Travel guide publisher Frommer has named the expanded Panama Canal as one of the best places to visit in 2017.

The waterway is included in a list of the best 17 global tourist destinations, together with Montreal, Nashville, Bermuda, San Francisco and others.

"It is an honour to be recognised by Frommer's during the inaugural year of the expanded canal," administrator and CEO Jorge Quijano said.

"We’re glad that the expanded canal is not only changing world maritime trade, but can also be discovered and enjoyed by travellers from all over the world, further increasing Panama's tourism offer."

Frommer recommends the Agua Clara Visitor Centre as well worth a visit to see the new locks.

“Immersed in a tropical forest, visitors may enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the new Agua Clara Locks and Gatun Lake from an unrivalled viewpoint (50 metres above the Panama Canal),” the canal authority said.

Visitors can discover Panama's wildlife on an ecological trail and learn how the newly-expanded Panama Canal works.

There is also the Miraflores Visitor Centre, where ship transits through the old locks can be seen.