Founded in 1600 when the first European fur-trading post was established in North America, Tadoussac lies at the confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence rivers, where cold fresh water and warmer salt water mix to create rich marine life. An abundance of krill makes the area very attractive to whales, and boat excursions to view the massive mammals are one of the town’s biggest attractions. Still surrounded by relative wilderness, Tadoussac Bay is stunning. Sea kayaking in the Saguenay–St.

The approach to Sweden’s capital city of Stockholm, through the untouched nature of the archipelago, is breathtaking. Spread over 14 islands, Stockholm is called “The City That Floats on Water.” Not surprisingly, 57 bridges traverse the city. Start your tour at Djurgården, an island that was once the hunting grounds of the king and is now home to the fascinating Vasa Museum, housing the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship. Stockholm has 70 museums, including the world’s oldest open-air museum, the Skansen.

A jetsetter haven, St. Tropez is best known for its designer shopping, drink-and-dance-‘til-dawn nightlife, and ritzy beach clubs like Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach. After all, this is where French screen goddess Brigitte Bardot popularized the bikini in the 1950s, and to this day Bardot makes her home here. But another side of this once humble fishing village can be found in the hills far above the beachfront. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets and visit the 17th-century citadel for stunning views of the port.

Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, and one of the Channel Islands in the English Channel close to the French coast. The handsome town of Regency-style buildings is a short walk up from the pier and a delight to explore. Visit Castle Cornet, a fortress that has guarded the harbor for eight centuries. After visiting the five museums housed within, you’ll become an expert on Guernsey history. Another popular attraction is Hauteville House, the former home of the exiled 19th-century French literary giant and author of Les Miserables, Victor Hugo.

Located on the northeast coast of Brittany, Saint-Malo has long been an important French port and today keeps busy receiving ferries arriving from the UK. This walled city is ringed with mighty ramparts and towers built to protect its inhabitants from intruders long ago, and a walk along the ramparts makes for a pleasant tour. The most famous attraction and one of the most popular in France is nearby Mont St. Michel, a rocky tidal island that has been one of the top pilgrimage sites for Christians through the ages.

St. Andrews by-the-Sea, as it is often called, has long been one of New Brunswick's premier vacation destinations. This pretty seaside town sits beside the U.S. border and has an old-fashioned charm. Once a hotspot for wealthy Americans who owned the lavish turn of the century homes that line the downtown core, it has a high-end feel but remains approachable and fun. From lobster rolls to chowder to fine dining, lovely eateries abound, many with a view of the harbor.

Grenada is the legendary Spice Isle, where nutmeg perfumes the air. Fort George guards the entrance to the colorful, pedestrian-friendly capital of St. George’s. The 18th-century garrison and the hilltop Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception offer the best views of the city and its picturesque harbor, the Carenage. To the south of St. George’s is the wide expanse of Grand Anse Beach, the main resort area.

St. Lucia’s iconic landmarks – the towering volcanic peaks known as the Pitons – rise over the bay and over Soufrière, the original capital established under French rule. Less than two hours by car but a world apart from British-founded Castries, Soufrière is a small town replete with charming examples of tropical colonial architecture. Anchorage here provides easy access to St. Lucia’s leading natural attractions, like the Sulphur Springs that inspired the town’s name – the steaming crater of a “drive-in” volcano.