Chemainus is a charming small oceanside town located in the northern part of North Cowichan. It is about 30 kilometres south of Nanaimo and 80 kilometres north of Victoria.
Waterwheel Park includes an outdoor bandshell and is the venue for summer concerts, special events, and community celebrations, and Fuller Lake Park is a popular destination for swimmers. Fuller Lake Arena hosts a variety of ice sports and other recreation activities.
The Chemainus Town Centre Revitalization Plan (PDF) (2011) provides planning guidance for Chemainus.
The Festival of Murals Society has created over 50 history-inspired murals and sculptures throughout the town. The Chemainus Valley Museum, located near Waterwheel Park, has artifacts and ever-changing displays about the history of the area. The Chemainus Theatre hosts year-round performances. The Cowichan Valley Trail traverses Chemainus and connects the town to Ladysmith to the north and Duncan to the south.
BC Ferries provides service to Thetis and Penelakut Islands from Chemainus.
A number of resource-based industries and businesses are found in Chemainus, including Western Forest Products Chemainus Sawmill, which is located on the waterfront.