1. Whale-Watch Cruises

Large pods of several whale species summer on Stellwagen Bank off the Massachusetts coast. Take a cruise from Gloucester or Provincetown to look for finback, minke, and humpback whales, as well as dolphins and other smaller toothed whales.

7 Seas • 63 Rogers St., Gloucester, MA • 888 283 1776 • open late Apr–Oct • adm • www.7seas-whalewatch.com

Dolphin Fleet • MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, MA • 508 240 3636 • open mid-Apr–Oct • adm • www.whalewatch.com

2. Schooner Sails

Seals, seabirds, porpoises, and whales become your neighbors as you sail where the winds take you with the schooners of Maine’s windjammer fleet.Rockland and Camden, ME • 800 807 WIND (9463) • Open Jun–Sep • Adm • www.sailmainecoast.com

3. White-Water Rafting

White-water rafting is hugely popular in Maine. Many trips depart from The Forks, a hamlet on the Kennebec.West Forks, ME • 800 723 8633 • Open May–early Oct • Adm • www.raftmaine.com

4. Cross-Country Skiing

North-central Vermont is the epicenter of cross-country skiing. The Trapp family (of Sound of Music fame) introduced Nordic skiing in Stowe. Craftsbury Nordic Center is home to legendary cross-country ski races.

Trapp Family Lodge • 700 Trapp Hill Rd., Stowe, VT • 802 253 8511 • www.trappfamily.com

Craftsbury Nordic Center • 535 Lost Nation Rd., Craftsbury Common, VT • 802 586 7767 • open mid-Dec–Mar • adm • www.craftsbury.com

5. Bird-Watching

Observe shore birds, as well as warblers and other migratory species, at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on Cape Cod. The Audubon Society in Greenwich, Connecticut, runs a convivial annual count.

Wellfleet Bay • Rte. 6, Wellfleet, MA • 508 349 2615 • trails open 8am–dusk daily • adm • www.massaudubon.org

Audubon • 613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich, CT • 203 869 5272 • open 9am–5pm daily • adm • http://greenwich.audubon.org

6. Bicycling

Some of New England’s best bike routes follow old rail lines. In Massachusetts, Minuteman Rail Trail cuts from Cambridge through Lexington and Concord. East Bay Bike Path is a scenic tour of Narragansett Bay from Providence, Rhode Island. The Ashuelot Rail Trail from Keene to Hinsdale, New Hampshire, is a great way to explore covered bridges.www.traillink.com

7. Hiking

Two premier US long-distance hiking trails cross New England. The Appalachian Trail begins in Georgia, crossing Vermont and New Hampshire before ending in Maine. The Long Trail traverses Vermont from south to north.

Appalachian Trail • www.outdoors.org

Long Trail • www.greenmountainclub.org

8. Golf

Championship-level courses in New England include Samoset and Ocean Edge.

Samoset • 220 Warrenton St., Rockport, ME • 207 594 2511 • open May–Nov • adm • www.samosetresort.com

Ocean Edge • 2907 Main St., Brewster, MA • 508 896 9000 • open Apr–Nov • adm • www.oceanedge.com

9. Kayaking and Canoeing

Paddle among the wading birds of Nauset Marsh, or through the pristine landscape of Maine’s Allagash Wilderness.

Nauset • Goose Hummock Shops, Rte. 6A, Orleans, MA • 508 255 2620 • open May–Oct • adm • www.goose.com

Allagash • Adventures in Maine, 273 East Rd., Fayette, ME • 207 458 1573 • open Jun–Sep • adm • www.adventuresinmaineguide.com

10. Fishing

Orvis runs fly-fishing courses in Manchester, Vermont. Frances Fleet, of Galilee, Rhode Island offers deep-sea trips.

Orvis • 4180 Main St., Manchester, VT • 866 531 6213 • www.orvis.com

Frances Fleet • 33 State St., Narragansett, RI • 401 783 4988 • open all year (saltwater); Apr–Sep (fresh) • adm • www.francesfleet.com