Vancouver Island's second-largest city is a picturesque oceanfront town with fabulous mountain views and a busy harbor. Home to events like the harbor's Bathtub Race, the city of 75,000 offers outdoor opportunities from full-moon kayaking to golfing. Boat-fresh seafood graces tables at an ever-increasing number of restaurants. This gateway to island adventures is easily reached by fast ferry or floatplane from downtown Vancouver or by scheduled ferries from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.

Lille is an architectural feast with strong Flemish influences from the Grand Place to the basilica of Notre Dame de la Treille to the quiet streets of row houses and gardens. For art buffs, Lille is home to the Musee d'Art Moderne and the Palais des Beaux Arts. Children will enjoy the Parc de Zoologique. Savvy travellers know that Lille has a fine public transit system, making this historical hotspot a pleasure to visit.

One of the most historic sites in Spain, Girona lies in northeast Catalonia, just 99 km (62 mi) from Barcelona. Founded by Romans, the city later was taken over by Moors and Franks before finally falling under the rule of Barcelona. Influenced by different cultures and religions, the city beckons visitors with beautiful architecture. The Old and New Town offer many opportunities to pleasurably get lost and observe local life and culture.

A popular budget holiday destination on the Costa Brava, the former fishing village of Lloret de Mar offers an appealing climate, great scenery and wealth of competitive accommodations. Visit the narrow streets of the Old Town and sites such as Can Xardo and Can Comadran, or take to the waves in Water World or sailing, parasailing or kayaking on the Mediterranean. A handful of excellent beaches round out the offerings of this Catalonian family resort, easily reached by car from Barcelona.