If you’re looking for somewhere exciting to travel next year, stay in Canada, Lonely Planet’s number one destination for 2017. Each year, the leading travel media company ranks destinations based on the diversity and quality of travel experiences offered. Results are published in the annual Best in Travel series.

“We are honoured to have been selected as Lonely Planet’s Destination of the Year for 2017,” said the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism. “Of course, this recognition doesn’t mean our work is done; it should encourage us to keep this momentum building. Our tourism partners from coast to coast to coast are working hard to provide travellers with unique and unforgettable experiences. There is something for everyone here. The year 2017 is also our country’s 150th anniversary, and we couldn’t think of a better time to invite the world to discover Canada.”

“This is exciting!” said David F. Goldstein, Destination Canada’s President and CEO, “We can’t think of a better time to invite the next generation of travellers to discover Canada.”

“Canada is always popular with us,” said Lonely Planet’s Canada destination editor Alex Howard, “but there’s so much happening in 2017 that made it number one. It’s the country’s biggest birthday party in recent memory with the sesquicentennial next year, and they won’t be shy about celebrating. Now is the time to start planning a trip.”

As a premiere four season travel destination, there is no shortage of extraordinary experiences for travellers to Canada. Whether you looking to escape into pristine wilderness or explore our vibrant cities, rich in culture and great food, we have something for everyone.

Over 14 million international visitors chose to explore Canada between January and August 2016, including a record breaking 2.5 million overseas arrivals this summer.

We are ready to welcome the world to #ExploreCanada.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.