Ladysmith, British Columbia

Ladysmith
Town of Ladysmith
Motto: 
Heritage by the Sea
Ladysmith
Location of Ladysmith in British Columbia
Ladysmith
Location of Ladysmith in Canada
Ladysmith
Ladysmith (Canada)
Coordinates: 48°59′43″N 123°48′57″W / 48.99528°N 123.81583°W / 48.99528; -123.81583
CountryCanada
ProvinceBritish Columbia
RegionVancouver Island
Regional districtCowichan Valley
Incorporated1904
Government
  Governing bodyLadysmith Town Council
  Mayor (acting)Tricia McKay
Area
  Total
12.04 km2 (4.65 sq mi)
Elevation
40 m (130 ft)
Population
 (2021)
  Total
8,990
  Density746.5/km2 (1,933/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST)
  Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
Forward sortation area
Area code250
Highways Highway 1 (TCH)
Websitewww.ladysmith.ca

Ladysmith, originally Oyster Harbour, is a town located on the 49th parallel north on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The local economy is based on forestry, tourism, and agriculture. A hillside location adjacent to a sheltered harbour forms the natural geography of the community.

As of 2021, the population was 8,990. The area of the town was 12.04 square kilometres. Total private dwellings were 4,079. Population density was 746.5 people per square kilometre.

Ladysmith is served by the coast-spanning Island Highway, the Island Rail Corridor, nearby Nanaimo Airport and BC Ferries.