Our beautiful harbour setting and hillside landscapes offer over 26 km of hiking and walking trails with easy access for residents and visitors to the many natural areas in the community.  Trail and walking routes are described below. 

Please note that motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.

 

Brown Drive Recreational Bike Trail
The Brown Drive Recreational Bike Trail is located in the forest behind Kinsmen Park & Playground, also known as Brown Drive Park. The trails consist of entry level flowy trails with some jumps. These trails were developed through a community-driven initiative with work being undertaken by various groups, including CTSS- Ladysmith chapter volunteers.
Amenities and Activities:
  • Flow Trails
  • Climbing Trail
  • Jumps
  • Beginner Pump Track

 

 

Estuary Trail
This 10-minute walk along the harbour offers views of the marine environment.  At low tide enjoy a shoreline stroll to Transfer Beach Park and connect to the Marine Walk.  See salmon entering Holland Creek in the fall.  Access from a small parking lot located at Roland Road.
Amenities and Activities:
  • Bird, Flora and Fauna Viewing
  • Viewpoints and Lookouts
  • Parking

Heart Lake Loop
This challenging 6.4 km trail takes about 2 hours to hike.  Spectacular views of the Town, Gulf Islands and Mount Baker make the climb worth the effort.  The trail start is very steep.  Access is from Davis Road Park at the Holland Creek Trail.
Amenities and Activities:
  • Bird, Flora & Fauna Viewing
  • Parking
  • Viewpoints & lookouts
  • Dog off leash area

Heritage Artifacts Walk
This route highlights Ladysmith's history of coal mining, forestry, rail and marine industry connecting our living heritage downtown to the working waterfront and Transfer Beach Park.  The Ladysmith Heritage Walk I: Artifacts brochure is available at the Visitor Centre and City Hall.
Amenities and Activities:
  • Dogs must be on leash

Heritage Buildings Walk
Ladysmith's iconic streetscape was created vitually overnight, with many buildings transported from Nanaimo at the turn of the century.  This diverse group of heritage structures is a vibrant legacy and source of community pride.  The Ladysmith Heritage Walk II: Buildings brochure is available at the Visitor Centre and City Hall, and provides a great walking tour around the Town.
Amenities and Activities:
  • Dogs must be on leash

Holland Creek Trail
This trail winds 5.8 kilometers along both sides of Holland Creek. The trail appeals to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.  Highlights include Crystal Falls and the Colliery Dams.  Salmon spawning occurs every fall.  The trail is wheelchair accessible with assistance from the Methuen / 6th Avenue entrance west to the Upper Colliery dam.  Access is from Dogwood Drive, 6th Avenue & Methuen (location of the Kinsmen Shelter and washroom), Davis Road Park, or Mackie Road. 
Amenities and Activities:
  • Viewpoints and lookouts
  • Bird, flora & fauna viewing
  • Salmon spawning in the fall
  • Dog off leash area
  • Rest area
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • *Shelter & washroom
(*Methuen Street entrance only)

Marine Walk
Part of the Trans Canada Trail this 1-kilometer walk starts at Transfer Beach and ambles through the trees to the waterfront.  The trail then passes the Oyster Bay Marina and follows an old abandoned railway path to the Government Wharf.
Amenities and Activities:
  • Viewpoints and lookouts
  • Dogs must be on leash
  • Bird, flora & fauna viewing
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Rotary Lookout Trail
This 1.2 kilometer trail is accessed near the log bridge at the top of the Holland Creek Trail. Enjoy spectacular views of the town, harbour, Gulf Islands and on a clear day, Mount Baker.
Amenities and Activities:
  • Viewpoints and lookouts
  • Dog off leash area
  • Bird, flora & fauna viewing
  • Picnic area

Stocking Lake Trail
A challenging 9.3 kilometer trail that begins at Davis Road Park and takes approximately two hours and forty minutes to hike. There are views of the Gulf Islands from this beautiful winding hike that intersects with Heart Lake Loop. 
Amenities and Activities:
  • Viewpoints and lookouts
  • Dog off leash area
  • Bird, flora & fauna viewing
  • Rest area

Trans Canada Trail
From coast to coast to coast the Trans Canada Trail is one of Canada’s truly great endeavours. The Ladysmith section of this trail begins at the intersection of Chemainus and Davis Roads and ends at intersection of Christie and Strathcona Roads.