This sunny seaside town is known as 'the Mediterranean' of B.C.

Vancouver Island is a beach lover's paradise, and we're not only talking about Tofino and Ucluelet. Just a quick 20-minute drive from the Nanaimo ferry terminal sits a lovely seaside town that might just steal your heart.

The quaint little town boasts scenic views, warm waters and a 'Mediterranean-like climate' that's hard to beat.

'Our Mediterranean-like climate brings dry, sunny summers and mild winters, perfect for exploring all year,' says Tourism Ladysmith. 'We're also known for straddling the 49th Parallel that divides Canada and the U.S.'

This turn-of-the-century town is a highly sought-after place to live, work and play, tucked into the dreamy hillsides of the Cowichan Valley. Its first inhabitants were the Stz'uminus First Nation, who have relied on 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 partnering with the Town of Ladysmith to restore the Harbour to its former glory.

Visitors can join a Harbour Tour or head straight for a dip or a kayak paddle in the Salish Sea.

The beaches here are rocky but easy to explore on foot, whether you're in closed-toe shoes or flip-flops. Transfer Beach Park, in particular, is a peaceful spot to soak up the sun and the views, with plenty of grassy areas to spread out a picnic blanket.

One of 'Canada's Great Streets'

At the heart of town is First Avenue, celebrated as one of Canada's Great Streets. It pairs Edwardian buildings with industrial-era artifacts and modern-day boutiques and parks, making it all the more fascinating to wander.

Take in the ocean views from Harbourview Park, Queen's Park or Harmony Square. Or, if you're after a paddle or kayak adventure (or a refreshing dip), make a beeline for the seaside Transfer Beach Park. You won't regret it!

Visit during the warmer months and there's a good chance you'll catch a live music event at the park's giant amphitheatre.

So whether or not you've explored the area before, it's worth adding Ladysmith to your itinerary the next time you're on northern Vancouver Island.

Ladysmith

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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