The communities of Chemainus and Crofton are located in the beautiful and
romantic
Chemainus Valley
and not, as frequently stated, in the Cowichan Valley.
Since Chemainus is part of the
Municipality of North Cowichan
and falls within
the
Cowichan Valley Regional District,
the confusion is easy to understand.
Driving North on the Trans-Canada Highway you enter the
Chemainus Valley
between Little Mount Sicker to the east and Mount Richard to the West.
The Chemainus River, which forms the basis of the Valley, has its birth at
Mount Landalt (1537 meters). Here the river begins its incredible 50
kilometer journey down to the Pacific, passing sand banks and
towering canyons. Here, gold has been found, and wonderful fishing challenges
the
sportsman.
This is a river from which elk, black bear, dear, wolves and cougar quench
their thirst, and which hawks and bald eagles call home.
Since 1982 Chemainus, the main community of the Municipality of North Cowichan,
has leaped into international prominence with its world famous
Mural Project.
Thirty-eight larger-than-life Murals adorn the walls of buildings
throughout the downtown core.
