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BY COAL HELPING GRACIOUS & LUMBER BARONS TO BUILD A NATION WELCOME TOWN OFPEOPLE VISTAS BUILT
LADYSMITH Yellow Point & Cedar Visitor Guide
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www.ladysmithchronicle.com
2014 Visitor Guide
Contents
Welcome to Ladysmith Getting Here History Ladysmith’s Festivals Downtown and beyond Arts & Culture Outdoors Top Things To Do Cedar, Yellow Point Staying Here Moving Here Upcoming Events
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Publisher Teresa McKinley publisher@ladysmithchronicle.com
940 Oyster Bay Drive P.O. Box 400, Ladysmith, B.C., V9G 1A3 Phone: 250-245-2277 Fax: 250-245-2230 The Chronicle does its best to ensure content accuracy. The Chronicle is not endorsing any product or business contained within. Photo credits: Kayak photo on cover: Thanks to Sealegs Kayaking Photo of Mary Fox: Thanks to Mary Fox and photographer Tony Puezer
www.ladysmithcofc.com | info@ladysmithcofc.com Office Hours:
Visitor Centre 33 Roberts St., Ladysmith, BC
250-245-2112
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Open Year Round 9:30 am - 4 pm, Monday - Friday July & August 9 am - 5 pm 7 days a week www.ladysmithchronicle.com
LADYSMITH Welcomes You!
Welcome to Ladysmith
Unparalleled spirit on the 49th!
W
elcome to Ladysmith! When you arrive in town, you’ll notice many wonderful features, from the beautiful heritage buildings that grace our main street to the forested trails and glorious beach, but most of all, you’ll notice a wonderful spirit. This is a town where people say hello as you walk down the street, where store owners and employees greet you with a smile and where everyone is eager to share the gem they’ve found on the 49th parallel. In Ladysmith, we honour the past with wonderful museums and a downtown that shines a spotlight on our heritage, but we also celebrate the present and look forward to the future with an ever-growing list of amenities and, quite literally, something for everyone, whether you want to be active outdoors, enjoy ar ts and culture or spend a day shopping. Founded at the turn of the centur y by coal baron James Dunsmuir, the town is one of the oldest communities on Vancouver Island. Our downtown core features buildings that were brought here or constructed in the early 1900s, and we’re ver y proud of our iconic streetscape. Walk along First Avenue, and you will come face to face with photographs and pieces
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of equipment that honour Ladysmith’s early days as a mining community. We also have a great community museum downtown, and we recently opened a Harbour Heritage Centre by the water. While Ladysmith celebrates its heritage, the town has all the modern conveniences and amenities visitors expect. There are a variety of great dining options, whether you want a quick bite or a lingering sitdown meal, and shopping options include groceries, clothing, home decor, books, health foods, computers, antiques, jewelr y and much, much more. Located literally on the 49th parallel, Ladysmith is 26 kilometres south of Nanaimo and 85 kilometres north of Victoria on Highway 1, and our town is
easily accessible by land and by air, so we’re easy to find! Once you get here, you’ll find jawdropping views, as our town sits on a hillside overlooking Ladysmith Harbour. Turn away from the water, and you’ll find beautiful forests. If you are feeling active, the popular Holland Creek Trail system is a beautiful series of trails that offers many opportunities to see waterfalls, wildlife and salmon while taking in the natural beauty of the forest. Head towards the ocean, and you’ll see why Transfer Beach is considered the jewel of Ladysmith. The beach offers warm saltwater swimming, playgrounds, kayak rentals and many beautiful picnic spots, a spray park and much more. There’s lots to celebrate in Ladysmith, and we hope you’ll join the celebration during one of our many festivals, such as the Festival of Lights beginning the last Thursday of November, our maritime-themed festivals in late May and early June, and Ladysmith Days in early August.
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J A PA N E S E R E S TA U R A N T
Coronation Mall 341 TCH, Ladysmith 250-924-7001
What makes taste Our Chicken for Starters!
Coronation Mall Ladysmith 250-245-5525
R E N DIdN one right!
Ce da r Pl an k Te
riyak i Sa lm on
370 Trans Canada Highway, Ladysmith 250.245.7933 • www.gotorickys.com
Safeway, endless solutions & inspiration Trust all your insurance needs to the specialists at VIIC 15-370 Trans Canada Hwy
produce meat fresh baking deli Starbucks
Coronation Mall - Beside the Dollar Store
Ladysmith :: viic.ca
Caring about the Community
HOME
AUTO
LIFE
CRITICAL ILLNESS
www.tourismladysmith.ca 5
TRAVEL
MARINE
BUSINESS
Ladysmith 370 Trans Canada Hwy (Coronation Mall) Store Hours: 7 am - 10 pm; 7 days a week
5 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
LADYSMITH Getting Here
Easily accessible by land, sea and air Driving
The Trans-Canada Highway spans the east side of Vancouver Island, and it’s on this highway that you will find our beautiful town. About 30 minutes south of Nanaimo and about an hour north of Victoria, the entrance to Ladysmith is prominently set along the highway. Whether you are coming from the north or the south, you can take a picturesque drive and make your way to Ladysmith all year round. Arriving by Ferry
You can also make your way to Vancouver Island by ferry and then drive to Ladysmith. T h e r e i s d a i ly B C Ferries ser vice between Tsawwassen and Victor ia and also between Vancouver and Nanaimo. Once on the Island, you will find bus and taxi options for travelling to and from the ferry terminals. To find out more about the fer r y schedules and fares, visit www.bcferries.com.
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Flying
The Nanaimo Airport is located just five minutes away in Cassidy, and Air Canada flies to the airport seven days a week from Vancouver, while WestJet offers daily non-stop flights to and from Calgary. The third-largest airpor t on Vancouver Island also offers a second route to and from Vancouver through Island Express Air and direct flights to and from Seattle through Kenmore Air. Learn more about flights and schedules at www.nanaimoairport.com. From the airpor t, you can take a ride on a
Greyhound bus, taxi or rent a car to get to Ladysmith. You can also find float plane flights into Nanaimo, and the Victoria Airport is only about an hour away. Kayaking
The Ladysmith Maritime Society Community Marina is considered an access/launch point for paddlers exploring B.C.’s coast through the BC Marine Trails Network. Visit www.bcmarinetrails.org for more information about the network. Sailing
If you’re sailing yourself to Ladysmith, you have four great options for moorage. You can book moorage at the Ladysmith Mar itime Society Community Marina at 250-2451146 or reserve online through www.ladysmithmaritimesociety.ca. You can also call the Ladysmith Marina at 250245-4521 or visit www. ladysmithmarina.com for moorage opportunities. Another option is the Page Point Marina at the north of Ladysmith. For information, call 250-245-2312 or visit www. pagepointmarina.com. Your last option is the Ladysmith Government Wharf: 250-245-7511, www.ladysmithfishermanswharf.com.
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Doug Routley, MLA (Nanaimo~North Cowichan)
LADYSMITH 7:30am 9 pm daily
1020 First Avenue
250-245-3221
Bloooms Floral Services
• Fresh Produce
• Instore Bakery
• Delicious Deli
• Pet Supplies
• Garden Centre
• Phone Orders
• Top Cut Meats
• Lotto
• Delivery available
(we deliver at home & around the world)
LADYSMITH
250-245-3344
940 1st Ave., Ladysmith
250-245-1200 printers@the49th.com
CEDAR 7:30 am - 9 pm daily
Box 269 | #1 – 16 High Street Ladysmith V9G 1A2 Phone 250.245.9375 | Fax 250.245.8164 Unit 112 50 Tenth Street Nanaimo V9R 6L1 Phone 250.716.5221 | Fax 250.716.5222 douglas.routley.mla@leg.bc.ca | www.dougroutley.ca
In the Cedar Village Square
250-722-7010
CHEMAINUS 7:30 am - 9 pm daily
In the Chemainus Village Square
250-246-3551
DUNCAN 7:30 am - 9 pm daily
550 Cairnsmore St
250-748-2412
Thank you for Shopping at www.the49th.com
Discover our Heritage Sunday, Monday after 2 pm 18 holes with cart, burger and beer
Open for Breakfast Saturday and Sunday 7:30 am
$50
Wednesday Mens & Ladies Nite 9 holes, competitions, prizes and dinner
$50
Thursdays 9 and dine after 2 pm
9 holes, three course dinner
$35
Open for Lunch Daily 11 am -7 pm Review our menu online Open to Everyone! Call for reservations
Meeting, Weddings, Banquets
250-245-5157 1975 Haslam Road
next to Nanaimo Airport
www.cottonwoodgolfcourse.com
www.tourismladysmith.ca 7
Ladysmith Museum ‘Ladies of Ladysmith’
Recognizing the contribution of women to our Town. Open from April 19 - November 27, 2014 Tuesday through Saturday 12 - 4 pm
721 First Avenue • 250-245-0423 ladysmithmuseum@shaw.ca
Ladysmith & District Historical Society 250-245-0100 www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca
7 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
LADYSMITH A Rich History
A town steeped in history
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adysmith’s rich history is a big part of the town’s charm. Ladysmith owes its founding to the coal industr y and James Dunsmuir, although the first inhabitants were the people off the Stz’uminus First Nation, who established fishing camps around the Ladysmith Harbour for thousands of years. In 1884, the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway Grant to James Dunsmuir, who owned the Wellington Collier y Company, privatized many of the Stz’uminus First Nation lands and resources. Dunsmuir founded Oyster Harbour, as this area was previously called, in the late 1890s to become the shipping por t of the new Extension mine, just south of Nanaimo. Construction of a railway extension to Oyster Harbour began in 1898. Miners were required to relocate to the newly-built townsite facing the bay at Oyster Harbour, and Ladysmith became an “instant town.” Many homes, shops, hotels and even churches were dismantled and shipped by railway from the nearby mining towns of Wellington and Extension and then re-assembled in Oyster Harbour. As was typical of the time, entire buildings were moved to new locations. The town was incorporated in 1904, and Dunsmuir named it Ladysmith, in honour of the end of the siege of Ladysmith, South Africa, during the Boer War. Fuelled by the strong demand for coal, the new
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community grew quickly. Today, the Stz’uminus people reside within four reser ves, two of which border Ladysmith Harbour. They are a progressive people who are moving towards building an independent nation through economic development, education and partnerships. The Stz’uminus community includes many talented artists who are passionate about sharing the nation’s rich culture with others. You will find the Stz’uminus community hub on Shell Beach Road. Here, you’ll find a beautiful new Stz’uminus Community School, along with a community centre and gymnasium, a health and elder’s centre and a daycare. If you love to dig into a community’s past, our town offer s many oppor tunities to explore our histor y and learn about the people who built Ladysmith. Wa l k a l o n g Fir st Avenue in downtown Ladysmith and you’ll not only have a chance to learn about our town’s mining histor y through the ar tifacts displayed along the street,
but you’ll also have a chance to step back in time at the Ladysmith Museum. Operated by the Ladysmith and District Historical Society, the museum features a wide array of artifacts and photographs that bring Ladysmith’s history to life, and it has a unique focus on the “ladies of Ladysmith.” The historical society also provides free, public access to histor ical documents such as newspapers, maps and employee record books through the Ladysmith Archives, which are located below Tim Horton’s on First Avenue. A new digital microfilm reader/printer makes it even easier to find what you are looking for. Ladysmith has a strong maritime heritage, and the Ladysmith Maritime Society does a great job of maintaining that history.Visit the Ladysmith Maritime Society Community Marina, and you’ll be able to step inside the Maritime Museum, take a historic boat tour of the Ladysmith Harbour and find out about local heritage boats. There’s even a Maritime Heritage Days event in early June to celebrate the history of our harbour, its people and its vessels. The maritime society recently opened a brand-new Harbour Heritage Centre inside the Expo Legacy Building on Oyster Bay Drive. The beautiful interactive displays pay homage to the industr ies that built Ladysmith — oysters, coal, fishing and logging — and help us understand more about what this town and this waterfront was like in the early years.
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1... 2... 3... 4 Great Pubs to Choose From in Ladysmith, Saltair & Chemainus
Enjoy our patio
ladysmith inn 640 - 1st Avenue 250-245-8033 Ladysmith
Check out our Food and Drink
Specials
Green Lantern
Sports Bar & Grill
Karaoke Wed & Sat
Liquor Store 9 am-11 pm 250-246-3131 9644 Chemainus Rd
Daily Drink & The Saltair Pub Lunch Specials
Food Specials
Drop by for fun on the patio or relax inside
10519 Knight Road
“where friends meet”
We’re a 5 minute drive from Ladysmith or Chemainus off Chemainus Road
Weekly Fun
Monday - $10 Pasta Tuesday - $10 Curry Saturday - Prime Rib Sunday All you can eat Roast Beef
250-246-4942
Food Specials
Fridays Monday Music Trivia & Prizes $11 Curry Chicken Saturdays - Fun Night Tuesday - Lunch (Karaoke & DJ & Prizes) Burger Platter $6 Free Meat Draws Dinner - Buy entree from 2 - 4 pm or favourite, get 2nd one at 50% Off Sundays - Music Jam 8 pm - 11 pm Wednesday Bring your instruments and 2 for 1 Wings $11 join in! Thursday - 2 for 1 Hosted by Steak Dinner $17 Tom Morrissey Friday - Roast Beef Dinner Different Drink Specials Saturday - Seafood Night EVERYDAY Sunday - Veal Cutlets & Sunday 9576 Chemainus Rd Saturday 11:30 am to 2 pm 250-416-0411 Brunch Menu
www.tourismladysmith.ca 9
9 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
LADYSMITH A Town of Festivals
Join the year-round festival fun
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adysmith has built up a reputation for its amazing familyfriendly community festivals that attract thousands of people to town, and they seem to keep getting bigger and better. Three of our big highlights are the Maritime Festivals, Ladysmith Days and the Festival of Lights. Maritime Festivals The Ladysmith Maritime Festival has become a tradition for many families in Ladysmith and visitors from afar, and this year, Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) is presenting three separate events featuring a wide variety of maritime-themed activities. First up is the inaugural Ladysmith Seafood Fest Sunday, May 18 at Transfer Beach. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Seafood Fest will highlight not only the amazing bounty of the Salish Sea, but also the amazing restaurants and chefs we have in Ladysmith and Central Vancouver Island, who will show off their culinary skills. There will be a kid-friendly fun zone and more.
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Next, the LMS will present its hugely popular Kid’s Pirate Day Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the LMS Community Marina. Join Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew for a day of free, fun activities for the whole family, featuring a giant pirate slide, a petting zoo, the Kinsmen bullhead derby, family harbour tours and much more. Finally, the LMS Community Marina docks and heritage buildings will host Ladysmith Mar itime Her itage Days during the evening of Friday, June 6 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7. There will be heritage vessels and displays, a floating museum, harbour tours, nautical demonstrations, heritage talks and more. Ladysmith Days For more than 40 years, Ladysmith has been celebrating everything local during Ladysmith Days, a summer festival offering a wide variety of family activities all around town. This year’s festival will take place Friday, August 1, Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3. The weekend’s activities include pancake breakfasts, a bullhead fishing derby, a street market along First Avenue, a
parade, a Ladysmith Has Talent competition, live music, a colourful fireworks display and more. Events are held at Coronation Mall, on First Avenue, at Aggie Field and at Transfer Beach. Festival of Lights Many people say their Christmas season doesn’t start until they’ve been to the Ladysmith Festival of Lights Light Up. Light Up, which takes place on the last Thursday in November, is the kickoff for Ladysmith’s Festival of Lights, an aweinspiring community celebration that fills the town with shimmering lights, Christmas decorations and incredible spirit until the first Sunday in January. Light Up has become an impor tant part of many families’ Christmas tradition, and with the spectacular fireworks display, nighttime parade, enter tainment and family activities, it’s easy to see why. The Festival of Lights will celebrate its 27th anniversary in 2014, and it all starts with Light Up Thursday, November 27. To keep the festive spirit of the Festival of Lights going, the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association has begun the Old Tyme Christmas and Candlelight Walk, a wonderful way to discover downtown Ladysmith while doing some Christmas shopping, spending time with family and friends and getting into the Christmas spirit. This year’s event will take place Friday, December 5.
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PIZZA
Fresh Local Oysters Fully Licensed - Draft Beer
Daily Smorg at 5 pm Proudly serving Ladysmith since 1999
250-245-3263 112 High Street, Ladysmith (behind the Post Office formerly the bowling alley)
• Homemade Desserts • Rated Best Cheesecake on the Island • Homemade Bread • Soups and More • Breakfast the Old-Fashioned Way
Renee’s Soup & Sandwich
720 - 1st Ave. 250-245-4198
OPEN at
5Mon-Sat am to 4 pm
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• Pizza • Chicken • Pasta • Donairs • Ribs • Salads
TWO ONE Roberts Street Pizza
20 Roberts Street
Hotline 250-245-1119
Come Wine, Dine and Unwind
WIGWAM
Fabulous Smorgasbord Thurs. - Sat., starts 5 pm Open Daily Tues - Sat 11 am - 8 pm 438 First Ave., Ladysmith
New Pizzas Chec our u k out n patioique !
THE THE
Try our Pho Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Also available Vietnamese and Chinese Cuisine
YOU LOVE IT!
OR
Authentic Cantonese & Szechwan Cuisine
Weekly Specials Featuring Steak & Atlantic Lobster 1140 Trans Canada Hwy, South Nanaimo BoldKnightNan
www.boldknight.ca
250.754.6411 Closed Mondays www.tourismladysmith.ca 11
11 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
Downtown and Beyond
LADYSMITH
Explore Ladysmith’s heritage
Find many signs of the past on First Avenue
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adysmith takes pride in its heritage and displays that pride in many different ways throughout its beautiful downtown core. Originally designed and laid out in 1904 by coal baron James Dunsmuir as a community for his mine workers, Ladysmith has evolved into a diversified and vibrant community and a lot of that comes from Ladysmith’s iconic downtown streetscape, featuring a diverse group of heritage structures and artifacts. But downtown Ladysmith is in no way stuck in the past, as you’ll find computers, books, health food, auto supplies, banks, a credit union, realtors, a law office, financial services, hairdressers, a bakery that is famous for its cinnamon buns, coffee shops, groceries, a drug store, a butcher, restaurants, a pet shop and much more inside the town’s unique buildings. Walk through the door, and friendly business owners and staff will eagerly share their passion for Ladysmith while taking care of you. As you walk along First Avenue, you’ll find centur y-old buildings that have been carefully restored. Ladysmith’s iconic streetscape was created virtually overnight, with many buildings transported from Nanaimo at the turn of the last century. Look closely at a number of these heritage buildings, and you’ll find the new heritage plaques that
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have been installed on seven buildings on First Avenue and Buller Street that recognize those structures’ historical significance in the community. Pick up a Ladysmith Heritage Buildings brochure from the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre at 33 Roberts St., and you’ll find maps showcasing 34 heritage structures and short descriptions of these unique spaces, many of which were built in and around 1900. Discover the only original school building left in Ladysmith, one of the town’s oldest hotels, an Edwardian building that has seen continuous commercial use for over a century. Continue your journey of discovery by taking a walk along the Ladysmith Heritage Route, which highlights the town’s history of coal mining, forestry, rail, and marine industry. The selfguided tour provides a link from our living heritage down-
town to the working waterfront and Transfer Beach Park. Pick up a brochure at the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce office and follow along to learn more about the industries that built Ladysmith’s foundation. Spend some time looking at the historical photographs featured in the metal collage on First Avenue and track down the Bull Block, the Ore Cart, the Fordson donkey, weigh scales from Ladysmith’s time as a coal shipping port, a locomotive built in 1923 and many more unique heritage artifacts which are proudly displayed throughout town. While you are downtown, take a step back in time at the Ladysmith Museum at 721 First Ave. Operated by volunteers from the Ladysmith and District Historical Society, the museum features an impressive collection of ar tifacts, photographs and written information. You can also discover histor ical information at the Ladysmith Archives, below Tim Hor ton’s on First Avenue, which provide free, public access to thousands of documents related to the history of the Ladysmith area. Extend your heritage tour to the waterfront and visit the Heritage Harbour Centre inside the “Machine Shop” on Oyster Bay Drive that was built in the early 1940s as a repair shop for locomotive engines and truck logging equipment, then head to the Ladysmith Maritime Society Community Marina to visit the Maritime Museum and take a historical boat tour of the Ladysmith Harbour.
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Pamela’s
Custom Jewellery
Global, Fair Trade and Local Artisans
539 - 1st Ave. • Mens & Ladies Clothing, Shoes & Accessories • 250-924-5452 www.tourismladysmith.ca 13
13 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
Shopping and dining
Find friendly service, great products and great food
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adysmith’s charm extends from the exterior of its heritage buildings inside their doors to the one-of-a-kind items they sell and the friendly people who sell them. Stroll along our award-winning heritage main street, step inside centur y-old buildings and discover great shopping and eating. A unique and enchanting shopping experience awaits you on First Avenue. Along our main street and its side streets in the downtown core, you will find a meat shop, a health food store, global and fair-trade goods, hair salons, a gluten-free bakery, a soup and sandwich diner known for its homemade desserts, clothing, jewelry, pet supplies, real estate agents, restaurants, a bakery that offers famous cinnamon buns, coffee shops, a drug store, books, a computer store, feed and pet supplies, a grocery store, home decor, a kitchen store, a library, consignment shops, a thrift store and much more. Ladysmith is becoming a destination for shoppers on the lookout for that oneof-kind item that has a story. The town is full of wonderful antique shops, vintage stores and consignment stores offering shoppers an oppor tunity to find something special. In south Ladysmith, Coronation Mall, which is right on the TransC a n a d a H i g h w a y, offers a variety of shops and ser vices, including the t ow n ’s o n ly government liquor store, a major food store, a drug store, travel agents, banks, hairdressers, a sitdown family restaurant, sushi and
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fast food restaurants. As well, the friendly volunteers at the Community Police Station in Coronation Mall are always happy to answer questions and visit. If all this shopping is working up an appetite, Ladysmith can satisfy your appetite, whatever you’re in the mood for! Tr y a t a s t e o f Ladysmith with our famous award-winning cinnamon buns and cheesecake , gluten-free or ethnic culinary offerings, signature coffees, a small snack or tasty meal. You’ll find plenty of options in and around town to satisfy any craving. We’ve got
something for every budget and every taste. At the south end of Ladysmith, Coronation Mall provides many dining options, including sit-down meals and fast food, and you can also pick up picnic supplies and coffee and sweet treats at the grocery store. Head downtown, and you’ll find many options for everything from takeout or a quick bite to a leisurely meal with friends and family. You can enjoy gluten-free snacks and light meals, home-baked snacks, bistrostyle meals, fresh-roasted coffee, Asian cuisine, fast food, Italian food, Indian cuisine, pizza and much more in a wide selection of restaurants and coffee shops in and around Ladysmith’s downtown core. As well, you’ll be able to pick up everything you need for a picnic or snack on the road in our grocery store. Venture north of town, and you’ll find a variety of fine dining options, pubs, fast food and pizza to help satisfy any craving in Cassidy, Yellow Point and Cedar.
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• Kitchen Tools • Gourmet Foods • Cooking Classes • Unique Gift Ideas for any cook or wannabe chef
9-5 Mon-Sat, (10-4 Sunday summer only)
524 1st Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-7307 www.worldlygourmet.ca
• custom framing • local art • unique gifts
Bf A
Bayview Framing & Art 421 First Ave., Ladysmith, BC
250-245-0011
Ph. 250-245-9717 411C 1st Ave, Ladysmith
250-245-4726 Ladies new & slightly used • clothing • shoes, hats • handbags • scarves • jewellery • travel wear
www.the-top-drawer.ca www.tourismladysmith.ca 15
MEXX • FRENCH DRESSING • ESPE
411A - 1st Ave, Ladysmith 250-245-7779
MEXX • FRENCH DRESSING • ESPE
• PARKHURST • RENUAR • TRIBAL • GILMOUR
“New & gently used books” 535 First Avenue Ladysmith, BC
• PARKHURST • RENUAR • TRIBAL • GILMOUR
www.bayviewframing.ca
15 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
LADYSMITH Arts & Culture
An abundance of art
Embrace the arts in Ladysmith
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adysmith is home to many talented ar tisans, and these painters, potters, sculptors, photographers and other gifted artists are finding more and more ways to showcase their work, as residents and visitors alike embrace the arts. We have a wonderful art gallery and events throughout the year that highlight the work of local artists. The only public art gallery between Victoria and Nanaimo, the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery hosts thematic art shows every month and sells the work of local artisans in its unique gift shop. Each year, the Ar ts Council of Ladysmith presents 12 thematic shows a year to present members’ a r t wo r k . E n g a g i n g g u e s t s p e a ke r s are brought in to speak at the opening galas, and each s h o w features a wide variety of work, including phot o g r a p h y, two-dimensional pieces and threedimensional work in many
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mediums. Step inside the gallery, and you will see works by students, local residents and international artists on the walls. A group of dedicated ar tists and volunteers opened the gallery in the historic Expo Building on Oyster Bay Drive in 2006, and it has grown tremendously over the years. The iconic blue building was once used as a train repair shop during the mining boom, and the building’s unique architecture has been incorporated into the gallery. The Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery at 610 Oyster Bay Dr. is open Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. While browsing the gallery, you might even get a chance to meet a local artist in the studio. For more information, call 250-245-1252 or visit their website at www.ladysmithwaterfrongallery.com. Members of the Ar ts Council of Ladysmith will open their doors to the public during the second annual Spring Ar t Tour this April. The three-day self-guided tour April 25-27 offers an opportunity to meet artists in their creative environments, view demonstrations and find some
of Ladysmith’s hidden gems. You’ll discover crystalline pottery, glass creations, abstract paintings, wall hangings made of recycled fabric, functional and decorative pottery and much more. The dedicated volunteers with the Arts Council of Ladysmith who bring us the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery and the Spring Art Tour are also behind Ladysmith’s renowned one-day art festival, Arts on the Avenue. Ar ts on the Avenue , which is celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, brings ar tists and ar t lovers together under huge white tents in downtown Ladysmith for one day. If you love art, you’ll want to make sure you’re in Ladysmith on Sunday, August 26. First Avenue from Buller Street to Warren Street is the place to discover everything from paintings to jewelry, pottery, carving, metal pieces, photography, painted glassware and hand-woven items.You’ll have a chance to meet the artist and take home a treasure, and you may even see some of the artists at work. This year’s guest artist is Michael Dean. Live music fills the air, and children have their own hands-on art station where they can paint, draw and create whatever their imagination sees. New this year is a summer art tour. “The Artist’s Garden” is a marriage of ar t and garden from Chemainus to Yellow Point.
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A one Day Sale & Festival of the Arts th
Sunday, August 24
10 - 4 pm 1st Avenue
Guest Artist: Michael Dean
Ladysmith
wood Herb Farm l e z a 50 artists, music, kids art area HOver www.artsontheavenue.ca An eclectic gath ering of arts and artists NEW MEMBERS WELCOME | MONTHLY GROUP EXHIBITS | ART CLASSES
L A D Y S M I T H
Dennis J.A. Brown, NorthStar Studio
610 Oyster Bay Drive, 250-245-9918 www.northstarartstudio.com Original Acrylics, Watercolours and Workshops Open most mornings, drop in for a visit.
Handcrafted goods made with natural ingredients • culinary • pet care • healing • bath, skin and hair care
WAT E R F R O N T G A L L E RY
Open daily 11 - 5 April to December 13576 Adshead Rd
610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith, BC
(on the way to Transfer Beach) Open Tuesday to Sunday | Noon to 4pm | 250.245.1252 ARTSCOUNCIL
www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com
Cedar & YELLOW POINT ARTISANS’ Tour
Create a fun filled day visiting studios, shops, galleries & farms.
E FRmEmer Su AP M
Pick up your brochure at the Ladysmith Visitors Centre or visit our website.
www.cyartisans.com
250-245-8007
www.hazelwoodherbfarm.com
MARY FOX POTTERY
A TRULY INSPIRING STUDIO TO VISIT!
321 - 3RD AVENUE LADYSMITH, BC 250-245-3778 www.maryfoxpottery.ca
Stoneware & Raku Pottery Hours: 10 -5 Tue - Sat & Holidays
Jo and Vic Duffhues www.jovicpottery.com
www.tourismladysmith.ca 17
250-245-8728 4781 Shell Beach Road Ladysmith, BC
USUAL STUDIO HOURS TUES - SAT 1 TO 5 PM OR BY CHANCE
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Music and theatre
Enjoy live performances
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othing beats the passion of a live performance, and whether you’re in the mood for theatre or music, you’ll find it in Ladysmith and Cedar. The Ladysmith Little Theatre offers a great selection of comedies, dramas and mysteries each year, and they always produce a family-friendly Christmas pantomime in December. The theatre’s home is the old Diamond School House on Christie Road, which was built in 1912 and now provides an intimate setting for Ladysmith Little Theatre’s award-winning performances. The theatre, which is run completely by its dedicated volunteer members, opened its doors in March 2004 and has been offering high-quality community theatre ever since. Community theatre has been going strong in Cedar for more than 60 years, and the Yellow Point Drama Group is the secondoldest theatre group in B.C. The group got its star t in the early 1950s when former opera singer, leading director of drama and elocution teacher Anne Mossman moved to Yellow Point, and since then, Yellow Point Drama Group has marked a number of successful theatrical milestones, winning numerous awards along the way for the quality of its acting, direction, costumes and
set design. The Yellow Point Drama Group presents its plays at the Cedar Community Hall, and the hall is also home to the annual Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular, a dance and music extravaganza produced by Ladysmith native Katy Bowen-Roberts and Razzle Dazzle Productions Blending favourite Christmas carols with popular music from the past and present, as well as dancing, a live band and dramatic readings, this show has become a holiday tradition for many families. Speaking of music, Ladysmith is home to many talented singers and musi-
cians, and there are plenty of oppor tunities for them and for touring mu s i c i a n s to take the stage. The 49th Café and In the Beantime Café in downtown Ladysmith both bring in Canadian musicians from afar and showcase local talent in an intimate setting. You can also catch live bands regularly at the Sportsman Pub on First Avenue. In the summer, the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association presents live music on the waterfront for a great cause. Concerts in the Park is an annual concert series at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre, and this year, the series celebrates its 15th anniversary by presenting nine concerts from June 29 to August 31. Admission is by donation, and proceeds go toward programs and ser vices for the community. As well, live music plays a big part in Ladysmith’s major events and festivals, which shine a spotlight on homegrown talent.
3 floors of antiques and collectables • appraisal services • buying & selling
12 Roberts Street, Ladysmith BC 250-668-6353 / 250-245-OLDE www.antiqueaddict.ca
Recycling At It’s Finest! 18 18
One of Vancouver Island’s
LARGEST ANTIQUE MALLS
340 Trans-Canada Hwy, Ladysmith - Open Daily 10 - 5:30 www.postofficeantiquemall.com 250-245-7984
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Whether home or away, Your “Live-Well” Pharmacist is always here to dispense great advice
• Pharmacy Services • Cosmetics • Magazines • Pocket books
• • • •
Sunblock Sunglasses Giftware Greeting Cards
• • • •
Post Office Memory Cards Snacks & Drinks Home Healthcare
Come visit us today!
441 First Ave., Ladysmith
250-245-3113
www.stjosephselem.ca
Kindergarten Grades 1-7 Preschool and Child Care
Accepting Christian Registrations Values
Mon. to Fri. 9 to 8, Sat. 9 to 6, Sun. & Holidays 12 to 5 www.ladysmithpharmasave.com
Locally Owned & Operated
Guided school tours to fit your busy schedule. Come experience an affordable alternative!
Our school offers:
• Safe & Caring Environment • Music and Band Program • K-7 French Program • P. E. Specialist Teacher • Preschool and Daycare • Before & After School Care • Casual School Uniforms • Affordable Tuition • Financial Assistance
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19 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
LADYSMITH The Great Outdoors
Trails and active living
Explore over 26 kilometres of trails
W
ith beautiful seaside walks, a series of forested hiking trails and a plethora of parks, Ladysmith is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Ladysmith’s gorgeous harbour setting and hillside landscapes offer more than 26 kilometres of hiking and walking trails. Ladysmith also offers both onand off-road cycling for novice and experienced riders and plenty of beautiful places to run, hike and walk, whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful stroll or a challenging workout. One of the most wellknown and well-used trails in Ladysmith is the Holland Creek Trail, which winds 5.8 kilometers along both sides of Holland Creek. Highlights of this beautiful trail include Crystal Falls and the Colliery Dams, and if you are here in the fall, there’s a good chance you’ll see the salmon spawning. Two major access points for the Holland Creek Trail provide ample parking, and you can access the trail at the dip on Dogwood
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Drive or at the corner of Sixth Avenue a n d Methuen Street. The trail is wheelchairaccessible w i t h s o m e assistance from the Sixth Avenue/Methuen Street entrance. If you’re searching for a spectacular view, walk the 1.2-kilometre Rotary Lookout Trail. This trail is accessed near the log bridge at the top of the Holland Creek Trail. At the top, you’ll find a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and an amazing view. Looking for more of a challenge? The popular Heart Lake Loop is a 6.4-kilometre hike that takes about two hours and rewards you with breathtaking views of the town, the Gulf Islands and Mount Baker. Initially, the trail is very steep, but there are rest stations along the way. The trail is accessible from Davis Road Park or the Holland Creek Trail. Intersecting with the Heart Lake Loop, the Stocking Lake Loop is a beautiful, winding hike that takes you to Stocking Lake. This challenging 9.3-kilometre trail begins at Davis Road Park and takes about two hours and 40 minutes. Feel like being near the ocean? The kilometre-long Marine Walk trail star ts at Transfer Beach and ambles through the trees to the waterfront. You will pass the Ladysmith
Maritime Society Community Marina and follow an old abandoned railway path that ends at the Government Wharf. You can also take the Estuary Trail, a short10-minute walk along the edge of the Ladysmith Harbour. This trail offers great views of the marine environment, and you can even see salmon entering Holland Creek in the fall. At low tide, you can enjoy a shoreline stroll to Transfer Beach Park and connect to the Marine Walk. The trail can be accessed from a small parking lot at Kin Road. Ladysmith is also par t of the Trans Canada Trail, one of Canada’s truly great endeavours, which connects the country from coast to coast to coast. The Ladysmith section of the trail begins at the intersection of Chemainus and Davis roads and ends at the intersection of Christie and Strathcona roads. Ladysmith boasts more than 110 hectares of parks and open space offering everything from seaside fun, nature experiences, playgrounds and play fields. The Frank Jameson Community Centre offers recreation ser vices such as a 25-metre, four-lane pool with hot tub and other facilities, a modern fitness centre and a variety of drop-in classes. Love to golf? You’ll have to tr y Cottonwood Golf Course, a public 18-hole course just nor th of Ladysmith that is known for its beautiful greens, we l l - d e s i g n e d course for golfe r s o f e ve r y level and quality restaurant. The Par 3, nine-hole Ladysmith Golf Club right in town is a great course for the whole family. The course is great for golfers of all levels, rentals are available, and drop-ins are always welcome.
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View Point 3 4
Ladysmith Trail System
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Transfer Beach Park
Seaside park is considered Ladysmith’s jewel
T
ransfer Beach Par k is often referred to as the jewel of Ladysmith, and you need only spend a few minutes on the shores of the Salish Sea to see why. This centrally-located seaside park is a major gathering spot for family activities and community events. Located just off the Trans-Canada Highway and just a shor t walk from downtown Ladysmith, this 28.33-acre park on the waterfront boasts beautiful views of the harbour and plenty of space to run around, enjoy a picnic, swim, search for shells and sea creatures and play. You’ll find an off-leash dog park, a spray park, playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, a horseshoe pitch, kayak rentals, food concessions and fully equipped and accessible bathrooms. Transfer Beach Park is the perfect picnic
area, with a sheltered Kin Hut and a wide expanse of grass and trees, and numerous benches and picnic tables. Throughout the summer months, you’ll often stumble upon special community events and activities at Transfer Beach, like the Chamber Farmers Mar ket as well as concer ts at the park’s large amphitheatre. If you’d rather be on the water than looking at it, Transfer Beach is a paddler’s paradise. With its warm saltwater, beautiful views and opportunities to see wildlife such as seals, purple
martins, eagles and herons, the sheltered Ladysmith Harbour is an ideal spot to kayak or try stand up paddleboarding. Sealegs Kayaking and Marine Adventures offers guided kayak tours, snorkel adventures, stand up paddleboard rentals, kayak rentals and sales, clinics and lessons through its Eco Adventure Centre right at Transfer Beach Park. To access the par k, turn onto Tr a n s fe r B e a c h Boulevard from the Tr ans-Canada Highway or take a short walk or drive from Ladysmith’s downtown core.
www.ladysmithcofc.com
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Rentals, Sales, Tours, Lessons
Fun for Everyone!
Parks, Recreation & Culture
We are bursting with recreational activities & fun-filled events for all ages!
Stand-up Paddle Boards Snorkeling, Kayak Sailing
www.sealegskayaking.com Transfer Beach, Ladysmith 250.245.4096
Check out our Activity Guide for information on swim & fitness schedules, drop-in sports, programs & special events! follow us on twitter or facebook: ladysmithprc
i 250.245.6424 | www.ladysmith.ca
BBQ Picnic Dock Floating Welcome Centre Dine on the Dock Fridays Festivals
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23 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
Marine Tourism
A boater — and boat lover’s — paradise
W
ith a tag line like “A View to Sea,” it’s no wonder marine tourism is such a big part of Ladysmith’s appeal. With four marinas and a beach and seaside park, the Ladysmith Harbour provides amazing opportunities for recreation and fun, and we’re a paradise for boaters and paddlers. At Transfer Beach Park, you can rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards, explore the protected waters of the harbour and take the time to watch birds and wildlife. Swimmers will enjoy the harbour’s warm water. The Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) Community Marina, which can be accessed off Oyster Bay Drive, is a hub of activity, all centered around the gorgeous new Marine Visitor Reception Centre , where you can find a place to sit and relax and, star ting in May, food service such as breakfast or a light lunch. While on the docks, delve into Ladysmith’s maritime past in the floating Maritime Museum, take a harbour tour, check out the wonderful collection of heritage vessels and spend some time bird watching. You can also discover more about Ladysmith’s past in the new Harbour Heritage Centre at 610 Oyster Bay Dr. Step back onto the docks, and you’ll discover that Ladysmith
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Harbour is one of the few B.C. nesting sites for the endangered purple mar tins, and you can see their nest boxes — and these beautiful little birds — on the dock pilings at the LMS Community Marina. The LMS wor ks in cooperation with the BC Purple Mar tin Stewardship a n d Recover y Program, which recorded the highest number of pairs and young birds in the 28-year histor y of the nest box recovery program in 2013. They host an open house each July to share more information about the purple martins and the recovery program with the public. While walking along the docks, there’s
also a good chance you’ll spot bald eagles, ospreys, gulls and shorebirds. Each year, the LMS hosts a mar itime festival, and it has expanded into three separ ate family festivals — a Seafood Fest Sunday, May 18 at Transfer Beach, Kid’s Pirate Days Saturday, May 31 at the docks, and Ladysmith Maritime Heritage Days Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7. As well, the LMS presents Dine on the Dock themed dinners in the Marine Visitor Reception Centre during the summer with food and music, and plans to offer marine-themed talks and presentations in the centre. At Ladysmith Marina, accessible off Rocky Creek Road, you’ll discover stateof-the-art boathouses and the Ladysmith Yacht Club’s clubhouse. The Ladysmith Yacht Club offers enjoyable cruising and racing programs, as well as social events and a welcoming reciprocal dock, and the club has been around since 1985. The Ladysmith Government Wharf off Rocky Creek Road offers a boat launch, overnight par king, public washrooms and showers, and laundry facilities. At the nor th end of Ladysmith, you’ll find Page Point Marina, accessible off Brenton Page Road. This year-round facility offers a licensed bistro, room rentals at the Page Point Inn, laundry facilities, showers, free wi-fi, a community barbecue and bonfire pit and more.
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Fa
Golf
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• Family Saturday & Sunday Only $25. Must be accompanied by an Adult. Maximum 3 juniors. • 2 for 1 Golf Wednesdays and Fridays • Men’s Golf Thursday 9 am • Women’s Golf Tuesday 10 am • Rentals available • Drop-Ins Always Welcome
Ladysmith Golf Club 380 Davis Rd. 250-245-7313 Just above Coronation Mall
www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com
Affordable Moorage Whether you need a completely covered boathouse, or moorage for a month, the Ladysmith Marina has a place for your vessel. A state-of-the-art marina you can afford. The Ladysmith Marina is located in the heart of the beautiful Gulf Islands cruising grounds, with all the convenience of a mid-Vancouver Island moorage, and is available to you at a manageable price. monthly moorage Starting at:
8
$ 25/Per foot
To find out more contact us today. 12335 Rocky Creek Rd | 250-245-4521 LadysmithMarina.com
a division of
www.tourismladysmith.ca 25
oak bay marine group
25 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
Top Things To Do in Ladysmith, Cedar & Yellow Point
Visit Transfer Beach Spend a day lounging on the beach, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or swimming at Transfer Beach Park. Bring your children to the spray park and playground, take your dogs for a walk while you look out over the harbour or picnic at the amphitheatre.
Go for a hike Find a good pair of walking shoes and enjoy the fresh air as you walk Ladysmith’s famous Holland Creek Trail, the challenging Hear t Lake Loop or Stocking Lake Loop, the more relaxing Estuary Trail or any of our 26 kilometres of hiking and walking trails.
See the countryside Unwind with a scenic drive through the rural countr yside in Cedar and Yellow Point, just north of Ladysmith.You’ll find farms, ar t studios, a farmers’ market, an English-style countr y pub, an assor tment of bed and breakfasts, parks, trails and so much more.
Visit our marinas Stroll along the harbour at one of our four marinas and keep your eyes peeled for seals, herons, bald eagles, purple martins, jellyfish and other wildlife. Chat with friendly boat owners and learn about their vessels, admire heritage vessels and take a deeep breath of sea air.
Take in a festival If you time your visit to Ladysmith right, you can be part of the crowd during one of our renowned festivals. Bring the whole family for our Maritime Festivals in late May and early June, Ladysmith Days in early August and the Festival of Lights, starting November 27.
Enjoy the arts Admire the ar twor k hanging on the walls of the Ladysmith Waterfront G a l l e r y, t a k e i n t h e Ladysmith Spring Art Tour or Countr y Christmas Self-Guided Tour in Cedar and Yellowpoint, buy a ticket to a live theatre performance, and enjoy live music.
Shop ‘til you drop Step inside Ladysmith’s heritage buildings on First Avenue and find unique gifts for your self or someone special or take a trip out to Coronation Mall at the south end of Ladysmith. Chat with friendly business owners and get to know more about our town.
Satisfy your sweet tooth Don’t leave Ladysmith without trying one of the Old Town Bakery’s famous cinnamon buns, voted Best on the Island. Or the cheesecake at Renee’s Soup & Sandwich, another Best of the Island winner. You can also find glutenfree treats and much more in our eateries.
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Ivy Green Husky
Dine In and Drive Thru
Native Gift Shop Food Mart Gas, Diesel, Propane Open 6 am10 pm daily
June 5 Sept 25 Cruise Nights
250-245-5213
6:00 8:30 pm every Thursday
250-245-5244 12615 Trans Canada Hwy., Ladysmith www.tourismladysmith.ca 27
27 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
LADYSMITH Explore Cedar-Yellow Point
Take the scenic route
Relax and discover the countryside
F
eeling the need to press pause and slow down a bit? Unwind with a trip to the picturesque and tranquil countryside of Yellow Point and Cedar, just north of Ladysmith. Tour this broad, forested peninsula, which juts out into the waters of Stuart Channel in the Strait of Georgia, and you’ll discover rambling country roads, friendly farmers, talented artisans and a series of beautiful beaches, parks and trails. The main road into Yellow Point is Yellow Point Road, which is accessible from Cedar Road. The landscape in Yellow Point is mostly rural, and you’ll find several farms selling the fruits of their labour and offering tours and family-friendly activities, as well as many talented artisans who are excited to welcome you into their studios. From April to December, many artisans open their shops, galleries and studios, giving you a chance to meet them, find out how they make their beautiful pieces of art and purchase unique handcrafted gifts for yourself or others. You’ll find a wide variety of work, including pottery, paintings, prints, giftware, jewelry, Native ar t, woodwork, car vings, weaving, textiles, photography and furniture, as well as homemade farmfresh baking, jams and food, toys and bath and beauty products. The Country Christmas Self-Guided Tour, which celebrates its 26th anniversary in 2014, is the perfect opportunity to discover everything
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the members of the CedarYellow Point Artisans’ Association have to offer. For four days i n N ov e m b e r, you can meander through the countryside while visiting over 20 farms, galleries, studios and shops. You can pick up a brochure at the Ladysmith Visitor Centre. The Yellow Point-Cedar area is also well-known for its agritourism, and as you explore these rural communities, you will find a variety of activities that are fun for the whole family. As you travel north of Ladysmith and head towards Yellow Point and Cedar, you’ll find a beautiful kiwi farm on Brenton Page Road. Stay in one of Kiwi Cove Lodge’s guest rooms, and you’ll be able to explore the peaceful 10-acre waterfront property while learning about the 132 kiwi vines planted here. Visit Hazelwood Herb Farm in North Oyster, and you will have a unique opportunity to learn about more than 400 different herbs that are cultivated and processed on site. Make sure to add McNab’s Corn Maze on Yellow Point Road to your to-do list. Here, you’ll have a chance to experience
an extensive pick-your-own pumpkin patch and a seven-acre corn maze, which features a new theme each year.You’ll also be able to take a hay ride and pet friendly farm animals. Nearby, you’ll find Yellow Point Cranberries, a family-owned and operated cranberry farm on Yellow Point Road that produces about 200,000 pounds of cranberries a year. Owners Grant and Justine Keefer produce over 30 selections of cranberry confections and sell them in their two-room store. They also host tours in September and October, where you can learn all about the cranberry harvest. While visiting the area’s farms, take the time to stop in at the Cedar Farmers’ Market, the Cedar Swap Meet and the Cassidy Farm Market and Deli. The Cedar Farmers’ Market takes place Sundays from Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving from 10 a.m. to early afternoon on the fields by the Crow and Gate Neighbourhood Pub at 2313 Yellow Point Rd. The Cassidy Farm Market and Deli can be found across the Trans-Canada Highway from the Nanaimo Airport, and the Cedar Swap Meet is held Sunday mornings at the Cedar Community Hall at 2388 Cedar Rd. This area also offers a great range of hiking and walking trails and parks. Enjoy swimming, beach combing, kayaking, walking, picknicking, fishing and scuba at favourite spots such as Elliott’s Beach Park, Hemer Provincial Park, Morden Colliery Park and Trail, Roberts Memorial Park, Yellow Point Park, Blue Heron Park, Cable Bay Trail and Nanaimo River Regional Park. While exploring the countryside, be sure to enjoy the wonderful selection of lodgings, restaurants and pubs found in Yellow Point and Cedar.
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to Nanaimo Duke Point Ferry Terminal
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Shopping Restaurants 49th Parallel Grocery
Attractions
Cedar by the Sea
Harmac Rd.
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Cedar Rd
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Ladysmith Maritime Society Community Marina
Shopping Restaurants
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Stz’uminus First Nation Reserve
Kayaking t 1s d 2n d 3r
When in Ladysmith, stop by the Visitor Centre at 33 Roberts Street for a more detailed Holland map of the downtown core Creek Park and residential streets.
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Transfer Beach Park
Elliott’s Beach Park
29 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
LADYSMITH Staying Here
Rest your head after a day of adventure
Y
our adventure in Ladysmith doesn’t have to end at the end of one day, as we offer a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. In and around town, you’ll find a range of charming bed and breakfasts, a lodge, an inn, campsites and a motel. Bed and Breakfasts If you’re looking for a home away from home, one of our unique bed and breakfasts is the perfect choice. You’ll find a comfortable place to stay and get to meet local residents who are well acquainted with this beautiful par t of the world and are eager to share their local knowledge to ensure your stay is unforgettable. Whether you are looking for seclusion and quiet in the woods or a stunning view of the ocean, our full complement of unique accommodations is enough to keep you entertained and relaxed for many visits to come. Stop by the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce’s
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Visitor Centre at 33 Roberts St. to find out more information about local B&Bs. The friendly staff will be happy to help you tailor your trip. You can also find helpful information through the Ladysmith and Area Accommodations Association by visiting www.ladysmith-bc-accommodations. com. Motels, Inns and Lodges At the end of a busy day of shopping and exploring, another great option is Holiday House Motel. Located right on the Trans-Canada Highway, the motel offers easy access to Transfer Beach, the marina, picturesque downtown and shopping at Coronation Mall. Comfor table rooms offer beautiful harbour views. Just north of Ladysmith, Page Point Inn on Brenton Page Road has a long history of being a popular destination and retreat that goes back to the 1940s when it was called the Manana Lodge. Page Point Inn is part of a full-service marina and also features a licensed bistro for all your dining needs. Along Brenton Page Road, you’ll also find Kiwi Cove Lodge, which peaceful accommodations on a kiwi farm. Stroll
the10-acre park-like proper ty and learn about growing kiwi or linger on the estuary waterfront to observe the wildlife. Camping Are you more interested in camping? You’ll find a lot of choice right around Ladysmith! Just nor th of Ladysmith, Rondalyn Resor t on Timberlands Road offers family RV and tenting.The resort features a heated swimming pool and hot tub, a Par 3 golf course, a playground, trails and more. Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park offers over 300 sites on 53 acres just 20 minutes nor th of Ladysmith. This big beautiful property on Maki Road offers miles of walking on paved roads or trails, bicycling, paddling and swimming in the Nanaimo River, birding, beach volleyball and much more. Just south of us, Country Maples RV Resort is nestled along the Chemainus River and buffered by old-growth forest, and you can choose between treed and open campsites.The resort offers fun for the whole family, including a swimming pool, a mini golf course, two playgrounds and an arcade.
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• sauna • hot tub • kayaks • beach
B&B
Accommodation
Your Home for Marine Life Viewing in the Spectacular Gulf Islands www.cedar-beach.com 120 Clam Bay Rd 250-246-9770 Thetis Island
Fiddick’s Farm B&B located in Cedar-by-the-Sea • Spectacular Views • Lap Pool and Spa • Quiet Restful
Beachside Garden B&B Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in Canada
3788 Fearn Way, Ladysmith relax@beachsidegardenbnb.com
www.beachsidegardenbnb.com
250-924-4486
Hawley Place Bed and Breakfast
1431 Ivor Rd, Nanaimo, BC 250-722-2507 250-751-5963 fiddickfarm@shaw.ca www.island.net/~fiddick
Rooms with a View
Ocean front • Walk on beach • Exquisite gardens
Your Perfect Getaway 302 Hawley Place, Ladysmith 250-245-4431 www.hawleyplacebandb.com
hawleyplacebnb@gmail.com
Hillcrest Ave. B&B • Fabulous Ocean Views • Gourmet Breakfast Recommended on Trip Advisor
482 Hillcrest Ave Ladysmith
www.hillcrestavebandb.com
250-924-5658
Kiwi Cove Lodge
Comfortable rooms with harbour views. Close to Transfer Beach, shopping and marina. Complimentary breakfast for B&B rooms.
Holiday House Motel toll-free reservations 1-888-310-2299 office reservations 250-618-5830 540 Esplanade (Trans Canada Hwy) 250-245-2231 www.ladysmithholidayhouse.com
www.tourismladysmith.ca 31
• Enchanting waterfront • Kiwi grove • 12 rooms and a cottage • hot tub • retreats
5130 Brenton Page Rd, Ladysmith, BC www.kiwicovelodge.com
250-245-5494
Thistledown Farm B&B & Guesthouse
• two Farmhouse suites, with hot-tub • fully-furnished guesthouse • wedding and event hosting • trails by creek & ponds, thru 20 acres of fields & woods
2689 Cedar Rd, Nanaimo, BC
www.thistledownfarm.ca
250-722-7223
31 www.ladysmithchronicle.com
Moving Here
LADYSMITH
Making the move to Ladysmith
W
ith its natur a l b e a u t y, interesting heritage and culture and its strong community spirit, it’s no wonder Ladysmith has become such a popular place for people of all ages. Our temperate Mediterranean climate is a huge draw for people relocating from other areas of Canada, while the long list of amenities and services that Ladysmith offers attracts many people to our town. More and more people are finding that Ladysmith is a great place to live, work and play. With fou marinas, a wonderful beach and a large outdoor amphitheatre, our hillside community overlooking the water has much to offer. Active residents enjoy several hiking trails, as well as numerous outdoor playing fields, including Forrest Field, an ar tificial turf soccer and football field that is considered
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one of the top three fields in all of B.C. The Frank Jameson Community Centre offers a wide variety of fun classes, as well as a pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness centre. Ladysmith also provides a full spectrum of educational facilities from pre-school to senior secondary, and we are a short drive from Vancouver Island University campuses in Nanaimo and Duncan. We have many health services in town, along with a Community Health Centre, and we have independent and assisted living accommodation and services, as wells a licensed complex care facility. A selection of boutiques and restaur ants line the heritage main street along First Avenue, and there are more shopping options at Coronation Mall. BC Transit service links one part of town to the other and connects Ladysmith to Chemainus in the south, where riders can connect with a bus going to Duncan.
If you are considering moving to Ladysmith, the Chamber of Commerce is a great resource, and staff members are happy to help you. The Chamber of Commerce has developed a Ladysmith Relocation Guide, and you can find answers to your questions about schools, churches, temporary accommodations, real estate agents, transportation, new business start-up and more by visiting the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce at 33 Roberts St. or contacting the Chamber Office at 250-245-2112. Once you’ve made the move, there are many community groups that will make you feel at home. You’ll be welcomed with open arms by the Welcome Wagon, which provides new residents with free information and gifts to support newcomers, thanks to the generosity of Ladysmith’s civic-minded businesses. For more information, call 250-245-0799. Another great source of support is the Ladysmith Newcomers Club, a non-profit social club for people who are new to Ladysmith. The club, which boasts more than 150 members, welcomes and offers friendship to singles and couples new to Ladysmith and organizes a variety of fun activities such as walks and restaurant outings so people can get to know one another and get to know their new community. To learn more, contact the Chamber Office or contact the Ladysmith Newcomers Club at 250-2459334. Visit Ladysmith City Hall at 410 Esplanade or call 250-245-6400 to obtain an information package about garbage and recycling pickup, including service schedules, general information, recycling bags and stickers. or you can visit their website at www.ladysmith.ca..
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ONLY THE NAME HAS CHANGED
Come &
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In business since 1996, formerly called Larry’s
Full range of Mechanical Repairs & Maintenance Services, Oil Changes and General Vehicle Inspections
Cassidy Automotive
Ltd.
4613 Yellow Point Road Ladysmith, BC
Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm
250-245-0666
13391 Cedar Road, Ladysmith, 250-245-2795
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LADYSMITH Upcoming Events
What’s happening in and around Ladysmith April April 25-27: Ladysmith Spring Ar t Tour. A self-guided tour of art studios and galleries from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May M ay 1 8 : L a d y s m i t h Maritime Society Seafood Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Transfer Beach. May 25: Ladysmith Rotary Club Garden Tour, Show and Sale. The show and sale takes place at Aggie Hall from 9 a.m.to 2:30 p.m., while the self-guided tour takes you throughout Ladysmith and beyond the town boundaries. M ay 3 1 : Ladysmith Maritime Society Kid’s Pirate Days from 10 a.m. t o 4 p. m . at the LMS Community Marina. June Every Tuesday, starting June 3: Ladysmith Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market from 2-6 p.m. at Transfer Beach. June 6 and 7: Ladysmith Maritime Heritage Days at the Ladysmith Maritime Society docks and heritage buildings. There will be activities during the evening of June 6 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 7. June 29: Concer ts in the Park
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at 6 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. July Daily: Ladysmith Maritime Society Harbour Tour s at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the LMS Community Marina. E ve r y Tu e s d ay : Ladysmith Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market, 2-6 p.m. at Tr ansfer Beach. July 1: Canada Day celebrations at Transfer Beach Park. July 6: Concerts in the Park at 6 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. July 13: Brits on the Beach car show at Tr ansfer Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 13: Concer ts in the Par k at 6 p. m . a t t h e Tr ansfer Beach Amphitheatre. July 20: Concer ts in the Park at 6 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. July 27: Concerts in the Park at 6 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. TBA: Purple Martin Open House at the LMS Community Marina.
August Daily: Ladysmith Maritime Society Harbour Tours at 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. at the LMS Community Marina. E ve r y Tu e s d ay : Ladysmith Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market from 2-6 p.m. at Transfer Beach. August 1-3: Ladysmith Days at Coronation Mall, Aggie Hall, Transfer Beach and downtown, with music, a parade, fireworks and more. August 10: Concerts in the Park at 6 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. August 16: Show & Shine Car Show along First Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. August 17: Concerts in the Park at 6 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. August 24: Arts on the Avenue art show and sale on First Avenue, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 24: Concerts in the Park at 6 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. August 31: Concerts in the Park at 6 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. September September 2: Ladysmith Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market, 2-6 p.m. at Transfer Beach. September 9: Ladysmith Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market, 2-6 p.m. at Transfer Beach. November November 27: Festival of Lights Light Up parade, fireworks, craft fair and activities in downtown Ladysmith. The Festival of Lights continues until mid-January. TBA: Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Association’s Country Christmas Self-Guided Tour. December D e c e m b e r 5 : O l d Ty m e Christmas and Candlelight Walk in downtown Ladysmith. December 13: Christmas Sail Past at Transfer Beach. TBA: Breakfast With Santa at Aggie Hall. TBA: Santa Claus Parade. January January 1: Polar Bear Swim.
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Coast Realty GROUP
LADYSMITH
Adam Kelln
Lorne Gait
People. Above all.
Searching for your Dream Home? Keith Mazurenko
Retirement or Recreational Property, or perhaps a Commercial Investment?
Jill Dashwood
Luke Kolk
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We represent West Coast Living at its best! Greg Buchanan
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Why should you work with a Coast Realty Realtor? • We are local experts within your community and surrounding areas. • We provide professional services with integrity and accountability, personalized to your needs. • Our Continuing Education program enables us to offer up to date information and service.
Jennifer Merilees (Office Manager)
Coast Realty Group 410A - 1st Avenue Box 1300, Ladysmith, BC www.tourismladysmith.ca 35
Mandy Colford
Sue Perrey
Tom Andrews
Val Irwin
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www.coastrealty.com
1-866-315-0545 35
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