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Summary

Canadians named this small town in BC with dreamy views as the spot they'd 'love' to move to

This little island town is calling your name.

Person near the ocean. Right: A wharf.

A small town in BC on an island.

@gabe.houle | Instagram, Roxana Gonzalez | Dreamstime
Editor

This small town in B.C. isn't that far from Vancouver, but it's the kind of place that feels like you're a world away from a big city. Cozy small town streets overlook a sparkling waterfront, and lush nature is not just in the backyard of town, but woven throughout.

From Vancouver, you hop on BC Ferries to get here, sailing across the water to the small city of Nanaimo. Drive 20 minutes past that and you'll reach the small town of Ladysmith.

The idyllic little town was named by Narcity readers as a small town in Canada they'd love to move to — and it's no wonder why.

You might even recognize the name of the small community nestled on Vancouver Island thanks to its famous resident, Pamela Anderson.

The peaceful spot is an oasis for many, with breathtaking scenery and small-town charm.

Filling the town are little boutiques with quirky finds, cozy cafes, and local restaurants. First Avenue is where you'll find that wholesome small-town vibe at its finest, with its heritage buildings and lively atmosphere — perfect for spending an afternoon just wandering around.

The town's tranquil waterfront adds another layer of beauty, with views of the rolling mountains in the distance.

If you want some adventure, you can rent a kayak from Transfer Beach Park and explore the coastline, or escape into the lush forest. Holland Creek is the perfect spot to do just that, with moss-covered ground and vibrant greenery all around.

Jack Point and Biggs Park is about 20 minutes away, but it's worth heading outside of town to see the unique sandstone bluffs there.

The breathtaking nature all around just keeps getting better, with weekend adventures to rainforests, sandy beaches, and hidden wonders all within reach.

Being tucked away in the beautiful Cowichan Valley region, Ladysmith is also close to other charming towns, sprawling farmland and local creators. Duncan is just 25 minutes away and has even more wholesome vibes.

All of it is topped off with the fact that it boasts a "Mediterranean-like climate," which "brings dry, sunny summers and mild winters," according to the Ladysmith Tourism website.

It makes sense why Canadians are eager to call this place home.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

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    • Editor

      Morgan Leet (she/her) is an Editor for Narcity Media Group. After graduating from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, she jumped into fulfilling her dream as a journalist, merging her passion for travelling with writing. After working in the print media world on Canada’s East Coast, she joined Narcity with a move to B.C., drawn to the beauty of Western Canada. Since then, she's documented her experience moving to Vancouver, covering everything from local events to bucket-list travel destinations across Canada's West Coast.

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