North America

Travel Guide
Golden Gate Bridge featuring mist or fog and a bridge
From its highest peak in Alaska down to its lowest point in Death Valley, North America is all about extremes, with spectacular scenery and super-sized attractions.

Officially, North America comprises Northern America, Central America, and the Caribbean. But because two of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Canada and mainland USA, make up the bulk of the continent, that’s what most people think of when planning a vacation here.

This northern region takes in all that lies between the Arctic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic to the east. The interior is a fascinating patchwork of rolling hills and fertile valleys, deep rocky canyons, arid deserts, swampy Everglades, snowcapped mountains and lofty forests.

For many, visiting Northern America is all about iconic natural wonders such as the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone’s geysers. Others say you haven’t lived until you’ve seen Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge, CN Tower or other famous man-made landmarks.

Visiting the USA tops the list for people from all over the world. Whether you fantasize about an epic road trip along Route 66 or walking in the footsteps of Elvis in Memphis, a visit to Disney World or Las Vegas or living it up in the Big Apple, you can make it happen in the USA. There is so much more to do and see, that you’ll need a lifetime to take it all in.

Neighboring Canada is all about discovering the great outdoors, whether you are into skiing, mountain biking or hiking. In this easy-going country, you can still find large swathes of untouched wilderness, from British Colombia in the west to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the east.

Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City are French-speaking and feel like a world away from the very multicultural cities of Toronto and Vancouver.

Of course your North American adventure doesn’t need to end there. Technically, North America also includes Greenland with its Inuit and Danish customs. And if you consider Mexico and the Caribbean to be part of the continent as well, your options are endless. Come and enjoy the spirited Latino culture and cuisine or pick any island for a sun-kissed getaway on an idyllic beach.

Popular cities in North America

New York
New York
Known for Entertainment, Theatres and Museums
Come to the “Big Apple” for a taste of many different types of urban culture in the heart of this world-famous metropolis.

Reasons to visit

  • Manhattan Cruise Terminal
  • Times Square
  • Broadway
Chicago showing a city, street scenes and a high-rise building
Chicago
Known for Theatres, Museums and Art
Chicago is a modern metropolis on Lake Michigan's shores with a pronounced fondness for art, baseball and blues. Stroll through the museums and parks during the day, and when the sun goes down, take in an evening of live blues in the bustling heart of Downtown Chicago. Or why not experience a lively sporting event and check out the hometown baseball teams, The Cubs and White Sox or the Chicago Bulls basketball team.

Reasons to visit

  • Soldier Field
  • Field Museum of Natural History
  • Chicago Theatre
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Known for Entertainment, Theatres and Sports
From celebrity-spotting to clothes shopping, the fabled heartland of the film industry offers substance as well as style.

Reasons to visit

  • Crypto.com Arena
  • Los Angeles Convention Center
  • The Grove
Casa Loma showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace
Toronto
Known for Entertainment, Theatres and Museums
Probably the most popular city in Canada, Toronto is a diverse cultural destination that is highly regarded for its museums, concerts, family entertainment, sports stadiums and craft beers. Visit a gallery, taste aromatic craft beers, enjoy one of its many music festivals or explore Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands in this fun Canadian city.

Reasons to visit

  • Rogers Centre
  • CN Tower
  • Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Washington
Washington
Known for Historical, Museums and Monuments
National politics, historic monuments, museums, theatres, art galleries and quirky festivals – the U.S. capital city has a lot to offer.

Reasons to visit

  • Union Station Shopping Center
  • Capital One Arena
  • Georgetown University
Boston Common showing a city, a statue or sculpture and a park
Boston
Known for Historical, Sports and Tours
Boston has an important place in American history; considered by many to be the Birthplace of American Liberty, it played a major role of during the American Revolution. Boston now remains influential on the east coast, especially since the city is inseparable from science and education, and has the reputation of being one of the most affluent and most progressive cities in the United States.

Reasons to visit

  • Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
  • Fenway Park
  • Boston Children's Museum