Rideau Canal Rates Second Best On The 2008 “Places Rated” Destination Stewardship Survey

SMITHS FALLS, ONTARIO October 24, 2008 – The Parks Canada Agency is delighted to learn that the National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations rated the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada second best on the 2008 "Places Rated" Destination Stewardship survey. This annual survey measures the world's top historic sites for authenticity, stewardship and their tourism footprint. Only Austria's Wachau Valley with its Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery overlooking the Danube, surpassed the Rideau Canal with top marks for excellent preservation of both landscape and structures.

A panel of 280 experts evaluated 109 sites from all over the world based on the following six criteria: environmental and ecological quality; social and cultural integrity; condition of historic buildings and archaeological sites; aesthetic appeal; quality of tourism management; and outlook for the future. The Rideau Canal was found to be in excellent shape, relatively unspoiled and likely to remain so.

Built in turbulent times for national defence and commerce, the Rideau Canal is a treasured national resource that connects the town and cities of Eastern Ontario.  It provides opportunities for land and water-based recreation and preserves a rare combination of historical and ecological integrity for a unique and complete cultural experience.

Tourists from Canada and all over the world are now visiting sites operated by Parks Canada, including the Rideau Canal, because of the agency’s strong belief in sustainable tourism. Canada’s national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites are managed in a way that protects and conserves the integrity of the sites while inviting visitors to enjoy them and build memorable experiences with their loved ones.

See more details on the 109 destinations ranked for wisely managed tourism at: www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler

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