Winters are brutal in Canada. Let’s be real.
The minute the fall temperatures start rolling in, many of us are reminded that the cold winter that is just around the corner. Ice. Snow. Polar Vortex. We know it’s coming, but we’re just not ready to think about it yet, so what do a lot of Canadians do?
Start planning a winter vacation!
That’s right, we start looking for a vacation that will make our Canadian winter just the slightest bit more bearable.
For the past four years, Grenada has been my go-to destination for a winter getaway and I have noticed that each year more and more people are descending onto this lesser known gem of the Caribbean.
By no means do I want to give away all my island secrets, but if you are heading to Grenada this fall/ winter there are a few things you should definitely check out.
Here are my five favourite things to do in Grenada:
Continuously rated as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and worldwide, Grand Anse beach is not to be missed. The 3km stretch of white sand is the island’s most popular beach, and the main destination for resort accommodation in Grenada. It is located in the calm waters of the south coast making it the ideal location for trying out a new water-sport like parasailing or snorkeling. Also, due to its enormous size, it’s still easy to escape the throngs of zinc-nosed tourists that descend on the beach when a cruise ship is docked at port.
It took me four years, but I finally did a Grenada Hash and let me tell you, it was a blast! The Grenada Hash House Harriers meet every Saturday at a new location on the island to participate in a run/ walk through the bush that can be done by almost anyone, regardless of fitness level and age. Referring to themselves as “Drinkers with a running problem”, the Hash is about having fun and working hard for that beer/rum that is waiting for you at the end of your Hashing experience. I don’t want to give too much away, but if you are looking for more information on the Hash, Goats on the Road wrote an great in-depth article you can check out here.
The dingy concerts are put on by the owners of La Phare Bleu Resort and happen every few months (or in high-season every few weeks) on the south coast of Grenada. A dingy concert is essentially one which you can only attend by some sort of boat, and is one of those unique experiences you do not want to miss out on. To be floating on the water, enjoying some live music and indulging in a libation or two (they usually have a bar) is truly what a Caribbean vacation is all about!
If you are interested in history, then a visit to Antoine Rivers Rum Distillery is a must. Rivers manufactures rum in a manner that has not changed for generations, offering visitors a glimpse into the past that ends with a complimentary shot of their famous rum. The factory dates back to 1785 and still operates using the original water wheel that crushes sugar cane used in the distilling process, making it the oldest distillery driven by a water wheel in existence. The factory is truly a sight to see and is a great option for any historian, or rum connoisseur.
Hog Island
Hog island is about to undergo some changes with the announcement of a $2 billion Caribbean Resort Project, therefore, visit quickly before it’s gone! Hog island is a great snorkeling spot, but more importantly it is a great place to grab a Carib or Stag (the local beer). Roger’s Bar is open everyday starting at about 3pm, but by far, the most popular day of the week is Sunday, when Roger hosts a BBQ attracting cruisers, locals and students resulting in a great mix of people and a really good time.
For more information on the beautiful island of Grenada check out Pure Grenada and check out my prior post on Great Eats in Grenada.
Have you travelled to the island of Grenada? What are your must-sees?
