Chemainus Snap Shots
The Vancouver Island village of Chemainus was once primarily a mill town, home to the largest covered-in sawmill in North America. During the early 1980s, the forest industry began to show signs of decline. Chemainus resident, Karl Schutz, came up with the concept of painting history on the walls of Chemainus to revitalize the town. Today, there are over 3 dozen murals depicting life in the early years of Chemainus, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Willow Street, the main street of Chemainus
Typical storefronts of the many quaint specialty shops to be found in Chemainus
Our year-round professional theatre and dining room
Detail from the main mural in the town centre
Some of the 13 sculptures and carvings to be found throughout Chemainus
"The Secret Garden", a soothing setting for tea and light meals
A seniors home built in the architectural style of Chemainus
Visitors to Chemainus often have fun interacting with the murals
HMS Reindeer, the first sailing ship to arrive in Chemainus in 1869
St. Michael's has been been located in Chemainus since 1891
Probably one of the most photographed water wheels in the world
Keep your eyes open for unexpected carvings
A mural in Old Town, many of our earliest Chemainus settlers were from the Orient
Steeples everywhere!
Charlie Abbot, a hermit living in the forest, created many beautiful walking trails
More steeples!
Maple Street, spanning old and new town
Details from murals in the town core
A mural by Cim McDonald who makes her home in Chemainus
Residents and visitors enjoy "Chemainus Summer Fest"
A car ferry sails twelve times daily between Chemainus and Thetis & Kuper islands
Mount Brenton stands sentinel over Chemainus
The Chemainus "Giant Market Day" is always well attended in July
Beautiful art, both natural and man-made abound year round in Chemainus
Come and visit us soon and become an honorary "Chemainiac" for a day!