Nestled on the eastern shores of spectacular Vancouver Island, the Town of Ladysmith features all the warmth and charm of small town living with a full range of services and amenities. Ladysmith is a growing community (population 8,243 in 2010) located just 88 km (55 miles) north of Victoria and 23 km (14 km) south of Nanaimo.

A 2003 National Communities In Bloom award winner, Ladysmith offers world-class outdoor recreational opportunities; a renowned trail system through picturesque forests; first-class shopping and dining in the historic downtown area; and fun-filled waterfront activities at pristine Transfer Beach. Ladysmith is known for its abundance of community spirit – share in the excitement at any one of our legendary annual celebrations, such as the Festival of Lights beginning on the last Thursday of November or Ladysmith Days during the B.C. Day long weekend in August.

Entertaining, relaxing and tranquil, Chemainus is a favourite destination for family fun and romantic getaways alike. It is an artistic community which boasts a unique mix of gift shops, antique malls, art galleries, boutiques, specialty shops, cafes, bakeries and restaurants. There is an 18-hole golf course (Mount Brenton), many parks and hiking trails, plus a popular boating and fishing spot so plenty for the outdoor enthusiast. Many beautiful murals detail the history of the town, which adds to its uniqueness.

The rolling landscape of Yellow Point is rural and mostly undeveloped, providing all the pleasures of country living. The small community of Cedar on Yellow Point Road is the main settlement in Yellow Point.

Yellow Point is a small resort area facing DeCourcy, Ruxton, Pylades, Valdes and Thetis Islands. Unique to Yellow Point are its interesting sandstone rock outcroppings. The community offers a wide array of craft shops and cottage industries, with products ranging from stained glass to pottery, paper mache and linens.

It is within the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

Students in this unincorporated area may go either toward Chemainus or toward Ladysmith for eduction. Because of the proximity to the water property values tend to be slightly more than in Ladysmith or Chemainus.

Originally a whistle stop for the E&N Railway, the City began to expand when a train station, now a national heritage site, was built in 1887 attracting new business and settlement to the area. This vibrant community features all modern amenities and services while retaining its historic charm. The City boasts many architecturally interesting buildings, including the unique City Hall Clock Tower.

Duncan is “The City of Totems” and celebrates the history and culture of the area’s First Nations People, known worldwide for carvings and knit sweaters. There are over 80 totem poles throughout the city, many of which are a pictorial record of the Cowichan peoples’ legends and family ancestry.

As the second largest city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo promises a lively and unique urban experience. Downtown along Commercial Street, Victoria Crescent, and Fitzwilliam Street is a thriving mix of restaurants, music venues, shops, galleries, and exciting nightspots. The Vancouver Island Conference Centre, a brand new, state-of-the-art facility set in the heart of the city, is already attracting another wave of retail and service businesses that cater to visitors. Nanaimo is also home to Woodgrove Centre, the largest shopping centre on Vancouver Island. There are also several other attractive retail shopping centres throughout the city.