Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, this tiny mountain town in Alberta appeals to both nature enthusiasts and luxury seekers. Visitors can spend their days skiing or hiking in Banff National Park (one of Canada's most beautiful national parks and home of glacier-fed Moraine Lake and Lake Louise) and canoeing down the Bow River before retiring to one of the area's opulent hotels for some spa therapy. Then, for incredible views of the Rockies, take a ride on the Banff Gondola. If you have time to spare, day trips to popular attractions like the Columbia Icefield and Yoho National Park are worth adding to your itinerary.

A trip to Europe may not be in your budget, but a visit to Québec City could be. This charming destination on the St. Lawrence River woos visitors with its picturesque centuries-old buildings that make up Old Québec – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The aromas of freshly baked bread and brewing espresso fill the cobblestone streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain with the essence of Paris. Once you've gotten your fill of the city, take a trip to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency to marvel at its 272-foot-tall waterfall. Plan your visit for winter when the city comes alive with twinkling lights, festivals and cold-weather activities – just remember to pack your down jacket.

"Big" doesn't even begin to describe Canada's most populated city. With cultural pockets like Greektown, Little India and Koreatown all within city limits, the Ontario capital has the ability to transport visitors around the globe. Take in Toronto's grandeur with a ride up the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, or enjoy a quintessentially Canadian experience at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Then, head to the St. Lawrence Market to sample gourmet goodies before checking out the nearby Harbourfront Centre. And if the weather is right, plan a visit to the Toronto Islands, where you can relax on the beach, go kayaking or enjoy an afternoon bike ride.

Referred to as the "small city with a big backyard," Whitehorse – the capital of Canada's Yukon territory – shines with all of its natural attractions. Explore Miles Canyon, which is accessible from Whitehorse on foot (a nearly 10-mile loop trail connects the city directly to this natural wonder). After, head north to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you'll find all kinds of animals, including arctic foxes, elk, muskox and bison. Even though this region gets notoriously cold, you might want to time your visit around the first couple of weeks of winter for a chance to witness the northern lights.

Home to rolling green hills, sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs and a delicious bounty of seafood (this is where PEI mussels come from, after all), Prince Edward Island is the place to travel for a relaxing respite from Canada's more adventure-driven destinations. When you're not hiking the trails at Prince Edward Island National Park, perfect your swing at one of the island's golf courses or visit the Green Gables Heritage Place, where the 1908 novel, "Anne of Green Gables" was inspired. And be sure to keep an eye out for PEI's seal population: Four species call the island home either full or part time.