Ladysmith Things to Do

Ladysmith is most famous for its yearly Festival of Lights held the 3rd Thursday of November! Come and experience a town completely lit up with lights. Santa switches on the lights at approx. 6pm, there is a parade, arts and crafts fair, food and drink along First Avenue which is closed to traffic on this magical night. An absolutely amazing experience but be warned - you need to come early to get a good parking spot and it can get cold too. So dress warmly, wear good shoes and come early. Be prepared for crowds too. If you would rather see the lights on your own without the 10,000 people that cram the main street on the big night then drive through the town any night of the season until February. You will usually have the entire First Avenue to yourselves and maybe a couple of other people. I have seen this display many years and every year I am breathless the first time I see the lights turned on. It is truly outstanding!

This art gallery is run by the non-profit Arts Council and feature many local artists' work - paintings, sculpture and photography. The gallery is located in a historic building overlooking the Maritime Museum which is also worth a visit as they have a Maritime Museum and boat tours in the summer months.

The art gallery is open most days. Call to check current hours 245-1252

Pick up a copy of the Heritage Artifact Walk at the Tourist Info Centre. The route will take you to see a number of artifacts located outdoors throughout Ladysmith all relating to the history of the town (coal mining, logging, etc.)

In Ladysmith you can go sailing on an America's Cup boat. At Page Point Marina they have two sailboats that have sailed in past America's Cups. You can stay at this beautiful marina at the Inn and go for a sail! The Inn has a gourmet restaurant and a small spa.

SORRY NO LONGER IN BUSINESS.

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There are great hikes in Ladysmith:
Holland Creek Trail - 5.8 km and part of the Trans Canada Trail
Hike to Heart Lake - Beautiful lake at the top. There is a 6.4 km marked trail that starts at the head of the Holland Creek Trail bridge. You can choose: difficult, moderate and mild.

You can pick up a trail guide with all three of these hikes on it at the Info Centre 132C Roberts Street or at the Recreation Centre on 6th Avenue.

Our wonderful non-profit Maritime Society in Ladysmith has opened a small maritime museum and it is very well done. It is located right on the docks at the Maritime marina so after you check out the museum stroll the docks looking at boats, sit on one of the benches and watch the birds or go on a harbour tour (by donation and also put on my the Ladysmith Maritime Society).

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Go for a free Boat tour of Ladysmith Harbour with a historical commentary. Watch the tugboats at work, see eagles, seals, racoons, starfish and other wildlife and sealife. All this takes place on a small boat that holds approx. 8 people.

The Ladysmith Maritime Society offers these tours 2x/ day in the summer months weather permitting.

There is the Maritime Dock, Fisherman?s Dock and Ladysmith Marina (formerly Ivy Green Marina). You can buy fresh seafood, chat with the fishermen and visit with those who live aboard or who are just sailing through.