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Chemainus, Vancouver Island
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With a little bit of luck, tourists wanting to visit Thetis Island may
miss the boat.
That would mean they would be forced to spend a few hours at one of the
premier tourist destinations on Vancouver Island. Tough luck indeed!
Known far and wide as the "Little Town that did", Chemainus surprised
everyone back in 1983 after the large local mill closed down, by
refusing to admit defeat. The townspeople instigated a revitalization
project, which involved the creation of panels depicting the history of
their town. Artists were invited to come and contribute to the fun, and
many of them stayed on and now have their own studios.
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It wasn't long before the seaside village of Chemainus became known as
the "City of Murals". At last count, there were 33 outdoor panels on
the buildings and streets of this spunky little town.
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Three hundred thousand visitors now arrive annually to admire the
murals, and as a result the town has more tourist amenities than you
might expect for such a little place: good restaurants, a golf course,
street entertainers, boutiques, and a variety of lodgings and campsites.
This is just as well, because there aren't many places to overnight on
Thetis Island.
Called a "little paradise", Chemainus enjoys a mild climate protected
from harsh winds by the coastal mountains on one side and offshore
islands on the other and lapped by a warm sea.
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Waterwheel Park, in the centre of town, is popular with the locals.
Boat launching, a fresh water lake, nearby museums, and local tours,
will all ensure that you are kept in a tizzy as to how to wile away the
time before the next ferry. With a little luck, you may miss several of
them!
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