- Visit the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre - Drop in to say hello to our friendly and knowledgeable staff. We'll share up to date information on local community events, dining, attractions and accommodation. Our wide selection of tourist information covers all regions of British Columbia. We are located at 2896 Drinkwater Rd (adjacent to the BC Forest Discovery Centre).
- Visit the Cowichan Valley Museum - Located in downtown Duncan by the railway station this unique, interactive museum features a recreated pioneer store, hospital wing and a special look into the history behind the famous Cowichan Sweater. A must for history buffs.
- Visit the Local Art Galleries - Spend a day with a friend or just go by yourself and peruse the numerous galleries and studios found in the Cowichan Valley. You can choose to visit the artists' home studios or the downtown Duncan ones. There's sure to be something appealing for every art lover! Studio tour maps available at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre
- Take a Totem Tour - The self-guided tours take visitors through downtown Duncan to view the famous totems using a map available at the Visitor Centre. Follow the yellow footprints painted on the sidewalks. The visitor center also sells a newly updated totem tour guide book.
- Walk the Trans-Canada Trail - Visit the Kinsol Trestle -Enjoy the outdoors and hike the local area via the Trans-Canada Trail. Following the old "Galloping Goose Rail Line", with eight historic trestle crossings, including the newly restored 90-year-old Kinsol Trestle, Cowichans 122 km trail section will delight nature and history enthusiasts alike.
- Hike the Cowichan River Footpath - Start at either the Fish or Game Club in Glenora or at Skutz Falls. This rugged and magnificent 20 km hike is accessible to all. For more information, contact the Visitor Centre.
- Enjoy the Outdoors - Explore the Cowichan Valley and experience spectacular views of our area after a hike up Mt. Tzhouhalem, Mt. Prevost, Maple or Cobble Hill Mountain. Visit the Visitor Centre for maps of local hiking trails. You can also golf all year round on most local golf courses.
- Visit the Cowichan Aquatic Centre - with 2 large indoor pools, fitness centre, sauna and steam room.The center has great daily fitness programs and is open all year round
- View the World's Largest Hockey Stick - Located on the east side of the Island Savings Community Centre on James Street, this world famous, 205-foot attraction was on display at the 1986 Expo in Vancouver. Make sure to bring your camera! World's Largest Hockey Stick Souvenirs available at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre
- Take an Agricultural Tour - Visit one of the many farms that make our valley unique, including lavender, tea, cranberry, Water Buffalo and organic produce. Many of these local products can be found at our Saturday Farmer's Market!
- Attend the Chemainus Theatre - Want to see quality professional theatre in a quaint small town setting? Then look no further than the Chemainus theatre, a majestic building housing as well as the theatre itself, and elegant (and delicious) dining room, and a gallery/gift shop. For more information and reservations, call 1-800-565-7738 or (250) 246-9820.
- Enjoy Local Seafood - Treat yourself to fresh seafood from one of the local fish markets or check the government wharf at Cowichan Bay and buy fresh shrimp, prawns or crab right off the boat. Don't feel like cooking? Perhaps you would like to try one of the succulent seafood restaurants overlooking the water. Nibble on smoked salmon while enjoying the sights of Cowichan Bay from the wharf.
- Get up close with birds of prey, at Pacific Northwest Raptors - View the incredible flight skills of the raptors that live at Pacific Northwest Raptors. Watch an eagle as he soars overhead, witness a red-tailed hawk make the catch as he shows off his hunting skills, and feel the thrill of a falcon rushing past you in pursuit of his lunch!
- Cowichan Bay with the Maritime Museum has many quaint stores - Take in the captivating history and view artifacts of maritime activity in Cowichan Bay. This village is the slow food capital of our island with great fish restaurants. You can admire the house boats and fishing boats on your walks by the wharf. Watch out for the seals!
- Shop in Downtown Duncan - Picture yourself in a quaint old town with unique, one-of-a-kind shops lining the narrow streets, local restaurants and bakeries serve fresh and delicious food catering to every palette, and yellow painted footprints dot the sidewalks, guiding you through Duncan's renowned totem tour.
- Saturday Farmer's Market - Duncan's market is home to more than 100 vendors...and growing! Spilling over City Square, Craig & Ingram Streets, enjoy local crafts, fresh produce, arts, food sampling, garden items, wine tasting and entertainment from 9am-2pm.
- Enjoy a Theatrical Performance at the Cowichan Theatre - Ranging from High school plays and musicals to professionals from afar, you are sure to find a play to see. For more information contact the Centre Theatre box office at 748-7529.
- View Old Churches - The Cowichan Valley is home to some beautiful religious architecture. A pleasant drive through the countryside will take you to several including Cowichan Station, St Ann's on Tzouhalem Rd, and St Peter's.
- Somenos Marsh - Catch some tranquil moments viewing inhabitants of the Somenos Marsh. This wildlife sanctuary, which lies east of the Trans Canada Highway, offers a quiet refuge for a variety of birds and animals.
- Whippletree Junction Artists' Market - Come and visit these old heritage buildings from the past, which now have quaint stores and artist galleries.
- Take a Winery Tour - Sample some of the Cowichan Valley's award winning wines and ciders while traveling through the picturesque farmland of the valley. Enjoy wine tastings, tours, galleries, gift shops and restaurants. For local winery locations and hours contact the Visitor Centre. Guided Wine tours available
