If you’ve been dreaming of white sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters and mountain vistas that dramatically frame the shoreline, this island gem is calling your name.
Located just under six hours from Toronto, this volcanic island offers a taste of Caribbean paradise for travellers who are looking for something a little more extraordinary than the usual tourist hotspots.
Saint Lucia, nicknamed Helen of the West in reference to its comparable beauty to Helen of Troy, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. With lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the iconic twin peaks of the Pitons rising majestically from the sea, the island promises dramatic vistas around literally every corner.
But the island’s magic extends far beyond its postcard vistas.
Saint Lucia’s beaches are equally special, featuring golden sands and crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming or soaking up the sun. Water enthusiasts will find world-class diving and snorkelling sites, along with plenty of opportunities for sailing, paddle boarding, and kayaking along the coast.
For those drawn to more grounded pleasures, Saint Lucia’s rich cacao heritage means there are chocolate-tasting workshops where you can explore the bean-to-bar process and sample handcrafted treats made from locally grown cocoa.
If you want to try something new, there are activities for almost every type of traveller. Hike the Gros Piton for sweeping ocean views, set out on a catamaran as the sun dips below the horizon, or experience the thrill of a “small six” safari. There’s adventure for those who seek it and serenity for those who don’t.
One of the island’s most surreal experiences takes place inland at Sulphur Springs, known as the world’s only “drive-in volcano.” Here, steam rises from the ground as if the island is exhaling. Nearby, warm, mineral-rich mud baths allow visitors to indulge in a ritual as ancient as the island itself — covering your skin in volcanic clay and rinsing off in natural pools that locals swear will leave you glowing.
For music lovers, one of the most anticipated events on the island is the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. Held each spring, it transforms the island into a celebration of sound and local art. The 2025 edition, held from May 1 to May 11, featured an eclectic headline lineup ranging from John Legend and Summer Walker to Earth, Wind & Fire.
The main performances take place on the 44-acre islet of Pigeon Island, offering not just music but an unforgettable setting — an open-air stage surrounded by sea and sky.
Beyond the headline acts, the festival embraces the arts with events across the capital city of Castries. With spoken word performances, theatre and visual art, the city’s “Art and the City” program showcases local talent and cultural expression.
The island’s soul is a self-described melting pot of African, French, English, Dutch and Caribbean influences, evident in everything from the architecture and language to the cuisine and music. In restaurants, you’ll find Creole-style seafood, local cocoa, and rum cocktails that taste like a vacation in a glass.
A romantic, ocean-side dinner served at WindJammer Landing.Helena Hanson | Narcity
For accommodations, Saint Lucia offers a range of options, from intimate villas to full-scale resorts.
Among the most popular is Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, a Canadian-owned Mediterranean-style property tucked into 65 acres of lush hillside on the island’s northwest coast. With six pools, seven restaurants and bars, a serene spa, and a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach, the resort is a blend of both comfort and charm.
Those looking to recharge will find a haven at The BodyHoliday, one of the Caribbean’s top wellness resorts. With a daily spa treatment included, extensive fitness options, and a focus on holistic well-being, it’s ideal for travellers looking to feel as good as the nearby vistas.
For adults seeking something more intimate, Stonefield Villa Resort offers rustic-luxe villas on a former cocoa plantation at the foot of Petit Piton. Each villa features a private pool and sweeping views, making it a serene and romantic hideaway, rumoured to be a favourite of big-name Hollywood celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey.
A dreamy resort view at The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia.Helena Hanson | Narcity
Direct flights from Toronto Pearson to Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport run daily during the peak travel season. Round-trip fares can dip as low as $500 in late summer, especially in August and September.
The flight down clocks in at around 5 hours and 20 minutes, and the return takes about 5 hours and 40. Either way, you’re getting to and from paradise in under six hours.
What’s more, Saint Lucia stands out as one of the safest Caribbean destinations, according to the Government of Canada. It currently has the lowest travel advisory level, meaning visitors are only asked to take normal security precautions. Other popular sun-soaked spots like Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Barbados are ranked a level higher, with advisories to “exercise a high degree of caution.”
This island paradise combines beautiful vistas, island hospitality, adventure, and serenity, all wrapped up in one palm-fringed package. So, if you’re looking to trade your desk view for palm trees and pitons, add Saint Lucia to your bucket list ASAP!
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority offered Helena Hanson the opportunity to visit with no expectation of coverage, positive or otherwise.
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