DOMINICA

Dominica   Roseau   The North   The South   Island Basics   Morne Trois Pitons

The North

Dominica's second city is Portsmouth, situated in the northwestern part of the island on Prince Rupert Bay. For visitors, the focal point is The Cabrits National Park, just north of Portsmouth. A marine reserve, this headland contains the remains of the recently restored Fort Shirley. Wander around the headland and you'll probably stumble across old buildings and cannon from the Fort. Also nearby is The Northern Forest Reserve, an oceanic rainforest that's home to Dominica's national bird, the rare Sisserou Parrot.

Morne Diablotin near Portsmouth is Dominica's tallest mountain at 4,747 feet. Hiring a guide is a requirement for the adventurous who want to spend 6 to 8 hours climbing its nearly vertical sides covered in tightly-knit vegetation. Views from the top can't be guaranteed, since the mountain is often covered in clouds. But if those clouds lift, the view is spectacular.