Chemainus

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History

The early history of the Chemainus area is inextricably tied to its forests and the industries associated with it.

Chemainus, or more specifically the bay around which the town grew, was home to natural features which made it attractive to the forest industry. The sawmill, which opened in 1862, was operated by a powerful stream with a potent waterfall.

The late 1880s heralded the arrival of the railroad and the town slowly grew for the next thirty years. In the early 1920s the population was estimated at 600 with the inhabitants being of Chinese, Japanese and Salish Indian origin.

By the late 1970s the mill was antiquated and the industry was suffering exceptionally difficult times. Some thought the town was finished. At this same time, the town was awarded a grant from a provincial redevelopment fund. Community leaders, led by a new, young mayor (Graham Bruce), were searching for ideas on the best way to utilize the funds. Karl Schutz, a social entrepreneur, was asked to contribute suggestions and ultimately to coordinate the murals revitalization project. 

Beginning in 1982 and continuing still today a total of 36 murals have been commissioned. All of them portray the history of Chemainus. To simply describe the outdoor gallery as a collection of murals would be misleading. Chemainus has bared its soul by exhibiting its history on its buildings.

The Chemainus of today has a population of approximately 5,000 and includes a 274 seat theatre for the performing arts, thriving cafes, gift stores, galleries, antique stores and unique boutiques. Though people come to see the murals, they return again and again to shop and experience the small town's atmosphere.

The look of the town has changed, from a landscape of "for sale" signs in the early '80s, to a sea of tourists today, Chemainus has every right to call itself "The Little Town that Did".

Location

Chemainus is located south of Nanaimo and one hour north of Victoria on the Trans-Canada Highway. Cassidy Airport is 20 minutes to the north and the town is also serviced by coach lines between Victoria and Nanaimo. A more spectacular route to travel is via the Esquimault and Nanaimo railway, which passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada and provides panoramic views of the Gulf Islands.

Places to See

• Chemainus Theatre

An award-winning neo-classical building houses the 274-seat theatre and Playbill Dining Room, where professional stage productions, musicals, concerts and first class dining are offered year round.

• Fuller Lake Park

Pristine, free of pollutants, and stocked with trout, Fuller Lake is conveniently located off the Trans Canada Highway across from the Chemainus Fuller Lake Motel. Enjoy swimming, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, trout fishing, picnicking, hiking, or just relaxing on the beach. Life-guards are on duty during the summer months. Motor boats are not permitted.

• Waterwheel Park

In the heart of town, nestled in giant fir trees, is Waterwheel Park. While children play in the whimsical, nautical-themed play area, parents can relax and watch performers at the outdoor bandshell.

• Chemainus Valley Museum

Chemainus is itself almost a living museum, unashamedly displaying its history on the walls of the town. It also has a small museum in Waterwheel Park which has many interesting artifacts on display. Of note are items attributed to Bob Swanson during his tenure as mill engineer. Mr. Swanson was famous for his work on air horns; for example, the horns atop the old B.C. Hydro building in Vancouver that play O'Canada at noon. He was also the major moving force behind the refurbishing of the Royal Hudson locomotive that now hauls excursions to Squamish from West Vancouver.

• Mount Brenton Golf Course

In operation since 1948, Mount Brenton Golf Course is a scenic gem with plenty of creeks, ponds, and towering firs. These combine to make a challenging course for every level of golfer. The eighteenth hole is the signature hole at Mount Brenton. This 434 yard dog-leg right requires a well positioned drive and an approach shot that must carry the pond in front of this well guarded green.

• BC Forest Discovery Centre

Explore this 100-acre living museum, just 15-kilometres south of Chemainus. Along with the train, playground and interpretive trails, there are a wealth of exhibits indoors and out.

Kids are fascinated by the dioramas in the Glynne Jones building. There is an 1880s logging camp, complete with two blacksmith shops and a school, and that's just the beginning.

In the Welcome Museum, you will find state of the art interactive exhibits and displays of yarders, speeders, putt-putts, treen, and more! Have your picture taken beside "Little Jakey"!

Visit the heritage sawmill or check out the antique vehicles building. The logging truck display on the Lower Grounds displays vehicles from as far back as 1890. Ride the train past the Restoration Shops and on your way back, be sure to check out the Lookout Tower and the Koksilah Ranger Station.

Ride the Discovery Train and ask the conductor what the train whistle means. Visit the indoor & outdoor exhibits and climb the Lookout Tower for a great view.

Enjoy a snack from the concession or picnic by the playground. And don't forget to check out the gift shop for a great choice of souvenirs!

Things to Do

• View Local Art

Chemainus contains 37 historical murals and 12 sculptures, attracting scores of visitors every year. Gift shops and art galleries abound, offering some of the Island's best pottery and native and local artworks. Peruse the antique malls and collectibles shops for one-of-a-kind treasures.

• Biking / Hiking

The area around Chemainus provides dozens of trails for visitors to go biking or hiking.

• Shopping

Don't miss the sights and shops in Old Town, just a short stroll through the Gateway. Kin Park is a seaside picnic spot with a playground, swimming beach with change houses, and boat ramp. Take a break from your browsing in one of the numerous open-air cappuccino bars and restaurants - but be sure to save room for a trip to one of the many inviting ice cream parlours.

• Golf

Golfing holidays are popular on Vancouver Island with many courses to choose from, including the popular Mount Brenton Golf Course.  

Nearby Communities

Contact Information

Chemainus Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Information Centre
PO Box 575, 9796 Willow Street
Chemainus BC V0R 1K0
Tel: (250) 246.3944
Fax: (250) 246.3251
E-mail: ccoc@islandnet.com
Website: www.chemainus.bc.ca/

Experience Chemainus
Website: www.chemainus.com