The quaint town of Chemainus is found on the Chemainus River Valley on the east coast of Vancouver Island in Canada. We didn’t know of the town but found it as we headed from Victoria to catch the ferry to Vancouver. Because we had some spare time before ferry left, we spent a few hours exploring the town. If you are visiting Vancouver Island, add Chemainus to your itinerary. Spend at least a few hours exploring the town, finding the murals and doing some shopping.
History
The Hul’gumi’num first nations people originally settled in the area because it was rich in herring and shellfish. The original permanent village was called Shts’emines which translates to Chemainus in English.
English speaking inhabitants then discovered the area and a small town was established in the 1850’s. In addition to its proximity to the water it was also surrounded by lush green forests so it wasn’t long before the areas natural resources started to be exploited. From this a forestry industry was established.
Why stop in Chemainus?
The town is now a tourist destination. Due to the work of its local artists, over 40 murals now adorn many of the buildings in the town. It is also a great place to do some shopping with many of the shops and cafes selling local hand made wares.
Murals
The murals that have now made Chemainus famous, were actually a project to save the town from economic collapse. It has been recognised as the world’s leading community driven art tourism experience and became a model for similar projects around the world. Chemainus even hosted the 1st Global Mural Conference in 1998.
If you are visiting Vancouver Island, make sure you also add the Butchart Gardens to your itinerary.
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I have never been to Canada and definitely never knew about Chemainus before reading your post. There are so many beautiful murals to look at.
The murals are amazing to see Anwesha. It is such a quaint town and it is lovely to wonder around finding the murals.
I really love the street art in the town, it looks very unique and it blow my mind with the amount of details.
The art is beautiful Albina. It was wonderful just wandering the streets finding the art work.
Wow!! These murals are gorgeous!
They definitely are Merrie.
Chemainus – such a beautiful town! I have only been once, driving through on my way further north. Love the murals that saved the town from economic collapse. Love Vancouver Island.
It’s such a cute town to spend time wandering around. We loved Vancouver Island too Alison.
I love (love love!) little towns like this! It feels like you’ve found a treasure when you stumble upon on, doesn’t it? Absolutely adorable.
Totally agree Cris. We absolutely loved exploring the town.
I love to explore local murals and street art. Can’t believe I haven’t heard about this town before. These are really unique. Since Canada is already on my bucket list, I am definitely gonna add Chemainus to the list. Thanks!
Canada is so beautiful Maya. Chemainus and Vancouver Island are definitely worth adding to your must visit list.
I absolutely LOVE finding murals everywhere I go. I’ve only been to Chemainus once long long ago, so I definitely need to go back and explore!
It is such a quaint town Andrea. Definitely worth the visit.
I am a huge fan of street art and just fell in love with this little town. How charming.
This is brilliant. I have a post on the Mural town of Sheffield in Tasmania which is similar. I love how art can transform a neighbourhood (and bring in tourists!)