A Local's Guide to Canaries, St. Lucia: Where to Eat, Swim and Explore
Most visitors drive straight through Canaries on the west-coast road between Castries and Soufrière. That is a shame. This small fishing village, tucked into a green valley where the Canaries River meets the sea, is one of the quietest and friendliest corners of St. Lucia. I grew up here, and Bocean Villa sits on the hillside just above it, so this is the guide I give our own guests.
Where is Canaries?
Canaries is on the west coast of St. Lucia, between Anse La Raye to the north and Soufrière to the south. Soufrière town is about 9 miles (roughly 20 minutes' drive) south of Bocean Villa, and Anse La Raye is about 7 miles (roughly 15 minutes) north. In Kwéyòl the village is called Kannawi. It was the last village in St. Lucia to be connected to the road network, back in the 1950s, and it still has that tucked-away feel: fishing boats on the beach, neighbours who know each other, and very little traffic.
Where to eat and drink
Adeline's Art Cafe. Right across the road from Bocean Villa. Adeline serves Creole breakfasts, fresh juices, cocoa tea and homemade cakes in a little hilltop cafe that doubles as her art gallery, with a view over the sea. Dinner is by arrangement, so call a day ahead.
Claudia's Kitchen. A short way down the road. Chef Claudia cooks traditional St. Lucian dishes in her home and also runs hands-on cooking classes. Reservations are needed, so book ahead through her website or WhatsApp.
Plas Kassav. The famous cassava bakery at Anse La Verdure, the same area as the villa. Try the cassava bread in flavours like coconut, cinnamon, chocolate and saltfish, and watch how it is made. Go early for the best choice.
Cacoa Sainte Lucie. A bean-to-bar chocolate maker at Belvedere, in the hills above the village. They run a village chocolate experience (cocoa farm visit, tasting by the Canaries River and making your own bar) and have a restaurant with views over the valley. Book the experience in advance.
Dra's Bites. A casual, no-fuss spot in the village for quick, satisfying bites: wraps, burgers, chicken wings, hot dogs and fries. Great for an easy meal when you don't feel like cooking. Arriving hungry after a long travel day? Let us know and we can call ahead and order for you, so your food is ready when you arrive.
The seafront. Walk down to the bay in the morning, when the fishermen bring in the catch. If you want fresh fish for the villa kitchen, this is the place to ask.
Beaches, swimming and the sea
Canaries Bay. The village beach, with colourful fishing boats and calm water for a swim. Remember it is a working fishing beach, so give the boats and nets some space.
Anse La Liberté. A small, quiet beach inside a 133-acre protected area just outside the village. The name means Bay of Freedom: it is where freed slaves celebrated emancipation. It is run by the Saint Lucia National Trust.
Anse Mahaut. A quiet beach at Belvedere, Canaries, on land that was once a plantation. The Belvedere estate above it dates back to 1745.
Anse Cochon, Anse Jambette and Anse Galet. Small bays along the coast towards Anse La Raye, with some of the best snorkelling on the west coast. Anse Cochon is the best known, and some of these bays are easiest to reach by boat. Ask us about a boat trip.
Snorkelling. The west coast has clear water and reef life. There is a reef restoration effort under way near Canaries, so please don't stand on or touch the coral.
Or stay home. Our infinity pool looks straight out over the Caribbean Sea, and sunset from the terrace is hard to beat.
Hikes, rivers and nature
Anse La Liberté trails. Trails through dry forest and rainforest, past caves used by freedom fighters in colonial times. Around 17 bird species live here, best seen early morning or late afternoon.
The Canaries River. The river has bathing spots and waterfalls upriver that locals have enjoyed for generations. Go with someone who knows the way; we are happy to put you in touch with a local guide.
Canaries to Anse La Raye. A coastal route of about 3 miles (5 km) between the two villages, with sea views and fishing communities along the way.
Tours, adventures and pampering
Canawi ATV Tour. Guided ATV rides from Riverside Road in Canaries, started by a founder who grew up in the village. Routes take in backroads, rainforest trails, a hidden waterfall, river crossings and views of Mount Gimie, and one route stops at Plas Kassav and a sunset lookout. See the routes.
Pedal's Paradize electric bike tour. A guided e-bike tour through the village, with stops at a coastal jetty, a hilltop viewpoint for photos and a local farm where you taste fresh tropical fruit. The electric assist makes it easy for all fitness levels.
Simple Senses Day Spa. A day spa at Anse La Verdure, Canaries, by advance booking only. We can book your treatments for you.
Cacoa Sainte Lucie chocolate experience. Visit a cocoa farm, taste chocolate by the Canaries River and make your own bar (see above).
Nightlife
Bliss Nightlife. A grill and bar on Cox Street in the village, with grilled local seafood, music and a lively crowd of locals and visitors. Wednesday is the late night.
Kannawi Chills. A relaxed local bar right on the waterfront, where you can unwind with a cold drink and the sound of the waves just steps away. Kannawi is the Creole name for Canaries itself. A perfect, low-key spot for a sunset drink without leaving the village.
Sherperdz Cocktails. Planning a celebration at the villa? We can book Sherperdz Cocktails to run the bar at your event.
En Bar Terre Club & Lounge. A night club and lounge that opens for events only. Check with us to see if anything is on during your stay.
Worth the short drive
Anse La Raye Friday night. About 15 minutes up the coast, the neighbouring village holds a Friday night street party with fresh seafood grilled at the roadside and music in the street. It doesn't run every Friday, so check with us before you make the drive.
Soufrière and the Pitons. About 20 minutes south: the Sulphur Springs and drive-in volcano, Diamond Falls and Botanical Gardens, the Tet Paul Nature Trail, and the Pitons themselves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See The Experience for more ideas.
Marigot Bay. Further north, for a lunch or sundowner by the yachts.
Getting to Canaries
From Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in the south, allow about an hour and 15 minutes by road. From George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) in Castries, allow about 45 minutes to an hour. The roads are winding, so we recommend an arranged transfer for your first trip. Our concierge can book your airport transfer and a rental car, so you can explore at your own pace.
Tips from a local
Carry some cash, in EC dollars or small US bills, for the bakery, fish and small shops.
Call ahead to small, family-run places. Opening hours can change, and many cook to order.
Say good morning. Canaries is a village where people greet each other, and a friendly hello goes a long way.
Canaries is known as one of the quietest and safest villages on the island. It is the perfect base if you want the real St. Lucia rather than a resort.
Stay in Canaries at Bocean Villa
Bocean Villa is a private 3-bedroom villa for up to 8 guests, with an infinity pool and sea views, just above the village. You have the whole villa to yourselves, from US$280 a night. Check availability and book direct, or WhatsApp us on +1 (758) 719-2837 with any questions about the area.
Quick answers
Where is Canaries in St. Lucia? Canaries is a fishing village on the west coast of St. Lucia, between Anse La Raye and Soufrière. Soufrière is about 9 miles (roughly 20 minutes' drive) away and Anse La Raye about 7 miles (roughly 15 minutes).
How far is Canaries from the airport? About an hour and 15 minutes by road from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), and about 45 minutes to an hour from George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) in Castries.
What is there to do in Canaries, St. Lucia? Eat at Adeline's Art Cafe and Claudia's Kitchen, buy cassava bread at Plas Kassav, make chocolate at Cacoa Sainte Lucie, ride with Canawi ATV Tour, swim at Canaries Bay, Anse Mahaut or Anse La Liberté, hike the Anse La Liberté trails, bathe in the Canaries River, and spend the evening at Bliss Nightlife or Kannawi Chills.
Where can I stay in Canaries? Bocean Villa is a private 3-bedroom villa for up to 8 guests with an infinity pool and sea views, on the hillside above Canaries village. Book direct at boceanvilla.com/book.
