Duncan Flowers

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.