50 Places Of A Lifetime: Canada – National Geographic Travel Selects Canada For World’s First-Ever Digital Super Mag

Huge content experience is unmatched in its coverage of one country

WASHINGTON — With the launch of 50 Places of a Lifetime: Canada, National Geographic Travel brings together the best Canadian travel writers with iconic National Geographic photographers. The result: a breathtaking, destination-based, digital super mag unparalleled in its comprehensive coverage of any single country.

The world’s first digital super mag showcases all-new content from every Canadian province and territory and launches today on Nationalgeographic.com/canada50. Additional content rolls out the entire month of October.

“This is a celebration of all that is Canada,” said Keith Bellows, a native Canadian and editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler magazine. “For anyone planning a trip to Canada, this massive digital content is a must read.”

Aside from spectacular photography and intriguing stories, the super mag’s content includes practical travel information on where to stay, when to go, how to get around, what to eat or drink, what to buy, and what to read or watch before you go. There are also helpful links as well as a fun fact about each destination.

“Canada is a place for exploring, and we are thrilled to share some of the most immersive travel experiences that our country offers,” said Greg Klassen, senior vice president, marketing strategy and communications, Canadian Tourism Commission. “We are pleased to align ourselves with the great National Geographic brand and its extensive travel experience and reach. This innovative initiative will inspire the world to visit Canada.”

The super mag content falls into four categories: Country Unbound: civilization and nature in harmony; Urban Places: exploring great cityscapes; Wild Spaces: wonders of the outdoors; and Paradise Found: retreats to restore the soul. The scope of the coverage is impressive and features a mix of well-known and soon-to-be-discovered experiences and destinations from coast to coast to coast.

“‘50 Places of a Lifetime: Canada’ reveals a country that is nuanced and little known and inviting discovery. You’ll find a country as original and unique as any in the world, with unlimited possibilities for touring,” said Bellows.

The super mag includes four galleries of about 25 original photos each in the following categories, with links back to destination articles: Canada’s Cities, Coastal & Countryside Canada, Landscapes of Canada and Animals of Canada.

Fun and informative features will be rolled out throughout October as part of the digital experience. One will be “Favorite Place” submissions by readers. Site visitors will be encouraged to nominate their favorite Canadian location on a form titled “Name Your Own Canada Place of a Lifetime.” Nominations will be accepted from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, 2013, with the top entries highlighted online in November. Twitter and Instagram users will track the hashtag #Canada50 to engage in conversations about each of the 50 destinations and to follow news about the list, including links to videos, photos and articles.

To further showcase Canada, National Geographic Travel’s experts will be featured with their Canada “Favorites” as follows:

• Traveler Magazine Editor-in-Chief Keith Bellows: Favorite places
• National Geographic Traveler magazine and book editors: Favorite places
• Canadian National Geographic explorer Wade Davis: Five favorites
• On-assignment photographer Catherine Karnow: Favorite spots from her time on the road in Canada.

A National Geographic Travel Facebook “event” will feature readers asking National Geographic Travel’s director of photography questions about the photographs chosen for the Canada package and the assignments he gave out to National Geographic photographers.

Nationalgeographic.com receives 22.4 million visitors per month from around the world.

About National Geographic Travel

National Geographic Travel is the travel arm of the National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. National Geographic Travel creates authentic, meaningful and engaging travel experiences through National Geographic Traveler magazine; National Geographic Expeditions; travel books; maps; apps; digital travel content; and travel photography programs. National Geographic Traveler is the world’s most widely read travel magazine and has 17 international editions. It is available by subscription, on newsstands in the United States and Canada, and digitally for tablets. National Geographic Expeditions, the Society’s travel program, offers a variety of unique travel experiences led by top experts to more than 60 destinations across all seven continents. Travel opportunities include family and student expeditions, active adventures, private jet trips and voyages on six expedition ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, as well as photography workshops, expeditions and seminars. National Geographic Travel digital group offers inspiring, authoritative digital content such as trip ideas, photo galleries, blogs and apps, including the award-winning National Parks app. National Geographic Travel Books provide curated travel advice, photography and insider tips. Follow National Geographic Travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About the Canadian Tourism Commission

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is Canada’s national tourism marketing organization. A federal Crown corporation wholly owned by the Government of Canada, we lead the Canadian tourism industry in marketing Canada as a premier four-season tourism destination. Our vision is to inspire the world to explore Canada. With our partners in the tourism industry and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories, we promote Canada’s extraordinary experiences in 11 countries around the world, conduct original market research, offer stunning visuals through the Brand Canada Library and provide resources and toolkits to help industry leverage Canada’s successful tourism brand — “Canada. Keep Exploring.”