Chemainus is a small, charming seaside community 35 km (21.7 miles) south of Nanaimo, tucked right in the heart of the Cowichan Valley. This quaint town draws in thousands of tourists every year from every corner of the world to discover the secrets of what is recognized as one of Vancouver Island’s crown jewels.
Among its famous tourist attractions are the 41 murals, which continually grow in number, easily the largest outdoor art gallery in Canada today. Most of these larger than life art pieces depict the history of Chemainus, along with the latest additions which celebrate Emily Carr’s art and life, a well-respected and loved artist of the island.
To visit all these stunning murals, you can either go by foot on a self-guided tour or you can view these artworks via a horse-drawn carriage. Along with the murals are the string of charming boutiques, pretty bistros, galleries and sculptures, potteries and glass arts, all produced by the highly talented pool of local artisans.
Beyond Art
Mural painting is not a modern concept. The history of this art form can be traced back through centuries and known to be prevalent in many countries around the world. So what makes the Chemainus murals unique and well worth the trip? It was primarily designed to spur the economy and used the arts as a strategy to revitalize the town during the 1981 recession. As a mill town, its very existence primarily relied on the mill production.
With pure ingenuity and spunk, the then mayor, Graham Bruce enthusiastically presented the concept. This then became the world-famous example of just how a small town is able to turn things around and successfully create substantial change for its survival. This earned its monicker, “the little town that did”. So more than just the art pieces that are truly breathtaking in person, the very meaning of its existence makes it all the more profound and evocative, making Chemainus one of the most loved places in all of Vancouver Island.
Today, the town is a hub of bustling activity where both locals and visitors alike enjoy what this small village has to offer. Discover for yourself and be captivated at how Chemainus is able to combine old world charm with modern conveniences that is just so rare these days.
Getting There
Chemainus is easily accessible from different major cities of the island. If you are starting from Victoria BC, travel north and enjoy a one hour scenic ride, the town is just 77 km (46 miles) away. From Nanaimo, it’s a mere 34 km (21 miles), making it a perfect weekend side trip.
• By Bus – You can travel by bus (coach) from Nanaimo and Victoria via BC Ferry Terminals.
• By Ferry – enjoy a day trip to Chemainus via BC Ferries, which takes you on small tour of the scenic Gulf Islands.
• By Plane – the nearest terminal is the Cassidy Airport, which is just a short 10-minute drive north of Ladysmith. If coming from Victoria Airport, it’s a 6-minute drive to the town.
Accommodations
A short day trip is simply not enough to bask and enjoy the unfettered beauty of the town. Stay for the weekend and make the most of it. There are a number of fine Vancouver Island hotels and inns you can choose from in the area, including our sponsor, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Chemainus Inn:
BEST WESTERN PLUS Chemainus Inn
9573 Chemainus Road, Chemainus, BC, Canada, V0R 1K5
Telephone: (250) 246-4181 Toll-Free: 1-877-246-4181 Email: seeyou@chemainushotel.com
Whether you are on a business trip or a leisure holiday, Best Western Plus would love to be your temporary home during your stay.
Located at the heart of Chemainus, this Inn is just across the street from the Mt. Brenton Golf Course. If you want to be at the heart of all the action, this is the best place to be. Aside from a guided mural tour all across town, you can also enjoy a number of outdoor activities, such as scuba diving bc, kayaking, fishing trip, whale watching tours, theatre performances and wine tours. A lot of sports fans prefer staying at Chemainus Inn since its just a few minutes away from the area’s top-rated sports venues.
As a guest of the BEST WESTERN PLUS Chemainus Inn, you can look forward to enjoy the luxury of modern conveniences, complete with spacious well-appointed guest suites. Accommodations include a full buffet breakfast, use of the indoor swimming pool, free parking, free Internet access, relaxing hot tub as well as onsite exercise facilities.