South Shore Top Rated Among Seacoast Destinations

Nova Scotia's South Shore has placed in the top 10 in a list of the world's top 99 coastal destinations in National Geographic Traveler magazine.

In the November issue a panel of 340 experts rated a wide selection of seacoast travel locations and how they are faring over time.

"We have so much natural beauty in Nova Scotia and it's exciting to see the South Shore recognized by a prestigious international publication in this way," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. "All Nova Scotians know the province is one of the best destinations for visitors looking for unique natural and cultural experiences."

The magazine also included the South Shore in its list of top rated destinations, which it declared in excellent shape, relatively unspoiled and likely to remain so.

"Having our natural setting here on the South Shore recognized by National Geographic Traveler is a real honour and confirms the importance of accessibility and protection of our natural resources in Nova Scotia," said Donna Hatt, president of Destination Southwest Nova Association.

"While the South Shore has been singled out in this list, all of Nova Scotia can celebrate the elevated attention enjoyed by this announcement."

This is the magazine's seventh annual places-rated list. It is an assessment of the qualities that make a destination unique, and a measurement of authenticity and stewardship. The panel included specialists in historic preservation, sustainable tourism, ecology geography, and site management, among others.

Experts who rated the locations were quoted as saying, "With its lighthouse-studded peninsulas and cozy harborside villages, Nova Scotia's foggy South Shore conforms to the quintessential image of Atlantic Canada."