STUNNED readers of high-brow daily newspaper The Independent had the shock of their lives when a full page advert for a holiday to Canada featured a phallic-shaped rock.
Shown on page 14 of the UK’s youngest national daily newspaper on Thursday, the rude full-page ad shows a picturesque coastal scene – with three canoes gently weaving their way around some rocks.
But despite the clear, blue skies and calm seas encouraging readers to “keep exploring” Canada, it is the phallic-shaped rock that dominates the image – spoiling the peaceful scene.
And while the rock would be sure to raise a smile down the local pub, outraged middle-class readers of The Independent were disgusted that the filthy image could make its way onto their breakfast tables.
“I couldn’t believe it when I turned the page and saw that vile image in my paper,” said Independent reader Rupert Johnson, 67.
“Normally I skip right past the advertisement but I couldn’t miss this one, the first thing I saw was the phallic rock, I nearly spat my coffee everywhere.
“I don’t understand how the people making the advertisement in Canada didn’t notice it.
“Readers of the red tops might find it hilarious but it’s not the kind of thing I want to see as I take my breakfast.
“Luckily my grandchildren weren’t with me. If it would’ve been in last week’s paper then they would’ve seen it because they stayed for a few days over half-term. It is not the sort of thing I want them to see.”
The dirty ad is aimed at encouraging readers to go to Canada for their next holidays and promotes a special ‘New Brunswick Discovery Package’ for £895 per person.
But marketing experts who came up with catchlines like: “The world’s highest tides at our lowest prices” and: “keep exploring” would have been advised to cast another eye over the full-page image.
Stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic and deep into the Arctic, Canada is famous for its Rocky Mountains and Niagra Falls – but bungling advertisers could now find high-brow readers have gone off the idea of holidaying in the North American country.
“I’ve never been to Canada but I certainly won’t be going,” added a disgusted Mr Johnson, a retired teacher from Bishop Stortford, Herts.
“If the people in charge of making you want to come to the country can’t even make an advertisement without something like that on it then what chance have they got of getting things right when you go there.”
However welder Kevin Henley, 27, from Birmingham, said: “It’s the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time. I think it’s the first time we’ve ever had The Independent on the factory floor.
“Call me juvenile, but you can’t help but laugh.”
