The Canadian town that REALLY doesn't want tourists

Wednesday, June 29, 2016, 11:54 AM - The little town of Mahone Bay, N.S., sits on the province's picturesque South Shore, a short drive west of Halifax.

Its small permanent population of less than 1,000 people is bolstered by a healthy number of tourists that drive through to take in the scenery, ocean life, picturesque houses, arts and crafts, and more.

And the town's website would really, like you to know you should never, never visit there.

Well, that's not really what they mean. The town's website boasts a tongue in cheek list of 26 reasons why there's no reason to ever visit, all of them accompanied by photos proving the exact opposite.

The campaign claims Mahone Bay is a "pretty average place" with "pretty average views" (the town and its surroundings are famously beautiful), "living next to the ocean must be so boring" (There's a thriving sea-side and sailing culture), and the winter snow "doesn't make the town look like a magical fairyland at all", along with many other claims of dubious sincerity.

"It's a similar kind of thing that [you] use when you're trying to feed a toddler and you say, 'Don't eat this food it's disgusting,' and they immediately open their mouth," Kara Turner, a social media volunteer who moved to Mahone Bay five years ago, and drew up the list, told the CBC.

It might be working. The original Facebook post has been widely shared, and reached tens of thousands of people online, according to Turner.

Weather Network viewers living in Mahone Bay, or visiting, have sent us no shortage of shots of the beautiful town. Here are some of the best.

Mahone Bay at sunset (Harold Feiertag)

Mahone Bay sunrise (Diane Boulanger)

Winter wonderland (Frank Bailey)

Three churches (Frank Bailey)

Sailboat (Christine W.)

Tall ship Larina (Frank Bailey)

Scarecrow display (Harold Feiertag)

Gazebo (Christine W.)

Boats at anchor (Frank Bailey)

Paddle boarder (Harold Feiertag)

SOURCE: Town of Mahone Bay | CBC