Kingston attracting more and more Canadians
Jamaican destinations like Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios are household names for Canadians, however Kingston and Jamaica’s northeast coast have recently been attracting more visitors, thanks to increased direct flights, new tourism offerings and cultural events. Direct flights from Toronto to Kingston are available with Air Canada, WestJet and Caribbean Airlines. And for the first time ever, vacation packages are being offered to Kingston through WestJet Vacations. Visitors can explore Kingston and then easily access other must-see destinations such as the Blue Mountains and Port Antonio. The largest English-speaking city south of Miami, Kingston is the cultural heartbeat of Jamaica with its pulsating reggae rhythms and rich history – a cosmopolitan contrast to the rest of the island’s more relaxed pace. Highlights in Kingston include: Port Royal, the former pirate capital of the Caribbean with buccaneers like Blackbeard and Henry Morgan residing here. Visitors can check out Fort Charles or the Maritime Museum; Bob Marley Museum: Bob Marley’s former Kingston residence and studio, this museum is one of the city’s most-visited attractions. Visitors learn all about the reggae legend here; Devon House: This restored colonial home was built in 1881 by George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire. A guided tour shows off interesting antiques and shares the home’s storied past. Other attractions include: National Gallery of Jamaica: The finest collection of Jamaican art on the island, the gallery showcases the development of Jamaican art, from Taíno artifacts to Spanish and British colonial art to contemporary works; Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records Restaurant: Sports fans should check out Bolt’s upscale sports bar to enjoy a meal and catch a game while in Kingston; Blue Mountains: The Blue Mountains are the longest mountain range in Jamaica and include the island’s highest peak (7,402 feet). The mountain range is renowned for bird watching, coffee plantations and misty peaks (the mist makes the mountains look almost blue – hence the name). The mountains are also home to the world’s second largest butterfly, the Homerus swallowtail. A trip to the Blue Mountains is approximately an hour from Kingston; Port Antonio: Located 95 km outside of Kingston is the quiet town of Port Antonio, a haven for visitors looking for quiet charm, natural beauty and lush surroundings. (http://www.visitjamaica.com)