Chemainus Valley Museum — Attraction in North Cowichan

The Chemainus Museum is a fantastic, enriching stop that should be on every visitor’s list! This museum offers a wonderful look into the region’s rich history, with exhibits that beautifully capture its heritage in logging, mining, and the arts. It’s an absolute gem for history buffs and art lovers alike.

The museum is well-curated and thoughtfully laid out, with interactive displays that make learning fun and accessible for all ages. One of the highlights was the display on the famous Chemainus murals—seeing the sketches and stories behind these incredible works gave us a new appreciation for the town’s outdoor art.

The staff were warm, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories and insights about the town’s history, which made our visit feel personal and meaningful. We also loved browsing the small gift shop with unique local items—perfect for finding a special memento...

"A Charming Dive into Chemainus History"

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Chemainus Valley Museum, and I must say, it was a fascinating experience. The museum beautifully captures the rich history and culture of Chemainus, from its Indigenous roots to its days as a thriving logging town. The exhibits are well-curated, with a great mix of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that provide a deep dive into the area’s past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking to learn more about this charming town, the Chemainus Valley Museum is definitely worth a visit. It’s a small but mighty museum that offers a memorable and educational experience. I highly...

Nice little museum that will only took me about 1/2 hour to roam through, but I found the museum focused mostly on the WHITE history of the area, and the First Nations section was in a far back corner, with only a few items on display, so this tells me that there is not much collaboration or cooperation with the Local tribes at all. The old pictures ONLY showed the schools and classroom pictures from the town, and none from the huge residential school which operated from 1889-1975 (except for a few from when the school was being torn down in the 1980’s). So, if you are interested in how this hidden legacy affected the local Nations, there is no information given here,...