North Cowichan

The district municipality of North Cowichan is located on the south eastern coast of Vancouver Island. Four small communities help make up the Cowichan Valley Regional District: Chemainus, Maple Bay, Crofton, and Stratfords Crossing. There are around 27,557 inhabitants within the region of North Cowichan.

Chemainus - Chemainus is the popular town well-known for its 39 outdoor murals. Founded in the year 1858 as a logging town, the outdoor gallery has given rise to a tourist trade and allowed 300 companies to prosper, including a theatre, eateries and antique dealers. After the logging mill closes its doors during the early 1980s, the murals and the succeeding tourist business stemming from them saved the town of North Cowichan.

"Chemainus" is a name that originates from the shaman and native prophet "Tsa-meeun-is," which means Broken Chest. The man survived a massive chest wound, according to the legends, to later become a powerful chief. The Chemainus First nation, his people, took his name to identify their community. A resident residing within Chemainus is referred to as a Chemainiac.

Maple Bay - Maple Bay is a stunning seashore community located in a narrow inlet. It is bounded by smooth, pebble beaches that provide among the best natural harbours on the West Shore. Maple Bay is home to bustling marine activity all year round. This sheltered haven is located halfway up Sansum Narrows, that separates Saltspring Island from Vancouver Island. Saltspring is the closest and largest of the southern Gulf Islands.

Crofton - The town of Crofton is a small coastal community on Vancouver Island. This town is part of the District of North Cowichan and supports about 2,500 inhabitants. The town of Crofton lies approximately 74 km north of Victoria and is the location of a BC Ferries terminal. Car and passenger ferries to Vesuvius Bay on Saltspring Island leave at regular times throughout the day from morning until early evening.

Osborne Bay is a nice place to visit. It is home to a herd of barking sea lions and you can clam on the beach there. Throughout the salmon runs, it may be possible to see a pod of killer whales swim by.