Chemainus and Ladysmith have both been named among the top 15 vacation destinations in Canada by Expedia.
The top 15 destinations were ranked by analyzing thousands of verified Expedia user reviews from 2017. Ratings were weighed in four categories to determine each community’s final score and all destinations scored between a 4.0 and 5.0 star rating out of 5.
“Everyone loves British Columbia, and Chemainus in particular got top marks from reviewers,” noted writer Jennifer Cuellar. “This pretty spot has a little bit of everything: beaches, mountains, and boutiques. While here, catch a show at the popular Chemainus Theatre, chow down on regional tapas at Sawmill Taphouse and Grill, and, if it’s summer, listen to Tuesday night music at Waterwheel Park.
“Ladysmith, British Columbia, is a cozy coastal destination that makes a big impression on guests,” added Cuellar. “Start your vacation off with a swim at Transfer Beach, or kayak around the shoreline when you rent from Sealegs Kayaking Adventures. If you’re more about that #artlife than #ruggedlife, there’s the 20th Annual Arts on the Avenue, where dozens of artists come together to showcase their latest creations.”
Gibsons was the only other B.C. community listed.
Also on the list were five Ontario locales: Stratford, Fort Erie, Ottawa, Niagara-On-The-Lake and Blue Mountain.
Rounding out the top 15, in no particular order, were: Wolfville and Membertou, Nova Scotia; Perce and Baie-D’Urfe, Quebec; Saskatoon; Three Hills, Alberta; and North Rustico, Prince Edward Island.
It’s the second time Chemainus has received recognition from Expedia. In November of 2016, Expedia placed Chemainus at No. 9 on its top 10 list of the friendliest communities and towns in Canada.
People directly involved in tourism and the arts in Chemainus are obviously ecstatic about this latest news.
“That’s wonderful,” enthused Chemainus Business Improvement Association marketing and events manager Krystal Adams. “We are so proud of this town. I think we all know this is one of the top vacation spots.
“We know how beautiful it is and we try to share that as much as possible. But we can’t get to everyone.”
“It goes without saying we’re thrilled,” raved Chemainus and District Chamber of Commerce executive director Lori Frankson. “We make sure everyone who comes through these doors has an excellent experience here.”
With Ladysmith included, she said it speaks to the entire region’s tourism appeal.
“There’s a lot more exposure to the Cowichan Valley as a whole. We’re always excited when we get our name in the paper and on the Internet. It shows the community as a whole is doing a good job of putting us in the forefront.”
“This is exciting news for Chemainus,” offered Chemainus Festival of Murals Society president Tom Andrews. “It will add to the already thousands of tourists who visit our town for the murals, theatre and the arts. The Chemainus Festival of Murals Society thanks its many volunteers for keeping our outdoor art gallery exciting and attractive for all to see and enjoy. Your hard work and dedication deserve to share this recognition. What a great way to kick off the summer tourist season. Congratulations Chemainus.”
“It is so nice to see Chemainus get the recognition that it deserves,” added Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society president Bev Knight. “There is plenty to see and do in our little town and for our part we love to provide great music and creative arts for our visitors all year long.”
Cuellar is a writer, an avid explorer, and fan of all things Games of Thrones-related. When she’s not sipping tea in a café by the beach, she’s off writing about wondrous cities you simply have to visit. She spotlights top cities to tour, which attractions you’ve got to see, and off-the-beaten path activities to try during your vacations.
“We weren’t surprised to see how well-reviewed Chemainus is as a top vacation destination,” noted Cuellar. “Given the beautiful sights and delicious food, it’s a perfect place to visit in B.C.”
The original article can be viewed at https://www.expedia.ca/travelblog/top-rated-vacation-destinations/