Welcome to “the world’s largest outdoor art gallery.” Vividly colourful murals fill every available wall in town while documenting local history in fascinating detail. The murals spurred this seaside mill town’s renaissance two decades ago and its main streets are today lined with dozens of one-of-a-kind shops selling antiques, art, candy, giftware, and locally made clothing. Visitors on Wednesdays in the summer can also shop at the open-air market in Waterwheel Park. Nearby is the Chemainus Theatre and its year-round schedule of first-rate musicals and plays. A short walk downhill towards the ocean leads to the charming shops and eateries of the Old Town neighbourhood as well as the seaside pleasures of Kin Beach Park. Annual bluegrass and jazz festivals along with summer’s Music in the Park series keep toes tapping.
Visit Tourism Cowichan to learn more about this and other nearby communities.
