Once the hub of blue collar industries such as coal mining and logging, Ladysmith today boasts an abundance of gardens, picturesque historic buildings, an active artist community and a scenic hillside location overlooking the harbour. Ladysmith is named after a town in South Africa where a victorious battle of the Boer War was fought. Located just south of Nanaimo on picturesque Vancouver Island, and offering stunning ocean and mountain views, Ladysmith has plenty of activities for visitors. The warm waters of Oyster Harbour are ideal for swimming and kayaking, and the winding rainforest paths of Holland Creek Trail provide a quiet retreat for hikers. The town centre has plenty of shops and restaurants to please urban dwellers. Visitors to Ladysmith can also participate in one of the city's many community celebrations, including Christmas Light Up, when thousands of coloured lights brighten up the historic centre, and the Ladysmith Celebration Days, which features a parade and several logger sport competitions.