My sister and I are planning a trip to Vancouver Island and want to visit friends in Ladysmith. We hope to spend three days in the area. Any accommodation recommendations and things to see?

Rathtrevor beach in Parksville!
Coombs - Goats in the Roof market (near Parksville)

cheers, I had heard about Coombs but forgot about it, Will take that in, Thanks

Airbnb. Ocean View garden suite. In the middle between Ladysmith and Coombs in Nanaimo

wow, just looked at this suite, looks really great , I have sent it on to my sister to get her ok/take on it. Thanks Graham .

Take the small ferry over to the Dingy Dock pub on Protection Island. Ferry leaves from downtown Nanaimo. Great food and fabulous views.

wow, that looks like a great place for a lunch or dinner. thanks.

If you have time, a trip through Sooke, on the Pacific Marine Highway is very unique, and different from Ladysmith area

So many small hideaway places. Depending on weather and timing. Do you like to hike?

we are both seniors , I would say we are more the stroll than the hike kind of people

Ron Conroy beautiful places to stroll. I will grab a few links for you

A great day trip from Ladysmith would be to go North and a little bit inland to Coombs, famous for the Goats on the Roof - a nice, country market. 15 more minutes along takes you to Cathedral Grove - a nice walk through some huge trees. Then head back to the coast to see Qualicum Beach, driving south to Parksville. Visit either the city beach (if you have kids because it has a great playground / splash park / beach) or the more natural area of Rathtrevor Provincial Park. The beach is spectacular. Then a short drive south via Nanaimo to Ladysmith.

Don't miss Old Town Bakery in Ladysmith..yummy..

I live in the Comox Valley and find it beautiful here. Golfing, Mount Washington (mountain biking, chair lift, events), Kayaking, boating. Ferries to outer islands. Campbell River ferry to Quadra and beyond. Lots of parks with trails, lakes. So much!