Christie Falls may be among Ladysmith's best kept secrets.
The Bush Creek waterfall, located above the Ladysmith Sportsmen Club Bush Creek Hatchery, is only easily accessible when the hatchery volunteers are doing maintenance, Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Otherwise, visitors have to park outside the gate and take a 2.5 kilometre walk to the tiered falls. It takes about an hour on foot, but 10 minutes by car.
To reach the falls from Ladysmith, drive on Highway 1 to Grouhel Road and turn left. Turn right onto Christie Road. At a stop sign, turn left and drive to the orange TimberWest gate (these are closed during fire season). From there, the hatchery gates should be visible. If those gates are open, head in to the hatchery. There are signs posted.
However, there are no signs marking the trail head to the falls, but the trail is easy to find and it runs alongside the left side of the creek.
Groups wishing to visit the falls can contact Dave Judson of the Sportsmen ahead of time at 250-245-3690 to plan a trip, as he has a key to the hatchery gate.
Also, the hatchery is a great place to visit and see fish.