More than 60 art installations shape Chemainus: murals on buildings and sculptures throughout the town spread discoveries across different locations. The number may grow as new works are added. A map on muraltown.com makes it possible to take a self-guided tour of the murals. Check that the map is available before setting out.
Art, Museum and Stage
The Chemainus Museum is located in Waterwheel Park in the centre of Chemainus and is operated by the Chemainus Valley Historical Society. The park also has an outdoor stage and serves as a venue for summer concerts, special events and community celebrations. The museum and stage programme thus offer different cultural experiences in one place.
The Chemainus Theatre Festival is a professional theatre with performances year-round. Through the Playbill Dining Room, it offers special meal-and-performance combinations. If you would like to plan for this combination, check the specific dining arrangements before booking. This lets you combine a theatre visit with a meal, while performances are not limited to the summer season.
Trails by Length and Scenery
The walking trails vary in length and scenery. Askew Creek Park has a 3.4-hectare wooded park, a wilderness trail and a total of 8 km of walking trails. You can hike, walk, picnic and watch birds there. The Chemainus River Estuary Trail, by contrast, is a single 2.7 km trail. It passes through peaceful, popular scenery with views of the river, lush forests and wetlands.
Another option is the section of the Trans Canada Trail in Chemainus: it is about 7 km long out and back, well maintained and level, and suitable for walking, running and cycling. Chemainus Lake Park has a 2.4 km loop just off River Road, as well as a small pier for fishing. This gives you a choice of a loop, individual trails and longer walking options; the distances given refer to different types of routes.
Water, Ferry and Seasonal Market
You can launch kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from Chemainus’s pebbly shoreline. At Kin Beach, possible activities include beachcombing and splashing in the refreshing water. BC Ferries offers connections from Chemainus to Thetis and Penelakut Islands. Check the schedule before travelling if you are planning a crossing.
The Chemainus Wednesday Market runs seasonally from early summer to early fall; on Wednesdays from May to September, it is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors include people selling homemade, baked and homegrown goods, including fresh produce. If you would like to visit the market on a particular Wednesday, check the dates in advance. This makes it easier to include seasonal market visits and ferry trips in your plans, while murals, theatre and walking trails offer other ways to spend your time in Chemainus.
Discover more destinations: Cowichan Bay, Honeymoon Bay, Malahat, Mill Bay, Crofton, Cobble Hill, Shawnigan Lake, Duncan.
For the broader travel overview: Cowichan Valley.
