The name “Chemainus” comes from a First Nation shaman and prophet who survived a serious wound to the chest, only to become a powerful chief –spelled “Tsa-meeun-is”, the name means “Broken Chest”, and is rooted in the First Nations people. Today, the history of First Nations still thrives, as well as a blooming arts and culture scene that puts the charming town of Chemainus, British Columbia on the map. Here are our top arts and culture activities to do in Chemainus, British Columbia.
The story of Riot Brewing Co. starts with two high school best friends who sparked a romance, decided quickly they were better off as best friends, and now share a house in Duncan together as well as a brewery in Chemainus, British Columbia. That’s the short version Riot Brewing Co. Nothing about their story is ordinary, and in fact, co-owner, Aly Tomlin attests, “What makes us different is that we’re the biggest underdogs the industry has ever seen.” And she’s not wrong. Aly Tomlin and Ralf Rosenke have had their share of challenges, quitting both their high-paying jobs to start the brewery, only to find that they had little business acumen and that it took a lot more than just passion to start a brewery, (like money). But passion and resilience fueled their journey, and when they finally opened doors in 2016, the duo was met with more success than they knew what to do with, “It was this snowball going down a hill getting bigger and bigger, and out of control,” says Tomlin. Riot Brewing Co. not only started to collect accolades, including Business of the Year for Vancouver Island and The Gold for Working Class Hero at the World Beer Cup in 2018, but they started to build an international reputation as well, when media outlets like CBC Canada News and The Wall Street Journal wrote pieces about them. One day, a TV crew from South Korea showed up with Korean celebrities to the brewery, Rosenke joined in on filming, and the segment aired to 17 million people! “It was out of control,” Tomlin describes of the time, as Rosenke and Riot Brewing Co. became synonymous with international fame in South Korea, “But let’s go!” was her and Rosenke’s attitude at the time. Today, Aly and Ralf have come a long way from their craft beer, punk rock, skateboarding roots, but they haven’t forgotten where they began. You can see the influence of their background in the creative, colorful beer cans designed by Jimbo, Phillips, the son of Jim Phillips, creator of the 70’s Santa Cruz Skateboards. Pop in for a pint of their award-winning Working Class Hero or meet these two life partners in real life over a Life Partners Pale Ale.
In the early ‘80s, to boost the economy, Chemainus bore the idea of an open-air gallery as a draw to tourists and locals alike. The summer of 1982 marked the unveiling of 44 murals and several sculptures and put Chemainus on the map as the first North American mural project. This project has not only gained world-renowned recognition but has been replicated as an economic driver in communities around the world. The first murals were primarily based on a book titled, “Water Over the Wheel”, which contained original photographs and chronicled the history of Chemainus back in the 1800s and early 1900s. In the 1980s, the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society was established, and many artists have created pieces in ode to Chemainus’s history, with Emily Carr being one of the more notable ones. Carr revered the First Nations people and you can see her depiction of their culture through her art. The piece “First Nations Villages As Seen Through The Eyes of Emily Carr” includes intricate designs in a traditional longhouse with Emily Carr’s early 1900’s paintings of “Canoes and Totems” as well as “Haida Totems” decorating the front of it. Today, the murals have evolved to have many elements of interactivity to them. For instance, the “In Tune with Nature” by Kris Friesen is a piano box mural. The mural ‘opens up’ to reveal a secret piano that you can play, and the mural reveals an aquatic British Columbia landscape as well as piano notes that culminate into Louis Armstrong’s song, “What a Wonderful World”. In addition, “Steam Train On a Bridge Over Chemainus River” by Paul Marcano now comes to life with a thundering steam-engine locomotive, complete with steam and the sounds of an oncoming train, with the help of a smart phone and QR code. Finally, you can also find a part of the Community Mural Series right in your Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn: “Meadow Memories” by Sandra Clark is a beautiful piece depicted a lesson being taught in a meadow. Follow the yellow ‘footprints’ around town to see dozens of murals and sculptures around Chemainus, British Columbia.
Dress up for a night on the town by heading to downtown Chemainus to catch dinner and a show at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. Approach the venue from the sidewalk and find Emily Carr’s “Beloved Trees” murals which seem to blend right into the scenery. As you round the corner, you will be impressed with the magnitude of the building. The beautiful venue won an award as the best building on Vancouver Island in 1993. Founded in 1993, the elegant, outstanding venue houses a mainstage, a gallery, and a gift shop. Start your night by dining in the Playbill Dining Room, where you will be served a three-course meal that is a combination of buffet and traditional dining. Start with a variety of salads and soups, move on to the main course which includes entrees such as, savory Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions and Risotto, and then of course, dessert. The dessert table is a delight, with a fun, overflowing chocolate fondue station and an array of Nanaimo bars for your sweet tooth to indulge in. Peruse the gift store, which includes art by over 100 local artists and craftsman. Finally, the main event – the show. The theatre hosts an array of shows, including musicals, comedies, mysteries, and thrillers. Shows include blockbuster movie-musicals, hilarious comedies, and heartwarming live radio plays. Book your theatre getaway package, with special rates only available to theatre patrons, in conjunction with your stay at Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn.
Book your award-winning stay at Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn. Conveniently located close to downtown Chemainus, your stay includes complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool. Book a suite-style hotel room and enjoy apartment-like amenities like a separate bedroom, a kitchen that includes a stove, and a spacious patio. Inquire about the Chemainus Theatre Festival, theatre getaway package for a night on the town, and come visit Chemainus, British Columbia today. Book your stay at Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn.
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