You don’t have to hop on a plane for a taste of the Mediterranean this spring or summer. The historic seaside community of Ladysmith, B.C., is revered by locals and travellers alike for its historic walking trails, scenic views, and warm waters, boasting a Mediterranean-like climate year-round.
“Our Mediterranean-like climate brings dry, sunny summers and mild winters, perfect for exploring all year,” says Tourism Ladysmith on its website. “We’re also known for straddling the 49th Parallel that divides Canada and the U.S.”
The turn-of-the-century town is a highly sought-after place to live, work, and play, tucked away in the dreamy hillsides of the Cowichan Valley. Its first inhabitants were the people of the Stz’uminus First Nation, who have used the Ladysmith Harbour as a rich source of fish and shellfish for thousands of years.
Today, the Stz’uminus people continue to practice many aspects of their traditional lifestyle and are working with the Town of Ladysmith to restore the Harbour to its original glory.
Visitors can take a Harbour Tour or go straight for a dip or kayak journey in the Salish Sea.
One of “Canada’s Great Streets”
At the heart of the small town is First Avenue, one of Canada’s Great Streets, which combines Edwardian buildings with industrial-era artifacts and modern-day boutiques and parks. Take in the ocean views from Harbourview Park, Queen’s Park, or Harmony Square. Or head straight to the seaside Transfer Beach Park for a swim, paddle, or kayak adventure.
The latter also hosts live music events during the warmer months at its giant amphitheatre.
“First Avenue exhibits all of the qualities one would expect from a great street,” reads the jury statement of Great Places in Canada. “Visually-interesting building facades, generous sidewalks, attractive landscaping and artistic details, places to rest, and places to gather.”
All the while, the lively community is at the footsteps of world-class outdoor recreational opportunities, which include exploring a renowned trail system.
Film buffs can also check out multiple filming locations in Ladysmith, from locations appearing in Godzilla (2014) to ones in the TV series Puppy Prep Academy.
The growing community is situated 88 km north of Victoria and 23 km south of Nanaimo.
Summer is calling, B.C.!
How to get there: Take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo and drive 23 minutes via the Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 S.
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