| Having arrived in the Duncan area there
are plenty of attractions for people of all ages. Whether you like sampling
wine more then visiting a museum, searching for a great art deal over going
for a hike or swim, or prefer shopping to visiting a saw mill, you'll find
any time spent in the Cowichan Valley a good time.
Between Duncan and Victoria, on the Trans Canada Highway, you can stop at the Malahat Summit see the Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, Mt. Baker, and Saanich Inlet in one spectacular view. In the Cobble Hill and Duncan area there are find beautifully set wineries whose grapes thrive in the mild climate. One of the them is even British Columbia's only Winery Bed and Breakfast. Tours and wine-tastings are readily available.
A 4 km (2.5 miles) drive north of Duncan is the B.C. Forest Discovery Center. Take a ride on the authentic steam train and tour 100 acres of displays. In Ladysmith, 29 km (17 miles) north of Duncan, go to The Black Nugget Museum and enjoy the impressive displays of native artifacts, period garments, furniture and household goods. While you're in Ladysmith take a walk along 1st Avenue and browse the shops and boutiques housed in restored heritage buildings. Get the walking tour map and learn the history of each building. The "Mural Capital of Canada" is just a 17 km (10 mile) drive north of Duncan. Each of the 32 murals, displayed on Chemainus' buildings, depicts a part of the town's history. Over 400,000 people visit this vibrant and active town each year. The first weekend in July sees the start of the 3 month long "Chemainus Daze" festival. Each weekend entertainment such as clowns, outdoor theatre, music, folk dancing, and arts and crafts demonstrations takes place. The above is just a sample of what attracts so many people to the Cowichan Valley and there is very much more. And in Duncan, since it is in Canada, you can see the world's largest hockey stick and it is really large. |
In
Duncan a visit to the Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre on the banks of the Cowichan
River, is well worthwhile. You will be able to watch totem poles being
carved and weavers and other craftspeople at work. 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. If that is
not enough then stay around and enjoy the theatre presentation and the
great food.