Chemainus
Quick Facts
- Population... 4,500
- Distance from Vancouver... 93km (58mi)
- Distance from Richmond... 86km (53mi)
- Distance from Whistler... 196km (122mi)
Chemainus is a quaint, seaside village located next to central Vancouver Island's Cowichan Valley. The area features giant, old-growth Douglas fir trees and long stretches of pristine, white, sandy beaches. Visitors to Chemainus can see a huge variety of bird species and take advantage of some of the best deep sea diving on Vancouver Island.
Once a rough-and-tumble mill town, Chemainus now boasts a world-class theatre, a variety of interesting shops and galleries, and the most impressive display of outdoor art in British Columbia. 40 murals and more than 13 sculptures adorn the buildings and walkways of its charming downtown.
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2010 Host Cities
Venues & Visitor Centres
Transportation
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.
There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.
Chemainus is connected to the British Columbia mainland by car and passenger ferries from Nanaimo into Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver, and Horseshoe Bay, north of Vancouver.
To Richmond:
Passengers will depart Nanaimo's Duke Point ferry terminal and arrive at Tsawwassen where transit buses and taxis offer service into Richmond. The driving time from the ferry terminal to downtown Richmond is approximately 25 minutes, but may be longer during peak Games time.
Selected BC Ferries departing Vancouver Island sell coach tickets on board for transport into Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport. Visitors can also fly from Nanaimo Airport or take a floatplane and shuttle from Nanaimo Harbour.
The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.
To Vancouver:
Travelers can take BC Ferries arriving in either Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen where transit buses and taxis offer transport into downtown Vancouver.
During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.
Selected BC Ferries departing Vancouver Island sell tickets on board to connect passengers into downtown Vancouver via motor coach.
To West Vancouver:
Transit buses, car, motorcoach and taxis connect both ferry terminals to West Vancouver. Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal is a short drive from West Vancouver’s business district, which takes approximately 15 minutes.
Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network. View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.
To Whistler:
Passengers can take a BC Ferry to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver then drive north to Whistler along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the highway during peak Games times.
Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network. This bus network has departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.
Daily motorcoach service from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport has several departure points located along the Vancouver-Whistler corridor, including limited service from Horseshoe Bay.
Chemainus is noted for its bed and breakfast-style accommodations. Numerous Victorian-style and heritage properties have been transformed into quaint B&Bs. Visitors can choose from properties with riding stables and small farms, river frontage or access to parks and old-growth forests.
Chemainus also offers a modern suite hotel adjacent to the 18-hole golf course.
Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.
Things To Do
Chemainus is one of the world's biggest outdoor art galleries with 40 murals for visitors to see by following the trail of yellow footprints. Kids will enjoy searching Waterwheel Park for its five hidden animal carvings.
Enjoy the fresh island air on the golf course or while exploring the numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Wildlife fans should look out for bald eagles or marine life at low tide while strolling the beaches.
The area's waters are clearest in winter and divers may encounter Giant Pacific Octopus, Wolf eels, seals and sea lions, while taking a guided tour of the world's only intentionally created aircraft artificial reef.
Visitors who enjoy live theatre can check out what's on at the Chemainus Theatre Festival which offers live theatre productions, performance events and a gift shop stocked with local art and crafts.
Shoppers will enjoy the charm of the downtown stores' quaint and colourful heritage houses, picket fences and hanging flower baskets. Specialities of the area include antiques, art, pottery, clothing and collectibles.
Read more about what's happening in Chemainus.