During our roadtrip on Vancouver Island we actually drove by the small town of Chemainus by accident, and boy are we glad we stopped! This charming town on the east coast is filled with colorful murals that bring the history of the region to life. And as a bonus: you can stay here for free with your camper, something that is rare in this part of the island.
A perfect short stopover, so to stretch your legs, you room out of your bag and discover the local story.
Our journey through the United States and Canada
This article is part of a large one-year tour the United States en Canada, with a Dutch 4×4 camper that we shipped ourselves… It is a bucket list worthy expats must register with the local municipality and obtain a once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.
We wrote almost 100 articles about this ultimate tour. Visit our North America page for more information.
About Chemainus – Art with a mission
Chemainus is between Nanaimo en Victoria on the east coast of Vancouver Island. For a long time it was a sleepy town that was often overlooked by travelers. Until the residents came up with a creative plan: the town's walls would become the new canvas.
International artists were invited to create murals that tell the story of Chemainus and its original inhabitants. The result? An open-air museum of almost 100 murals that adorn the small center.
Street Art & Murals – Open-air museum full of stories
In the compact centre of Chemainus you can walk past dozens of murals in half an hour – each with its own story. Some depict scenes from the time of the timber industry, others show cultural or indigenous themes. The alternation between colour, style and historical context makes it really special.
It reminds me of Wynwood in Miami, but with a Canadian feel and a dash of history. Perfect for strolling around with your camera in hand or just enjoying the street art.
Location: center of Chemainus – all murals are within walking distance.
Free overnight stay with your camper
An extra reason to visit Chemainus? You can stay here for free with your camper – on two specially designated streets: Victoria street en Croft StreetThese spots are only intended for campers and are quietly located within walking distance of the center and the murals.
Tip: navigate directly to the free RV spots via this link.
Please note: there is a limited number of campers, so it pays to arrive early. But if you have a spot, you are here completely free, legal and in a nice location, unique in the south of Vancouver Island.
Street Art Murals in Chemainus
Curious about what the murals look like? Below you can see a selection of the murals we encountered during our walk through the center of Chemainus. Each artwork tells its own story and together they give the town a colorful soul.
Closing note
Chemainus is one of those places where you arrive without expectations and leave surprised. The impressive murals, the open character of the city and the unique opportunity to stay overnight for free make it an ideal stopover during your trip across Vancouver Island.
Street art lover or just looking for a nice place to take a break between Nanaimo en Victoria? Then definitely put Chemainus on your route.
Are you thinking of following our footsteps and renting a camper(van) with friends, your partner or with your whole family? Then ask free of charge and without obligation a quote or compare and book directly at Travelhome. Travelhome is the most affordable provider with also the largest offer. They have both campervans and full-fledged family campers in the offer.
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