Montserrat
Experience an extraordinary, pristine island offering adventures like no other! Montserrat is the Caribbean as you’ve imagined – unspoiled, with no casinos or massive resorts. Instead, you’ll find warm, friendly locals who happily stop to chat, give directions, and share their island’s rich history. With fewer than 5,000 residents, Montserrat offers a peaceful escape—no traffic jams, no crowded beaches, and no long lines, not even at the airport.
Known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” Montserrat bears a striking resemblance to Ireland with its lush mountains, cliffs and shorelines, along with strong historical ties. It’s the only place outside Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday, celebrated with a week (or more!) of lively outdoor concerts, parade, festivities, and fun.
Montserrat is also famed for its musical legacy. The island became a magnet for famous rock stars in the 1980s, thanks to AIR Studios, founded by Sir George Martin. It was the place to record. Montserrat also boasts Calypso royalty—Arrow (Alphonsus Cassell), whose 1983 global hit “Hot! Hot! Hot!” remains a party anthem today.
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The island’s capital, Plymouth, was buried by volcanic ash and mudflows in the 1990s, creating a modern-day Pompeii. Even now, you can glimpse rooftops and abandoned buildings frozen in time. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory offers amazing vistas. The island boasts ten world class hiking trails where you may encounter the vibrant flora and curios fauna along the way. Visit Montserrat where natural beauty and tranquility await.
Dining
Montserrat offers a cuisine which is a blend of different culinary traditions. Flavourful and colourful are the two words that come to mind – and a wide variety of cuisine offered in just 39 ½ square miles!
Bearing a resemblance to Irish stew, Montserrat’s national dish is Goat Water which is made from the meat of the male goat. The locals will tell you where to try ‘the best’ version, and available each Friday!
Quick Facts
Languages spoken: English
Currency: The EC dollar is the official currency of Montserrat. Not all businesses accept credit cards; the USD is widely accepted. Banks will exchange US or CA currency.
Climate: Average temperature year-round is 27C. From December to April, the temperature in the evening can go as low as 17C.
Driving: On the left-hand side of the road. Canadians must present their valid driver’s license to drive in Montserrat, though a temporary Montserrat driver’s license is still required. Link to purchase your temporary license in advance.
Electricity: Adaptors are not necessary as hotels, villas and guest rooms carry both 110V and 220V outlets.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (-4 GMT); Montserrat does not observe Daily Savings. In the winter, Montserrat is one hour ahead of Ontario & Quebec…and in the summer, they are on the same time zone.
Activities
From historical walking tours in the Exclusion Zone (Zone V – only accessible with a certified tour guide) to birding or turtle watching…we have fascinating activities to keep you intrigued. With our many hiking trails (rated for different endurance levels), you can explore vastly different scenery; lush hills to waterfalls to rocky trails – just don’t forget your binoculars and camera to catch site of our beautiful flora, fauna and birdlife.
Our beaches boast an unusual colour palette ranging from sparkling black to different shades of gray, and even one white sand beach…drive around Montserrat to see them all or go under the sea to enjoy our vibrant coral reefs. Snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, kayaking etc., are all activities to enjoy.
Travel Essentials
Flight Information
Montserrat is a short 20-minute flight away from VC Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda.
From Antigua, Montserrat is serviced by both Fly Montserrat and SVG Air. SVG Air will offer twice daily flights from Antigua to Montserrat from September 1, 2025 through to March 31, 2026.
Montserrat is also accessible via St. Maarten and serviced with Winair flights on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Flights to Antigua from Toronto:
Air Canada, Sunwing and WestJet offers flights to Antigua as follows:
Air Canada offers four flights weekly (every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday) in high season; and offers one weekly flight (every Saturday) in low season
Sunwing offers a weekly flight (every Saturday) year-round.
WestJet offers two flights (every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday) year-round.
Flights to Antigua from Montreal:
Air Canada offers one flight weekly (each Friday) in high season; in low season, connection is available through Toronto.
There is an Antigua Airport Administration Charge of US$40 per passenger for non connecting passengers (within 24 hours). For all passengers connecting within 24 hours through Antigua’s Airport, a tax of US$20 per passenger is charged.
For information on flights from other gateways, click HERE.
Entry Requirements for Canadians
Canadians require a valid passport (valid for six months after your planned date of return) as well as proof of a return or onward ticket. Canadians do not require a visa.
For additional information, consult your Travel Advisor or The Government of Canada’s Entry and Exit Requirements: English / French
Long Stays
Coming Soon
Getting Married
Getting Married (requirements):
From magnificent black sand beaches to the breathtaking mountainous views of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat is tailor-made for you to say “I Do!” To help plan your special day, it is suggested that you work with a local wedding planner.
The following is the procedure that must be followed upon arrival in Montserrat:
- To be eligible for this license, one of the parties must reside in Montserrat for three (3) working days prior to submitting the completed Marriage License application form.
- During this 3-day waiting period, the applicants should arrange the time and place of the wedding ceremony with the Registrar or a Minister of Religion. These details must be noted on the marriage application form. Please note the Registrar will inform you on the fees for officiating at the wedding during working hours and outside working hours.
- After the three (3) working days of residence has been established, the parties should submit the completed Marriage License Application form to the Office of the Deputy Governor (Consular Division), along with the required documents.
- When the Marriage license has been signed by the Governor, the parties will be notified by telephone.
- The parties will then be advised to purchase EC$500.00 in Montserrat stamps (fee stipulated by law).
The following documents must be provided:
- Original birth certificates
- Valid passports
- Certificate of Non-marriage – If one or both parties has/have never been married, he/she/they must provide this certificate which is obtained from the Registrar’s Office in the city where the parties reside.
- Decree Nisi or Decree Absolute if applicant is divorced (original or a notarized copy)
- Death Certificate if applicant is widowed (original or a notarized copy).
- A written consent from the parents if the applicant is under the age of 18. This consent must be notarized by the Notary Public.
Deputy Governor’s Contact information: M-F from 8am to 4pm
Phone: 664-491-9202 x6524
Email: consular@gov.ms
Destination Wedding Procedures
Cultural/Annual Events
PUBLIC AND/OR GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS:
The Government of Montserrat observes the following holidays each year:
(Some services may be impacted with reduced hours, or there may be full closures on these days)
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – St. Patrick’s Day
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (Stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Monday, May 4, 2026 – Labour Day
Monday, May 25, 2026 – Whit Monday
Monday, June 8, 2026 – King’s Birthday
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – National Day of Prayer, Reflection and Thanksgiving
Saturday, July 18 -27, 2026 – Calabash Festival
Saturday, August 1+2, 2026 – Cudjoe Head Weekend
Monday, August 3, 2026 – Emancipation Day
November 2026 – Literary Festival (date TBA)
Saturday, December 12 through to January 1st – Carnival
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Saturday, December 26, 2026 – Boxing Day
December 31, 2026 – Festival Day
Medical & Dental Information
Montserrat is a mountainous island with hilly terrain and narrow sidewalks.
Montserrat’s main hospital is located in St. John’s.
Glendon Hospital
Phone: 664-491-2552/2836/2843
Email: mehcs@gov.ms
Additional medical clinics are located throughout Montserrat:
St. John’s Health Centre
Ph: 664-491-5218
St. Peter’s Clinic
Ph: 664-491-5436
Brades Health Centre, Cudjoe Head
Ph: 664-491-5258
Salem Health Centre
Ph: 664-491-5256
Medivac services are offered by:
Fly Montserrat
Phone: 664-491-3434
Email: info@flymontserrat.com
FOR EMERGENCY DENTAL SERVICES:
Regal Dental, St. Johns
Phone: 664-496-6644
FOR DIVERS:
Divers should be aware that there is no hyperbaric chamber in Montserrat. There is however, a hyperbaric chamber located in St. Kitts at the CDA Technical Insititute, Basseterre.
Accessibility
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from Canada.
Airport Services
John A. Osborne Airport (MNI):
- Accessible restrooms with wheelchair access are located in the terminal
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Ramps are available
Ferry Terminal
Little Bay Ferry Terminal
- Accessible restrooms with wheelchair access are located in the terminal
- Ramps are available
Transportation and Activities:
There are no wheelchair accessible transfer vehicles available in Montserrat. All taxis and buses would be able to accommodate collapsible wheelchairs and store these in the trunk of the car or bus for transport or tours. Please note that if the individual is severely disabled whereby they cannot stand on their own, and where they would need to be physically lifted in and out of the vehicle, this is not a service that drivers can facilitate.
For Accessibility information at hotels located in Montserrat, please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
