Ladysmith holds a series of annual festivals and events to celebrate the changing seasons. In spring, check out Vancouver Island Paddlefest and the Ladysmith Maritime Festival, or in summer attends Ladysmith Days and Ladysmith Thursday Night Live. Beginning in November, the Ladysmith Festival of Lights illuminates the town until January – even yachts and power boats get in on the festivities.
Vancouver Island Paddlefest
Vancouver Island Paddlefest is billed as the premier paddlesports event in western Canada. This weekend event has been drawing kayaking enthusiasts to Ladysmith annually since 1999. The schedule includes a buying show, workshops, shoreline kayak tours, and the one-of-a-kind cardboard kayak race. (Yes, the boats are made of cardboard and the hilarious race doesn't last long!)
Ladysmith Maritime Festival
Set on the waterfront at the community marina, the Ladysmith Maritime Festival is a day-long family event, which kicks off a summer of activities hosted by the Ladysmith Maritime Society. Expect to meet a few pirates and tour the harbour in a classic wooden boat.
Ladysmith Festival of Lights
Crowds gather in November for the opening "light up" ceremonies of the Ladysmith Festival of Lights. The thousands of Christmas lights strung about town stay up until January. Locals say one of the best spots of catching the opening night party (which includes a fireworks display) is the north end of 1st Avenue near the Agricultural Hall, site of the towering Christmas tree. In mid-December bring a blanket and warm clothes to Transfer Beach Park as brightly decorated yachts, power boats, and maritime craft of all kinds lead a festive parade into the harbour.
Other Ladysmith Festivals and Events
Ladysmith Thursday Night Live features live performers, a farmer's market, and extended business hours for downtown shops during the summer, while Transfer Beach Park's amphitheatre has live musical performances throughout August. Ladysmith Days in early August includes a parade, pancake breakfast, logger sports, musical performances and fireworks display. Also in August, Arts on the Avenue is an annual day-long juried arts showcase, which allows local artists to display and sell work.