Neighbourhood highlights

Chemainus is a hidden gem, offering a little bit of everything: from culture and art to nature and relaxation. Whether you're into outdoor adventures, history or enjoying good food and wine, you'll find plenty to explore.

The Wayward Inn is located in Old Town Chemainus on Cowichan and Stz’uminus territory, we are a convenient home base within walking distance of Old and New Town Chemainus, Kinsman Beach (affectionately called Kin Beach by locals), and a short drive away from hiking trails, lakes, and some of the best kayaking and canoeing on the island, you can get an authentic taste of small town life.

Walk Score 73 — Very Walkable
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Nearby:

Kin Beach/Kinsman Beach: gorgeous pristine beach 1/2 block away. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, large playground, shade and sun, boat launch, picnic tables, gendered and gender neutral bathrooms, outdoor shower and beach combing and sea life: sand dollars, starfish, otters, seals, kelp crabs, seabirds, blue heron, and more!

Waterwheel Park: is the place to be in summer time for their free or by donation outdoor music events every Tuesday evening and most weekends. All year round you can enjoy the beautiful large trees, labyrinth, and water feature.

Chemainus Theatre: A short stroll through Old Town Chemainus will bring you to this famous theatre!

Old Town Chemainus: visit the charming Chemainus Bakery, Jollity Farm Shop & Cafe, incredible thrift store, antique shops, ferry terminal and Chemainus marina. Sometimes fishing boats sell their catch on the docks (the area is known for prawns), which is a fun way to make dinner!

Chemainus World Famous Murals: You’ll see murals in Old Town which tell stories of some of the local history of Japanese internment camps and the displacement of Japanese families from Chemainus during WWII and continuing to now. Knowing this history is important - so it never gets repeated.

New Town Chemainus: cute shops, delicious restaurants, bank, pharmacy, library, bakery and cafes are just a 5 minute walk up Willow Street.

Mount Brenton Golf Course: Chemainus is known for its golf course that opened in 1948. They have everything you may need onsite: golf shop, restaurant, and 18 hole par 71/73 golf course. No membership required.

Chemainus Lake & Fuller Lake: Two beautiful freshwater lakes that are quick bike or drive away. Chemainus Lake is best for picnics, 2.3km hiking loop, & fishing. It is off-leash dog friendly. Fuller Lake is best for swimming, picnics, playground, hiking, boating, fishing & more.

Yellow Point Petting Farm & Farm Store: This incredible family owned farm offers locally grown foods, meats, treats, beverages and more as well as an incredible petting farm that is our toddlers favourite place in the world. Who doesn't want to a cute spot to stop for a delicious local ice cream and to pet some sweet animals?

Duncan Farmers Market: Open Saturday year round: a great place to stop and enjoy local eats, produce, makers, farmers & beyond.

Alderlea Farm Café: Open seasonally. This farm-to-table Café with their passion for fresh, locally-sourced food is a must eat in our opinion. We are huge fans of the giant fresh salads and incredible wood fired pizza but you really cannot go wrong here. We highly recommend sitting outside on the patio to take in their gorgeous countryside views. 

Indigenous Owned Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours: The Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwakaw’akw people have long navigated the waters of the Pacific Ocean around Vancouver Island. They share their deep, respectful relationship with the bountiful ocean and temperate rainforests. Responsible and Indigenous lead tourism? Yes please!

Malahat SkyWalk: Experience where explorers of all ages can enjoy breathtaking views and adventure, high among the trees and surrounded by the sea.

Butchart Gardens: Historic & world famous gardens located in Brentwood Bay. Every season is spectacular. It is a National Historic Site of Canada as of 2004 for its one hundredth birthday. 

Getting around

We are located a short drive from Nanaimo or Victoria, details on drive times and transportation options below:

• 2 min (450m) to ferry terminal (Thetis Island & Penelakut)
• 15 mins drive from Crofton, with ferry service to Salt Spring Island
• 40 mins drive from Duke Point (Nanaimo) ferry terminal with service to Tsawwassen (Vancouver)
• 45 mins drive from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) ferry terminal with service to Horseshoe Bay (North Vancouver)
• 40 mins drive from Nanaimo
• 30 mins drive from the Nanaimo airport, with car rental available
• 1 hour 15 mins drive from Victoria
• 1 hour 20 mins drive from Butchart Gardens
• 1 hour 30 mins drive from Victoria International airport, with car rental available
• 90 min ferry ride and 1 hour 30 min drive from the Vancouver International airport