Canada's insider blog

Canada is No. 1 when it comes to the “world’s greatest islands, coastlines and beaches for sustainability and authenticity,” says National Geographic Traveler. Newfoundland and Labrador’s Avalon Peninsula just came in first out of 99 world destinations in the mag’s annual destinations scorecard, with the highest score: 84 out of 100. Canada even nudged out glam contenders such as Bermuda, Italy’s Cinque Terre and the Seychelles.

A panel of 340 “experts in sustainable tourism and destination stewardship” rates the scorecard destinations. All Canadian winners finished under the “in excellent shape, relatively unspoiled, and likely to remain so” heading. British Columbia’s Gulf Islands ranked 7th with a score of 78. Nova Scotia’s South Shore finished 8th at 77, and Prince Edward Island was 17th with 74.

Reports the National Post: “The Avalon was noted for its outport villages, archeological sites, friendly people and significant tourism potential. BC’s Gulf Islands were lauded for their breathtaking scenery, laid-back lifestyle and indigenous cultures. The South Shore of Nova Scotia’s “lighthouse-studded peninsulas and cozy harbourside villages” grabbed judges’ eyes, who called it the ‘quintessential image of Atlantic Canada.’”