#16: Banff

You can't talk about skiing without mentioning certain places—the Alps, the Himalayas, and, of course, Canada. And the most famous Canadian ski location is undoubtedly Banff.

Canada's certainly not hurting for snow, but Banff maintains immaculately groomed slopes that are rare, even for the frozen north. Most of Banff's ski trails are aimed at intermediate and advanced skiers, but they do offer skiing lessons and a decent number of beginner trails. Don't look for cross-country skiing here, though: Banff is all about the mountains!

The Banff town site is another thing altogether. Tucked in the Canadian Rockies, it offers all the picturesque charm you can desire. Flower gardens, hot springs, and waterfalls are just some of nature's joys you can experience without skis.

Of course, the site is far from unspoiled: Banff is definitely one of the more commercialized places in Canada. It's a hotspot for Asian tourists, so you'll find a lot of signs in Asian and even a few non-English speakers. Banff is a great spot for nightlife, and you're sure to find a party somewhere, no matter what your taste.

Banff is surrounded by gorgeous mountains. It's a great place to hang out, party, and ski – just as long as you're not searching for that authentic outback experience!