Northern Exposure: Our Best Autumn Destinations

Must-See: Peggy's Cove

Legend has it that this village a short distance from Halifax was named for the lone survivor of a shipwrecked schooner in the year 1800. Margaret, or Peggy as she was nicknamed, was the survivor who would be forever immortalized by the naming of this lovely fishing village. The community houses a vintage lighthouse that dates back to 1868 and makes for ideal picture-taking. In fact, it's one of the most photographed and recognizable lighthouses in the world. A 100-seat tea room named the Sou'Wester also draws guests from all over.

See more of Halifax on a local tour.

Must-See: Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a Vancouver treasure and is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Enjoy the park's many attractions, including the formal Rose Garden, Lost Lagoon, Malkin Bowl (an outdoor theater), totem poles at Brockton Point, Lumberman's Arch, Beaver Lake, Vancouver Aquarium, the Vancouver Rowing Club, the Lions' Gate Suspension Bridge, Siwash Rock, Ferguson Point, a water park, and beaches. During summer months, a shuttle bus travels through the park, stopping at some of the most popular attractions.

See more of Vancouver on a local tour.

Must-See: Anne Frankhuis

Thanks to her diary, the story of Anne Frank's hiding from the Nazis is a well-known historical event. Nevertheless, visitors to the actual building where she, her family, and friends hid during the German Occupation will find themselves thrown into instant contemplation in the face of this tangible reminder. Once-hidden rooms still contain period memorabilia, along with the haunting presence of those who spent two years of their lives secreted behind walls, dreaming of eventual freedom. Although only Otto Frank, Anne's father, would realize that hope, the experience of the rest will never be forgotten. Come early – or in the evening – to avoid the lines at this humbling site.

See more of Amsterdam on a local tour.

Must-See: Vikingskiphuset

Three Viking burial vessels, Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune, which had been preserved in clay-like subsoil, were excavated on the shores of Oslo Fjord in the late 19th century. These ships are now displayed in a specially constructed hall. The ornamented Oseberg was once a pleasure vessel for in-shore sailing and is said to be the burial chamber of Viking Queen Ĺse and her personal slave. The Gokstadship was reputedly a king's sailing vessel, and the third ship hasn't been restored. Objects found and displayed with the ships include tools and household goods.

See more of Oslo on a local tour.

Must-See: Skansen

No visit to Stockholm is complete without a day at Skansen, the world's oldest open-air museum and a living replica of historical Sweden. Over 150 18th and 19th century buildings have been moved here from all over the country. Meet people in period costume working in the old-fashioned bakery, pharmacy, summer pasture farm, ironmonger's house, and pottery. At Skansen Zoo, visitors are introduced to Scandinavian fauna. Over 70 different animal species are represented, such as elk, wolf, reindeer, wolverine, and brown bear, as well as creatures more at home in warmer climates (lemurs, crocodiles, baboons, and snakes).

See more of Stockholm on a local tour.

Must-See: Nationalmuseet

You can chart the origins of the Danish people at this museum, which is regarded as one of Europe's best. Exhibits are divided into five distinct sections: Prehistory/Middle Ages to Renaissance, Palace/Museum, Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, Egyptian and Classical Antiquities, and Ethnographic (essentially, relics of Eskimo culture).

See more of Copenhagen on a local tour.

Must-See: Floi Banen Funicular Railway

This exhilarating eight-minute ride to the summit of Mount Floyen finishes with some of the most spectacular views in Norway. The trip gives visitors a glimpse of how large Bergen is, revealing that there is much more to it than just the popular wharf area. View the seven hills that protect Bergen, hike the trails of Bergen Park, and dine in the popular fine restaurant or casual café located at the peak.

See more of Bergen on a local tour.

Must-See: Seward Museum

Thank the Resurrection Bay Historical Society for this terrific museum, highlighting Seward's history. Over 3,000 artifacts, including photos, Native American baskets, and ivory carvings, tell Seward's tale from its founding in 1903 through World War II and the devastating 1964 earthquake. In the summer, visit in the evening to watch a video about the Iditarod Trail. A museum shop sells books, maps, and other souvenirs.

See more of Seward on a local tour.

Must-See: Alaska Zoo

Native and exotic wildlife flourish at this zoo, one of Alaska's most popular visitor sites. It's a great spot to familiarize yourself with the animals you're likely to see on travels through the state. Caribou, moose, and Dall sheep placidly graze in a viewing area, and a 25-acre bear habitat supports black bears, glacier bears, and brown bears (grizzlies). Alaska's only elephant resides at the zoo too, along with a Siberian tiger and camels. The zoo has a large gift shop with educational toys and souvenirs, and a snack bar serves light fare.

See more of Anchorage on a local tour.

Must-See: Alaska State Museum

This museum pre-dates Alaska's statehood. Since 1900, it has collected, stored, and displayed artifacts relevant to the Alaska territories. Today, the museum is home to 27,000 items. Favorite exhibits are Captain George Vancouver's ship in permanent dry dock in the children's area, a clan house in the Alaska Native Gallery, and the Lincoln pole, an authentic totem carved to resemble the 16th president of the United States. Other displays explain the Russian influence prevalent around so much of Alaska and detail the glory of the Gold Rush. Visit the gift shop for a variety of souvenirs and educational items.

See more of Juneau on a local tour.