UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has just released this year's additions to its list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for a total of 21 new additions in 2016. Included in this list is a unique and hauntingly beautiful spot found on the coast of Eastern Canada. The decision was made in 7 minutes in Istanbul last weekend, as the committee was forced to consolidate 10 days of meetings into a brisk one-day session due to the attempted overthrow of Turkey's government last Friday. What does it take to get on the list? According to UNESCO, sites must be "of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria." Selection criteria ranges from representing a masterpiece of human creative genius, to being an outstanding example of representing major stages of earth's history. Say hello to Canada's newest UNESCO World Heritage Site and the newest addition to your travel bucket list:

At a glance, Mistaken Point is a 17-km stretch of rugged, yet beautiful coastal cliffs. Upon closer inspection, visitors look upon some of the most unique fossils in the world. What makes them so special? This ecological reserve features some of the oldest complex life forms found anywhere on Earth. Dating back to the Ediacaran Period (580-560 million years ago), over 30 species of ancient creatures are found on this exposed ancient sea floor, essentially offering a window into a time when large, complex organisms first appeared after almost three billion years of micro-dominated evolution. Scientists consider these life forms to be particularly mysterious as it is not clear how they relate to us today. Mistaken Point received its name due to being frequently mistaken in foggy weather for a nearby geological feature called Cape Race, which often proved fatal for sailors.

Know before you go

Located at the south-eastern tip of Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, you can reach the reserve by car by heading to Portugal Cove South. Access within the reserve is by foot only, and access to viewing fossils requires a permit or a guided tour . Tours, which are free, are offered from late May to early October so plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Rain gear and proper hiking boots (no sandals are allowed, even in summer) are recommended for this moderate hiking trail, which is about 4 km and takes about 3 - 4 hours. Dogs are not allowed, even though you may come across free roaming livestock.

Other UNESCO sites in Canada

Canada is, of course, home to an abundance of other cultural, scenic gems. It's well worth checking out the rest of the country's UNESCO Heritage Sites, listed here . They range from the obvious (the Rockies ) to the more obscure (a whaling station in Labrador, a national park in Quebec, a historic town in Nova Scotia...). VIVA's personal favourite? It has to be Nahanni National Park , an incredible alpine area in the Northwest Territories. The park holds host to one of the most awe-inspiring rivers in North America, in addition to canyons, waterfalls, caves and more. There's also an array of wildlife there - it's home to 40 species of mammals and 170 species of birds.

Looking for more scenic gems in Canada? Check out Tofino and the Gulf Islands