Thoughts on Vancouver Island: Chemainus

Last summer, August of 2009, I had the opportunity to visit Chemainus, BC, to see a friend in their annual summer musicals. I had never been to Chemainus before and didn’t know what to expect. However, after only about an hour after arriving I realized I had fallen in love with the place! It is located in between Duncan  and Nanaimo, and you can either take a ferry from Vancouver to Duke Point, or Vancouver/Tsawwassen to Schwartz  Bay and drive up from Victoria.
 
Each summer, Chemainus has a Musical Theatre Festival in their beautiful, newly renovated downtown theatre. I saw “Oklahoma” last summer, and I believe this summer we will see “Guys and Dolls.” The production was high-class, and the theatre was reminiscent of an old, southern theatre hall from the turn of the century, with high-row seating. This place has lots of character!
They also have their famous Murals on display which is, I believe, available to view year-round. I did not get the chance to see these, but I’ve heard wonderful things about them.
 
Mostly, for the short time I was there, simply enjoyed the cute caf