Bermuda is the world’s oldest British colony, and its pastel-colored mansions, pink beaches, and turquoise waters make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. It is a diverse island with West Indian, Portuguese, African, North American, and British influences adding to the unique cultural blend. Some friends of mine that own Albatross Roofing in Edmonton, Alberta absolutely loved their time in Bermuda and highly recommended it as a vacation destination. Despite its tiny size, Bermuda’s art galleries and museums add touches of sophistication and its varied topography makes it perfect for all sorts of hiking, golfing, and water sports. Here are the top must-see attractions in Bermuda.

National Museum of Bermuda
Taking up the whole of the 19th-century fortifications of the Dockyards, this museum is divided into 2 parts. The Queen’s Exhibition Hall is a gallery showcasing the treasures found on some shipwrecks. Slave chains, armaments, pottery and goods from South America and the Orient have been salvaged from the ships. The Commissioner’s House on the upper grounds is the first cast-iron building in the world and it features displays on different aspects of this island’s history, from Bermudian participation in World War 2 to slavery.

Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
The exhibits at this entertaining and educational institute set up visitors into the deep’s mysteries. The fun but tacky diving simulator takes you to about 12,000 feet depths and there is an amazing display of diving apparatus from many years ago. In the Tucker gallery, there are also treasures from the many shipwrecks in Bermuda dedicated to the island’s most prolific diver. Also, you can learn about the shark-protection program or participate in a virtual yacht race.

Fort St Catherine
Fort St Catherine is Bermuda’s most impressive fort and was built originally on a rocky promontory. A drawbridge leads visitors into the air-conditioned museum, featuring replica Crown Jewels and dioramas of the fort. Head to the subterranean tunnels to see the armaments room, shell lift, and gunpowder storage room. There are also costumed mannequins illustrating the living conditions inside this fort.

Elbow Beach
Imagine an expanse of swaying palm trees, cerulean waters, and pristine white sand. Elbow Beach has it all, and it is one of the loveliest in Bermuda. Although this beach is mostly flanked by exclusive resorts, the majority of it is in public territory. Often, kite surfers take over when the waves get choppy.

Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve
In 1995, when the US Navy pulled out, Bermudians were given access to this nature reserve made up of rocky shores, salt marsh, unspoiled beaches, and woodland. There are nature trails running through the mixed woodland of olive woods and cedars, along with introduced growths of allspice and Brazilian pepper. The beaches here are quite tranquil and great for snorkeling, and the marsh is a key habitat for giant land crabs, kingfishers, and herons.