Ladysmith heritage buildings resembling early San Francisco

Surrounded by beautiful mountainous terrain with streams and lakes, Ladysmith is a convenient departure point for hiking, camping, fishing, and most other outdoor activities.

Population: 7,200

Location: Ladysmith is located just south of Nanaimo on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The town is serviced by Cassidy Airport, situated 9 km north of Ladysmith, and also by coach lines between operating between Victoria and Nanaimo. A more spectacular route to travel is the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway (VIA Rail), which passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada, providing panoramic views of the BC Gulf Islands on its run between Victoria and Courtenay in the Comox Valley.

• Named in April 2000 by "Harrowsmith Country Life Magazine" as one of the "10 Prettiest Towns in Canada".

• In the early 1900's Ladysmith served as a shipping port for Nanaimo coal - and as a dormitory and recreation area for miners and their families.

• The Holland Creek Trail System winds approximately 4 kilometres along both sides of Holland Creek, offering an attractive walking route through the centre of the municipality of Ladysmith. Hike up to Heart Lake - 6.4km from the head of the Holland Creek Trail bridge.

• Stroll along First Avenue for a look at the turn-of-the century buildings - walking tour maps are available at the Info Centre.

• Transfer Beach, in Ladysmith Harbour, offers warm saltwater swimming to pass the time between bouts of picnicking. Kayak rentals available. Visit the amphitheatre...the biggest open-air amphitheatre on Vancouver Island that holds over 1,000 people. Enjoy the spectacular harbour views.

• The municipal boat launch in the centre of Ladysmith, is the place to begin exploring the 5 mile length of Ladysmith Harbour. Dunsmuir and Woods Islands on the north side on the harbour are good destinations in summer, while the marshy lagoon at the head of the harbour attracts migrating birds in spring and fall.

• Take a harbour tour from The Maritime docks in July and August.

• Visit the salmon fish hatchery behind the Cassidy Hotel, just five minutes from Ladysmith. Open year-round to the public 9-12 noon and 1-3 p.m.

• Eat some world-famous fresh Ladysmith oysters.

• Ladysmith offers a number of events that reflect the warm and inviting nature of the community. The harbour is host to many events throughout the year including the Vancouver Island Paddlefest & Kayak Conference in June. The Christmas holiday season, is perhaps when this jewel of a community shines most brightly. Each year the Town of Ladysmith is transformed into a fairytale wonderland of lights with the annual Christmas Light-Up and the Christmas Light Harbour Cruise, in December.

• Golf: The Ladysmith Golf Course is a 9-hole, par 27 course. Nearby Nanaimo and the areas to the north have seen the proliferation of golf courses with a view. Tee off on any of 20 golf courses within an hour's drive of Nanaimo. Courses range from family mini-golf to demanding 18-hole courses with beautiful views. Located 3 miles (5 km) north of Nanaimo is the Nanaimo Golf Club, a demanding 18-hole course with beautiful views of the water, and two 9-hole courses; Pryde Vista Golf Club and the Eaglequest Golf Centre. South of Ladysmith is the Mount Brenton Golf Club on Henry Road in Chemainus, a challenging par-71 golf course, with tree-lined fairways and spectacular greens. Golf Vacations on Vancouver Island.

• Bungy Jumping: For those who prefer falling over walking, Nanaimo claims to be the home of North America's first and only bridge built specifically for bungee jumpers. Thrill seekers can experience the ultimate high at the Wild Play Element Park. You can watch or jump from this 140-foot (42-m) bridge above the Nanaimo River, located just five minutes north of Ladysmith.