The town of Duncan B.C., is located just off the Trans Canada Highway, about half-way between Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Visitors are welcome to take a Totem Tour, visit the town's many delightful shops and restaurants, explore the vineyards and farmerΒΉs markets, kayak and fish the rivers and ocean, or hike the Trans Canada Trail. There's no shortage of culture in Duncan, the city has been said to have more artists and performers per capita than anywhere in Canada.
Things to do in Duncan
BC Forest Discovery Centre
The BC Forest Discovery Centre offers interactive and educational activities for the whole family. Ride a 1920's steam train, explore our 100 acres, indoor & outdoor exhibits and walk the forest and nature trails. Spend a day of discovery at this unique centre, open April May 21/September 7 October 13 10am 4pm; summer months open daily 10am 6pm. The BC Forest Discovery Centre is located off the #1 highway in Duncan Call 250-715-1113 for more information.
2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, BC
Blue Grouse Vineyard & Winery
This family run winery strives to produce the true varietal wines that exhibit the clean, fruity characters of the individual grape types. Some wines produced here are Bacchus, Ortega, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir and Black Muscat. In spring of 1993 the family opened their unique wood paneled wine tasting room and gift shop where today visitors are welcome to sample some of the finest Vancouver Island wines. Call 250-743-3834 for more information.
4365 Blue Grouse Road, Duncan, BC
City of Totems
This is the other name that most know the town of Duncan by. Find the 80 totem poles located in downtown Duncan and along the Trans Canada Highway. The totem pole project was started in 1985 and many of the totems on display were removed from original sites and private collections. Follow the yellow footprints, which start at the Cowichan Valley Museum for a self-guided tour of 41 totem poles. Free guided tours are also available.
Cowichan River Dyke Trail
Interpretative signs and viewing platforms along the trail describe the complex ecosystem of the Cowichan River floodplain and the amazing creatures that live there.
Cowichan Valley Museum
The museum details the history of the Duncan area with a collection of items, displays, turn-of-the-century furnishings, and a reconstructed general store and medical room. Take a tour of the Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre where hands-on displays address the need to protect fish habitats and stocks. Open June September Monday Saturday 10am 4pm; October May Wednesday Friday 11am 4pm; Saturday 1 4pm. The museum is located in the 1912 train station which has, on its roof, a 5-foot long replica of a steam locomotive, in the heart of Duncan. Call 250-746-6612 for more information.
Duncan Meadows Golf
This Championship 18 hole Par 72 facility is enjoyable for golfers of all levels. You will find the course is an exceptionally strong mix of parkland and links style holes sculpted from the gently rolling and verdant landscape. Meandering creeks that are crossed with small rock bridges recall the roots of the game in Scotland while the perfect manicure of the bentgrass greens is consistent with today's best conditioned facilities. Call 250-746-8993 for more information.
6507 North Road, Duncan, BC
Freshwater Eco-Centre and Trout Hatchery
Come and see what we are all about! You can enjoy feeding the fish in our pond and discover how they breathe, or say hello to the frogs, and lots of other stuff! Explore our interactive displays and exhibits, or watch A Freshwater Fish Tale. We also feature free public programs where you can learn about fish and their environment while having lots of fun. Open Monday Friday 9am 4pm. Call 250-746-6722 for more information.
1080 Wharncliffe Road, Duncan, BC
Godfrey-Brownell Vineyard
Tours of the winery and of our vineyard are offered as a way to learn all about us and our wines. During the winery tour you will learn all about wine-making, the history of the wines now aging in oak or steel, and you may even see the winemaker at work or have the chance to taste the wine from the barrels. The vineyard tour will offer you the chance to see the historical roses and variety of herbs in our patio gardens and then move on to the vineyards where you'll learn about canopy management and the importance of 'terroir' to the growing of grapes. Tours are available on weekends every hour, and by appointment during the week. We are best known for our Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio wines. Call 250-748-4889 for more information.
4911 Marshall Road, Duncan, BC
Judy Hill Gallery
The Judy Hill Gallery features Northwest Coast native art, whether its totem poles, bentwood cedar boxes, custom carved jewelry or other unique items. Call 250-746-6663 for more information.
22 Station Street, Duncan, BC
Malahat Summit
A stop at the Summit to the Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, Mt. Baker, and Saanich Inlet will offer you one spectacular view.
Mural Capital of Canada
Take a short drive -17 km (10 mile) north of Duncan, where you will find 32 murals displayed on Chemainus' buildings. These murals depict a part of the town's history. Over 400,000 people visit this vibrant and active town each year to see the murals and during the first weekend in July a 3 month long "Chemainus Daze" festival begins. Each weekend entertainment such as clowns, outdoor theatre, music, folk dancing, and arts and crafts demonstrations takes place. Located in the nearby town of Chemainus.
Pacific Northwest Raptors Falconry, Bird of Prey and Wildlife Centre
The Centre is dedicated to the Conservation of Birds of Prey and their habitats as well as the preservation and practice of the art and science of falconry. The goal of the centre is, through the use of courses, displays, experience days and lectures to educate all who might be interested in these magnificent birds. Falconry is one of the oldest and most aristocratic sports and while here you will be introduced to the centuries-old traditions and pleasures of flying hawks and falcons, delighting in the varied character of each bird. Call 250-746-0372 for more information.
1877 Herd Road, Duncan, BC
Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre
Situated on the banks of the Cowichan River you will find this unique cultural and conference centre. Watch totem poles being carved and weavers and other craftspeople at work or shop in the Gallery and purchase an excellent book on the First Peoples, a museum quality mask, beautifully made jewelry or an authentic Cowichan sweater. Or you can just stay around and enjoy the theatre presentation and the great food. Open year-round seven days a week May - September 9am 6pm; October - April 10am 5pm. Call 877-746-8119 for more information.
200 Cowichan Way, Duncan, BC
River Quest Charters
Fish from the comfort and safety of heated, 16foot welded aluminum drift boats with fully licensed and insured guides. We offer first class Steelhead, Salmon and Trout fishing on the Vancouver Islands Cowichan River. Contact us for rates, fishing seasons and reservations please. Call 250-748-4776 for more information.
5650 W. Riverbottom Road, Duncan, BC