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."

The Grand Canyon is on almost every traveler's bucket list. Indeed, Theodore Roosevelt called it "the one great sight which every American should see." The Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails offer stunning views, but if hiking's not your cup of tea, rent a bicycle or take a scenic drive through the park.

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.

Las Vegas is the place to go for the best nightlife, gambling, live shows and dining in the U.S.  But there's plenty to do in Nevada for all types of travellers. The state boasts more than 100 beautiful golf courses, and water lovers can relax on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Set your sights on the mountainous landscape, perfect for hiking, or tour the famous Hoover Dam. World class resorts with top of the line spas are located throughout the state's major cities and tourist locales.

Although it is a tiny town of just about 500 people, Springdale hosts thousands of visitors every year. Located just outside beautiful Zion National Park, Springdale is the gateway to everything the park has to offer: rugged, car-free bike trails, challenging hikes, brilliant wildlife and breathtaking vistas. The town's lodgings and services accommodate travelers on their way to discovering the incomparable beauty of Utah's natural landscapes.

This gem in the heart of Utah is more than just a small desert town—it's a gateway to some of the state's most impressive sights. With red rock formations and slot canyons, the landscape is like something straight out of an Old Western—because it is. You can visit a whole outdoor museum with sets from classic Western films to see for yourself (look up: Kanab Film Fort). For the real deal, there are plenty of main attractions—from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, where the dunes change colour with the sunlight, to Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest slot canyons in the world. If you're lucky enough, snag a permit to see the Wave, a surreal sandstone formation that is truly other-worldly.

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.

Ideally situated just south of Las Vegas and just west of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, Henderson may lack Sin City's flamboyance, but it makes up for it in activities. Golf any of eight championship courses throughout the year, sample delectable treats from Ethel M Chocolates as you explore the Botanical Cactus Garden, the world’s largest cactus collection, pay respects at the Henderson Veteran's Memorial Wall or take your binoculars to the Bird Viewing Preserve.

Stretching 160 miles through Utah, the Wasatch Range makes a rugged, glacial backdrop for the 85% of the state's population who live within 15 miles. Mount Nebo is highest at 11,928 feet, but the peaks around Alta and Park City are most popular. "The greatest snow on earth" falls on these spectacular slopes. Lone Peak's granite outcrops provide top climbing. Canyons and valleys are loved by fly- fishermen and hikers. After all that adventure, retire to a hip restaurant or enticing hot tub in chic Park City.

Only 35 minutes from the SLC Airport, Park City's rugged beauty is complemented by over 100 restaurants and bars, open air concerts, numerous spas and health clubs, plays, independent film screenings, a series of world-class events and festivals, and as many kinds of lodging as there are people. If you're into thrills, try out the summertime version of the bobsled at the Utah Olympic Park or challenge yourself at one of several area golf courses.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.