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"Heritage by the Sea"
Located on the 49th
parallel, Ladysmith is a picturesque town built on the hillside
overlooking the glistening waters of Ladysmith Harbour. One of the oldest
settlements on Vancouver Island, the community known as Oyster Harbour was
established in 1899 by James Dunsmuir, son of Vancouver Island's
prosperous coal-mining family. The community was designed as a recreation
and dormitory complex for miners, serving as a shipping port for coal from
Nanaimo, and Dunsmuir moved many buildings by rail to this peaceful spot
he had chosen.
 When Dunsmuir
received word on March 1, 1900 that the British forces had finally
relieved their besieged countrymen in Ladysmith, in the Natal Province of
South Africa, he named the new town Ladysmith and many local streets were
named after British Generals who served in the Anglo Boer War. Read more
on
The Siege and Relief of Ladysmith.
Today, the delightful little town of Ladysmith has a charming Edwardian
setting; a spirited, picturesque community with many of its original
buildings under restoration. Take a leisurely stroll along 1st Avenue and
see the results of the revitalization program, which has restored a number
of these historic heritage buildings. The buildings and sites evoke
memories of a frontier past built on coal mining and forestry.
As you enjoy the variety of shops and boutiques you will note the
appropriate plaques describing their history. Be sure to look for the
house of ill repute! A unique metal collage stands on Main Street to tell
Ladysmith's story through the use of artifacts welded together
representing the various eras in the town's growth.
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: 7,460
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.
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| 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.
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| 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. |
Text and photo courtesy of
VancouverIsland.com |
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REMAX Ocean Pointe
Ladysmith, BC
The Cowichan Valley
has Canada's warmest annual mean temperature. Here you can golf, bike,
and do all your summer activities year 'round!
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