Ladysmith

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History

In 1884, James Dunsmuir, the owner of the Wellington Colliery Company, was given a land grant from E&N Railway, privatizing the land which would eventually become Ladysmith. The community he founded in 1899 was originally known as Oyster Harbour, and served as a company town for miners. Coal bunkers and wharves dominated the waterfront, while homes and businesses, many transported from Wellington and Extension, were built on the hillside.

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 renamed 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.

In 1904 the town was incorporated and the new community, fueled by the strong demand for coal, grew quickly. By 1911 its population stood at about 3,300 people.

During the early part of the twentieth century, coal mining was the main industry in Ladysmith, but after the Great Depression, the town slowly transformed into the centre of major logging operations that extended as far as the Nanaimo Lakes region and which employed as many as 700 men. Since then, logging and milling lumber have continued to play an important role in the town's economic development.

Over the last half century, the Town's population has doubled and the strong community spirit is still here, as witnessed by the invaluable activities of service clubs and community groups. Projects such as successful downtown revitalization began in the 1980s and the installation of heritage artifacts on 1st Avenue and at Transfer Beach have enhanced Ladysmith's reputation as a thriving, progressive community. Completion of the Town's plans for future development of the old industrial waterfront area will further strengthen this spirit. The Town of Ladysmith has also been forward-looking in developing relationships with the Chemainus First Nation and the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group. This cooperation will bring even more opportunities to ensure the continued prosperity and well being of all people living in this region.

Location

Ladysmith is located on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island, just 88 kilometres of Victoria and 23 kilometres south of Nanaimo.

Places to See

• Transfer Beach

Located near Ladysmith Harbour, Transfer Beach has kayak rentals and tours, courts for outdoor basketball and volleyball, playgrounds for children, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, the Millennium Outdoor Amphitheatre, and an arboretum.

• Ladysmith Arboretum

Open during daylight hours, this facility houses over 25 species of trees planted in the 1940's and a tree of unknown species that was grown from ancient seeds.

• Salmon Fish Hatchery

Visit the salmon fish hatchery behind the Cassidy Hotel, just five minutes from Ladysmith. Open year-round to the public.

• First Avenue

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

• Holland Creek Trail

The Holland Creek Trail is a 5.8-kilometre trail that runs along both sides of the creek. There are two major access points with parking available. The trail appeals to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Other trails that can be accessed from the Holland Creek Tail are Heart Lake Loop (6.4-kilometres), Stocking Lake loop (9.3-kilometres), and the Rotary Lookout Trail (1.2-kilometres). At Transfer Beach, enjoy the Marine Walk, a 1-kilometre trail that follows the waterfront, ending up at Ladysmith Fisherman Warf. The Estuary Trail, a short 10 minute walk along the edge of Ladysmith Harbour, offers views of marine and waterfowl. 

• Takala Trails Ranch

Bring your hiking boots, bike, or horseback and enjoy the peace and tranquil forest while staying in the comfort of a secluded chalet style cabin or in your own RV. The 48-acre ranch is located 20 minutes south of Nanaimo and the ferry.

Things to Do

• Explore Ladysmith Harbour

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 of the harbour are good destinations in summer, while the marshy lagoon at the head of the harbour attracts migrating birds in spring and fall.

• 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.

• Fishing

Vancouver Island's east coast is home to some of the best fishing in the world. Enjoy fishing for salmon, cod, or red snapper year round, or drop a trap for crab and shrimp. The central Vancouver Island region is also well known for excellent fresh water fishing. Long Lake in north Nanaimo and the Nanaimo River are two very popular freshwater spots.

• Diving

Some of the best scuba diving in North America can be found along the Nanaimo coastline. In these waters, seals take curious glances at divers, wolf eels come out of their dens to play, and sunken ships teem with life.

Events

• Vancouver Island Paddlefest

Paddlefest is a weekend-long festival with activities and events for paddlers of all ages and paddling abilities. Located at Transfer Beach in beautiful Ladysmith, British Columbia, participants can attend this free event and enjoy a variety of activities including vendor/trade show, workshops, demonstrations and fun activities. There are on-land and on-water workshops offered both Saturday and Sunday to help you hone your paddling strokes, pack your boat, practice rescue techniques and many other helpful tips. The industry's leading manufacturers, retailers, and outfitters will have booths set up for you to check out the latest gear and pick up a few festival "deals". A full range of 100 boats of different makes and models will be on-hand for you to take a "test-paddle" of the latest technology and designs. With participants from all over Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Washington State, Alberta and even Ontario attending in the past - there will be lots to talk about!

Nearby Communities

Contact Information

Town of Ladysmith
E-mail: info@ladysmith.ca
Web: www.ladysmith.ca