Chemainus: A Hidden Gem in British Columbia

Nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Chemainus is a small town with a big heart. Known for its vibrant murals, quaint shops, and stunning natural beauty, Chemainus is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of British Columbia.

Attractions

Chemainus Theatre Festival: This award-winning theatre company offers a variety of shows throughout the year, from musicals to dramas to comedies.
Chemainus Murals: Take a self-guided tour of the town's 40+ murals, which depict the history and culture of the area.
Chemainus Valley Museum: Learn about the town's past at this small but informative museum.
Mount Brenton Golf Course: This 18-hole course offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Fuller Lake Park: This park features a lake for swimming and fishing, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas.
Chemainus River Provincial Park: This park offers hiking trails, fishing, and camping opportunities.

Natural Wonders

Chemainus River: This river is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking.
Saltair Beach: This small beach offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands.
Mount Tzouhalem: This mountain offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Stocking Creek Park: This park features a waterfall and hiking trails through old-growth forest.

Festivals

Chemainus Bluegrass Festival: This annual festival features live music, workshops, and jam sessions.
Chemainus Harvest Festival: This festival celebrates the town's agricultural heritage with a farmers' market, live music, and more.
Chemainus Christmas Festival: This festival features a parade, carol singing, and a visit from Santa Claus.

History

Chemainus was founded in the late 1800s as a logging town. In the early 1980s, the town was struggling economically due to the decline of the logging industry. To revitalize the town, local business owners came up with the idea of painting murals on the sides of buildings to attract tourists. The plan was a success, and today Chemainus is known as the "Mural Capital of Canada." The town was officially incorporated in 1988.

Conclusion

Chemainus may be small, but it has a lot to offer visitors. From the stunning murals to the natural beauty of the surrounding area, there's something for everyone in this charming town. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Chemainus is the perfect destination.

Sources

"Chemainus Theatre Festival." Chemainus Theatre Festival, www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca/.
"Chemainus Murals." Chemainus Murals, www.chemainus.com/murals/.
"Chemainus Valley Museum." Chemainus Valley Museum, www.chemainusmuseum.ca/.
"Mount Brenton Golf Course." Mount Brenton Golf Course, www.mountbrentongolf.com/.
"Fuller Lake Park." Cowichan Valley Regional District, www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1023/Fuller-Lake-Park.
"Chemainus River Provincial Park." BC Parks, www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/chemainus_rv/.
"Saltair Beach." Cowichan Valley Regional District, www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1024/Saltair-Beach.
"Mount Tzouhalem." Hike Bike Travel, hikebiketravel.com/mount-tzouhalem-hike/.
"Stocking Creek Park." Cowichan Valley Regional District, www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1025/Stocking-Creek-Park.
"Chemainus Bluegrass Festival." Chemainus Bluegrass Festival, www.chemainusbluegrass.com/.
"Chemainus Harvest Festival." Chemainus Harvest Festival, www.chemainus.bc.ca/events/chemainus-harvest-festival/.
"Chemainus Christmas Festival." Chemainus Christmas Festival, www.chemainus.bc.ca/events/chemainus-christmas-festival/.