Follow the painted footsteps along the quaint town street to trace the area history through themed murals on the sides of many buildings. Pick up a Murals walking tour guide at the museum at Waterwheel Park.

Don't miss old-town, where the lovely seaside village meets the ocean, and where you can find A Scented Garden! Walk out to Bird Rock off Kin Beach at low tide, or have a picnic there, where the sunken 747 jumbo jet rests just off the shore. Also at low tide, the pristine beaches offer up sand dollars, crabs, moon shells and starfish clinging to rocks. This is also a favourite divers' location. Deep sea diving is a popular winter activity here. Watch out for giant Pacific Octopus and wolf eels. Diving at Chemainus is famous as both a summer and winter sport.

Visit an organic, natural spa just 2 blocks up the street. Flowering Tree Spa on Oak Street offers saunas, wraps, massages, facials and packages. Their prices are great, starting at $32. Call for an appointment at 250-246-4977. (floweringtree.ca)

Golf at the local golf course, Mount Brenton, which can be viewed from our B&B. There is a restaurant there, open all year. (250-246-9322)

Visit Thetis and Kuper Islands by ferry right out of Chemainus. Peaceful, with a small population dedicated to conservation and natural pursuits, Thetis is walkable and makes for a lovely afternoon.

Fuller Lake is just south of Henry Rd along the highway. Great for small rowing boats, fishing and swimming. Kayaks are rented here in summer, and the grounds are great for a picnic in rustic surroundings.

Festivals including fiddle music, antique car shows, craft markets and art in the park keep this little town hopping.

Take a carriage ride along Chemainus streets, or ride the horse-drawn coach. (250-246-5055)

Fishing is what this part of the island is famous for. Kin beach boat launch provides parking for boat trailers while you try out the local waters, or hire a charter boat from Ladysmith, or kayak.

Chemainus Theatre is a wonderful destination. Have dinner or lunch and watch a world-class show. We can reserve you tickets and throw in a bonus.

Mountain and trail hiking are at their best right here. Askew Creek, Stocking Creek and Chemainus Lake are favourites to view old growth trees. The cross-Canada trail passes right through little Chemainus, BC.

The Bandshell at Waterwheel Park always has entertainment to enjoy while you sit awhile. Explore the artsy shops and take lots of pictures of colourful gardens laid out in welcome for the many visitors who stroll by.

Folk art, native art, pottery, paintings, glass art, sculptures and more comprise this artsy community. There are tarot card readers, open air markets and home-baked offerings.

Hike the Hermit's Trail through the forest garden crated by Charlie Abbot, one of the local unique characters. This is accessed a little way past the old Artisans Village north along Chemainus Road along the railway tracks. Look for an overrun gap in the woods on your right where a fallen tree stump marks the way. Several trails veer off from the main trail, but stick to the left and you'll find yourself in a baseball field. Cross the field, go left at the road and it leads back to where you started.

Things to do around Chemainus - up to three hours away.

10 minutes drive…

Take a wine tour of the Cowichan Valley, home to many island vineyards. Try Chemainus Tours at 250 246-5055 o Cellular (250) 252-0888. From $75 each enjoy a full day of personalized touring without driving yourself.

Try the steam train at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Seasonal activities are also held at this location close to Duncan along the highway.

Go birding at Somenos bird sanctuary, or walk the boardwalks through the reserve to get in touch with the gentle part of nature. From Rufous Hummingbirds (tiny, tiny honey-bee like birds), to majestic bald eagles soaring at every turn, birding is fabulous here. Don't forget your camera and binoculars.

Birds of Prey Exhibit at Pacific Northwest Raptors. Daily flying demonstrations, aviary walks and hands-on experiences with eagles and hawks.

Try fishing the local lakes and rivers for bass, trout and steelhead, prawns, clams and flatfish.

Kayak or whale-watch from Ladysmith, or bike.

In Duncan see Quw'utsun First Nations cultural centre and try the traditional food at the Riverwalk Café. Take pictures of arts, dance and totem poles.

20 minutes drive…

Cowichan Bay fishing village, where quaint shacks overhang the water, and home of the best bread bakery with on-site milling called True Grain Bread.

Nanaimo Airport for a scenic airborne tour.

Visit Yellow Point Cranberry farm www.yellowpointcranberries.com May to December, just past Ladysmith. They feature a store, farm, and tours.

30 minutes drive…

Lake Cowichan for swimming, fishing and unique hamlets.

Bungee jumping or zip-lining at Wild Play just south of Nanaimo. Do you dare?

See Whippletree Junction for an eclectic collection of antiques, 1970's-style coffee shop, fudge and candy shop and Western/Victorian theme. Don't miss the great country quilt shop, and the tack supplies store.

Alpine Stables horseback riding in Cobble Hill. Experience rolling hills and mountain views from the back of your horse.

Shawnigan Lake for a quaint lakeside village day. Water ski or swim, and look at the unique houses tucked into the woods.

45 minutes drive…

Malahat Highway and Goldstream Park - a rainforest with great hikes. Seasonal Hummingbird migration site, bald eagles and salmon are viewed here.

Nanaimo waterfront for a charming harbourside stroll with restaurants and boutiques. There is a lovely little tea shop along this boardwalk. Cruise ships dock off this harbour and tender their passengers to port.

1 hour's drive…

Coombs market and street of shops, including Goats on a Roof market. Stop in at Kiki's tea and spice shop for a totally organic 1970's experience. See the silks hanging from the ceilings, rustic décor and all manner of teas and spices. Antique stores are worth a visit here.

Day trips …

3 ½ hours drive to Tofino, where they surf in wetsuits, with miles of wild beaches. Good for a day trip, then come on back to the comforts of home!

2 ½ hours to Campbell River, where the fishing is amazing, and bear-watching is exciting (aboriginaljourneys.com)

2 hours drive to Mount Washington for skiing, boarding and hiking (smithtransportation.com). There's a daily ski bus from Ladysmith, just 10 minutes away.

2 hours drive for Horne Lake caving. Don a hardhat, grab a flashlight and follow the guide for some cool spelunking.

1 ½ hours drive to Qualicum Beach and Parksville, land of the 1 mile low-tide marks and lots of artsy shops.

1 ½ hours to beautiful, world-famous Butchart Gardens, and Sidney.

1 ½ hours to Cathedral Grove rainforest and the oldest living tree.

1 hours drive for a day trip to Victoria and the Empress Hotel.

Alternatives…

Or stop by at artisan's studios all along the highways. Take your chances and pull over to check whether they are home. Delightful surprises await you. From a cheese factory to glass blowers and potters, there's something for every taste.