The Chemainus waterfront looks out across Stuart Channel toward Thetis Island and Salt Spring Island, with the blue shapes of the Gulf Islands filling the eastern horizon. The small harbour is a mix of working fishing boats and pleasure craft, and the waterfront path is an easy walk from the town centre. At low tide, the tidal flats attract herons and shorebirds.
The harbour area is most pleasant in the late afternoon when the light falls across the channel and the silhouettes of the islands stand out against the sky. There is a park and picnic area near the water, and the walk back into town through the older streets passes several of the larger murals.