First Avenue heritage walk
A self-guided heritage walking tour map is available from the Visitor Centre and the museum; look for the Travellers Hotel, the old post office and the brick commercial blocks.
Destination day · park once and walk
Ladysmith — Dunsmuir's company town
- Drive
- 20 min north
- Park
- First Avenue or Transfer Beach lot
- Walking
- Steep side streets; First Ave itself is flat
- Best day
- Any; Festival of Lights late Nov–Jan
James Dunsmuir founded Ladysmith in 1900 as the shipping port for his Extension coal mines, and many of its early houses were moved here by rail from older mining camps. First Avenue is one of the most intact early-1900s commercial streetscapes on the Island, with a long run of heritage storefronts.
Ladysmith Museum & Ladysmith Maritime Society
The museum covers coal, rail and town history; the Maritime Society's heritage boats and small welcome centre sit on the waterfront below town.
Old Town Bakery
Famous locally for cinnamon buns. Arrive early.
Transfer Beach Park
A sandy harbour beach with picnic shelters, a water-park in summer, and a kayak launch. Water here is among the warmest on the Island in July and August.
Holland Creek Trail
A 5.5 km forest loop with falls and bridges right behind town; see Hiking & Walking.