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How to get to Ladysmith

It’s easy to visit Ladysmith thanks to our central location on mid-Vancouver Island’s Salish Sea coastline. We’re on the 49th Parallel. It’s part of the international boundary between Canada and the United States. The airport and ferries serving the region can get you here from just about any place in the world.

Driving to Ladysmith

Take Trans Canada Highway 1, the Island’s main transportation route. It leads directly to Ladysmith. You can drive north from Victoria in about 70 leisurely minutes along a scenic route. The drive south from Nanaimo takes about 20 minutes. DriveBC’s webcam shows you current highway conditions.
Private firms offer shuttle and bus service from Victoria and Nanaimo.

Current Highway Conditions

Flying into Ladysmith

Nanaimo Airport sits just 10 minutes north of Ladysmith. Air Canada and WestJet provide connecting flights through Vancouver, Calgary and (seasonally) Toronto. So you can leave your home wherever it may be and arrive here the same day. Connecting flights from Vancouver Airport to Nanaimo take about 20 minutes.

You can also choose a 15-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver. Seaplanes land in either downtown Nanaimo (20 minutes away) or downtown Victoria. Helicopter service runs from Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo and Victoria.

Nanaimo Airport

Travelling by Ferry or Boat

BC Ferries runs frequent daily sailings between Vancouver and Nanaimo, and Vancouver and Victoria. Ships carrying cars and passengers sail from early in the morning until late at night. We recommend reserving a spot for your vehicle during the busy summer season.

Using your own boat to get here? The non-profit Ladysmith Community Marina and several private operators rent temporary moorage.
If you’re travelling from the U.S., ferries sail between Washington state and Victoria. You then can drive or bus to Ladysmith.

BC FerriesLadysmith Community Marina