9. Calgary, Alberta, Canada
It has a cowboy heritage all of its own, and is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities.
In winter, hockey team Calgary Flames roars into action, while in summer, their place is taken by the local football heroes, Calgary Stampeders and The Calgary Stampede -- one of North America's best loved sporting events.
If you're more "do-er" than watcher, the Olympic park offers seasonal skiing, zip lines and mountain biking.
Calgary's also home to the Glenbow Museum, Canada's largest, housing a vast horde of art and artefacts documenting the history and culture of Western Canada.
