Article Courtesey of the VANCOUVER SUN
Postmedia News - October 23, 2010
Gulf Islands among National Geographic's top coastlines
Region is one of four from Canada on the coastal destinations list, seventh overall in the world; Nfld. peninsula named No. 1
The Gulf Islands are among the four Canadian areas named to National Geographic Traveler's "top rated" category in a list of the world's 99 best coastal destinations -- they're in seventh place, with 78 points of a possible 100.
Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula is the No. 1 spot, with 84 points. The Gulf Islands were lauded for their breathtaking scenery, laid-back lifestyle and indigenous cultures.
Nova Scotia's South Shore was right behind B.C. with 77 points, while Prince Edward Island's seacoast received 74 points, good for 17th spot.
The annual scorecard focused on 99 coastal areas, from Antarctica to Tanzania, with a panel of 340 experts "in sustainable tourism and destination stewardship" rating the locales on environmental and ecological quality; social and cultural integrity; condition of historical buildings and archeological sites; esthetic appeal; quality of tourism management; and outlook for the future.
The Canadian destinations beat out some of the world's most picturesque places, including Bermuda, Greenland, the Seychelles and Samoa.
The Avalon was noted for its outport villages, archeological sites, friendly people and significant tourism potential.
The south shore of Nova Scotia's "lighthouse-studded peninsulas and cosy harbourside villages" grabbed the eyes of judges, who called it the "quintessential image of Atlantic Canada." They also liked P.E.I.'s quaint homes, spectacular seascapes and great food.
As well, for the first time, a destination was named to the magazine's "catastrophic" category: the oil-stained coast of Louisiana, with a score of just 24 out of 100.
See www.travel. nationalgeographic.com/travel/coastal-destinations-rated