Ladysmith is a town on the east coast of Vancouver Island, known for its agriculture & forestry industries, and also a tourist destination for its sheltered harbor and adjacent hillside. The best places to run in Ladysmith are the Marine Trail and the Holland Creek Trail, with numerous additional trail running options.
Transfer Beach Park. Google Street View
Marine Trail. There’s some scenic running along the coast in Ladysmith, combining trails and quiet roads for nearly 3 km. Part wooded and part open, the anchor of this route is Transfer Beach Park, located in the center of town across the Trans Canada Highway. Use the Dogpatch Trail, and then the additional trail that leads to Slagg Point for its beautiful views. Extend for 0.4 mile south on the Dogpatch Trail to the end of Oyster Cove Rd., and then 0.7 miles north of the park on the Dogpatch/Fisherman’s Wharf Trail, to just past Ludlow Rd.
Holland Creek Trail. Part paved and mostly gravel, the trail runs along both sides of Holland Creek. It’s mainly wooded. Highlights include Crystal Falls and the Colliery Dams. We’ve mapped a 7.7 km loop combining both sides of the trail. You canalso start at the Estuary, on the east side of the TCAN — a scenic spot! Notes: Hilly, climbing ~120m east to wes; can be combined with the coastal trail, as it starts near the southern end of that route.
Additional Trail Running. There are numerous additional trails for running in Ladysmith, some gentler and others more rugged & hilly. Nearly all wooded as they’re inland. Most popular are the Heart Lake Loop, and the Stocking Lake Trail.
Ladysmith is a town on the east coast of Vancouver Island, known for its agriculture & forestry industries, and also a tourist destination for its sheltered harbor and adjacent hillside. The best places to run in Ladysmith are the Marine Trail and the Holland Creek Trail, with numerous additional trail running options.
Transfer Beach Park. Google Street View
Marine Trail. There’s some scenic running along the coast in Ladysmith, combining trails and quiet roads for nearly 3 km. Part wooded and part open, the anchor of this route is Transfer Beach Park, located in the center of town across the Trans Canada Highway. Use the Dogpatch Trail, and then the additional trail that leads to Slagg Point for its beautiful views. Extend for 0.4 mile south on the Dogpatch Trail to the end of Oyster Cove Rd., and then 0.7 miles north of the park on the Dogpatch/Fisherman’s Wharf Trail, to just past Ludlow Rd.
Holland Creek Trail. Part paved and mostly gravel, the trail runs along both sides of Holland Creek. It’s mainly wooded. Highlights include Crystal Falls and the Colliery Dams. We’ve mapped a 7.7 km loop combining both sides of the trail. You canalso start at the Estuary, on the east side of the TCAN — a scenic spot! Notes: Hilly, climbing ~120m east to wes; can be combined with the coastal trail, as it starts near the southern end of that route.
Additional Trail Running. There are numerous additional trails for running in Ladysmith, some gentler and others more rugged & hilly. Nearly all wooded as they’re inland. Most popular are the Heart Lake Loop, and the Stocking Lake Trail.
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Essentials
Coastal Trail: ~3 km one-way; Holland Creek Trail: Full loop is 7.7 km (4.8 miles)
Holland Creek loop is 143m (471 feet)
Coastal Trail: Transfer Beach Park; Holland Cree Trail: at the Estuary or trailhead off Dogwood Dr.
Second-largest city on Vancouver Island and reachable by ferry from Vancouver. We've mapped several scenic running routes: coastal paths, beautiful parks, and extensive trail running options.
Some spectacular running options in Parksville: a 2 km path along Rathtrevor Beach; the Top Bridge Trail, including a new pedestrian suspension bridge; and the 6.5 km RDN Recreational Path along the Englishman River. Can be combined!
A scenic and runnable section of the secondary Island Highway that runs along the coast. It's 10k between Union Bay and Buckley Bay. The road is busy but has a wide shoulder and good water views. Fave section is 6 km from Buckley Bay to Union Bay.
A great way to experience some of Vancouver Island's vast forest lands. This 550-acre protected forest features 200 km of trails and logging roads through lush forest, including cedar groves and riparian areas.
In Courtenay on Vancouver Island's east coast, there's 8 km of scenic waterfront running on paved multi-use paths along Comox Harbour and the Courtenay River. Can vary with the Rotary Trail.
A scenic waterfront run in the "Salmon Capital of the World". The Campbell River Seawalk is a 6.7 km paved waterfront path along Discovery Passage. Great water views! You'll cross the 50th parallel! Also nice forest trails in the Beaver Lodge Lands.
Fantastic beach running at three longer beaches along Vancouver Island's rugged west coast between Tofino and Ucluelet: Chesterman Beach, Long Beach, & Florencia Bay Beach. Crashing surf, gorgeous sunsets!
This 8 km coastal trail is located in Ucluelet, along the island's rugged west coast. Scenic, fairly easy trail running showcasing coastal forests, bogs, and mudlats. There are two main sections, which can be combined.
Terrific running options in this coastal community on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, 38 km west of Victoria. Run the Whiffin Spit Trail, a section of the Galloping Goose multi-use trail, or more rugged trail running in East Sooke Regional Park.
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Essentials
Coastal Trail: ~3 km one-way; Holland Creek Trail: Full loop is 7.7 km (4.8 miles)
Holland Creek loop is 143m (471 feet)
Coastal Trail: Transfer Beach Park; Holland Cree Trail: at the Estuary or trailhead off Dogwood Dr.
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!