Duncan is a small town in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, about halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo. It calls itself the "City of Totems" — more than 40 totem poles are scattered through the town centre, carved by First Nations artists from the Cowichan Tribes and other communities. A self-guided walking tour takes you past the best of them.
The Cowichan Valley wineries have made this area Vancouver Island's wine country, with a growing number of small vineyards and cideries along the back roads. The valley's mild climate and fertile soil also support a thriving farm-to-table food scene, and the Saturday market in Duncan is one of the better ones on the island.
The Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre on the edge of town offers a window into the culture of the Cowichan people, who have lived in this valley for thousands of years. The Cowichan are known for their distinctive knitted sweaters, made from undyed wool in bold geometric patterns — you will see them for sale throughout town. The BC Forest Discovery Centre, 3 km north on the Trans-Canada, makes a good stop if you're travelling with children or have an interest in logging history. Duncan is not a destination that demands a long stay, but it is a worthwhile stop on a drive up or down the island.