Chemainus

History

(The following article was provided by the Chemainus Chamber of Commerce. Contact information is listed at the bottom of this page.)

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.

Events

• Paddlefest
  
  Paddlefest is a weekend-long festival with activities and events for paddlers of all ages and paddling abilities. Located at Transfer Beach in beautiful Ladysmith, British Columbia, participants can attend this free event and enjoy a variety of activities including vendor/trade show, workshops, demonstrations and fun activities.
  
  There are on-land and on-water workshops offered both Saturday and Sunday to help you hone your paddling strokes, pack your boat, practice rescue techniques and many other helpful tips.
  
  The industry's leading manufacturers, retailers, and outfitters will have booths set up for you to check out the latest gear and pick up a few festival "deals". A full range of 100 boats of different makes and models will be on-hand for you to take a "test-paddle" of the latest technology and designs.
  
  With participants from all over Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Washington State, Alberta and even Ontario attending in the past - there will be lots to talk about!
  
  
• Anniversary of Murals Opening Celebration
  
  Every May, come to Chemainus to celebrate the anniversary of the unveiling of the town's famous murals! Visitors will enjoy a day of fun at Waterwheel Park, full of musical performances, awards, dancing, and dinner. Children will enjoy face painting, balloons, games, and amusing performances by clowns.
  
  
• Chemainus Evening Market
  
  From June to September, the Chemainus Evening Market provides an assortment of local fresh produce, jams, jellies and chutney's, greeting cards, flowers, jewelry, plants, pies, designer sandals, pottery and fiber arts, soaps, unique clothing, and folk art. Enjoy one of Mike's famous salmon burgers, or a hot dog or some Chinese food from Ding Ho's. Finish your meal with fudge or cakes, and enjoy a nice Shiatsu massage.
  
  
• The Greak Lake Walk
  
  The Great Lake Walk and Ultramarathon is a 56-kilometre walk or run around beautiful Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island. This walking/running event takes place on the third Saturday in September each year.
  
  Cowichan Lake is the second largest body of fresh water on Vancouver Island on the West Coast of British Columbia. The lake runs from the northwest to the southeast and empties into the world famous Cowichan River in the Town of Lake Cowichan.

Contact Information

Chemainus Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Information Centre

PO Box 575 / 9796 Willow Street
Chemainus BC V0R 1K0

Phone: (250) 246.3944
Fax: (250) 246.3251
E-mail: ccoc@islandnet.com
Website: www.chemainus.bc.ca

Experience Chemainus

Website: www.chemainus.com