Things to see and do

Duncan Sightseeing

Duncan, "The City of Totems," has a wonderful display of hand carved nature totems located throughout town. The Duncan museum located in the old Railway Station shows life as it was in the early days.

The Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre is a 4 minute drive away located just south of the city centre. It is both entertaining and informative. Special shows are featured during the summer season.

The B.C. Discovery Centre located just across the highway offers an operating narrow gauge steam railway that winds through more than 100 acres of exhibits. This is a "must see" for adults and children. (Seasonal)

Golfing

The Cowichan Valley is home to many wonderful golf courses including:

Duncan Meadows Golf & Country Club
Cowichan Golf & Country Club
Arbutus Ridge Golf & Country Club
Mount Brenton Golf Course
Duncan Fun Pacific Recreation Centre

Shopping

Spend the day walking around Old Towne Duncan and explore the unique shops. The Judy Hill Gallery specializes in Northwest Coast Native Art. Browse Saltspring Soapworks which carries handmade body care products, or relax at Matisse Day Spa.

Many other shops await your exploration as well as a painted footpath which, if you follow it, will lead you through a downtown totem tour.

If you like antiques or interesting items for the home, visit Whippletree Junction just south of Duncan on the Trans Canada Highway; a popular spot for browsing arts & crafts, unique furniture and hardware. For a taste of something really different, check out natural wood furniture at Pickle Ridge Rustic Company.

Vineyards

Vineyard tours have become very popular in the Cowichan Valley. Several Vineyards located in the Cowichan Valley are open for tours, tastings or lunch & dinner. Please call them directly for schedules, or visit their websites:

Blue Grouse Vineyards 743-3834
Vigneti Zanatta Vineyards 748-2338
Cherry Point Vineyards 743-1272

Out of Town Attractions

Chemainus is located only 15 minutes north of Duncan on the Trans Canada Highway. Its giant murals, antique stores and quaint gift shops attract travelers from around the world, as well as a live theatre that has proven to be most popular.

Lake Cowichan provides freshwater swimming, water skiing and fishing. Enjoy windsurfing at Nitinat Lake or hiking in the grandeur of the spectacular Carmanah Valley. While en-route, watch for the demonstration forest lookouts and Skutz Falls. Let us help you plan a day trip to the wilderness.

Maple Bay, Cowichan Bay and Mill Bay offer sheltered waters for sailing, diving or just to enjoy a walk on the beach. They also offer marinas with full marine services. Also, We Go Kayaking offers guided tours by kayak.

For the more adventurous, try The Romper Room for some indoor rock climbing in Nanaimo. From beginner to advanced, try one of Canada's biggest indoor rock climbing facilities.

Perhaps the most popular day trip is to visit the world famous Butchart Gardens and Butterfly World. The short drive to Mill Bay, followed by a most exciting 25 minute ferry ride from Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay brings you to Butchart Gardens. A return drive via Victoria and the Malahat will reward you with a full day which will be long remembered.