Chemainus, Vancouver Island

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Chemainus is a town in the Cowichan Valley on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It is a favourite destination for year round live professional theatre by Chemainus Theatre Festival including comedy, musicals & drama with shows at the Chemainus Theatre. Chemainus is located 1 hour north of Victoria and 1/2 hour south of Nanaimo by automobile.

History

The name "Chemainus" comes from the native shaman and prophet "Tsa-meeun-is" (Broken Chest). Legend says that the man survived a massive wound in his chest to become a powerful chief. His people took his name to identify their community, Chemainus First Nation. The railroad arrived in the 1880s and by the early 1920s the town's population had ballooned to 600 persons. Today, Chemainus has a population of approximately 5,000. Wikipedia

Outdoor Murals & Sculptures at Chemainus

Founded as a logging town in 1858, the town is now famous for the world's largest gallery of outdoor murals and scuptures. This outdoor gallery has given birth to 300 businesses, including a theatre, antiques dealers, and eateries. The tourist industry stemming from the murals saved the town after its mill closed in the early 1980s. More murals are currently being painted. The 39+ murals and 13 sculptures demonstrate the town's history and heritage. Follow the footprints for a self-guided tour or take a tour via horse-drawn carriage.

Gift shops, antique shopping and art galleries are plentiful in Chemainus. Visit the Chemainus Valley Museum.

A BC Ferry terminal is located in Chemainus, which provides service to Thetis and Kuper Islands.

737 Artificial Reef

If you like to dive, there is an artificial reef created by the sinking of a 737. The sinking was documented in "Sinking Wings", an episode of the Discovery Channel Series, Mega Builders. Biking, hiking, fishing and golf is nearby. The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC) provides more information about artificial reefs and the reef at Chemainus..