Is there any possible way Las Vegas could not be on our "best nightlife" list? The only way we could possibly omit it is on a technicality—since you can do pretty much anything 24/7 in Vegas, it might be wrong to call it "nightlife."

Moab attracts all types of outdoor adventurers. Mountain biking is huge here—experts claim it has some of the best trails in the world—as are rock-climbing and hiking. And the setting, with its gorgeous red rocks, can't be beat.

Anyplace can have an amazing pool and spa, but an amazing pool and spa in the middle of a gorgeous desert? That’s what you’ll find at Sedona’s resorts. If you do feel like taking a break from lounging poolside and sampling different kinds of massages, you'll find miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback tours. Afterward, of course, you'll need another massage. It's the good kind of vicious cycle.

North America's biggest and most popular ski resort, Vail is an alpine village in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Long a favourite of serious skiers and jet setting celebrities, Vail now also draws a younger, hipper snowboarding crowd. Skiing is king at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, but the area's vast splendor is perfect for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or scenery-gazing at any time of the year.

Known for the stunning backdrop afforded by the towering Wasatch Mountains – and the endless opportunities for outdoor recreation they provide – Salt Lake offers visitors a uniquely vibrant and dynamic urban experience. As one of North America’s most accessible destinations, Utah’s capital city offers year-round excitement and activities for the entire family, alongside a contemporary edginess and vitality that’s helped the “new” Salt Lake become a renowned culinary destination.

Astounding natural wonders, invigorating outdoor recreation and fascinating cultural attractions make Flagstaff the perfect getaway to rejuvenate the body and replenish the mind. Set at the base of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks, and surrounded by lush national forests, the city provides ample opportunity for fresh air fun. Spring, summer and fall bring hikers, campers and mountain bikers, while winter draws skiers and ice skaters. But don't let a focus on the "good old outdoors" fool you. Fostered by the local university, Flagstaff is also chock-full of educational and cultural attractions. Be sure to see the award-winning permanent exhibit "Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau" at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The Pioneer Museum offers a glimpse of what life was like for the early settlers of the region and includes a 1929 Baldwin locomotive in its collection. The city also has an arboretum and a planetarium. The entire area is a living anthropology and geology lesson, with ancient Native American ruins and stunning scenery at the Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments, just waiting to be explored.

Elko brings the drama of the high desert to vivid reality with its unspoiled nature, its breathtaking vistas on the rugged beauty of the Ruby Mountains and its rich Western history. Whether hiking the rocky trails, taking a chance at one of the casinos, visiting one of the museums or taking a tour to see firsthand one of the area’s many Gold Rush ghost towns, visitors have no shortage of activities to choose from.

Just a couple of hours north of Las Vegas lies an oasis called Cedar City. Home to Southern Utah University, and close to a number of scenic national parks, this charming and compact city offers visitors a great home base for exploring the area. Golf, skiing, biking and other outdoor recreational activities abound. In the summer, mountain bikers flock to the Brian Head Peak Activity Centre, for challenging runs and spectacular scenery. Also called the "Festival City," Cedar City plays host to a number of prestigious film, theatre and art festivals throughout the year (the summer Shakespearean Festival is one of the more well-known fetes), making anytime a great time to visit.

We won't lie: Niagara Falls is uber-touristy. There are wax museums and a Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, and if it's a fast-food chain, you can probably find it here. But even the most jaded hipster shouldn't pass up a chance to visit this town, because the Falls themselves are spectacular.

The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

From the Magic Kingdom to magical spa treatments, Orlando sparkles with the promise of adventure. Spend a day exploring the world-famous Disney theme parks or screaming your head off on a Universal Studios roller coaster. For a less adrenaline-pumping afternoon, enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Harry P. Leu Gardens or enjoy a seaweed scrub at a luxury day spa. Savor fresh and local ingredients at one of Orlando’s James Beard-nominated restaurants.