Metro Vancouver travellers who love Hawaii should check out tropical island in the Caribbean that boasts similar tropical vistas.
Easily recognizable by its majestic tapered mountain mountains, known as Pitons, Saint Lucia oozes tropical beauty, covered in lush, tropical rainforest and home to breathtaking beaches with sparkling, turquoise waters.
The Pitons are two volcanic plugs on the island's southwestern coast: Gros Piton (2,530 feet) and Petit Piton (2,438 feet). The local beer brand, Piton, is named after the iconic landmarks, explains the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.
Visitors may wish to hike around the Pitons and check out the local exotic flora and fauna or sail around them to get a view.
Located in the Eastern Caribbean, the island nation's closest neighbours include Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe, all of which are connected by inter-island ferries.
The island is also home to a vibrant nightlife scene, with residents and visitors enjoying dancing and live music in local clubs and restaurants.
Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip from Vancouver to Saint Lucia.
What airlines should I fly to to Saint Lucia?
Saint Lucia has two airports. Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is the larger one most flights from Canada and the United States fly into it. George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) is the second and smallest, serving primarily inter-island travel.
From Vancouver International Airport (YVR), travellers must take a connecting flight to reach UVF. Some popular stopover spots en route from Vancouver include Toronto, Montreal, Dallas, and Miami.
The lowest-priced tickets on return trips from YVR to UVF start at just under $700.
Airlines that fly to or partially to Saint Lucia via one of their airline partners include:
- Air Canada
- American Airlines
- Delta
- JetBlue
- Qatar Airways
- United
- WestJet
When should I book my ticket to Saint Lucia?
Travellers don't need to plan their trip to Saint Lucia very far in advance.
Tickets from YVR to UVF start for under $800 if booked as little as a week in advance. Travellers may still need to be flexible with the outbound and departure dates to get the cheapest option. However, they don't typically need to book several weeks or months ahead unless they plan to visit during a big holiday.
When is the best time of year to visit Saint Lucia?
Saint Lucia's climate is warm and tropical year-round but hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November.
If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season, the Canadian government advises you to do the following:
- Be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
- Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
- Carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
- Follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
The peak season for travellers occurs from December through early March, with drier, more pleasant weather attracting tourists in droves, which drives up ticket and accommodation prices.
Is it safe to visit Saint Lucia?
The Government of Canada greenlights travellers to visit Saint Lucia, advising them to take normal security precautions when visiting the Eastern Caribbean island. However, some places are seeing increased violence and travellers must exercise caution.
Petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching, may occur. Credit card scams involving the use of ATMs may also occur. Visitors should cover their PIN when using these machines and be careful when handing their cards over to people. They should also be wary of using machines with "irregular" or "unusual" features.
Violent crime, such as gun violence, has increased over the past year, especially in Vieux Fort, a town located near the southernmost point of Saint Lucia. The government has reported murders, sexual assaults, robberies, and gang-related violence. Travellers are advised to:
- Be aware of their surroundings at all times
- Avoid walking alone after dark
- Avoid isolated areas
- Avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
- Stay in accommodations with adequate security measures
- Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe
Canada says 2SLGBTQI+ persons could face discrimination and should "carefully consider the risks of visiting St Lucia." Saint Lucian law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between persons of the same sex; they could face a lengthy jail sentence.
They may also be detained based on "their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. They could also be detained and face other charges such as cross-dressing , gross indecency , and offence to public morals .
Important considerations in Saint Lucia for tourists to know
Your passport must be valid for at least three months before you expect to leave Saint Lucia.
The Canadian government advises travellers that Saint Lucia regularly experiences water shortages and local authorities may impose water rationing measures. Travellers should keep a sufficient supply of water on hand and monitor local authorities for directions.
Do I need a visa to visit Saint Lucia?
A tourist visa is not required for stays up to six weeks.
Air travellers are encouraged to fill out the Online Immigration Form before arriving in the country. It may be completed up to three days before arrival.
One form is required per family and a QR code will be sent by email once completed. This QR is shown to authorities on arrival.
According to the tourism authority, you must have the following information to complete the form:
- Flight Information
- Passport details for all family members travelling with you
- A photo of the travel documents, more specifically your passport bio page or ID card for Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) citizens only
- A valid email address
Do I need to get any special travel vaccines ahead of visiting Saint Lucia?
Visit a travel medical clinic before you book a ticket. The healthcare professionals will inform you about what vaccinations you require and what you can expect on your trip. There are risks of contracting several viruses spread by mosquitoes including Zika and chikungunya.
Pregnant women, or women planning to get pregnant soon, may want to rethink their travel plans. The Canadian government recommends that you wait for two months after visiting Saint Lucia or after the onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying to get pregnant. If your male partner travelled with you, wait three months after travel or after the onset of illness.
What kind of activities can I enjoy in Saint Lucia?
Visitors to Saint Lucia can enjoy adrenaline-fuelled activities such as zip-lining through the lush rainforests, riding ATVs through the countryside, and several water sports, such as parasailing and surfing.
Water-based activities are some of the island's biggest draws, boasting some of the world's best snorkelling and diving opportunities. People can also rent boats or join sailing tours that visit different areas of the island, with some offering additional activities, such as fishing and snorkelling.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking in Pigeon Island National Park, home to old fort ruins from the 1700s.
What kind of big events and festivals can I enjoy in Saint Lucia?
Independence Day festivities, including calypso shows and parades, draw crowds in February, while travellers plan to visit during the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival from April 30 to May 11, 2025.
The Caribbean island also has an annual Lucian Carnival for three weeks in May with numerous events such as parades, live bands, dancing, beauty pageants, boat rides, festive brunches, and much more.
According to the tourism authority, a festival occurs on Aug. 30 called "La Rose." Saint Lucia's cultural traditions are divided into two "societies" - the Roses and Marguerites, whose members praise their respective flowers. Each society holds a massive festival or "grande fete" in honour of their respective flower.
“La Rose” members pledge allegiance to the rose by "dressing in red and creating flamboyant displays made of roses."
The Marguerites have their Fete La Marguerite on Oct. 17. Their members dress in " purple and create displays of the Marguerite flower in addition to singing their traditional songs."
Saint Lucia also runs a month-long Creole Heritage Month in October celebrating music, dance, cuisine, art and other cultural expression that culminates on Oct. 29 with the celebration of Creole Day (Jounen Kweyol).
How much money will I spend on accommodation in Saint Lucia?
Accommodation prices in Saint Lucia vary widely, starting at a modest nightly rate of $78 at the Aupic Paradise Hotel Vieux Fort - located five minutes from the airport - or several rental apartments at roughly the same price point ($70 to $100).
Travellers looking for a step up can find hotels priced between $150 to $500, including the three-star Marigot Beach Club & Dive Resort with nightly rates starting at $236 or the four-star Bej Jou Hotel with nightly at $401.
At the other end of the spectrum, the island also has several luxury accommodations, including the awe-inspiring "Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort," located between the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons. The resort's nightly rates start over $2,000. However, guests are afforded stunning views of the lush, tropical gardens and the crystal clear waters lapping onto Sugar Beach.
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