Ladysmith history is proudly preserved
Ladysmith, originally named Oyster Harbour, was founded in 1898 by the coal baron James Dunsmuir as a bedroom community for the coal miners who worked in Dunsmuir’s collieries at Extension, ( 17 kilometres to the northwest). Ladysmith’s iconic streetscape remains a wonderful reminder of the town’s colourful and sometimes turbulent past.
Where to stay:
Holiday House Motel
Basic, affordable ($ 95) motel rooms with kitchenettes and balcony overlooking the harbour ( and four- lane Island Highway). A short walk from the marina. Free pickup available.
Where to start:
Ladysmith Visitor’s Centre
Located at 411B First Avenue in the heart of downtown Ladysmith. Open 9 a. m. to 5 p. m., seven days a week in July and August, 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. Monday to Friday in the off- season. The office is well- stocked with brochures and tourist publications. Services also include Wi- Fi, public washrooms and a friendly well- informed staff that are happy to advise on the best places to eat and stay.
Where to eat:
In the Bean Time
Located half a block from the motel at 18 High Street, this local favourite features $ 3.99 breakfasts, great coff ee and house- made bread.
Old Town Bakery
We were told at the Visitor’s Information Centre that we could not leave town without tasting the island’s best cinnamon bun from the bakery across the street — so glad they insisted. A full range of baked goods as well as a tempting lunch menu is also available.
A must do:
Ladysmith Trolley
Hop on the Ladysmith Trolley at one of the many stops around town. Catch a ride ( for$ 2) from the waterfront to downtown, from downtown to south Ladysmith, or enjoy a tour of Ladysmith by riding the entire hour and 45- minute route. Schedule and route maps available at the Visitor Information Centre.
Captain’s Blog: by Jon Collier
Thetis Island Marina opening cruise log 207.5. Destination Ladysmith, on the 49th parallel on Vancouver Island. Another stellar day on the calm waters between Thetis Island and Ladysmith, we decided on a slow cruise — six to seven knots — on our short hop across Stuart Channel to Ladysmith Harbour. Ladysmith Harbour has four marinas. We chose the Ladysmith Maritime Society community marina, as it is very close to downtown and we wanted to eat stay and play in the heart of it. We called the marina on VHF 66a and got great moorage right at the end of the ramp. We asked Mark the wharfinger about accommodation close by and he suggested the Holiday House Motel, just above the marina ( lots of hills in Ladysmith). Mel the owner asked if we would we like to be picked up at the Marina. Wow, you gotta love it. He arrived in a few minutes, we loaded our gear into his minivan and drove up the winding hill to the motel. Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina is very kid- friendly. It even has a purple martin nest- cam, that kids can watch on a child height screen right on the dock. The marina also features a Maritime Museum and a launch ramp nearby. There is no fuel in the harbour but there is on Thetis Island and in nearby Chemainus. Visit www.tourismladysmith.ca for more information.