Canada is a vast country with so many different cultures, terrain, lifestyles, and activity options available. As a traveller, the best way to find out about a hidden gem is by asking a local. Now that opportunity is available online.

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has lauched a dynamic new tool that allows travellers to access authentic trip advice from those who know the real Canada. The Explore Canada Like a Local website and mobile app enhances the Canadian travel experience by having both locals and visitors sharing their personal information on thousands of spots of interest across the country.
 
The current website includes homegrown expertise on thousands of great spots and tips that Canadians shared from the CTC’s domestic LOCALS KNOW campaigns. It also pulls in real-time location data via Foursquare, Yelp and Gowalla, including both positive and negative user reviews and check-ins at any given spot to help inspire travellers.

Users can explore Canada in a number of different ways - by theme (arts & culture, city breaks, culinary, luxury and outdoors), by destination (major cities, tourism spots and favorite local hangouts) or by travel lists created by travellers. Users can also create their own customized travel list, which they can share on the site and with their friends and family. iPhones and Android users can download the app, and then use their list as a guide to check-in and to share their content with their social networks and on the site.

United States was the first launch zone for the new website, followed by staged rollouts in the UK, France,Germany, Mexico and Australia later this year. The site will evolve as the CTC partners with additional sources to incorporate relevant content and more travellers participate by sharing their customized lists and tips on each venue. Users are also invited to submit photos, videos and tips to existing spots on the site, and to add relevant new venues that are not featured.

The only worry would be the creditability of content, especially the type that highly promotes private establishments. Much like Trip Advisor and other social media travel sites, it is always reader beware. Although this site may give you ideas, it's still best to do further research with reliable sources such as a tourism bureau or directly with the establishment if you are in doubt.
 
Explore Canada Like A Local should only add to the high penetration rate Canada has globally, after recently being named the number one branded country in the world.

About the Canadian Tourism Commission

The CTC is Canada’s national tourism marketing organization. Our vision is inspiring the world to explore Canada. With our partners in the tourism industry and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories, we advertise and market Canada in 11 countries around the world, conduct industry research and studies, and promote product and industry development. For regular updates on CTC initiatives, subscribe to CTC News, available through RSS feeds and by e-mail. Become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or subscribe to our YouTube channel.