Duncan Travel & Tourism, Accommodations, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants & Information

Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada

DUNCAN BRITISH COLUMBIA -

Travel & Tourism Accommodations, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants & Information

Duncan BC Links

Accommodations

Duncan Travel & Tourism Accommodations, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants & Information

Duncan and the surrounding Cowichan Valley is a 30 minute scenic drive from both Victoria in the south and Nanaimo in the north. If you wish to travel to the western parts of Cowichan, Highway No. 18 runs west to Lake Cowichan. You can get to Duncan by Bus (Coach) from Victoria and Nanaimo and from the BC Ferry Terminals in Nanaimo and Swartz Bay, just north of Sidney BC.

Island Coach Lines
Information & reservations:
Duncan (250) 746-4841
Victoria (250) 385-4411.

For a great Day trip from the Cowichan Region, BC Ferries also offers you the chance to tour some of the Gulf Islands, with services from Chemainus to Thetis Island, and from Crofton to Salt Spring Island.
British Columbia Ferries
Anywhere in BC call: 1-888-BCFERRY
Victoria and outside of BC (250) 386-3431

Cowichan Valley near Duncan BC

duncan bc totems - Duncan is the city of totems

Duncan BC Totem Poles

For transportation information for Vancouver Island please check our transportation page. You will find information about getting to Vancouver Island and travel information for getting around the Island as well. Quality Maps for sale can be found on our Maps Page. This information is constantly changing so we are connecting you directly with the service providers so you can find current information.

Air Travel to Duncan and the Cowichan Valley
The Cassidy Airport is about a 10 minute drive north of Ladysmith. There are several daily 15 minute flights from the Vancouver Airport to Cassidy. Victoria International is the closest International Airport and is approximately a 60 minute drive from Duncan.

One airline offers service to the Cowichan Region; Harbour Air contact number 1-800-663-4267.

Canadian Regional / Pacific Coastal
Phone 250-245-5121(local)
1-800-663-3721(BC)
1-800-776-3000(US)

Central Mountain Air / AirBC
Phone 250-245-7123(local)
1-800-665-1177(Canada) or 1-800-426-7000(US).

Rail Travel to Duncan and the Cowichan Valley
VIA Rail travels between Victoria and Courtenay. Stops in the Cowichan area include Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Station, Duncan, The BC Forest Discovery Centre, Chemainus and Ladysmith Please check with VIA rail to ensure that this service is still running.

VIA Rail - 1-888-VIA-RAIL

Duncan British Columbian is the commercial centre of a trading area serving a population about 70,000 people. Duncan covers approximately one square mile and jam packed with interesting shops, activities and services most of which are centralized within about four city blocks. Duncan is the city of Totems. Almost eighty totem poles can be found spread throughout the city, most of which are on the Trans Canada Highway and downtown.

All totem poles featured in this unique outdoor museum are original art. The works represent a blending of traditions from native culture indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. There are 41 totems on the self-guided tour (follow the yellow foot prints) or you can take afree guided tours provided by the Cowichan Valley Volunteer Society. These interesting guided tours depart from the caboose adjacent to the train station on Canada Avenue. For a brief written description of the totems and each artist, please refer to "Duncan-City of Totems Walking Tour Guide".

Information is available at the Duncan Visitor lnfo Centre, the Quw' utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre, the Cowichan and Chemainus Valley Ecomuseum, Duncan City Hall, or the Caboose Info Centre at the Duncan Railway Station (in season). Parking is available at the Quw' utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre and downtown.

The Cowichan Valley Museum is located in the train station. The Museum opened to the public in June of 1989. Operated by the Cowichan Historical Society, it houses an interesting collection of items and displays, recalling the area as it once was. Inside the renovated 1912 station are vignettes of the Cowichans' rich heritage and displays including turn-of-the-century home furnishings, the "Alderlea General Store", medical room, photographs and traveling exhibits.

At the Quw' utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre you can experience native cultures and traditions including education, art, and traditional weaving, beading, spinning, and entertainment. The Cowichan first people are proud to invite you to visit the Quw' utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre.

GREAT VINEYARDS

The Cowichan region is home to the newest wine-growing area in BC. Located just an hours drive from Victoria you'll find some of Europe's best known grape varieties growing amidst rolling hillsides and country lanes. Check local tourist information kiosks for information and maps.
Duncan Location

Duncan & the Cowichan Valley Temperature

Temperature: Nurtured by the highest mean temperatures in Canada,

ACCOMMODATIONS
There is a variety of good accommodations in Duncan and throughout the surrounding Cowichan Valley including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, camping and more.