Discover the Murals of Chemainus — Vancouver Island’s Outdoor Art Gallery
STEP IN
The Little Town That Did
Chemainus murals
transform a small town into art
Explore one of the world’s largest outdoor art galleries on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island
Discover the one of the world’s largest outdoor art galleries on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island — a place where stories of resilience, culture, and imagination are painted on every wall. Over 70 breathtaking murals and sculptures tell the evolving story of Chemainus: from its Coast Salish origins and logging heritage to its artistic rebirth as “The Little Town That Did™.”
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend stay, the murals of Chemainus invite you to slow down, look closer, and experience the living art that continues to shape our community.
EXPLORE
Discover art in every corner
Navigate our outdoor art gallery with ease using our interactive mural map or Official Mural Guide. Whether you’re exploring in person or planning from afar, you’ll find stories of courage, creativity, and connection around every corner.
Behind the Brush
Latest news, stories, and updates
Artist Profiles
Meet the creators behind the art
Art & Gift Shop
Take Chemainus art home
The Chemainus Outdoor Art Gallery
Larger than life and rich with story, the Chemainus Outdoor Art Gallery transforms this seaside town into one of Vancouver Island’s most captivating cultural destinations.
Across the heart of downtown, over 70 murals and sculptures form an open-air gallery celebrating the region’s people, heritage, and creative spirit. These remarkable works — painted by some of Canada’s most accomplished artists — have earned worldwide acclaim for their artistry and integrity.
Chemainus: A living canvas of stories and culture
What began as a bold idea during the town’s economic crisis in 1982 has grown into a world-renowned outdoor art gallery that celebrates history through art. Each mural in Chemainus captures a piece of our shared spirit — the people, landscapes, and traditions that make this seaside town so remarkable.
Over 70 murals and sculptures weave together the stories of the Coast Salish peoples, settlers, mill workers, and visionaries who built a future on creativity and community pride. Visitors can walk through more than a century of transformation — told in vivid brushstrokes by professional artists from across Canada and beyond.
Stories painted on walls of transformation
Each mural represents a chapter in the town’s remarkable journey — from a one-industry logging community to an international model of cultural revitalization. When the sawmill closed in 1983, the people of Chemainus didn’t give up. They came together, painted their story, and built a thriving destination that inspires towns worldwide.
Today, our murals highlight:
Economic renewal
born from creativity and cooperation
Cultural significance
celebrating Indigenous and pioneer histories
Artistic excellence
that continues to attract global recognition
Help The Chemainus Festival of Murals Society preserve artistic legacy
Your support keeps our murals bright, our artists inspired, and our cultural history alive. Donations help fund restoration projects, support local painters, and ensure that the murals remain a free and accessible experience for all visitors.
Every contribution, large or small, sustains the Spirit of Chemainus — a symbol of creativity, resilience, and community pride that has inspired generations.
Join Chemainus Festival of Murals Society
Chemainus Festival of Murals Society is a registered non-profit organization that manages and develops the mural project on behalf of the Municipality of North Cowichan. Since 1987, our dedicated volunteers, artists, and sponsors have worked to preserve this extraordinary collection for future generations.
Becoming a member, purchasing an Official Mural Guide, or making a donation helps us continue our mission of maintaining these artworks and creating new ones that reflect our evolving story.
Chemainus heroes
Behind every mural stands a network of artists, sponsors, and community partners who make it possible. From local businesses and volunteers to international supporters, each plays a vital role in maintaining Chemainus as a beacon of cultural tourism.
We celebrate the sponsors and individuals who share our artistic vision and commitment to preserving the town’s legacy.
