A Sizzling Air Canada Destination: Great Things To Do In Jamaica

Sure, Jamaica has great beaches and plenty of sunshine. Not to mention rum and reggae and fun shops and bars along Montego Bay's "Hip Strip." But there’s a lot more to Jamaica than that. Here’s one repeat visitor's’ suggestions on some fun things to do in this great Air Canada destination.

River Rafting

A rafting trip along the Rio Grande River near Port Antonio is a marvellous way to enjoy nature in Jamaica. Guides work hard to pilot wooden rafts down the river, which includes a couple of small rapids. My trip was probably two hours long; three if you include the wonderful barbeque lunch I had on shore. The rock formations near what’s called Lovers Lane are beautiful, and if you’re there in spring you might see brilliant orange African tulip trees in full bloom. If you’re short of time, the gentle rafting rides on the Martha Brae River also are enjoyable. My Rio Grande rafting trip was probably two hours long; three if you include a delicious barbeque lunch on the shore. The African tulip trees were in riotous orange bloom when I was there, and the rock formations around a passage called Lovers Lane were quite something. If you don’t have time for the Rio Grande trip, try the gentle rides on the Martha Brae River near Falmouth.

Witchy Woman

The Rose Hall Great House is close to Montego Bay and is a splendid place to visit. Situated on a hill overlooking the north coast, you’ll find a beautiful house and lovely gardens. The home was built in the 1770s and refurbished in grand style in the 1960s. The estate was home to hundreds of slaves at one time, and you’ll find displays that explain what things were life for slaves back in the day. There’s no proof that it’s true, but the story goes that Annie Palmer, known as the White Witch, murdered three of her husbands and haunts the estate to this day.

Wondrous Cliff Divers

The cliff divers at Rick’s Café in Negril are famous the world over. Young men (mostly) gather in force and do catapults and somersaults and fancy dives from the rocks high above some of the most crystal blue water you’ll ever see. It’s quite something. You can try it yourself from a couple of places, but extreme caution is advised. Afterward, grab a meal or a drink at Rick’s and watch the boats bob in that impossibly blue water. Negril is on the west coast of Jamaica, so sunsets are remarkable.

Boston Bay Jerk Stands

Jerked chicken and other jerk cuisine apparently originated around Boston Bay, where escaped slaves or folks hoping to avoid becoming one would hide in the woods and slowly cook their food without creating visible smoke. You’ll find a half-dozen or more stands barbequing pork or chicken over local wood at stands near the beach. The local hot sauce is tremendous. If you don’t make it to Boston Bay, try a touristy but still enjoyable lunch at Scotchie’s, a famous jerk spot near Montego Bay.

Wander the South Shore

The west and north coasts of Jamaica have most of the big resorts, but one of my favourite places to stay is down in Treasure Beach, a hotel called Jakes. Rooms and cottages are done up in whimsical styles, often with a Moroccan feel. You’ll find odd bits of glass and pottery embedded in walls and beautiful mosaics, as well as wonderful rooftop patios on some units. The beach isn’t amazing, but the food is terrific and there’s a great bar, a pretty spa and a small pool near the ocean. Wander next door for pizza or fresh seafood at Jack Sprat, which celebrates Jamaican music and has posters from the highly regarded cult classic, The Harder They Come. Jakes was built by the fellow who directed the movie, Perry Henzell. His wife Sally was art director for the film and did much of the design work at Jakes. The hotel can probably arrange a boat ride out to The Pelican Bar, a famous, ramshackle bar that’s built out of old pieces of wood and rests on a coral reef well away from the shore.

Great Golf

Half Moon has a lovely golf course across the road from the resort. Holes aren’t overly tricked up, and it’s relatively flat, but there are plenty of challenges. Nearby Cinnamon Hill offers great elevation changes, including a 17th tee that’s more than 100 meters above the ocean. Caddies here are said to be some of the best in the Caribbean. Also in Rose Hall is White Witch, rated as the number one course in Jamaica and one of the finest in the Caribbean. Look for a series of mountainous routes and great ocean views from almost every hole.

Where to Stay

Half Moon, located close to Montego Bay in Rose Hall, is in the middle of a 65th birthday makeover that will give one of the island’s best resorts an even spiffier appearance. The overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay are truly stunning; with massive decks, first-class furnishings and butler service. Trident is a beautiful spot near Port Antonio with a protected lagoon for swimming and snorkelling and gleaming villas with all the latest amenities. Goldeneye has fine units on the coast east of Ocho Rios, as well as a remarkable, clear lagoon that’s ideal for swimming and kayaking. You can even kayak to your appointment at the spa. Next to Boston Bay, Great Huts has a variety of unusual units in a jungle-like setting, some of which are built like a treehouse. Goblin Hill has family-friendly villas on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean east of Port Antonio.

Air Canada flies direct to Jamaica from Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg.