Great North American Getaways for the Guys

Image source: Flickr - minniemouseaunt

Of all sacred human bonding rituals, few carry the power of a getaway with the guys. Legends are forged around them, and pacts are sworn upon to never repeat their events to another living soul—at least when Hollywood tells the story.

While I doubt anyone wants to recreate "The Hangover," if you want to reconnect with old pals there's no better way than reviving the art of the guys' getaway. So grab your phone, ring up your best buds, and plan the ultimate trip to one of these three dude-friendlyNorth American destinations:

Las Vegas, Nevada

Yes, it borders on cliché, but if there's a more fitting escape for guys, we've all yet to imagine it. Las Vegas is it: the blinding torrent of neon, the never-ending stream of street performers and misfits, the bottomless seafood buffets, and endless nights along the Strip—no place on earth is quite like Sin City.

Even with a tourism board that adamantly encourages visitors to keep everything that happens there under wraps, a trip to Vegas doesn't have to end with police encounters or missing-person reports as the movies would have us believe.

Enjoy the amazing spectacles, quirky and kitschy museums, 24-hour restaurants, and, of course, a little responsible gaming; for a guys' getaway, nothing trumps The Entertainment Capital of the World.

The Rocky Mountains in Alberta and British Columbia

If tranquility and connecting with wilderness—instead of royal flushes or full houses—are in the cards, snag a tent and head into the Canadian hinterland to camp in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Start your getaway in Calgary, the most accessible starting point for a Rocky Mountain camping adventure. Within a few hours from the city, you'll hit several Canadian national parks—Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho—where you can throw down your tent and admire some of North America's finest alpine scenery.

Campsites in these national parks range from fully serviced to completely wild. In either case, be sure to plan ahead by arming yourself with adequate gear including warm clothing, waterproof outerwear,food, water, and a portable stove. If traveling during high season or on Canadian public holidays, call ahead to reserve your spot or risk jostling with half of Western Canada for the best lots.

Mont-Tremblant, Québec

If Las Vegas seems too crazy and camping in the Rockies is too tame, Mont-Tremblant might be the guys' getaway that fits perfectly in between.

In the winter, Mont-Tremblant shines with its world-class ski slopes punctuated with its traditional Québécois- and European-styled upper and lower villages, and gondolas plunging through the mist to the mountain peaks. The après-ski activities at Mont-Tremblant are just as famous as its runs, attracting skiers and snowboarders to the village's lodges and pubs to wind down a long day on the hill.

Although winter activities are the big draw, Mont-Tremblant offers plenty of activities year-round to keep you and your best buddies busy. Summer is a fantastic time to discover the town's golf courses, hiking trails, and cycling routes, or hop into a traditional birch-bark canoe to explore the area's waterways as Algonquin traders once did.

Whether you choose to delve into the insanity of Vegas, the serenity of the Canadian wilderness, or adrenaline-fuelled fun at Tremblant, be sure to protect yourself against unforeseen incidents (we all know what can happen when old friends come together!) with a comprehensive travel insuranceor adventure sports vacationinsurance policy.

What other destinations are perfect for aguys’ getaway?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.