22 Best Things to do in Duncan

Many of the best things to do in Duncan and the surrounding valley relate to its agriculture; from authentic farm experiences to delicious dining utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

The geography of the Cowichan Valley which surrounds Duncan, characterized by its Mediterranean-like climate, is exceptionally well-suited for farming, supporting a variety of crops and livestock. This climate, one of Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean zones, is particularly notable as it provides ideal conditions for vineyards. As well as wine, the region is also known for its high-quality ciders, teas (that’s right!), cheeses, beer, spirits, and much more.

Not feeling hungry or thirsty? Check out some of the fantastic hiking in the area, or get out on the water. Either way – the views are gorgeous, Plus, a variety of small but fantastic museums and galleries offer fantastic insights into the region’s culture and history.

In this guide, I’ve detailed all the best things to do in Duncan as well as throughout the surrounding Cowichan Valley, but if you think I’ve missed something (and I probably have), feel free to let me know!

Sip on Canadian-Grown Tea at Westholme Tea Company

While the Cowichan Valley might be generally known for agriculture, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t think of it as a tea-growing region. I didn’t know it was possible to grow tea anywhere in Canada at all, but it turns out Westholme Tea Company has been growing 800 Camellia sinensis plants here since 2010. In fact, it’s Canada’s first and only commercial organic tea grower, which is just part of the reason why a visit to Westholme one of the absolute best things to do near Duncan!

Westholme Tea Company is a lot more than just a tea farm though – it’s also the cutest tea shop you’ve ever seen. The beautiful wood interior is warm and inviting, and Victor and his staff are friendly and as passionate about teas anyone I’ve ever met. In addition to selling their own unqiue teas, Westholme imports organic teas from all over and produces over 150 of their own blends. They also sell everything teaware, from teapots to matcha whisks to all kinds of beautiful locally handcrafted ceramics. And just in case you have any tea-related questions, Victor is definitely the guy to ask. When it comes to tea, they’ve really got everything you need.

Explore the Cowichan Valley Wine Region

When people talk about Vancouver Island wine, they’re usually talking about wines grown in the Cowichan Valley surrounding Duncan. This sub-geographical indication was officially recognized in 2020, making it the only one of British Columbia’s five sub-appellations not located in the Okanagan. With just under 20 wineries, the industry is nowhere near as large as the Okanagan’s, but it’s definitely growing, and well-known for its crisp elegant wines with high acidity.

The valley is shielded from harsh Pacific storms by the mountains to the west, and to the east the Strait of Georgia helps moderate temperature. This cool Mediterranean climate, marked by a warm annual temperature averaging 11°C (52°F), is ideal for growing grapes that require a balance of sunlight and moderate heat, and the valley’s positioning at the 49° latitude places it at the very edge of viability for growing grapes.

While visiting the many wineries of the Cowichan Valley region around Duncan, varieties you can expect to find include Ortega, Bacchus, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Marechal Foch, and Pinot Noir. Plus the high acidity of local wines makes for ideal sparkling wines.

Some of the wineries around Duncan offer food, while some just offer tastings. Generally hours are greatly reduced during winter though, and several of the restaurants close, so if you’re visiting outside of summer you may need to plan ahead.

Use the Cheese Vending Machine at Cowichan Station Creamery

The Cowichan Valley may be known for its wine, but what’s wine without cheese? Cowichan Station Creamery is a small-scale creamery renowned for its artisan cheese. The philosophy here centers on sustainable farming practices and the well-being of the cows, who have access to terrain and grazing year-round.

The creamery offers a range of cheeses, including variations of gouda, alpine, and jack cheeses, all made from unpasteurized cow’s milk with a focus on high milk fat for extra creaminess. Unique variations include flavors like garlic and basil in their Best Evaahhh cheese and a smoked version of their gouda.

Is their farm shop closed when you plan on visiting? Along with selling their cheeses in their shop and at the local farmers market, Cowichan Station Creamery is known for their iconic cheese vending machine, making their artisan products available round the clock. Located at their farm store, this vending machine offers their products, including freshly made cheese curds every Friday, to customers even when the farm is not actively manned.

Take a Tour of Duncan’s Totem Poles

Visitors to Duncan, often dubbed the “City of Totems,” are in for a unique cultural experience. The city’s Totem Tour is a reminder of Duncan’s rich Indigenous heritage.

Initiated in 1985 to enhance the city’s appeal to visitors, Duncan’s outdoor collection of totem poles has grown to become one of the world’s largest public displays, each telling its own story through the intricate carvings and designs that represent family crests, traditional symbols, and narratives of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw cultures​.

Taking a self-guided tour by following the yellow footprints painted on the streets, visitors can engage with the totem poles up close, each accompanied by interpretive signage that provides the backstory and significance as conveyed by the carvers or their families.

Check Out Local Cideries

The Cowichan Valley in British Columbia is well-known for its flourishing apple orchards dating back to the 1980s, laying a solid foundation for the region’s cider industry. Today, the region boasts two cideries, each offering a unique take on this traditional beverage​.

Merridale Cidery & Distillery is the largest and most well-known in the region, as well as BC’s first craft cidery, and first craft distillery. Beyond crafting traditional unpasteurized ciders, Merridale has expanded into distilling, offering a range of spirits alongside their ciders. The large cidery is set up as an agritourism experience, allowing visitors to explore the orchards, taste the products in the restaurant, and learn about the cider and spirit-making processes​ via private tours and various events throughout the year.

A cidery on a much smaller scale, Bruce McKinlay’s passion project Valley Cider Company has no desire to be limited by tradition. Bruce’s ciders often feature innovative flavours that might include local botanicals, berries, herbs, and other fruits, many of which I haven’t seen used in cider anywhere else. The small unpretentious tasting room offers the unique opportunity to hear about the product straight from Bruce himself, making it one of my favourite cideries I’ve visited. Plus, if you’re not into cider, the line of low-sugar craft sodas alone are worth it.

Exlpore the Hand of Man Museum

Jim Shockey’s Hand of Man Museum is a fascinating 15,000-square-foot space dedicated to showcasing an array of natural history items, cultural artifacts, and conservation efforts. Shockey, an acclaimed writer, photographer, videographer, and conservationist with nearly three decades of experience, has filled the museum with extraordinary items collected during his global expeditions. The museum features a remarkable array of displays, including a 16-foot Woolly Mammoth and more than a thousand hand-crafted tribal artifacts from around the world, aiming to educate and inspire visitors about natural history, cultural diversity, and conservation.

Visit the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre

The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, located in Cowichan Bay, is a community-based maritime museum that is managed by the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society. This society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, exhibition, and demonstration of maritime heritage, with a particular focus on wooden boats​.

The society started in the 1980s as a wooden boat building workshop and has since evolved into a comprehensive maritime center that includes a museum. The center offers a variety of programs and courses, including boatbuilding and woodworking courses, as well as special events throughout the year​. One of the unique features of the center is its marine ways, where visitors can watch the process of hauling and maintaining old wooden boats.

Try Local Breweries

Duncan saw its first brewery open in 2015. Since then, the region has embraced craft brewing, with several establishments opening their doors in Duncan and throughout the Cowichan Valley, each bringing its unique flair to the local beer scene​

Located in a beautiful sunny brick building that previously housed Arrow Custom Cycle, the walls of Red Arrow Brewing Company’s taproom are still decorated with reminders of its past as a motorcycle shop. Lance Steward and Chris Gress (co-owner and former head brewer of Craig Street Brewpub, respectively) founded Red Arrow in 2015 out of a desire to open Duncan’s first production brewery. Brews here are typically pretty approachable with the odd surprise here and there. (Lion’s Mane Mushroom Golden Ale anyone?) There’s a healthy mix of ales and lagers with only a modest focus on the super-hoppy IPAs and fruity and sweet sours that many other breweries rely on, and though there’s no kitchen in-house, don’t be too surprised to see a local food truck parked outside in the summer.

Vancouver Island’s newest brewery, Deadhead Brew Co, has recently taken over the space previously occupied by Duncan’s Small Block Brewing, right across from Stillhead Distillery. Fans of the former local favourite brewery won’t be disappointed by the new one though, as new owner Jay Barber has retained Head Brewer Gord Parlee. The biggest change other than the new name and fancy paint job is the expanded food menu. What remains the same is the the bright dog-friendly indoor space, lively community atmosphere, and lineup of beers – nearly all of which are gluten-removed.

Bayview Brewing Company opened in Ladysmith in April 2022 and has quickly become a notable destination for craft beer enthusiasts in the Cowichan region. Founders Jonny Ludtke and Alfred Elviss, along with brothers Rod and Geoff Alsop, started Bayview Brewing after achieving success in home brewing competitions. The brewery’s lineup includes classic ales like a blonde, pale ale, Saison, west coast IPA, and hazy IPA. However, Bayview sets itself apart with its focus on crafting unique sour beers, especially dessert sours, a nod to Jonny Ludtke’s extensive 25-year career as a chef.

Check Out the Local Distilleries

The Cowichan Valley, renowned for its artisanal culture and breathtaking landscapes, has become a hotspot for craft distilleries, each offering a unique range of premium spirits.

Stillhead Distillery‘s newly opened lounge is the absolute best place for whisky lovers on Vancouver Island. Master Distiller Brennan Colebank is the biggest whisky nerd I’ve ever met, and his passion shows. Alongside their wide variety of award-winning whiskys, Stillhead uses wild-picked berries, locally farmed rhubarb, and local Cowichan Valley wine barrels to make a variety of spirits including vodkas, gins, brandys, and liqueurs.

Ampersand Distilling Company has built a devoted following of customers who seem to religiously sip on their expertly crafted spirits. Jeremy and Jessica Schacht are cocktail lovers (Jessica even wrote a fantastic cocktail book!), and their gin and vodka are designed to be as versatile as possible. If you get a chance make sure to taste their Nocino, an Italian green walnut liqueur! Ampersand doesn’t really have a tasting room, but they can be seen regularly at the Duncan Farmers’ Market.

Merridale Cidery & Distillery is most well-known for their ciders, but using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients, they create a variety of spirits, including brandies, gins, vodkas, and more. The restaurant offers a variety of food alongside the spirits and cider, making it a great place to spend a day.

Hike the Trails Near Duncan

Duncan doesn’t feature prominently on most hikers’ bucket lists, but there are some really fantastic under-the-radar hikes in the region. Despite its relatively close proximity to Victoria and location right off of Highway 1, hikes here are quiet and frequented mostly by locals. Several hikes near Duncan like Stoney Hill and Maple Mountain offer ocean views looking towards Salt Spring Island as well as over the Cowichan Valley, with the most expansive views over the valley being seen from atop Mt Prevost.

Spend a Saturday at the Duncan Farmers’ Market

The Duncan Farmers’ Market is unique in that it operates year-round, rain or shine. Located in Duncan’s downtown, the market is a celebration of local agriculture and craftsmanship, with over 100 vendors gathering each Saturday till 2 pm to offer a diverse array of products. Along with food trucks, visitors can explore a range of stalls featuring in-season produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, seafood, wines and spirits, artisanal creations, and more, including many of the individual farms and businesses featured on this list. If you’re looking for a taste of local without having to pick just one option, the Duncan Farmers’ Market is the place.

Eat Local

With the rich agricultural land that the region is known for, it’s no surprise that eating out is one of the best things to do in Duncan. Look for menus that feature locally grown produce, and make sure to pair your meal with a local bevy. Eateries to check out in Duncan’s downtown include Urban Forest Bistro, Just Jakes, and The Old Firehouse Wine + Cocktail Bar, but many of the best dishes can also be found just outside Duncan. Of note is Alderlea Farm & Cafe, which serves dishes made from ingredients grown right on their own land in a rustic, welcoming setting. Another notable establishment is The Farm Table Inn, which is all about locally sourced, often organic ingredients. Plus, there are several amazing restaurants by the marina in Cowichan Bay which offer great food, but also unbeatable views out over the water.

Purchase a Genuine Cowichan Sweater

The Cowichan sweater is the most iconic symbol of the Cowichan region, and possibly of Vancouver Island. More than that, it’s a symbol of the Coast Salish people’s heritage. Introduced to the Coast Salish by Scottish immigrant Jeremina Colvin in the 1850s, sheep wool revolutionized the indigenous community’s weaving practices, which had previously relied on dog hair, goat wool, and plant fibers. This new material, combined with European knitting techniques, led to the creation of the Cowichan sweater, designed to withstand the region’s rugged weather while incorporating traditional motifs.

The Cowichan sweater not only represents the Coast Salish’s cultural identity but has also been a focal point in their struggle to protect their heritage. The Canadian government recognized the sweater’s national historical significance in 2011, and the Coast Salish have successfully defended the exclusive use of the “Cowichan” name against major retailers. Despite this, knock-off Cowichan sweaters can be found in tacky tourist shops up and down the Island.

For those interested in acquiring a genuine Cowichan sweater, direct contact with the Coast Salish knitters is recommended. This ensures the purchase of an authentic piece, directly supporting the artisans and preserving the tradition. The Cowichan Tribes website is a valuable resource for connecting with the skilled knitters.

Check Out Waterfalls Near Duncan

Vancouver Island is known for its exceptional waterfalls, and the region around Duncan is no exception. From the relatively easily accessible Crystal Falls and Stocking Creek Falls, to the slightly more involved hikes to Upper Banon Creek Falls and Christie Falls, there’s something for everyone regardless of fitness level. Of course, as with all waterfalls on Vancouver Island, the best time to visit is winter when the rain-fed rivers are fat and rushing.

Hold an Eagle at The Raptors

The Raptors, located north of Duncan on an 11-acre facility, offers a unique and hands-on experience with various birds of prey, including majestic eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons. The center provides educational displays and flying demonstrations that showcase the birds’ incredible hunting skills and the critical role they play in the ecosystem. There are a variety of different packages available, all offering different experiences depending on how up-close-and-personal you want to get with their resident birds. Since opening in 2003, The Raptors has not only worked to educate the public, but also offers wildlife management services across Canada, including at airports to mitigate bird hazards.

Support Local Dairy Farmers

Choosing fresh local milk not only offers a range of health benefits but also supports the local economy and promotes environmental sustainability. Local dairy farmers pride themselves on their animal welfare and sustainable farming practices, which they argue leads to a better quality product.

Promise Valley Farm & Creamery is a family-owned, certified organic dairy farm not far outside Duncan. Founded by Mark and Caroline Nagtegaal in 2021, this farm is dedicated to producing high-quality dairy products using regenerative farming practices. They offer A2/A2 grass-fed, cream-top milk, yogurt, and feta cheese, made from the milk of their heritage Guernsey cows. Customers can bring their own bottles to fill up with milk directly from a self-serve dispenser, or shop for other local products in the farm store.

Cowichan Milk Company is another family-run farm that prides itself on milking 50 Holstein cows and raising its own calves and heifers. They grow their own grass to feed their cows year-round, supplemented with some purchased grain and alfalfa. The farm offers a range of dairy products, including milk and cream, which are available for home delivery or at their farm stand, which is open various hours throughout the week.

Meet the Animals at Home for Hooves

A Home for Hooves Farm Sanctuary just outside Duncan serves as a compassionate refuge for over 170 rescued farm animals, ranging from pigs, goats, and sheep to birds and mini horses. Established as Canada’s first accredited farm sanctuary, this haven offers these animals a chance to live out their lives in a nurturing and natural environment. Their mission extends to public education, promoting a compassionate lifestyle through interaction with the animals and sharing their stories. Along with volunteer opportunities, A Home for Hooves offers both private and public tours. Tours however are currently not operating as the center is in the process of moving to a larger location nearby.

See Indigenous Art at the Judy Hill Gallery

Duncan’s Judy Hill Gallery is a family-run business, operated by Judy Hill and her son Paul Hill, and has been a cornerstone in downtown Duncan for over thirty years. The gallery works directly with local artists in order to showcase a diverse range of indigenous art pieces, including totem poles, Cowichan sweaters, carved masks, jewelry, and more, representing over a hundred native artists from various regions of the Pacific Northwest.

Pieced in the gallery reflects meticulous craftsmanship and cultural authenticity, whether it’s traditional Cowichan sweaters, made using undyed wool and unique knitting techniques, or exquisite jewelry featuring traditional designs. The gallery’s ever-changing collection ensures that visitors always have something new and unique to discover, so whether its your first visit or your fifteenth, a visit the Judy Hill gallery is one of the best things to do in Duncan’s downtown.

Dive into History at the Cowichan Valley Museum

The Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives, located in Duncan’s heritage railway station offers a glimpse into the region’s past, from First Nations history to early European settlement narratives. Managed by the Cowichan Historical Society, the museum showcases both permanent and changing exhibits, delving into various contemporary and historical topics.

Walk Across the Kinsol Trestle

When the Koksilah River Bridge was built in 1920 it was one of many wooden trestles that were a part of the Galloping Goose rail line, and was used mostly for the delivery of timber to market. The popular name for the bridge, Kinsol, comes from the short-lived and unsuccessful King Solomon’s Mine which was nearby only for a brief period between 1904 and 1907. Still, that was long enough for a train station to be named after the mine, and then in turn – the nearby trestle bridge.

The last train crossed the Kinsol trestle in 1979 and after that it was left abandoned.

In 2006, as part of an effort to complete the Trans-Canada-Trail, the local government announced the demolition of the decaying bridge, in order to replace it with a smaller and cheaper one. Local residents, recognizing the historical value in the trestle bridge, worked together to raise the funds required to instead repair the Kinsol trestle. The work took two and a half years, but ultimately the Kinsol Trestle bridge was reopened in 2011.

The story of the Kinsol Trestle is a fantastic success story, and the short walk to what is the tallest wooden bridge in the Commonwealth, and thought to be one of the largest wooden bridges in the world, is a must-do when you’re in the area.

Take a Daytrip to Cowichan Lake

The Cowichan lake region is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful areas on southern Vancouver Island, and also highly overlooked for its tourism and hiking potential. The greatest obstacle is that the vast majority of the land surrounding the lake is owned privately by logging companies, including directly uphill of people’s homes. Nonetheless, there are some great hikes in the hills surrounding the lake, and for those looking for adventure on the water there are tons of opportunities.

Don’t gorget to visit the small owns alongside the lake for a bite to eat, and for a touch of local history, the Kaatza Station Museum presents artifacts and stories from the region’s past,

As well, the lake is a great jumping-off point for the Pacific Marine Circle Route, a scenic drive that connects various points of interest around southern Vancouver Island, including Lake Cowichan, Duncan, Victoria, and Port Renfrew, making it a perfect itinerary for those who enjoy road trips.

Tube on the Cowichan River

Tubing down the Cowichan River is a quintessential Duncan summer activity that combines relaxation with a healthy dose of nature, perfect for both families and groups of adults looking to enjoy a warm summer day. The journey typically starts near the town of Lake Cowichan, where tubers drift downstream for about 7 kilometers (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours), experiencing a mix of calm waters and gentle rapids, all surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

For those without their own equipment, several local companies provide tube rentals and shuttle services, making the logistics hassle-free. Families with children can rest assured that the river is generally tame, though there are spots with faster currents that require careful navigation.