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Town in British Columbia, Canada
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ladysmith is a tourist town of about 8,500 people (2016) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. A heritage town, it boasts restored buildings and beautiful Transfer Beach. It is known for its annual Festival of Lights during the third week in November. It was voted one of the top ten towns in Canada by Harrowsmith Magazine.
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The town's main street, featuring vintage Edwardian buildings, many erected circa the town's founding in 1900 and now occupied by independent merchants: baker, butcher, restaurateurs, artisans, coffeeshop proprietors, shopkeepers, book dealers, and numerous antique and vintage shops.
Hosts monthly exhibitions.
The Ladysmith Players Society presents dinner and lunchtime shows at the Ladysmith Little Theatre and performances at the Transfer Beach's waterfront amphitheatre and the Agricultural Hall.
The annual event showcases works of the creative community in late August.
Rent a kayak or Stand Up Paddle (SUP) board, and push off from the curving cement steps mere metres/feet from its beachfront eco-adventure centre. Join a tour, take lessons, upgrade skills, or purchase a kayak after taking it for a sea trial. Operates June to August.
A nine-hole low-cost par-three course.
Soups and sandwiches, but people rave about the cinnamon buns in a variety of flavours.
Breakfasts, lunches and gluten-free choices.
Canadianized Indian food.
The best of Spanish and Mexican cuisine, especially tacos, tapas, and tequila.
British comfort food and 16 imported and local beers on draft.
A large Victorian replica home with three guest rooms. Wireless internet available, along with free computer use.
Vintage collectables including glass, china, art, tools, lamps, mirrors and clocks, and a selection of new items including hooks, knobs, signs and chinaware. As of May 2023, the shop is temporarily closed, while it relocates to another location.
A heritage superstore: 3 floors of antiques and collectibles.
20 tenants anchored by Save on Foods, Rexall Drugs and BC Government Liquor Store.
By bus
By plane
Salt Spring Air flies to nearby Maple Bay from Vancouver harbour, from Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, or from any of the Gulf Islands.
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Nanaimo · Regional · YCD
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