Chemainus Mural Tour.

There are self guided mural tours and guided interpretive mural tours located in the community of Chemainus, BC on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Viewing the painted murals provides visitors an opportunity to explore the village and to see one of BC's biggest outdoor art gallery exhibit.

The collection of murals were contributed from talented artists, both local and global. The murals provide a glimpse into the history, culture and traditions of Chemainus.

The mural project in Chemainus came about during the early 1980s. It was then that the area was experiencing economic hardships and the mill was downsizing its operations forcing many in the community out of work. The community needed a new source of income.

The mill was the biggest employer in the community but it was also the only industry in town. Its closure was the birth of tourism in Chemainus. The journey from being almost down-and-out to the creation of tourism has earned the community the name, "The Little Town that Could".

In 1982 the first 5 murals were painted. They were located near Waterwheel Park in the heart of the village. The first ever mural was the "Steam Donkey" painted by Frank Lewis and Nancy Lagana. Today there are over 41 murals and still growing.

Some of the other early murals created in the community include the " Steam Train & Chemainus River" painted by Paul Marcano; the "Fallers and Fir Tree" painted by Thomas Robertson; the "European Arrival" painted by Sandy Clark and Lea Goward; "Logging with Oxen" painted by Harold Lyon; the "Company Store" painted by Dan Sawatzky and the "HMS Forward" painted by Harry Heine. The most recognized mural is "Native Heritage" painted in 1983 by Paul Ygartua.

In the community there are yellow footsteps painted on the sidewalks. The footsteps lead to each and every mural in town. Pick up a map in town and follow the footsteps and enjoy a self guided tour. Or, better yet, include some audio and sign up for a heritage walking tour with an interpretive guide dressed in period clothes.

Along the guided tours are many gift shops, antique stores, restaurants, statues, carvings and monuments. Most of the murals are painted on the buildings located on Victoria, Mill and Oak Streets.

The Chemainus Murals has created much recognition for the small community. It is one of the first outdoor mural art galleries in Canada. A big reason some refer to the community as "Mural Town".

How to Get to Mural Tour.

Travel to the community of Chemainus, BC on Vancouver Island. In the centre of town pick up a walking map from the information tourism office or sign up for a guided tour.