settlements. Food and wine enthusiasts flock to the Comox Valley farm region, while the more outdoorsy types get their fix along the remote, forested beaches of North Vancouver Island. Visit the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Clayoquot Sound and you’ll return full of cocktail-party factoids.