Ins & Outs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines - 2023

37 DISCOVER ST. VINCENT Black Point Park Black Point Park is home to the unique Jasper Tunnel. This tunnel is over 300 feet long and links Grand Sable with Byera Bay. The tunnel was ordered built by the British and constructed by slave labour around 1815 to provide an access route and storage for sugar exports. The black sand beach and picnic area is thickly vegetated with coconut trees and is one of the most popular recreational sites on the island. La Soufrière Volcano La Soufrière is a stratovolcano with recorded eruptions dating back to 1718, with notable eruptions occurring in 1812, 1902, 1979 and the most recent in 2020. There was no loss of life but residents north of the Rabacca River lost their homes and have been relocated to Orange Hill Estate. Hundreds of houses have been built, as well as two bridges, funded by several entities. Belmont Lookout & Montreal Gardens This lookout provides visitors with the opportunity to view one of St. Vincent’s most productive and picturesque landscapes. There is a viewing platform, washrooms and interpretive signage. Just north of Mesopotamia are the Montreal Gardens which are a wonderful place to see an amazing array of tropical blooms. The surrounding farms and forests have recovered very quickly. In some areas you wouldn't know there had been an eruption. A National Park, the volcano is restricted by government not because the volcano is still active – it is currently at the lowest volcanic danger level – but because it is very slippery close to the crater and it is also very easy to get lost in this area. Hikes are at your own risk and guides are a must. La Soufrière Volcano Trail Rising majestically to over 4,000 feet, the 5-6 hour hike starts at 1,200 feet above sea level on the windward side and takes you to about 3,300 feet at the crater. The ascent is about 3.5 miles long and takes about 2 1/2 hours. It starts with a 1/2 hour segment to 'river bed'. Then a pretty tough 45 minutes through a humid, forested trail to 'bench' where there is in fact no bench but this is a much needed rest stop. Next up is a 1/2 hour trek to Jacob's Well which begins to feel cool with the wind on your back. By now you have climed 1,300 feet. The final 45 minute climb to the top is cooler still and your destination is in sight. This is a day’s journey for energetic hikers, who should leave early in the morning. Hiking the La Soufrière Volcano trail is at your own risk and definitely must be done with a guide - see page 40. Photo: Kay Wilson Photography Photo: Paul Cyrus Photo: Bob Berlinghoff Photo: Paul Cyrus