Chemainus
Crofton & Thetis Island Official Visitor Guide
L i s v t e r ! A e W h ere t h
www.chemainus.bc.ca
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2015 Visitor Guide
Contents
5: Must-Dos 6: Chemainus Map 7: Did You Know? 9: World-Famous Murals 11: Arts & Culture 13: Natural Beauty 15: Saltair, Thetis Island & Crofton 16: Special Events 17: Upcoming Events Photo credits: Thank you to these local photographers for their contributions: Niomi Pearson: skateboarding photo on page 5 Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce: diving photo on page 7 Stacey Crossley: Chemainus Theatre Festival photo on page 11, lighthouse photo on page 13 Chemainus Crofton Community Schools Association: children’s art photo on page 11
Publisher Teresa McKinley
publisher@ladysmithchronicle.com
940 Oyster Bay Drive P.O. Box 400, Ladysmith, B.C., V9G 1A3 Phone: 250-245-2277 Fax: 250-245-2230 The Chronicle does its best to ensure content accuracy. The Chronicle is not endorsing any product or business contained within.
Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre at Waterwheel Park www.chemainus.bc.ca 250-246-3944 www.chemainus.bc.ca
FREE
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Barnacle Barney’s Fish & Chips Western & Chinese Cuisine
Home Style Cooking Chinese Dishes Sandwiches Homemade Burgers Fresh Hot Soup OPEN: 7 days a week 11am - 7 pm “Casual fine dining in the heart of Chemainus”
2976 Mill Street, Chemainus, BC www.odikacafe.com 250-324-3303
250-324-3338
2869 Oak Street Old Town Chemainus By Thetis Island Ferry
dine in TAKE OUT 250-246-2710 Licensed
OPEN Every Day! Mon-Sat 10 - 4 Sunday 11 - 4
MAPLE LANE CAFE & CATERING 9828 Croft Street Chemainus BC
between Old Town and edge of Waterwheel Park
Owner/Executive Chef Julie Stevens julieettastevens@gmail.com
Our internet access is free and we have a nice patio for enjoying the weather.
Home of the original “Chemainus Bar” Soups / salads / sandwiches / daily specials East Indian Butter Chicken / Samosas All Beef Hotdogs German Pretzels / German Cinnamon Buns English & Scottish Chicken / Steak & Kidney Pot Pies Hormone & Steroid free meats Organic & Gluten free choices We do • Birthday Parties • Catering • Party Planning
Fresh Bread & Pastries Breakfast & Lunch Served All Day Now Making a Large Selection of GLUTEN FREE Products Open Every Day from 6:00 to 6:00
9780 Willow Street
off Legion St. in Chemainus
250-246-9992
email: utopiabakery2@yahoo.ca
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Must-Dos
Discover the past at the Chemainus Valley Museum. Follow the yellow footprints for a self-guided tour of the famous murals. Take an art tour and get to know the Chemainus Valley’s talented artisans. Make it to the Wednesday market and see what local producers and artisans offer.
Unwind with a latte and a tasty treat at one of our unique eateries.
See the new skate park and see why it’s been so popoular since opening in February.
Take part in one of our special events such as Canada Day, the Giant Street Market, music festivals and Little Town Christmas.
Enjoy a night out at our world-class theatre.
Use Chemainus Dollars and enjoy paying with Vancouver Island’s first local currency.
www.chemainus.bc.ca
Get out of town and explore Thetis Island, Crofton and Saltair.
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Princess Royal Reach
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19 Cowichan Lake
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Yellow Dotted Line Denotes Murals Walking Tour
Brackendale
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WELL VER
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Powell Lake
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Chemainus Dollars, which were created in 2010 and were Vancouver Island’s first local currency. Chemainus Dollars are accepted at all three financial institutions in Chemainus and almost every business.
• Divers have a unique opportunity to explore the
world’s only Boeing 737 artificial reef off the coast of Chemainus. The plane is 100 feet long and 100 feet wide.
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If you wander down Chemainus Road, you’ll find seven original Mill Houses, which date from the late 19th century.
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Searching for unique antiques? Chemainus boasts several wonderful antique shops where you can spend hours searching for treasures.
Did You Know?
• Merchants in Chemainus give out and accept
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Chemainus has what is considered to be the largest outdoor art gallery in Canada, with 44 murals and 10 sculptures that celebrate local history and attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.
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The Chemainus Theatre Festival presents live professional theatre year round, bringing some of the best stage actors and best stories to our town.
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Chemainus is a geocacher’s paradise. Treasures have been stashed in dozens of locations all around Chemainus and are just waiting to be discovered.
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Many people come to Chemainus specifically to shop at the Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop. The auxiliary, which won a national Outstanding Philanthropic Service Club Award last year, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for health equipment and services throughout the area.
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Thetis Island, which is just a quick ferry ride away, is an entirely privately owned island, with no town, gas stations or shopping malls. All community services are maintained by volunteers from a permanent population of about 360.
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Located about an hour north of Victoria on the Trans-Canada Highway and 30 minutes south of Nanaimo, Chemainus is easily accessible by car, airplane or boat.
www.chemainus.bc.ca
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“The ultimate pirate, ice cream, food and gift shop”.
d Han ed elry v Car ve Jew i t Na
Hand-Carved Silver Jewelry from around the World
First Nations Silver Jewelry
SILVER MINE on CHEMAINUS
On the corner of Chemainus & River Rds
Aye me buckos, we’ve got Frozen treats, good eats, jewelry and pirate sized fun! 9780 Willow Street, Chemainus, BC
250-324-1943
250-246-5003
• Free Delivery to the Dock
Friendly Service Every Day!
9790 Willow St,
in the Heart of Chemainus, BC
250-246-9412
www.chemainusfoods.ca info@chemainusfoods.ca
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Ever since the early 1980s, artists have been painting on Chemainus walls, often using historical photographs as their inspiration, depicting people and activities that helped shape the town. Almost 40 artists from near and far have lovingly painted murals in Chemainus, leaving their mark on an outdoor art gallery that is considered the largest in Canada and that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. Follow the yellow footsteps to find unique murals that are sure to leave an impression on you, such as a Trompe L’oeil mural on the Chemainus Theatre Festival building honouring celebrated artist Emily Carr, who painted in Chemainus in 1924, and a threedimensional mining mural with sound on the Silver Mine on Chemainus building.
World-Famous Murals
The 44 murals that adorn buildings throughout Chemainus are more than works of art. They tell the stories of the town and its people.
The first murals appeared in Chemainus in 1982. With the mills starting to talk about closing, something had to be done. The town was awarded a grant through a provincial redevelopment fund in the early 1980s. Businessman Karl Schutz co-ordinated what became a mural revitalization project, and many community leaders stepped up, including Mayor Graham Bruce and businessman Al Johnson. Visit the Chemainus Visitor Centre at Waterwheel Park and ask to see the book Water Over the Wheel, where you can find the photographs that gave the mural artists their ideas. You can also purchase a souvenir mural map. At the Chemainus Valley Museum at Waterwheel Park, you will discover the original paintings of many of the town’s murals. To learn more about the murals, visit the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society at www. muraltown.com.
www.chemainus.bc.ca
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one of a kind gifts Vintage Hats & Clothing, Quilts, Lamps, Linens, Furniture, Pictures, Crystal, China, Toys & Bears, Local Carvings, Books
TOP HAT
Maple @ Laurel Croft Place Old Town Chemainus
Antiques & Collectibles
Antiques & Collectables
Willow Antique Mall
Open Wed.-Sun.
9756-E Willow St., Chemainus
250-416-0432
250-246-4333
Closed January & February
MAGPIES IN CHEMAINUS ANTIQUES & GIFTS Purveyors of Pretty Things
We buy any unusual, interesting items, Antiques and collectables British Candies and Foods Greeting Cards, Post Cards and Local soaps, Stunning sterling silver Jewelry Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday 11am to 5pm Friday Saturday 10pm to 5 pm Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
Extended hours in the summer months
20 Dealers, 3500 sq. ft. of Showroom. Come in and see our new look.
9778 Willow Street, Chemainus Tel 250 324 1222 www.facebook.com/MagpiesAntiques
ANTIQUE EMPORIUM Island Highway at Henry Road
250-246-2372
More than 35 dealers located in a 5000 sq. ft. Antique Mall Open Daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Bring Home a Little Piece of Paradise • Bread • Cakes
• Pastries • And more
Chemainus Bakery in old town on the way to the ferry 2875 Oak St., Chemainus, BC
250-246-4321
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Since then, Chemainus Theatre Festival and Chemainus Valley Cultural and Arts Society (CVCAS) have grown our town into a firstclass music, art and performing arts destination. From weekly music in the park to summer weekends full of art and music events, year round “open mic” and concert series and ongoing first-class theatrical productions, Chemainus has now become known as “Vancouver Island’s Arts Town.”
Arts & Culture
Chemainus is no longer simply “Mural Town,” whose reputation grew in the 1980s as Canada’s Largest Outdoor Art Gallery.
In the past year, CVCAS has expanded its longstanding musical reputation to include visual arts. Our newly formed Chemainus Valley Artists Association has partnered with the Arts Society to form the Polka Dot Trail. The Polka Dot Trail encompasses all of Chemainus Valley from Saltair to Crofton. The highlight of the year is the Fall Studio Tour, where folks are invited to follow the polka dot trails and roadways to visit artists in their working studios. Be sure to keep their brochure on hand year round so you can visit at other times too. The Polka Dot Map and Guide Book is available all over town and downloadable at www.polkadottrail.com. That’s not all. This year will be the inaugural year for “kidZArtBeat.” This event, geared toward children and their families, is a joint venture with CVCAS, Chemainus Crofton Community Schools’ Association (CCSA) and the Polka Dot Trail artists. With art and music as its focus, this big top tent event in Waterwheel Park will include workshops, demonstrations and hands-on activities in the sphere of singing, dancing and art. The grand finale includes a children’s parade, followed by a children’s performer in the Bandshell. Be sure to join us for fun and excitement for the whole family Saturday, August 15, 2015. To learn more about all the exciting arts events in Chemainus, please visit www.cvcas.com. Highlights of “kidZArtBeat,” kidZsummerCamps and Tourist ArtpackZ are available at www. chemainuscroftoncommunityschoolsassociation.ca. Submitted by the Chemainus Crofton Community Schools Association
www.chemainus.bc.ca
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“A glorious, on-top-ofthe-world setting and a pervading sense of peace...” ~ Hot tub on west facing cliff ~ Private cabin with wonderful view, kitchenette ~ Above ground swimming pool
Call 250 246 1509
Locally owned and operated PHARMASAVE, welcomes you to Chemainus.
or see www.cufracliffs.com for details and reservations
We offer a Full Range of Pharmacy Services, including Specialty Compounding, Immunizations and Medication Management, Full Service Cosmetics, Fax Service and all your Seasonal and Suncare Needs! Come visit our friendly, knowledgeable staff and let us know what we can do for you!!
250-324-4488 Fax: 250-324-4484 101B - 3055 Oak Street Mon - Fri 9 to 8, Sat 9 to 6 Sun. & Holidays 12 to 5 email: ps100@shaw.ca
CHEMAINUS
B&B
Accommodation
• sauna • hot tub • kayaks • beach
Your Home for Marine Life Viewing in the Spectacular Gulf Islands www.cedar-beach.com 120 Clam Bay Rd 250-246-9770 Thetis Island
Audio/Video Sales and Service
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PULSE ELECTRONICS 250 246-5057
Consumer Electronics Repair Centre Government Certified Technician (ASTTBC) Sales & Service of Audio and Video equipment Small P.A. Rentals
Tuesday-Friday: 9am-6pm Saturday: 10am-5pm 2851 Oak Street (Old Town) Chemainus, BC (Across from the Ferry Ticket Booth)
Sunday, Monday after 2 pm 18 holes with cart, burger and beer
$50
Wednesday Mens & Ladies Nite 9 holes, competitions, prizes and dinner
$50
Shots for Kids Diabetes Charity Golf Tourney Saturday, May 23 Call to sign up your team Open for Lunch/Dinner Daily 11 am -7 pm Open to Everyone! Call for reservations
Thursdays 9 and dine after 2 pm
9 holes, three course dinner
$35
Meetings, Weddings, Banquets
250-245-5157 1975 Haslam Road
next to Nanaimo Airport
www.cottonwoodgolfcourse.com
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Echo Heights This second-growth forest is home to great Douglas Firs, a marsh and fascinating critters. Askew Creek Wilderness Park Some of the largest Douglas Firs in North Cowichan can be found here. Waterwheel Park This beautiful park in downtown Chemainus features a working waterwheel, carvings hidden in trees, a playground and a bandshell for live music and special events.
Natural Beauty
If you love the great outdoors, you’ll love our beautiful region. Here, you’ll find trails, parks, beaches and many opportunities to get outside and get active.
Stocking Creek Park Here, you’ll discover a great picnic area, trails, parking and more. One of the trails leads you to the creek, where you can view a breathtaking waterfall. Fuller Lake Park The lake is stocked with trout, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer. There’s a playground, beach volleyball and tennis courts, a fishing pier, a boat ramp for non-motorized boats and more. Trans Canada Trail The nation-long trail has spread into Chemainus; you can find details at www.tctrail.ca. More outdoor activities: • Golf at Mount Brenton Golf Course • Dive deep to spot sea creatures and explore an underwater plane • Get paddling • Try geocaching • Have a picnic at Kin Beach For maps and more information, you can pick up a Cowichan Valley Regional District Parks & Trails Guide and a Municipality of North Cowichan Parks, Recreation and Trails brochure at the Chemainus Visitor Centre at Waterwheel Park. You can also visit www. northcowichan.bc.ca and look up “Parks & Recreation.”
www.chemainus.bc.ca
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Golf
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Friendly y l Pa i
• Family Saturday & Sunday Only $28. Must be accompanied by an Adult. Maximum 3 juniors. • 2 for 1 Golf Wednesdays and Fridays • Men’s Golf Thursday 9 am • Women’s Golf Tuesday 10 am • Rentals available • Drop-Ins Always Welcome
Ladysmith Golf Club 380 Davis Rd. 250-245-7313 Just above Coronation Mall
Rentals, Sales, Tours, Lessons
Kayaking, Kayak Sales Stand-up-paddleboards
www.sealegskayaking.com Transfer Beach, Ladysmith 250.245.4096 14 www.chemainuschronicle.com 14 www.chemainuschronicle.com
Saltair, Thetis Island & Crofton
Go exploring beyond Chemainus’ boundaries, and you’ll find yourself in the charming communities of Saltair, Thetis Island and Crofton. In these areas, you’ll meet friendly people, take in beautiful ocean views, find fantastic food and come across a variety of recreational opportunities . Saltair Sunny Saltair, as this seaside community is known, is just a few minutes north of Chemainus. Located close to the Chemainus River, Saltair is known for its great parks and its ocean view, and it’s also home to a pub, a bistro, a store and more.
Saltair
Thetis Island Take a short ferry ride from Old Town Chemainus, and you’ll find yourself on beautiful, rural Thetis Island. Once on Thetis, you’ll find a variety of unique shops and art studios, several dining options and a summer market that runs from mid-May to late September at Telegraph Harbour Marina.
Thetis Island
If you’re staying over, be sure to book accommodation in advance at one of the island’s beautiful B&Bs because space is limited, and there are no campgrounds. Crofton Drive a few minutes south of Chemainus, and you’ll find yourself in Crofton, a quaint community on the calm waters of Osborne Bay. This small town features quiet parks, comfortable accommodations and a range of family activities, such as swimming, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. The Crofton Seawalk was recently expanded, and it is a must-do. Crofton is also a gateway to Salt Spring Island, which is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and is only a short ferry ride away.
www.chemainus.bc.ca
Crofton
Qwanoes
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Special Events
Chemainus Giant Street Market Saturday, July 4 Chemainus Summer Fest Saturday, June 20 Canada Day Festival Wednesday, July 1
Music Festivals July and August
Little Town Christmas Saturday, December 19
Pleased to
FEED YOU
Come in anytime...breakfast. lunch. dinner. CORONATION MALL
370 Trans Canada Highway, Ladysmith 250.245.7933 • www.gotorickys.com
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Every Tuesday in July and August: Music in the Park at the Waterwheel Park Bandshell, starting at 7 p.m. April 27: 4 Strings, 88 Keys, 1 Reed at St. Michael’s Church May 24: Flashes of Brilliance by Alejandro Ochoa at St. Michael’s Church June 14: Concepts in Time by Jo Wright at St. Michael’s Church 20: Chemainus Summer Fest July 1: Canada Day Festival at Waterwheel Park 4: Chemainus Giant Street Market on Willow Street 11: Rockabilly Music Festival at Waterwheel Park 12: Cowichan Challenge Triathlon at Fuller Lake Park 18-19: Bluegrass Extravaganza and Festival at Waterwheel Park 25: Velvet Rut Express Indie Music Festival at Waterwheel Park August 7-8: Accordion Days in Old Town Chemainus and at Waterwheel Park 15: kidZArtBeat at Waterwheel Park 22: Jazz Festival at Waterwheel Park September 25-30: Savour Cowichan October 1-4: Savour Cowichan 2-4: Polka Dot Trail Studio Tour 31: Halloween bus and trolley, pickup at Waterwheel Park December 12: Christmas Walking Tour 19: Little Town Christmas at Waterwheel Park TBA: Cowichan Valley Youth Choirs Christmas Concert at St. Michael’s Church TBA: Chemainus Festival of Trees 31: New Year’s Eve Party at the Chemainus Seniors DropIn Centre
www.chemainus.bc.ca www.chemainus.bc.ca
Upcoming Events
Every Wednesday from June to early September: Chemainus We d n e s d a y M a r k e t i n t h e Waterwheel Parking Lot
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Doing good in the world CHEMAINUS 55 PLUS CENTRE
Monthly Activities
Join Us!
Chemainus Rotary The Chemainus Rotary Club meets at the Mount Brenton Golf Club Wednesday Evenings For info call 250-210-2402 or 250-912-9996. Chemainus Auction Sat., April 18th at the Chemainus Theatre Festival Summerfest June 20th
BINGO
Every Mon. Doors open at 4:45 pm. Starts at 6:40 pm. Loonie Pot, G-Ball, Bonanza & 50/50 Draw. Everyone welcome!
DANCES
Every 4th Saturday (cost $10 incl. lunch). Doors open @ 7:00 pm. Everyone welcome!
Every 3rd Saturday 5 pm. POT LUCK BIRTHDAY PARTIES Everyone welcome! Entertainment. Wed. & Fri. 9:30 to 11:30. MUFFIN MORNINGS Please come as usual for fun & conversation. BLOOD PRESSURE Every 3rd Wed. 9:30 to 11:30 am. CLINIC SOUP & SANDWICH Every 3rd Wed. 11:30 to 12:45 pm (Cost $5) Everyone welcome! Entertainment 2015 MEMBERSHIP ($20) Our 600 plus membership is increasing daily. New members (55+) are always welcome! Annual membership is only $20. OPEN MONDAY–FRIDAY 9 am–3pm Phone 250-246-2111 for info. www.chemainusseniors.org 9824 Willow Street, Chemainus BC
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Register Now Kindergarten Grades 1-7, Preschool & Child Care Christian Values
Guided school tours to fit your busy schedule. Come experience an affordable alternative!
www.stjosephselem.ca
Our school offers:
• Safe & Caring Environment • Music and Band Program • K-7 French Program • P. E. Specialist Teacher • Preschool and Daycare • Before & After School Care • Casual School Uniforms • Affordable Tuition • Financial Assistance
250-246-3191
9735 Elm St., Chemainus sjc@cisdv.ca.ca www.stjosephselem.ca
AFFORDABLE. . . ACCESSIBLE. . . CALL TO ARRANGE A TOUR OF OUR SCHOOL www.chemainus.bc.ca
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