TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Mishalle Jogezai | Toronto Metropolitan University | “World In Motion” Mural by Alan Wylie; Photo by Jasperdo, flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
With its iconic waterwheel on view, this family-friendly park is a great site to spend a day and tour the surrounding areas. The neighbouring visitor center is also available for tourists to get more information on the park and other places around town.
The location also has an outdoor stage, making it the venue for many events throughout the year. Don’t forget to try one of the many restaurants in the surrounding areas when you visit!
Photo by Jasperdo, flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Located on the same premise as the Waterwheel Park, the Chemainus Museum gives visitors a detailed insight into the town’s history that is strongly rooted in timber. The museum staff is well read on the town’s history and can answer any questions you may have.
Additionally, the museum has a gift shop where you can pick up some handcrafted souvenirs to remember your trip and an observation point overlooking the site of the first and present sawmill. The scenic location also includes views of the breathtaking Gulf Islands. Visit the Chemainus Valley Museum to experience the town’s history and evolution over time.
The Chemainus Lake Park, also called the Weddles Lake Park, is a 2.5 km trail located 8 minutes from downtown Chemainus. This groomed park is a dog-friendly spot as dogs can be left leash-free on the trail. Activities include hiking, birdwatching, running, fishing, biking and walking. The trail is open year-round.
Admire the scenic views on an afternoon stroll or go birdwatching with kids; the options here are endless!
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, CC-BY-2.0
A spectacular sport for visitors of all ages, the Kinsmen Beach Park is a quaint rock and sand beach. The beach provides breathtaking views of Bird Rock and Tent Island. The park has a playground with a toy box and an open ground with grass. Unlike some other beaches in the area, the water here is safe for children as it is shallow and relatively warm.
Other on-site amenities include benches, picnic tables, a boat launching slipway, change rooms, washrooms and parking. Additionally, the foreshore area is off leash for pets from October to June.
Photo: https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=381448&picture=sandcastle
A unique experience in town, the Barges Dive Site is located near Kinsmen Beach Park. The site is made of four wooden barges that were sunk back in 2012, an event subject to many controversies. However, over the years, they have been covered with abundant underwater life for divers to experience. The swim out to the barges is approximately 300 meters and lies about 60 feet below the water surface. The depth is shallow mainly, sitting above 18 meters and the difficulty level here is Intermediate. There is plenty of parking on-site, and the water can be entered through the boat ramp or the beach. With beautiful, clean waters and wildlife, this site is a diving enthusiast’s dream!
Opened to the public in 2015, this Skatepark is a beloved spot by the younger population. It is flooded by the youths in town who come here to skate, scooter, bike and hangs out with friends. The park accommodates a wide range of skating styles and skill levels through an unusual blend of flowing transition lines and modern plaza elements.
A perfect spot for skating enthusiasts, this park is a must-visit!
Photo: Bengt Nyman, CC-BY-2.0
Made in 1948, Mount Brenton Golf course is a lush, par 71/73 course with stunning views. The course features well-maintained, shaded fairways where you can spend all day golfing, regardless of your skill level. The creeks, hills, ponds and trees on the course create an exciting game with plenty of challenges. It has a state-of-the-art drainage system, which makes it one of the few courses in the region that are suitable to play year-round.
The course also features a restaurant, Canteen on the Green, open daily from 11 am to 6 pm and a pro-shop. Book a tee time and experience the lush fairways of Mount Brenton Golf Course on your next trip!
Known as the city of murals, Chemainus is home to over 63 murals displayed on every street corner around town. Their subject matter ranges from indigenous heritage to industrial history, nature and immigration. The murals are managed by the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society, which aims to develop and expand the mural project.
The mural project was a result of the revenue decline faced by Chemainus over the years. It was ideated to display the community’s history through massive murals painted throughout the town. The project also pushes the visitors to tour Chemainus on foot, so they can take in the town’s charm and the history that is depicted through the exceptional art. Take a minute to take in the beauty of these murals on your trip!
The Chemainus Municipal Wharf offers both 24-hour moorage and moorage for visiting boats. There are eight mooring buoys available at the entrance to the bay. The amenities here include power stations of 30 Amp and 50 Amp, washrooms, showers, garbage drop, pump out, Wi-Fi and plenty of wooden benches overlooking the calm sea. Make a moorage reservation and visit the doc with your boat today!
Photo: https://marinas.com/view/marina/2gc5rg_Chemainus_Municipal_Dock_Chemainus_BC_Canada
A 3.4-hectare forested park with an 8-kilometre-long wilderness trail, Askew Creek Park is a local favourite in Chemainus. Locals often visit the park to hike, walk, have a picnic, bike and watch birds. Plenty of benches are laid out around the creek for visitors to rest and witness the spectacular site. Open year-round, the park also features an abundance of Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Cedar and Arbutus trees. Visit the creek for a break from the hustle and bustle of the downtown core.
Photo: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/canada/british-columbia/askew-creek-park
In an abundance of cold-water diving destinations on Vancouver Island, the Boeing 737 Dive Site manages to stand out. Its unique nature is credited to it being the world’s first artificial reef made from sinking a Boeing 737 plane. The decommissioned Boeing 737  was sunk in 2006 in the Stuart Chanel area near Chemainus. Over the years, the reef has attracted over 100 varieties of sea life, including Red Sea Urchin, Cloud Sponge, Octopus and RockFish. Due to the abundance of Red Sea Urchin on site, the official name for the reef is Xihwu, the local First Nations word for Red Sea Urchin. The plane sits roughly 30 meters below sea level and about 5 meters off the ocean floor. The water temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, yet the recommended diving time is during the winter when the diving visibility is best. This unique site is a must-visit for all diving enthusiasts.
