Canada has been chosen by Australia’s “Getaway” as the Country of the Year. This was unveiled during the one hour Canada special aired on September 13th, which was dedicated to the winning country.

When asked why Canada was given Getaway’s highest accolade, Executive Producer, John Walsh said:

“Late last year we decided that in 2007 we would, for the first time in 16 seasons of Getaway, announce a country of the year and make a whole hour special about it.

In discussions in the office quite a few countries were thrown up but Canada was one that we kept coming back to.

We decided that if we went out on a limb and made such a fuss about one country it would have to hit every mark that we consider essential for a great destination: spectacular scenery, interesting cities, great drives, amazing wildlife, friendly people and a friendly exchange rate.

Canada scored very high in all these categories so we decided Canada was the one. So, after five trips there to shoot the special and year of sitting on the secret the show was done.”

Canada certainly does have plenty of gorgeous scenery and amazing wildlife, but it’s the people that so often distinguish one destination from another in the minds of visitors. And how could anyone not love Canadians?

Check out the CTC sponsored [Getaway Factsheet]