MOVING TO / FROM LADYSMITH
Ladysmith - Community Overview
The coal mines and fine harbour brought development to Ladysmith in the late 1890s. The town was designed as a recreation outlet and sleeping quarters for the coal miners. James Dunsmuir, a son of a prosperous coal mining family, originally named it Oyster Bay. He later changed the name to Ladysmith when the British won a victory in South Africa’s Boer War, in honour of the Ladysmith in Natal Province.
Today, Ladysmith is a picturesque town with beautifully restored heritage buildings. The economy is based on commercial fishing (with an abundance of oysters), lumbering, coal mining and farming.
The Town of Ladysmith is situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island, overlooking Ladysmith Harbour. Ladysmith is located on Highway #1, 85 km north of Victoria, 24 km north of Duncan and 23 km south of Nanaimo.
The population of Ladysmith numbers approximately 7,538.
For more information about Ladysmith:
Town of Ladysmith
410 Esplanade
PO Box 220 Ladysmith, BC
V9G 1A2
250-245-6400
https://www.ladysmith.ca/
WEATHER
Ladysmith has an average July temperature of 17.9°C and an average January temperature of 2.3°C. The average annual precipitation is 1162 mm.
For daily or historical weather conditions, visit:https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca
MEDIA
One of the best ways to learn about your new community is to subscribe to the local newspaper:
Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle
250-245-2277
https://www.bclocalnews.com/
EDUCATION
For information regarding curriculum and enrolment procedures, please contact:
School District #68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith)
395 Wakesiah Ave.
Nanaimo, BC
V9R 3K6
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Ladysmith & District General Hospital
1111 - 4 Ave.
PO Box 10
Ladysmith, BC
V0R 2E0
250-245-2221
PUBLIC SERVICES
TRANSPORTATION
Motor Vehicle & Driver Licencing
ICBC
1-800-950-1498
https://www.icbc.com/Pages/default.aspx
Public Transit
BC Ferries
1-888-223-3779
https://www.bcferries.com/
COMMUNITY
Parks, Recreation and Culture
250-245-6424
Ladysmith Branch Library
250-245-2322
https://virl.bc.ca/
Frank Jameson Community Centre
250-245-6423
https://www.ladysmith.ca/
For information about upcoming events in Ladysmith, visit: https://www.ladysmith.ca/
SPORTS AND LEISURE
Parks, Recreation and Culture
250-245-6424
https://www.ladysmith.ca/
Golf Course
Ladysmith Golf Club
250-245-7313
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
Ladysmith Festival of Lights
Held annually in November, the festival includes a parade, fireworks and the lighting of thousands of decorative lights.
Black Nugget Museum
Artifacts and memorabilia tracing the history of Ladysmith and the surrounding area. Located in the former, historic Jones Hotel.
Transfer Beach Park
This park offers a playground, swimming area, basketball and volleyball courts and an amphitheatre.
Holland Creek Trail System
5.8 km of walking trails that follows both sides of the Holland Creek and meander through the downtown area.
GROCERY STORES
To find a grocery store in the Ladysmith area, visit:
Byron's Food Market
10858 Chemainus Rd.
Ladysmith, BC
V9G 2A4
250-245-7022
Chuckwagon Market
13627 Cedar Rd.
Ladysmith, BC
V9G 1H4
250-245-3703
SHOPPING CENTRES
Coronation Mall
370 Trans-Canada Hwy
Ladysmith, BC
V9G 1T9
250-740-1060
ENTERTAINMENT
Movie Theatre
To find a movie theater near you, visit:
https://www.tribute.ca/
Restaurants
To find local restaurants, visit:
https://www.restaurantica.com/
Live Theatre
For production information, visit:
https://www.ladysmiththeatre.com/
MOVING TIPS BROCHURES
Call at 1-888-708-7700 to order the following brochures:
Protecting your goods in transit
Handling dangerous goods
Do-it-yourself packing guide
