Panelists exchanged comments, which were kept anonymous to maintain survey neutrality during the rating process. These lightly edited excerpts offer a glimpse of panelists' varied points of view and the reasoning behind each score. They are not the views of the National Geographic Society.

Canada: Historic Québec City
Score: 77

"Excellent conservation and presentation of the walled city. The authentic nature of the city and the appropriate use made of the buildings is a model of best practice."

"Fabulous every visit, well-maintained, full of structural and cultural integrity, great flow of visitors does not overwhelm on upper or lower levels of this gorgeously situated site. Locals are fully involved in every aspect; food is amazing; totally safe; historic accommodation in the old city is ample, varied in budget, and laced with distinctive character. One of my favorite places in the world."

"Historic sites are part of a functioning downtown area with good restaurants and a non-tourist modern art scene."

Canada/USA: Waterton-Glacier parks (Crown of the Continent area)
Score: 73

"Unexceeded natural beauty and diversity. Tourist facilities within and around Glacier National Park are good and varied. The park is crowded in season … but parts of it are still truly wild. A great place despite population pressure."

"Global warming is contributing to loss of glaciers. Tacky development on U.S. side in nearby gateway of Kalispell and surroundings is a problem. Waterton is relatively well-managed with a biosphere reserve approach that involves local neighbors in the management committee. Quality of installations, interpretive programs, etc. excellent, but with cutbacks due to budget limitations on U.S. side."

"Beautiful place, iconic site of the Rockies. Very crowded, but rangers will point you to quieter hikes. There are very good flora and fauna interpretation materials. Well-managed considering all the pressures."

"Parks are wonderful, but development and ranchettes outside disrupt animal movement."

"Tourism development has remained low-key and relatively low-intensity."

"A great park! Needs to become more of a part of the Yellowstone to Yukon initiative, redo its gateway corridor from Colombia Falls to the park, and involve the Blackfeet Tribe more than they do now."