Valerie Siebert

Canada is as rich in culture as they come. And the country’s startling beauty goes far beyond even that of its Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Canadians are famously proud of their homeland and one jaunt through the Rocky Mountains or a stroll down Quebec City’s Rue Saint-Jean will show you exactly why. While it is impossible to condense the wonders of the country into one list, here are 14 of the top contenders.   RECOMMENDED:😋 The best restaurants in Canada  

Although you're going to enjoy this Blue Ridge Mountains destination regardless of your interests, art and history fiends are likely to fall head over heels in love with the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.  A vibrant arts scene dominates the local culture: Biltmore, a historic mansion, is home to works by the likes of Renoir; the River Arts District, which used to be dominated by factory buildings, is now where most local artists set up shop; the Downtown Art District, on the other hand, is where most of the galleries and museums are located.  And if art isn't your thing, opt to explore the endless hiking trail or indulge in the foods prepared at the best restaurants in town. Asheville might not be the biggest city—it's home to just over 91,000 residents—but it's clearly very big in personality, rich in history and delectable in all things food and drink. Ready to explore it?  

There is a homely element to the best restaurants in Banff that appeals. In many ways, eating here is representative of the town itself, a touch of warmth and comfort nestled among the spectacular peaks of the Rockies. That sounds pretty amazing, you have to agree, and reality trumps all expectations. The best things to do here require energy and attention in equal measure, so seeking out a good feed is vital to making the most of your time in Banff. Top chefs have brought their skills here, and we’re all the better for it. 

In true small-town style, there’s barely a frill to be seen among the Carmel restaurants, an upstate New York destination that comprises the Carmel, Mahopac, Kent Cliffs and Farmers Mills hamlets. Service is warm and a large number of the restaurants are family run, with recipes passed down through the generations. During the summer, the area is a popular destination for city dwellers looking to escape for long weekends—with many deciding not to ever leave, instead opting to settle alog with their passion for cross-cultural cooking. Carmel’s lush forests and numerous lakes provide a lovely backdrop for all this great eating. So settle in and start digging in.

In its heyday, Pennsylvania has had national history made on its battlefields, spawned Andy Warhol and even provided the backdrop to great Hollywood films. Between the American Revolution and the Civil War, armchair historians can have a literal field day in this state, but the contemporary art scene and food traditions are also nothing to sniff at. From one end to another, lush forests and rolling hills make Pennsylvania a road-tripper’s dream—so here are a few stops worth making as you go. Ready to tackle the very best things to do in Pennsylvania? Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

Situated on the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers has beaches for days. But while many in this part of Florida know it best as the home of the international airport, there is a lot more to this small city than just another Southern spot to catch the sun on the sand. Two of the country’s greatest innovators made winter homes here, and one of its isles inspired a Jimmy Buffett hit – if you need just a couple impressive endorsements. The sights here run from the educational to the naturally spectacular to the mind-bogglingly weird – and here are a few of the best. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.  

With snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes shimmering like gems among the trees – the Canadian Rockies are lookers, alright. But while some other places in the area have their ski spots or their spa days, Banff National Park truly has it all. From 360-degree mountain views from the town’s main street to summiting peaks via ski-lift, gondola or sheer willpower to charming downtown restaurants, there are countless places where you can take in the atmosphere. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.