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Chemainus

City of Outdoor Murals

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Chemainus, population 4,500, is named for Tsa-meeun-is (Broken Chest), a legendary shaman and prophet who survived a massive wound in his chest and became a powerful chief. His people proudly took his name to identify their own tribal group.

Located on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, this former sawmill town's most famous attractions are more than 35 huge murals painted on the walls of its downtown buildings (as seen in the photo above). These colorful works of art depict the area's history. Painted on the sidewalks are large yellow footprints that provide a walking tour of the exhibits.

Located on Highway 18, this artists' community boasts art galleries, craft antique mall, boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants, a large community theater, and other tourist facilities.

Visit one of the town's festivals or take one of the car ferries from Chemainus to a native Indian reservation, Kuyper, or to tiny Thetis Island.

Chemainus | Bald Eagle Campsite | Location: Box 575, 9758 Chemainus Road, Chemainus British Columbia V0R 1K0 Telephone 250-246-3944 Fax 250-246-3251

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03/28 Coming to The Chemainus area
Seattle Japanese Cultural Festival Seattle WA April26-28 The festival features Japanese exhibits, performances, and demonstrations. Held at the Seattle Center in the Fisher Pavilion. The annual festival began in 1976 with a gift of 1,000 cherry trees to the city of Seattle from the Japanese government to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial.
Northwest Folklife Festival Seattle WA May24-27 Music and dance performances, visual arts, folklore exhibits, hands-on children's activities, workshops, crafts, food, demonstrations, and more!
Berry Dairy Days Burlington WA June13-16 Fresh local strawberry shortcake, spectacular fireworks show, fabulous parades, Kiwanis Salmon BBQ, entertainment stage with live music, nostalgic Berry Cool Car Show.
Bellevue Strawberry Festival Bellevue WA June22-23 Entertainment, an auto show, vendors, food, and family fun are all highly visible parts of the festivities.
Chief Seattle Days Suquamish WA August16-19 The Coastal Jam, a Pow Wow with competition dancing and drumming, a parade, Fun Runs, craft and food vendor booths, and the Chief Seatle Days Youth Royalty Pageant.