Open Jaw :: On The Town ::

with B.A.
19DEC08

Sharing a laugh or two with friendly locals

Jerk chicken anyone?

Bobsledding under the tropical sun

Jamaica, Here We Come

Given the long route normally used to reach the Caribbean from the West Coast, I was delighted to hear that Air Canada Vacations would be launching a non-stop flight from Vancouver to Montego Bay on December 19. People living in the West Coast now have even more reason to celebrate this Christmas. Hooray!

Since the actual flights were not in operation yet (bummer), ACV trundled off a group of journalists to Montego Bay via YYZ. But no problem mon - from the moment we touched down, it was time to soak in the myriad offerings of this former colonial jewel (anything to get away from the cold.)

Building a name for itself as the place for fun and adventure, the Jamaica Tourist Board lined up some activities to get us into the right mood. After the walk upstream on the famous Dunn’s River Falls, it was time to check out some of the newer attractions.

A chairlift whisks guests 213 m. high to the Mystic Mountain attraction, which features an excellent display detailing the achievements of Jamaican athletes, past and present. This area is also home to Olympic speedster Usain Bolt, whose image adorns many a billboard. The main attraction here is the one km. long ride through the rainforest in a bobsled. Yes, a bobsled ride in Jamaica! With speeds controlled by the rider, it is quite a thrill.

At Chukka Caribbean Adventures, there is a wide range of activities to choose from such as river kayaking, cliff diving, zip trekking and horseback riding sans saddle in the water. It’s quite a hike through relatively challenging elevated trails to reach the zip trek lines – 10 lines in total.

Then it’s off to horseback riding with a difference. After a leisurely trot on mud roads, we end up on Papillion Cove (the 1973 movie Papillion starring Steve McQueen was actually filmed here) where the horses, saddles removed, gallop into the water and take us for a swim - an exhilarating experience.

ACV’s seasonal flights operate on Fridays using a B767-300 with 25 business class seats and 188 in coach, and will run through April 17. Fancy some jerk chicken and Red Stripe beer coupled with reggae music in the background this winter? Yaa, mon!