It’s easy to understand why the film companies come to Ladysmith again and again. Whether it’s a 1940’s gangster piece, a turn of the century romance, or a modern day comedy, the Town of Ladysmith fits the bill with its small town charm and feel. The architecture is bold; the sidewalks wide, the downtown core compact and unique.

To say that Ladysmith is a quaint small town nestled in the hills over looking the ocean is an understatement. Almost every street has a view.  Old homes are no longer old: they are character homes that have been renovated and tidied up with much love and care. Many are painted in bright modern colors, more reminiscent of Bermuda or Trinidad than a west coast village, but the effect adds vitality to the older neighborhoods that wasn’t there a few years ago.

A former home to miners and their families and named by local land baron, James Dunsmuir, after General Buller broke the four month siege of Ladysmith, South Africa on March 1, 1900 during the Boer War, the Town of Ladysmith is indeed “one of the ten prettiest towns in Canada” as declared in 2000 by Harrowsmith Country Life Magazine.

It’s easy to see why so many new people are attracted to the area. In my wander, I met old Jim, who was born and raised in Ladysmith. “I don’t knows if I agree with all these new folks moving here, but they got it right anyways.” Jim chuckles. “It’s nice to see though. Old Ladysmith’s alive again.”

As I strolled from quaint shop to quaint shop, coffee house to bakery, art gallery to framing shop, the one thing I noticed was the pride that every business owner felt for their town. Almost all of them were born and raised somewhere else: Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Ottawa, and even Galiano Island. Everyone was friendly. All referred me to other businesses down the street to pop in and visit. It was wonderful to feel such a sense of joy and solidarity amidst the merchants of Ladysmith.

Brian Bancroft, President of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, adds: “Ladysmith has an outstanding future. We are a small town that has preserved our historic quality and character and preserved many aspects of the classic small town way of life. In five years, I expect that we will be well on our way in bringing sustainability programs to Ladysmith, and in ten years, we will be one of the leading communities demonstrating a new set of values, planning systems, green programs, and harmony with our natural surroundings.”

Mayor Rob Hutchins agrees. With a host of projects on line for 2008 including upgrades to the Chemainus Highway, sewer plant, and Aggie Hall, to name a few, plus establishing a partnership with local groups to create a stronger community and build a better relationship with the Chemainus First Nations, Ladysmith’s future is bright, he reports. The Mayor continues, “Each one of us must continue to do our part to foster that wonderful sense of community spirit which Ladysmith has become recognized for”.

When I asked Brian what is favourite thing about life in Ladysmith was, he told me that he loved to be on First Avenue when the sun is coming up and he could watch how it lights up the buildings and distant mountains to the north. In Ladysmith, everyone is a neighbor.

Being the outdoorsy type, I think Transfer Beach and the Ladysmith Harbour is at the top of my list. I dropped my kayak in the ocean at Transfer Beach and paddled around the harbour. As the sun set on the water in a myriad of reds and oranges, I was joined by a couple of sea lions. I swear one of them actually winked at me. It was clear that they were used to day trippers such as I, careful as they were not to come too close to my little craft. If only I had my camera…

Ladysmith, like Chemainus, is the “little town that could”. The “Arts on the Avenue” festival that runs the third weekend in August is one of the best showings of local Vancouver Island artists anywhere. “The Festival of Lights” is in a class by itself as all members of the community, business association, and local chamber, volunteer to make it an experience to remember.

Duck Paterson, MC and President of the Festival of Lights committee, says: “I’d like to invite all the readers of Homes & Living to attend the Ladysmith 21^st Annual Festival of Lights. It truly is an experience that you can call a wholesome, family and fun time. ”

Ladysmith definitely has something to offer every day tripper, whether you like antique hunting, funky clothing shops, the arts,  in to history or love the outdoors. Ladysmith is not a drive-by, get off the highway and travel up into the town or down to the waterfront. I guarantee that you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

In the Town of Ladysmith, the breezes are fresh, the views worth the drive, and the smiles worth the visit. Enjoy.