We first drive through the city of Castries the capital of St Lucia, and view interesting landmarks such as the lively and colorful Castries market, the church of the Basilica of the Conception of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Derrick Walcott Square, named after Derrick Walcott, a local poet who received the noble price for literature in 1992; and which contain an imposing war memorial with names of St Lucian who died in both the first and second world wars and a massive, four hundred years Samaan tree, known as the ‘massav tree’ by St Lucian.
From the capital, Castries, we ascend Morne Fortune (meaning the hill of good luck). About halfway up on the journey we get to a viewing point from where you capture an amazing view of the city of Castries, the harbor and northern part of the island. Just a few meters away from the viewing is governor house, a magnficent Victorian style structure completed in 1896, where the head of state or representative of the British queen lives. Although St Lucia is independent it is a member of the British Commonwealth and still recognizes the queen as head of state. St Lucia’s current Governor General is Dane Pearlette Louisy. The journey continues up to the summit of More Fortune where an 18th century military barrack was transformed into the island’s premier learning institution called the Sir Arthur Lewis Community college – named after Sir Arthur Lewis, another St Lucian who received the Nobel Prize for economics in 1979.
As we descend Morne Fortune, we reach Marigot Bay — often described as the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean. With lush green hills and calm turquoise waters, it’s a natural harbor used since ancient times as a hideaway for ships during storms. This picturesque bay has been featured in movies and loved by sailors from all over the world for its breathtaking views and peaceful ambiance. Local restaurants and cafes offer the perfect view while you relax by the water.
In just 3 minutes we are in the heart of the Roseau Valley, home to the biggest banana plantation in the island. You will get a brief lessen of the whole process of producing bananas – the island’s main cash crop – from the field to the marketplace. You will also have an opportunity sample some of the sweetest ripe bananas, and purchase local items such as banana ketchup from the roadside vendors.
Also located in the Roseau Valley is the St Lucia Rum Factory – a relic of the golden age of sugar. You gain a brief knowledge of the history sugar cultivation and the manufacturing rum in St Lucia, and an insight into the difference processes that goes into the production of rum. You will also have an opportunity to sample some of the finest rum and liquors in the Caribbean and purchase some of your favorite.
Anse La Raye is a quaint fishing village known for its famous Friday night seafood festival. Locals and visitors gather along the waterfront to enjoy freshly grilled fish, lobster, and conch, while steel pan music fills the air — a true taste of Saint Lucian culture and community spirit.
The drive from Anse La Raye to the fishing village of Canaries provides a breathtaking view of the island’s western coastline and interior. One of St Lucia’s smallest fishing villages, Canaries got its name from the clay pots designed by the Amerindians, the island’s first inhabitants. Stop here to sample fresh homemade bread and local fruits like mangoes, papayas, and pineapples.
The route from Canaries to the town of Soufriere is the most dramatic of the journey. It is characterized by brilliant mountain scenery, dense rainforest, and panoramic vistas overlooking the Pitons — designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Soufriere is truly the place where wonders never cease. With the Sulphur Springs dubbed ‘Hell in Paradise,’ the Pitons, a coastline rich in marine life and some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean, waterfalls, and rainforest, the region offers countless natural and cultural attractions. Soufriere got its name from the boiling springs at the volcano, meaning “Sulphur in the air.”
The Sulphur Springs are signs of very recent volcanic activity in the area. Its fertile hills and valleys, deep harbor, abundance of fresh water, and proximity to rainforest drew many Europeans engaged in sugar, coffee, cocoa, and tobacco cultivation. Soufriere became St Lucia’s first town in 1746.
Are you a beach lover? Soufriere is filled with a number of fun-filled attractions such as snorkeling, waterfalls, and mud baths in our unique drive-in volcano!
