Duncan

The City of Totems — the cultural heart of the Cowichan Valley and home to the world's largest collection of outdoor totem poles.

Duncan is the commercial and cultural hub of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, a city of about 5,000 people that punches well above its weight in terms of cultural significance and visitor appeal. It is known as the City of Totems for its extraordinary collection of over 80 totem poles displayed throughout the downtown core — a collection that represents the living artistic traditions of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest First Nations band in BC. The Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre is one of the finest Indigenous cultural centres in Canada. The centre celebrates the culture, art, and history of the Cowichan people through exhibits, demonstrations, traditional foods, and performances. The Cowichan sweater — a thick, hand-knitted wool garment made by Cowichan women using traditional techniques — is one of the most iconic products of BC Indigenous culture, and the centre is the best place to see and purchase authentic examples. The Cowichan Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions on Vancouver Island, and Duncan is surrounded by farms, wineries, cideries, and craft breweries that have made the valley a destination for food and drink tourism. The Cowichan Valley Ale Trail connects dozens of craft producers, and the local farmers' markets are outstanding. The BC Forest Discovery Centre, just north of Duncan, is an excellent outdoor museum that tells the story of BC's forestry industry through historic buildings, equipment, and a working steam train that carries visitors through the forested grounds. The Cowichan River, which flows through the valley, is one of the finest fly fishing rivers on Vancouver Island.