Hundreds of people are sharing an online list of 26 reasons why you should never, ever visit Mahone Bay.

Reasons not to visit the historic town on Nova Scotia's South Shore include "it's a pretty average place," "with pretty average views," and an "awful work/life balance."

But the list is meant to lure tourists, not to turn them away from the picturesque seaside community.

"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," said Kara Turner, a social media volunteer for the town.

Mahone Bay's famous churches bathe in the sunlight. (Submitted by Christian Herridge)

Turner moved to Mahone Bay with her family about five years ago from Calgary. She came up with the tongue-in-cheek list of reasons why not to visit Mahone Bay.

Under the reasons why not to come she posted photographs that include stunning views of the town, such as an image of the iconic three churches.

30,000 people reached in 24 hours

After the list went online earlier this week, it reached 30,000 people in less than 24 hours on Facebook. It's now been shared more than 800 times.

"We've never had more than 10 shares, I don't think, on anything we've ever posted on the Mahone Bay Facebook page," Turner said. "For us, a tiny little town of 900 people, that's pretty special."

She said she hopes it draws more visitors to the town.

"I love living here and think everyone should come.