About a month ago Scooterbob and I went on a rip up the island, I was aiming for Chemainus to go have a cup of tea at the Twisted Sister's tea room, but much to my chagrin when I got there is was shuttered.
So we set about rambling around Chemainus looking at the murals, taking in the sights and happily clicking away taking photos. You will notice in most of my summer posts it is pretty cloudy, it is due to the forest fires that plagued BC the entire summer, this was the worst wild fire season on record. The smoke moved from the Central Interior and blanketed the Province for weeks.
This beautiful little town is located in the Chemainus Valley on the east coast of southern Vancouver Island. In its heyday was a sawmill town for MacMillan Bloedel logging company.
Chemainus was founded in 1858.
It is the ancestral lands of the Stz'uminus First Nation. The town's name was derived from the first nation shaman "Tsa-meeun-is" which translates to broken chest. Legend has it that Tsa-meeun-is survived a massive chest wound and became a great chief of his people.
The Province of British Columbia is rich with First Nation Culture, and it is woven through the tapestry of our history, a history that is sometimes dark and one where we are working on reconciliation with our indigenous people to correct the wrongs of the past. We thank them for their beauty and allowing us to dwell on their ancestral lands.
The railroad arrived in the 1880's and the timber boon started. I have a feeling if this train had been operational, ScooterBob may have hopped on a box car for an adventure all his own.
By about 1920 the town grew to have a population of about 600 people, which made it quite a growing concern. The current population of Chemainus is estimated at about 3,000 people and is not the timber hub that it once was.
Chemainus is a lovely tourist friendly town and it is known locally as the 'City of Murals' , there are approximately 39 murals painted on the buildings of the township.
Chemainus is a quaint town, and gives you the feeling of yesterday, as you are wandering around looking at the town's history unfold through the murals.
It is the ancestral lands of the Stz'uminus First Nation. The town's name was derived from the first nation shaman "Tsa-meeun-is" which translates to broken chest. Legend has it that Tsa-meeun-is survived a massive chest wound and became a great chief of his people.
The Province of British Columbia is rich with First Nation Culture, and it is woven through the tapestry of our history, a history that is sometimes dark and one where we are working on reconciliation with our indigenous people to correct the wrongs of the past. We thank them for their beauty and allowing us to dwell on their ancestral lands.
The railroad arrived in the 1880's and the timber boon started. I have a feeling if this train had been operational, ScooterBob may have hopped on a box car for an adventure all his own.
By about 1920 the town grew to have a population of about 600 people, which made it quite a growing concern. The current population of Chemainus is estimated at about 3,000 people and is not the timber hub that it once was.
Chemainus is a lovely tourist friendly town and it is known locally as the 'City of Murals' , there are approximately 39 murals painted on the buildings of the township.
Chemainus is a quaint town, and gives you the feeling of yesterday, as you are wandering around looking at the town's history unfold through the murals.
The town's main industry is now tourism and they were very successful at the transition from a single industry based economy after the recession in the 1980's which struck the timber/pulp/paper/mills
Remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War 1.
Scooterbob and I arrived late in the afternoon on a Sunday which was great, because we wandered the streets and were able to get some great pictures.
Some the murals are inspired by BC's most famous artist Emily Carr, she is one of our most iconic Canadian artists.
We even went for icecream, before making out way back to Victoria and over the Trans Canada #1 Malahat, and this little guy was very curious and having a little chat, while snarfed the icecream!
Remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War 1.
Scooterbob and I arrived late in the afternoon on a Sunday which was great, because we wandered the streets and were able to get some great pictures.
Some the murals are inspired by BC's most famous artist Emily Carr, she is one of our most iconic Canadian artists.
Walking around Chemainus is like taking a trip through time and is well worth the stop on your Vancouver Island adventure.
We even went for icecream, before making out way back to Victoria and over the Trans Canada #1 Malahat, and this little guy was very curious and having a little chat, while snarfed the icecream!
I nestled wee ScooterBob in the frunk for a snug secure ride home over the Malahat.
Wow, 39 murals, looks like a great town to meander through....I liked the pic of the wooden bear and scooterbob the best.
ReplyDeleteWow what a great post, loved those murals. We have a place here in Shefield, Tasmania where they have murals painted all over town and its a beautiful place. Nice photos of scooterbob too. It's amazing this little fella is still travelling the world.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Dar. And thank you for the tour of the town, what a cute little place to wander through with ScooterBob and see all the colorful murals.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed that Dar. That little town is a treasure trove of things to see, and it's within easy reach of Victoria.
ReplyDeleteThe next time I'm on the Island I'll slot that into the itinerary for sure.
Dar, what a wonderful place to visit with SB. Bob would have loved this. The murals are so beautiful. Love the tiny Canada anniversary sticker on the cowl.
ReplyDeleteWonderful spot to show SB around Dar! We absolutely loved Chemainus when we were on the Island. You live in a very special place!
ReplyDelete