Canada in Lonely Planet's top 10 for 2009

The Canadian Tourism Commission has said that it is "thrilled" to report that Canada has been ranked as one of Lonely Planet's top ten countries to visit in 2009.

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009 book will be published in October and will include a comprehensive guide to forthcoming trends, popular destinations and experiences in tourism.

According to the Canadian Tourism Commission, the country will now see an influx of the "earnest, cool-hunting hipsters" that attach great importance to Lonely Planet's recommendations.

In its appraisal of the North American country, Lonely Planet said: "Canada is too polite to say so, but it's ready to be feted. Winter or summer, Canada is a land of action, with an insane amount of terrain to play on."

Cultural highlights in Canada next year will include the International Jazz Festival in Montreal and the Calgary Stampede.

According to One News, New Zealand is also included in Lonely Planet's 2009 guide, with Auckland, Queenstown and Rotorua all singled out for praise.

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