On the northern peninsula in Dominica, in the protected Cabrits National Park, sits Fort Shirley, a prime example of 18th-century Caribbean fort architecture. Surrounded by pristine wildlife, tropical forests, and coral reefs, the fort and its surrounds offer some of the easiest and most scenic hikes on the island of Dominica.
Originally erected by the British to defend against invading forces like the French and Dutch, the garrison was later abandoned and then restored in 1989. Today, visitors can hike the lush lawns, see the panoramic vistas of the harbor from the cannon walls, and experience the history of the Caribbean and its colonial roots firsthand on a guided tour.
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray if you plan on doing a lot of hiking around the fort.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the hike up to the fort is a bit steep.
- The fort and its surroundings are not wheelchair friendly, with some uneven terrain and steps.
Fort Shirley is located in Cabrits National Park on Dominica, just north of Portsmouth. It’s easiest to get to by car or taxi and the drive takes only around 10 minutes. Roseau, the capital city, takes just over an hour to get to by car.
Fort Shirley is open daily during the day, and the weather tends to be cooler in the morning. If you happen to be in Dominica in late spring, note that the annual Dominica’s Jazz N’ Creole Festival is held at the fort every May or June.
Not far from Fort Shirley, Indian River is a quiet, scenic expanse of water lined with mangroves that spills into the Glanvilla Swamp (popular with birdwatchers). It’s best experienced by taking a relaxing paddleboat ride, and makes a good alternative to Fort Shirley for those who don’t want to hike. It’s also a good add-on for those who want to experience the region on land and by water.
