26 September 2008

Canada makes it to Lonely Planet's top 10 "best countries"

The Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009 guide has put Canada in its top ten countries, and Canada's Tourism Commission is impressed with the write-up.

The Lonely Planet is a worldwide travel guide company that encourages independent travellers, especially backpackers, to make a positive impact during their travels. 

The 2009 "best of" guide includes a list of the top ten countries to visit in the world, and Canada made that list. 

The writers forecasted that the traditionally serene, natural environment found in the vast Canadian expanses will be turned into a playground for backpackers.

"Canada is too polite to say so, but it's ready to be fêted. Winter or summer, Canada is a land of action, with an insane amount of terrain to play on."

They also commented on the booming Canadian economy: "Canada’s oil and natural gas reserves are helping the economy to kick ass."

Editors of the book included the world-famous Festival de International de Jazz de Montreal in Quebec, the Ford World Men’s Curling Championships in Moncton, New Brunswick, and the Calgary Stampede in Alberta as must-do activities while travelling in Canada.

Working holidays are a particularly popular way for backpackers to travel Canada, as young people can work to supplement travel around the country.  The Canadian working holiday visa program is managed by the High Commission or Embassy in participating countries.

New Zealand also made it into the guide because of its unique natural surroundings and commitment to sustainability in tourism. 

In particular, the guide recommends New Zealand’s whale watching, hiking, internationally-acclaimed wineries, and world-famous bungy jumping.  Queenstown, Auckland, Cape Reinga, Lake Taupo, Rotorua and Queen Charlotte Sound were all targeted as must-see destinations in New Zealand.  The New Zealand government also offer a New Zealand working holiday visa for nationals from specific countries.

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The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people apply for Canada visa and immigration services.

Article by Jessica Bird, Canadian Visa Bureau.