Local Attractions - Chemainus, BC

Chemainus, a popular tourist destination, is located on the inside shore of Vancouver Island.

As well as a tourist hotspot, Chemainus boasts a large and vital atistic community. The local area is home to artisans such as painters, glass blowers, potters, sculptors and carvers. Many have studios and art galleries that you are invited to visit. You will also find a good mix of boutiques, gift and specialty shops, and some very good cafes and restaurants in town.

Chemainus Murals

The Chemainus area has always been tied to its forests and the forestry industry. However by the 1970s, the forestry industry could no longer support a sawmill in the Chemainus area, and the town fell on hard times. When some thought the town was surely finished, others looked in a different direction.

Beginning in 1982 and continuing still today a total of 36 murals have been commissioned to be painted throughout the town of Chemainus. The murals in this outdoor gallery depict the history and people of the local area. The murals are all within an easy and pleasant few blocks of each other and are contained within the central area of the town. Visitors can even pickup a special walking-tour map, which leads them to every mural.

Chemainus has now become a very popular tourist destination. It is estimated that nealry 500,000 visitors flock to Chemainus every year. They come to see the murals, and to experience a locale that still maintains its small-town appeal.

Reference: Chemainus Festival of Murals Society

More Local Attractions

Chemainus also boasts a 270 seat theatre for the performing arts, thriving cafes, gift stores, galleries, antique stores and unique boutiques. You will not find large department stores or "big box" stores in Chemianus, but plenty of small-town charm awaits you.

Recreation & Activities: Tennis, fishing, and golf close by.

Attractions & Special Events: Children's park, beach with swimming possibilities is just steps from the B&B.

Recommended Local Restaurants: These vary during seasons and would be verbally recommended to guests.

Recommended Local Best Kept Secrets: "Old World" pubs in the vicinity.