Ladysmith is one of western Canada's leading kayaking hotspots. The annual Vancouver Island Paddlefest each May is widely regarded as a premier west coast paddlesports event. Several internationally renowned kayak manufacturers operate in the area, as well as kayak tour operators and rental companies, including Sealegs Kayaking Adventures, which operates from a prime piece of Transfer Beach Park waterfront.
Vancouver Island Paddlefest
Vancouver Island Paddlefest is a weekend kayak extravaganza hosted by Sealegs Kayaking that attracts thousands each year to Transfer Beach Park. Kayaking workshops, demonstrations, clinics, and a retail trade show are all on the agenda. Paddlefest is also a great opportunity to introduce kids to kayaking. One of the more humorous competitions at the event is the cardboard kayak race.
Kayak Tours
Regularly scheduled two and four-hour wildlife tours travel across the Ladysmith harbour to Woods, Bute and Dunsmuir Islands. Multi-day group outings to the Gulf Islands and the Broken Group Islands (off Ucluelet on the island's far west coast) are planned each summer. Also, full moon harbour paddles are available from April to October.
Kayak Lessons, and Rentals
Certified kayak instructors in Ladysmith offer beachside lessons, advanced clinics, and 10-hour Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayaking Courses. While experience is not necessary for hour-long kayak rentals, longer solo trips require training or demonstrated ability. Sealegs Kayaking Adventures offer rentals, and new and used kayaks for purchase. Many Sealegs kayaks are made by Atlantis Kayaks Inc., at a workshop located next door to the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery near the community marina. Stop by the Ladysmith Visitor Centre for more information about Vancouver Island Paddlefest, and kayaking tours, lessons, and rentals.