The world’s largest travel guide book publisher has named the Maritimes as one of its Top Ten Regions to visit in 2012, specifically referring to several distinctly Nova Scotian experiences as some of the reasons behind its decision.

In Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012, Canada’s Maritime region of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island is included as one of the top ten regions to visit next year. The recognition comes on the advice of Lonely Planet’s authors, guidebook team and selected members of its travel community, who considered all the region has to offer for travelers over the coming year.

Among the key reasons why next year has been singled out as a great time to visit is the fact that 2012 will mark 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic. Nova Scotia played a major role in her recovery, including being the final resting place for 150 victims. The Titanic will be remembered throughout the next year and during special events taking place in April.

Nova Scotia was also noted for its wealth of dining delights, especially the province’s world-famous seafood. Among the culinary specialties singled out by Lonely Planet are the “butter-soft scallops from Digby, Solomon Gundy and Lunenburg pudding.” The article also states that, given the province’s wineries “that crush Nova Scotia grapes into sweet vino, gastronomes are drinking up the rustic region.” It’s this wealth of tastes and flavours that is celebrated each year in February during the Savour Food and Wine Festival and the ICE Wine Festival.

If you’re looking to burn those calories off, the guide says Nova Scotia has that covered, too. “Celtic and Acadian communities dot the region, and their crazy-fiddlin’ music blows the roof off local pubs, especially on Cape Breton Island,” say Lonely Planet’s writers. In fact, the best place to put on your dancing shoes is at Celtic Colours International Festival, which the guide describes as “nine days of big-name concerts, step-dancing classes and tin-whistle lessons at venues around Cape Breton Island in mid-October.”

Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy – Canada’s only nominee to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature – rounds out the reasons for the Maritimes making the top ten list. Lonely Planet’s writers suggest the Bay of Fundy is an “extraordinary” spot to watch fin, humpback and endangered North Atlantic right whales swim through the world’s highest tides to feed and play. The powerful waters of the Fundy are also behind their recommendation to try tidal bore rafting on “the extreme waves” of the Shubenacadie River – a wild ride that draws thrill-seekers from around the world.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 is available now in bookstores and online at lonelyplanet.com. Additional information on the destinations and experiences mentioned in the guide is available at novascotia.com.