COMMUNITY TOURISM
About Our Region
Our Community
Nestled within verdant agricultural land, and hugging the east coast of Vancouver Island, the City of Duncan, and Municipality of North Cowichan delight those of us fortunate enough to live here, and those who come for a visit and decide they want to live here too one day!
With a combined population of over 30,000, the city and municipality service a regional district that boasts a population of almost 80,000. The region offers a unique blend of small town lifestyle, complimented by big city amenities and services.
At the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce we encourage people from all over the world to discover the hidden jewel that is Duncan. Located in the heart of Cowichan, the streets of ‘The City of Totems’ are steeped in history, culture, cutting edge commerce, and fun! For a truly unique experience immerse yourself in the 1800’s museum which is housed in a heritage designated train station or admire more than 40 totem poles that grace the streets in recognition of a strong bond with neighboring Cowichan Tribes. With a diversity of stores, boutiques, galleries & restaurants Duncan is ready to provide visitors and locals with many hours of delightful shopping, browsing or sampling the region’s best cuisine. You will likely be served by the business owner who will take pride in giving exemplary service with genuine personable flair. In the hub of the Cowichan region, Duncan is a colorful quilt that is a reflection of a wonderfully diverse community.
Whether you want to quickly & conveniently find a product or service, or spend the day poking around at your leisure, there is something to appeal to every taste and interest.
Surrounding the city is North Cowichan, boasting some of the richest agricultural land on Vancouver Island. Short scenic drives take you to delightful seaside communities, mountains, rushing rivers and beautiful vistas. For those who haven’t already had the pleasure of discovering the beauty of coastal Vancouver Island, Genoa Bay’s mountain-sheltered marina community of float homes, yachts and working vessels will probably recall a simpler, more romantic bygone era. Maple Bay offers the warmth of a close-knit community plus the physical and cerebral pleasures of hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and diving. North Cowichan is the location of a world-class forestry and logging museum, and a centre that specializes in training captive bred birds of prey and educating the public about eagles, hawks, falcons and other raptors.
“I didn’t know places like this really existed,” you might find yourself saying. Here in Duncan and North Cowichan, though, enchantment is the rule, not the exception.
