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Fall Spots in Cowichan

There’s something special about fall. The shorter days, and longer nights have people seeking relaxing experiences, while the crisp, fresh air also makes us want to get outside and soak up the golden autumn sunshine.

Fall in Cowichan is no different. The bright reds and golden yellows of the farmland and hillsides glow, while the mist that settles along the ocean and in the valley give off a mystical vibe.

Ladysmith:

This seaside town is chock full of restored heritage buildings – vestiges of a frontier past financed by coal and lumber.

The downtown core is also home to a wide variety of shops, boutiques, bookstores, antique dealers and more eateries than you can shake a stick at. Spend a Saturday perusing the shops with a coffee and a famous cinnamon bun from Old Town Bakery, or stop for dinner at Plantitude, Ladysmith’s only vegan restaurant, or Maya Norte, a Spanish-Mexican fusion restaurant.

A walking tour of Ladysmith’s heritage route will take you past the heritage artifacts lining First Avenue and then ultimately to the Waterfront Art Gallery and BC’s only floating museum.

Ladysmith’s First Avenue wins national Great Places in Canada contest – Great Street!

Ladysmith, November 8, 2017 – Ladysmith’s beautiful and historic First Avenue has been selected by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) as Canada’s 2017 Great Street. The award was decided by a jury of certified planning professionals during the Great Places in Canada contest. CIP’s review of 17 submissions from across Canada was based on a set of criteria of planning best practices that considered social, economic, and accessibility and safety factors, and elements such as design, culture, history, and landscape.

Jury Statement

First Avenue exhibits all of the qualities one would expect from a great street: visually-interesting building facades, generous sidewalks, attractive landscaping and artistic details, places to rest, and places to gather.

This street, with its diverse mixture of local businesses, housing and services, has been a focal point of daily life for community members for more than a century. Streetscape enhancements, heritage preservation, the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and the many unique and publicly accessible festivals and events held throughout the year, are key ingredients to First Avenue’s success as a Great Street.

The jury acknowledges the community’s commitment to defining and celebrating First Avenue as the heart of Ladysmith’s downtown core.

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“We are absolutely thrilled the Canadian Institute of Planners has chosen First Avenue as Canada’s Great Street. This is an incredible honour for our community and showcases the pivotal role First Avenue has played in helping to shape Ladysmith’s identity as a charming, diverse and vibrant west coast community,” said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone.

Great Places in Canada contest winners were announced on World Town Planning Day, an internationally celebrated day that recognizes the accomplishments of professional planners and their contributions to communities. Other British Columbia winning communities included Coquitlam, which was awarded Great Public Space for its Town Centre Park, and Main Street in Smithers, which received the People’s Choice: Great Street.

“The last time a B.C. community received the Canada’s Great Street honour was back in 2011. Winning this award for 2017 truly acknowledges our community’s commitment to defining and celebrating First Avenue as the heart of downtown Ladysmith and highlights the significance of this exceptional street and its importance to our community,” said Guillermo Ferrero, Town of Ladysmith City Manager.

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