Tropical Traveller Online - Ready Set Adventure!

Ready Set Adventure!

With the new trend in eco/adventure tourism sweeping the globe, it's hard for us folks in St Lucia to understand what all the fuss is about. 'Cause that's what St Lucia has always been-adventures filled with natural wonders! It's just impossible to explore our island without bumping into old "Mother Nature".
Due to it's volcanic origin, St Lucia's scenery is fabulous; due to it's tropical climate the vegetation is lush and bountiful year round; and due to it's exciting history there's an adventure around every corner. So let's not waste any more time with preliminaries: on your marks, set, let's go for the adventure.

Cap Estate
You may wish to start your tour at the beginning-the northern tip of the island. Here at Cap Estate you'll drive through one of the island's loveliest residential sites, viewing sprawling acres and magnificent homes. But the true gem of Cap is found atop Morne du Cap where the view circumvents 180 degrees: north to Martinique; south across the center of the island to the towering mountain peaks; east to the Atlantic bay of Cas en Bas; and west to Pigeon Island and the calm Caribbean Sea.

Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island Ruins Pigeon Island National Park may just be the next stop on your list. The once islet is now, since 1971, connected to the main island by a manmade causeway. The park is a cleverly designed tropical garden with paths meandering through old military ruins from the late 1700's. The steep walk to Fort Rodney on the smallest of the two peaks will again lead to a breathtaking view. As Martinique looms on the horizon, you'll easily understand why the British established a fort in this advantageous location, well suited for looking in on their French adversaries at Forte de France.
The taller of the two peaks, Signal Hill, is a more adventurous climb, but yields an even more spectacular view. Upon your descent a visit to either the Jamb du Bois Restaurant or the Captain's Cellar pub will refresh the soul. The mini-museum holds explanations for Pigeon Island's history beginning at it's volcanic origin, up to more modern days when it was used as a whaling station.

La Toc Battery
Next stop, especially if you enjoy military history and breathtaking views, is La Toc Battery just south of Castries along the La Toc Road. This British fort was built in the late 1800s and holds many marvels of technology. The first cannons to use a rifle style barrel, manned this two gun battery during the turn of the century; the extensive drainage system is still operative today; and the hoist and lifts used to raise the ammunition are further examples of the high-tech of the 19th century. Of course the fabulous view of the southern entrance to the Castries Harbor is definitely worth the visit to this unique military installation.
Topping the hill behind Castries, Morne Fortune, a brief look inland frames the three distinct peaks of the island's tallest mountain, Mt. Gimie. The road then winds through the bananas of Cul de Sac, past the Hess Oil compound, into the Roseau valley, home to St Lucia Distillers. Roseau is the perfect place to stop for an up close look at St Lucia's "green gold", the banana-of course. And, the small look-out post just past the valley affords a fabulous view of those green rippling leaves out to the picturesque bay.

Marigot Bay
Or, a small detour before passing
through the valley will take you to
the truly tropical location of Marigot Bay, filming site of the children's classic
Dr. Doolittle. The small ferry boat (so it's not a giant pink snail) skims across the bay to the Marigot Beach Club a perfect spot for a refreshing drink or meal.

Anse le Raye
The small fishing village of Anse le Raye is the next venue of interest. Take the road to the right as you enter the village to venture along the waterfront where a display of local canoe-making can be found. Follow your nose as you browse through this charming village, or just ask, to locate the local bakery with its hot Creole loaves. The wall as you exit the village is decorated with a massive mural of St Lucian village life painted by one of the island's foremost artiste, Dunstan St Omer.

Canaries
The trip to Canaries passes mostly within sight of the coastline with many lay-bys available for safe photo stops. If you note a pile of green coconuts roadside, stop and try the refreshing coconut water. You may also pass various vendors selling fresh seasonal fruits, of perhaps even a chunk of local cassava bread, a staple passed on to us from the early Indian settlers, the Amerindians. As the road leaves Canaries it dodges inland for some excellent mountain views and a chance to see foliage typical of the rain forest. Huge bamboo, tree ferns and various lilies and heliconias are easily spotted in this area. As the Pitons come into view look for signs denoting Le Haut Plantation. The quaint restaurant balcony over looks the town of Soufriere taking in the Pitons, the bay, the town and the Sulphur Springs-another perfect refreshment stop.

Soufriere
In Soufriere a stop at the Diamond Falls and Baths is a must. You will definitely enjoy a stroll through this well laid out botanical garden. Paths wander around the Chinese water garden under trellised gazebos to the falls (remember when Superman plucked the exotic Bird of Paradise flower to present to Lois? That's right-filmed right here in Soufriere). Take time to bath in the mineral baths. It's refreshing and medicinally beneficial, especially for arthritis sufferers. The quality of the Sulphur Baths in Soufriere have been analyzed and found to be equivalent to the most famed baths of France. Winding up the hill towards the Pitons, a large concrete road to the right leads the way to the Piton Falls. A short trek takes you past lovely natural foliage to the cascading falls. This fall is unique in that the hot mineral spring mixes with springs of rain water to provide both hot and cold waters.

Choiseul
South of Soufriere, the small village of Choiseul claims its fame as the last stand of the Carib Indians on St Lucia. In this area you'll find folks with remnants of Amerindian blood still creating traditional arts and crafts. A small craft outlet just past the village, the Choiseul Art and Craft Center, is the perfect stop for delving into some of our island's culture.

Vieux Fort
For a glimpse of our southern neighbor, St Vincent, a drive to the lighthouse atop Moule-a-Chique in Vieux Fort is in order. Another panoramic view encompassing St Vincent, the Pitons, Hewanorra International Airport, and an expanse of white sand beach. Located on this beautiful beach is The Reef-a restaurant and bar catering to hard core windsurfers. For experienced windsurfers this stop could be the highlight of your holiday! For others it's a perfect relaxing spot for refreshments and a swim.

Mamiku Gardens
Heading back towards the north, you'll pass through Mon Repos. A left just past the road to the village (on the right), will take you to one of St Lucia's newest attractions, the Mamiku Gardens. From the roadside interpretation center, paths meander through woodland trails to an overlook glimpsing seas of exotic flora. The history of this area is laced with legends of bloody massacres associated with the Brigand slaves and their desperate fight for independence.

Barre de L'isle
The mountain ranges of the Barre de L'isle slice the island north to south. As you traverse the curving road to return northward, you'll again enjoy the lush vegetation of our rain forests. Tall trees with bark striped in varying colors stand dominant along the roadside. These are smooth barked eucalyptus trees, a gift to our government from that of Australia. Soon the road dips back into the Cul de Sac valley and then up the Morne to return you to Castries. Of course this is just a taste of the many adventures found around the island, much more is awaiting those adventurous enough to take the challenge. A unique blend of beautiful scenery, natural wonders and exciting history unfolds every step of the way as you venture around our lovely island. You may even wish to spend a night or two in one of our countryside guest houses to further enjoy St Lucia's unique and exciting blend.