Duncan and The Cowichan Valley
Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Malahat, Cobble Hill, South Cowichan, North Cowichan ,
Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith  

Hotels, Motels, Lodges, Resorts, Bed and Breakfast, Vacation Homes, Cabins and Cottages
RV Parks and Campgrounds
Adventure and Recreation
Attractions
Tours
Dining and Entertainment
Duncan and Area Business Services
History of the Area
Duncan and District General Information for Visitors
Events for Cowichan Valley and Vancouver Island

Cowichan River Valley - Cowichan Bay
Yellow Point - A sea side area north of Ladysmith - See Nanaimo section
Chemainus

North to Yellow Point and Nanaimo (Ferry Terminal to Vancouver)
South to Victoria ( Ferry Terminals to Vancouver, Seattle and Port Angeles)
( See Map )

Duncan is the Cowichan Valley's largest community, and known as the "City of Totems", with approximately 80 totem poles located downtown 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.

Explore this area's aboriginal past and enjoy a look at the world of the Northwest Coast Natives at the Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre . A wonderful cultural experience in a spectacular setting housing one of B.C.'s largest Native Art Galleries featuring authentic Cowichan sweaters, carvings, masks, prints and jewellery. Watch demonstrations of totem carving, weaving, silver-smithing, beadworking and a mid-day salmon BBQ show all summer long.

The Cowichan Valley Museum is located in the 1912 train station which has, on its roof, a 5-foot long replica of a steam locomotive. 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.

Play a round of golf at one of several locations in the area.  Duncan is the centre of the Cowichan Region and the hub of commerce for the area. The city boasts a full range of accommodations, services, shops, galleries, restaurants and nightclubs.

The Malahat Drive

A second alternate route is to take the Malahat Drive past the scenic view points and turn off the highway to the right at the Bamberton Park Brentwood Ferry Road following the water's edge arriving in Mill Bay. The Village of Mill Bay is surrounded by beautiful parks and outdoor recreational activities. Overnight accommodations include Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, and RV Campsites. From Mill Bay drive north on Highway 1 or turn right at Kilmalu Road north of Mill Bay and follow the coastline past Arbutus Ridge through Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay, Crofton and Chemainus. Be sure if taking this alternate route to detour back to the highway at Cowichan Bay to visit the City of Totems, Duncan.

 Be sure to allow plenty of time on your Island visit in order to fully appreciate the serenity and beauty this region has to offer.

The Cowichan Valley boasts old growth parks, and The Cowichan River's fast-flowing waters challenge kayakers and white water canoeists in winter months. Summer snorkellers explore deep pools in the whispering warm waters of the lake-fed river, while tubers drift long leisurely runs and swimmers paddle the still pools or thrust themselves upstream.

From spring wildflowers to winter eagles, photographers and birding enthusiasts will find delight in the potential of their surroundings.