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: Maple Bay, Chemainus, Crofton, and Stratfords Crossing. There are around 27,557 residents within the North Cowichan area.

Chemainus - The town of Chemainus is well-known for its 39 outdoor murals. The outdoor gallery has helped drive the tourism business, with over 300 businesses flourishing in this logging town. Among the companies included antique dealers, eateries and even a theatre. After the logging mill closes its doors during the early 1980s, the murals and the subsequent tourist industry stemming from them saved the town of North Cowichan.

The name "Chemainus" comes from the shaman and native prophet "Tsa-meeun-is" which translates to Broken Chest. According to legend, the man survived a massive chest wound and went on to become a powerful Chief. His people, the Chemainus First Nation, took his name to identify their community. A resident residing within Chemainus is known as a Chemainiac.

Maple Bay - Maple Bay is a stunning seaside community located in a narrow inlet. It is bounded by smooth, pebble beaches that offer one of the best natural harbours on the West Coast. The town of maple Bay is home to active marine activity the whole year round. This sheltered haven is located halfway up Sansum Narrows, that separates Vancouver Island from Saltspring Island. Saltspring is the nearest and largest of the southern Gulf Islands.

Crofton - The town of Crofton is a tiny coastal community on Vancouver Island. This town is part of the District of North Cowichan and supports approximately 2,500 individuals. The town of Crofton lies approximately 74 km north of Victoria and is the site 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.

A nice place to visit is the town of Osborne Bay. There is a huge herd of barking sea lions making their home here, while visitors can likewise clam along the beaches within Osbourne Bay. During the salmon runs, it may be possible to see a pod of killer whales swim by.