Selling tourism on television is dead easy. Too easy, perhaps, especially in scenic Canada, where promotional spots always -- always -- include pristine meadow shots and spectacular sunsets. But so be it; our natural beauty is what lures most visitors. 

A host of Canadian provinces have paid to air tourism ads during Olympic Games TV broadcasts, but, fittingly, none are more frequent or have greater impact than those produced for host British Columbia. B.C.'s notoriously smug "Best Place on Earth" slogan was wisely ditched. Unfortunately, it was replaced with this affront to the English language: "You Gotta Be Here." But words are secondary. Two spots were produced: a tight, 30 second version that swiftly presents B.C.'s diverse beauty, and a languid 90 second version with additional footage, including a personal favourite, two ferries passing inside Active Pass. 

Both commercials feature a handful of celebrities, most of whom were born or raised in B.C.

So, Michael J. Fox stands in a stand of old growth forest; Sarah McLachlan sits on a craggy shoreline; Kim Cattrall commands a view over the Okanagan valley, clutching a glass of wine; Steve Nash floats over the Vancouver skyline (it seems some green-screen trickery was involved in a few of these cameos). For once, the scenery is background and B.C. star power seals the deal.