Chemainus, BC is a charming town located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Chemainus is known as the "Little Town That Did" due to its success in reinventing itself in the 1980s.
The town is known for its fascinating history, which dates back over 8,000 years to the first inhabitants of the area. Today, Chemainus is home to a vibrant community of artists and artisans, and is known for its unique murals – a series of outdoor artworks that depict the town’s history and culture.
For visitors, Chemainus offers a variety of activities and attractions, from the Chemainus Theatre Festival to the Chemainus Valley Museum. Nature lovers will find plenty of opportunities to explore the region on foot or by bike. The Chemainus River Trail, Heritage Forest, and Crofton Estuary are all popular hiking and biking trails.
The town’s harbour is also a popular spot, offering visitors a chance to take in stunning views of the Strait of Georgia and Salish Sea. Further afield, you can explore the nearby provincial parks, including Gowlland Tod, MacMillan, and Strathcona.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, Chemainus offers plenty of opportunities to explore the region’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Old Town Chemainus: Located in the heart of Chemainus, Old Town offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries to explore. The area is also home to the Chemainus Murals, which are a series of outdoor murals depicting the area's past.
2. Crofton: Located just a few minutes away from Chemainus, Crofton is a picturesque fishing village with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Visitors can take part in fishing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding, and explore the local beaches and trails.
3. Cedar: A small seaside village located just north of Chemainus, Cedar is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the local trails, take part in water sports, and visit the local farms.
4. Ladysmith: Located just a short drive south of Chemainus, Ladysmith is a small but vibrant town with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. The area is also home to a number of parks and beaches, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
5. Saltair: Located just east of Chemainus, Saltair is a small coastal village with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Visitors can take part in fishing, boating, and swimming, and explore the local trails and beaches.
1. Chemainus Murals: Chemainus is known for its incredible outdoor art gallery, featuring over 40 large, colorful murals depicting the town’s history and culture.
2. Waterwheel Park: Located in the center of town, this park features a cascading waterfall and a historic waterwheel that's over a century old.
3. Chemainus Theatre Festival: This professional theatre company puts on five plays each summer, as well as various other events throughout the year.
4. Chemainus Valley Museum: This museum is home to a variety of artifacts and exhibits, including First Nations artifacts, a replica of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, and more.
5. Chemainus Garden Tour: This self-guided tour of the town's gardens features over 20 unique gardens, including a Japanese garden, a Mediterranean garden, and a variety of others.
1. Fish & Chips: Chemainus is known for its world-famous Fish & Chips, which are made with fresh fish from the local waters, served up with crispy golden chips.
2. Chemainus Pizza: This locally owned pizzeria serves up some of the best pizza in the area, featuring a variety of unique toppings and a crispy, thin crust.
3. Donair: Donair is a local favorite that is becoming increasingly popular in Canada. It is made with spiced beef, tomatoes, onions, and a unique sweet sauce.
4. Burgers: Chemainus is home to several burger joints, including Burger 55 and The Burger Barn. These places serve up delicious burgers with all the fixings.
5. Ice Cream: To cool off on a hot day, locals head to the Chemainus Ice Cream Parlour for some of the best ice cream in town. They have a wide variety of flavors to choose from.