Chemainus
Chemainus is best experienced out-of-doors, beginning with its internationally renowned local-history-themed murals. Follow the footprints for a self-guided tour or view the artwork via horse-drawn carriage, the most architecturally interesting buildings in Chemainus are found along Chemainus Road. The road's seven "Old Mill Houses" date from the late 19th century, stroll through Waterwheel Park in search of the five animal carvings nestled amongst the branches of its old-growth fir trees, the park is a beautiful downtown park with a nautical-themed children's play area, visit nearby Kin Park offering swimming, picnicking and walking trails, or an afternoon of golfing, hiking, mountain biking, birding, fishing, or deep sea diving.
Outdoor enthusiasts are never at a loss for activities in Chemainus. Within minutes of the centre of town is an 18-hole golf course, and numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking. The most notable hiking trails are Askew Creek, Stocking Creek, Chemainus Lake, and the hidden Hermit's Trail, which winds through an extensive forest garden created by a colourful local character named Charlie Abbot. Chemainus has plenty of clean, fish-filled water to enjoy. Head to Kin Beach for an ocean swim, or to Fuller Lake and the nearby Chemainus River for freshwater dips. Calm, sheltered Chemainus Bay is perfect for boating and kayaking. Anglers should head for Chemainus Lake for good Smallmouth Bass fishing (small Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout can also be caught there); Fuller Lake for large Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout (electric motors only); the Chemainus River for spring and summer Steelhead and Trout; and Bare Point for prawns, crabs, and flatfish.
Chemainus' fortunes grew and declined with the forestry industry for more than 100 years. A steam-powered sawmill roared into production in 1862, but by the late 1970s the forestry industry, and the town, were in decline. A plan to revitalize the local economy by encouraging tourism commenced in 1981 and, in 1982, five large, local-history-themed, outdoor murals were unveiled. Many more murals (37 in all) and a steady increase in visitors followed. "The Little Town that Did" had successfully transformed itself from a rough-and-tumble mill town into one of the world's biggest outdoor art galleries.
Visually, Chemainus is a very charming town. Many of its shops operate out of quaint and colourful heritage houses, complete with picket fences and hanging flower baskets. This, along with the many rest stops and cafés downtown, creates a truly memorable shopping/browsing experience. Goods available include antiques, art, pottery, clothing, and collectibles.
Theatre lovers will be thrilled by both the beauty and modern conveniences of the Chemainus Theatre building, which contains a 274-seat theatre, an elegant dining room, and a gift shop stocked with local art and crafts. The theatre company organizes eight productions each year, five for adults and three for children. For music lovers, there are open-air concerts at the Bandshell in Waterwheel Park in summer and intimate, coffee house performances year round.
Chemainus is marked by long stretches of pristine coastline, towering old-growth trees, and a great variety of bird species. Kin Beach is a wonderful place to spot tiny Rufous hummingbirds (weighing less than a dime), and bald eagles. At low tide, it also offers close-up views of marine life like sand dollars, moon shells, and enormous crabs. Scan the Pacific for nearby Thetis and Kuper Islands and the North Shore Mountains in the distance. Fuller Lake Park offers good hiking and sandy beaches, where lifeguards are on duty in summer. Askew Creek Park offers short, scenic walks through old-growth trees and along a creek. Watch for nesting bald eagles.
Thetis Island, just a 20min ferry ride away from Chemainus, is known for its excellent hiking trails, wetlands, and rock clefts. There is also a vineyard/winery on the island that offers tours, tastings, and tapas.
Deep sea diving is a popular winter activity around Chemainus because the area's waters are clearest in the cooler months. On a guided diving tour, you could encounter a Giant Pacific Octopus, Wolf eels, seals, or sea lions. Diving in the area got even better with the intentional sinking of a Boeing 737 jumbo jet off the coast of Thetis Island in October 2005. It is the world's only intentionally created aircraft artificial reef.
