Why Canadians love Grenada – Top 10 reasons
When Letterman introduced his top 10 list he must have had Grenada in mind. Within this edition, we have assembled our own list titled Top 10 reasons why Canadians love Grenada. Here we go:
#10. Experience a bygone era at Grenada’s plantation houses…
Grenada is an island steeped in history and culture that comes alive with a visit to the island's beautiful plantation houses such as the beautification of Plas Manje. Walk through history and be enveloped with spices at Douglaston. One of Grenada’s oldest spice estates and primary spice processing plants offers authentic spice processing, lectures and demonstrations on primary spice production – recreating an art/skill of centuries ago. Eat, walk and talk plantation life at Morne Fendue Plantation. Located in the parish of St. Patrick, on the northern side of Grenada, the charming Morne Fendue Plantation complete with period furniture and antique imported stained glass windows. Each guest room has an extensive balcony that overlooks scenic Mount St. Catherine, the sea and offers excellent sunset views. Morne Fendue Plantation is known for its outstanding West Indian Buffet. Continue the plantation exploration at Mount Edgecombe Plantation and its restoration, a beautiful private working plantation in St. Mark. Unlike most traditional plantations that specialize in one particular crop, the Mount Edgecombe Plantation has set out to produce every fruit, vegetable and spice that can grow in Grenada. This will also be the sight of Grenada's first Eco natural holistic spa, located at Tufton Hall within walking distance. Spa treatments will be set in a tropical rainforest environment so guests can enjoy a more natural and spiritually revitalizing experience.
Note: Mount Edgecombe Plantation is accessible to guests from the Peter de Savary group of properties.
Do the ‘cocoa dance’, the traditional dance at the family-owned Belmont Estate, which has existed in the parish of St. Patrick for over three centuries. The plantation sits on 400 acres of lush rolling tropical hills. The estate, which has been in continuous operation for centuries, still produces nutmeg and cocoa. Cocoa is still produced the traditional way, making for a world class export. Guests can explore the cocoa fields that produce world-class beans for export, and learn the story of chocolate in Grenada. They can indulge in a fresh cup of hot cocoa and learn to dance the cocoa (a traditional way of polishing the beans). Guests can enjoy lunch comprising the delights of Creole foods and fresh natural fruits and juices from the plantation. After lunch guests can venture through the remains of an 18th century sugar cane garden or take a donkey cart ride around the property.
#9. Marvel at Grenada’s waterfalls…
Grenada’s waterfalls are some of the most spectacular in the Caribbean and include Annandale Falls – small, scenic and accessible – and Concord Falls – picturesque and ideal for swimming. Concord Falls is accessible by road, while Au Coin and Fountainbleu are accessible only by foot.
#8. Participate in the hustle and bustle of Grenada’s famous ‘Spice Market’…
Bustling, noisy and colourful, the newly renovated market in the Market Square is the centre of activity in St. George’s. It is the main site for those buying and selling local fresh produce, exotic spices and handicrafts. Souvenir, gift and handicraft shops are prevalent in the St. George’s district, especially on Young Street and the Carenage. The best buys in Grenada are batik and screen printed textiles, locally made handicraft, leather craft, and woodcarvings.
#7. ‘Spice’ up your life with Grenada’s products…
Grenada produces allspice, clove, cinnamon, ginger, bay leaves, tumeric and sapote, and is one of the world’s major suppliers of nutmeg and mace. Recommended visits include Dougaldston Spice Estate, a historical monument to Grenada’s past of spice growing and processing; Gouyave and Grenville Nutmeg Processing Station, the largest in Grenada; Grenada Distillers Limited to savour rum products; River Antoine Rum Distillery to view processes that have changed little since the 1800’s, and remains the oldest functioning rum-propelled distillery not only in Grenada, but the Caribbean; Westerhall Rum Distillery with vestiges of old artifacts used in the rum refining process; and the Grenada Chocolate Factory for the pure taste of rich local chocolate.
#6. Visit Carriacou…
Unspoiled Carriacou (90-minute ferry ride away from Grenada or 15 minutes by air) is the tiny island with 7,000 inhabitants. It is one of the last places on earth where old traditions are preserved, such as the Big Drum Dance, elaborate wooden boat building handed down from Scottish ancestors and accompanying ceremonies that are a blend of Caribbean and Glaswegian heritages. It’s a spectacular centre for scuba diving and snorkeling, or taking a water taxi adventure to neighbouring Sandy Island.
#5. Walk the Grand Anse Beach, having a Carib at the turning point – recognized as one of the world’s best beaches…
Grenada’s most famous beaches and one of the largest in the Caribbean – this is the stretch called Grand Anse. This is a perfect place to walk particularly at the end of the day when locals come to have a swim. Grand Anse Beach, a sheltered two-mile stretch of perfect sand, dotted with sea grape and palm trees, just south of the capital St. George’s, is recognized as being one of the world’s best beaches and probably the most suitable in the world for families. Grand Anse is accessible, with restaurants, beach vendors and water sport facilities. At the north part of the beach, enjoy a laid-back cold Carib at a local bar, or meet Jennifer Hosten, the 1970 Miss World and former High Commissioner to Canada, who still maintains a house in Manotick. Sunday brunch pancakes are served with maple syrup and Caribbean specialties.
#4. Dive the unspoiled paradise of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique…
The state of Grenada offers a unique dive product, both topside and underwater. Slipping below the calm surface, diving enthusiasts are treated to some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery and abundant marine life in the Caribbean. With over 30 dive sites most within 15-20 minutes from dive shops, Grenada and its sister islands make ideal diving destinations. Grenada and Carriacou are known for spectacular walls and wrecks, with sharks, turtles, lobsters and giant moray eels gliding against the backdrop of soft coral forest, striking reefs and sponges.
Located on the west coast edged by one long offshore reef, lays the 600-foot wreck of the Bianca C, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Popularly referred to as ‘the Titanic of the Caribbean,’ competent divers speak admirably of its stunning pull as a premier dive option. The vast reefs and numerous dive sights surrounding Grenada allow aquanauts to explore without being crowded by other divers. Divers can enjoy a solitary expedition or book a group tour with one of Grenada's many dive shops. There are more than 30 sites including reefs, wrecks and walls most within 15-20 minutes from dive shops.
Then dive or snorkel the Underwater Sculpture Gardens in Moliniere Bay, created by artist Jason de Caires Taylor, with the support of the Grenada Board of Tourism. The sculptures, have been constructed with 65-life size individual statues so that divers or snorkelers can view from their respective vantage points. The statues not only create a hauntingly beautiful landscape, but also act as artificial reefs and will change appearances as they become home to various marine life. The statues have been carefully placed in shallow waters so that divers, snorkelers and passengers of passing glass-bottom boats can access and view the statues.
#3 Watch turtles hatch – a nest in show…
Grenada is one of the three sites in the Caribbean that annually hosts 150+ female leatherbacks. The turtles make the arduous journey from their feeding grounds in North America to the tropical climate of Grenada to lay their eggs. These ancient reptiles have been around for over 165 million years and have managed to outlive the dinosaurs. Levera Beach is where the nesting females bury their eggs in the sand in order to incubate them and to protect them from predators. Best viewing is in May and June of each year.
#2. Explore, hike and bird watch in Grand Etang…
Hike a three to four mile, half-day rainforest trek through the 30-acre Grand Etang Forest to Concord Falls, a spectacular waterfall, then take a refreshing dip in the swimming hole or visit several natural wildlife sanctuaries. Grand Etang Lake (one of Grenada’s extinct volcanoes) is a virtual bird watchers paradise, where avian enthusiasts will be enthralled by the rare tropical species that make Grenada their habitat such as the Grenada Dove (the national bird of Grenada), Gree-Gree, Hook-Billed Kite, which can be seen swooping down from atop the towering mahoganies of the Mount Qua Qua Trial. Graceful herons fish patiently in the crystal clear waters of Grand Etang Lake, while brightly plumbed wonders, such as the Antillean Crested Hummingbird, can be spotted among the many tropical blooms.
And #1 is: The friendly and hospitable people…
All who visit Grenada comment on the friendly people! None are more hospitable than the local residents and in particular, the tour guides who take guests all around the Island. They are a veritable encyclopedia of history and natural science that arrange visits to major waterfalls, hikes in the Grand Etang Rainforest, visits to towns and markets, strolls through the Carenage that encircles the picturesque horseshoe harbour in St. George’s, tours of archaeological and historical sites, and they will even plan a picnic in a choice location.
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