Chemainus Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
community within North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
About Chemainus
The name Chemainus comes from the native shaman and prophet "Tsa-meeun-is" meaning broken chest. Legend says that the man survived a massive wound in his chest to become a powerful chief. His people took his name to identify their community, the Stz'uminus First Nation, formerly the Chemainus Indian Band. The railway arrived in the 1880s and by the early 1920s the town's population had ballooned to 600 people. Chemainus was eventually designated a census populated area by Statistics Canada comprising the more built-up residential and commercial neighbourhoods. Its population had further grown to 3,035 residents by 2011.
Top Attractions in Chemainus
Explore the best things to see and do in Chemainus:
- ★Chemainus Theatre
- ★Chemainus Valley Museum
Where to Eat in Chemainus
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Owl's Nest Bakery and Bistro
- 🍴Pho Triple 7 Restaurant
- 🍴Willow Street Cafe
Where to Stay in Chemainus
- 🏨Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn
- 🏨Eagle Rock Bed and Breakfast
- 🏨Fuller Lake Motel
Chemainus Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: