Population: 4,986.

Duncan, British Columbia, is the gateway to the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island. Duncan is accessible from the Vancouver Island Highway.

Visitor Information

Cowichan Regional Visitor Center is located at 2896 Drinkwater Road. Phone 1-888- 303-3337 or visit www.tourismcowichan.com. The center is adjacent the BC Forest Discovery Center, directly off of Highway 1. EV plug-ins are located next to the visitor center, as well as in downtown near the historic train station.

Description

Duncan is the gateway to the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island. Duncan has all visitor services, including a post office, medical clinics, RCMP, and many churches. Shopping and services are located along Trans-Canada 1. Unique shops and artisanal shopping are in the downtown area. Cowichan Valley Museum is located in the Duncan Train Station at 130 Canada Avenue. There are fascinating totems adjacent the museum. Visit www.cowichanvalleymuseum.bc.ca or phone 250-746-6612. The city of Duncan has over 40 totem poles. Guided totem pole tours are from June to September from the train station. Year-round self-guided totem tours are also available.

Attractions

The Duncan Farmers Market takes place in Market Square, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is the largest year-round market on the island. It offers a wide variety of edibles, art and gifts, and live entertainment. There is parking near the Square off of Canada Avenue.

Major in the area include wineries and several intriguing agricultural and culinary attractions. True Grain Bread in Cowichan Bay Village, Cowichan Valley Lavender Labyrinth, and Westholme Tea Company, Canada’s only tea farm are a few favorite stops. The Hand of Man Museum is also an interesting stop.

Duncan has many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Is is a great spot for golfers, because it has 3 championship golf courses. Bicyclists will enjoy the Cowichan Valley Trail. Visitors can also walk the 1.2 km/0.7 mile portion to the Kinsol Trestle. Lake Cowichan on Highway 18 is a popular summer recreation spot and accesses the popular Pacific Marine Circle Route.