Duncan is a vibrant community on Vancouver Island. It is a popular retirement community for Canadians seeking to retire in warmer climate. It boasts of the warmest year round average temperatures in Canada.
Duncan amenities often sought by retirees. Seniors enjoy the warm climate, accessibility to the ocean and the natural beauties of living on Vancouver Island.
Sightseeing in Duncan
This Vancouver Island a vacation destination is in the Cowichan region, and in accordance with the Province of BC’s tourism slogan is the “most beautiful places on earth!” The warmest weather in Canada and more sun than many of the other areas of Lower Mainland BC and Vancouver Island, Duncan lays claim to one of the most ideal climates in Canada…that is unless you have fond memories of snowy winter days from living on the prairies or in Eastern Canada.
Duncan’s rich Native History is evident and Totem Poles are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area. Often called the “City of Totems”, no trip to Duncan would be complete without taking the Totem Tour.
The Totem Walking Tour features 41 Totem poles are monumental sculptures carved from great trees,usually cedar, typically Western Redcedar, by a number of Indigenous cultures along the Pacific northwest coast of North America. The first of the many Totem poles in Duncan was erected in the late 1980′s. Duncan is home to the world’s thickest totem pole.
It is carved in the Kwakwaka’wakw style, and represents Cedar Man transforming into his human form.
The beginning of totem pole construction started in North America. Totems are made from soft wood, which decays quickly in the rainforest climate of the west coast. A totem pole rarely lasts over 100 years. However, 18th century accounts of European explorers along the coast indicate that poles certainly existed at that time. Various archeologists attribute different meanings and history to totem poles. Tools brought by European fur traders and the accumulation of wealth among coastal tribes resulted in increased numbers of totem poles.
Duncan Totem Poles
Poles were commissioned by many wealthy leaders to represent their social status and the importance of their families and clans. Christian missionaries views of totem poles as an object of heathen worship, assimilation and Euro-American cultural dominance lead to a reduction in totem pole carving. Recent years and revival in interest in the cultural history of First Nations people’s has revived interest in totems.
Recent years have given rise to successful native carvers commissioning totems and educating apprentices. The commission of a totem pole, usually tens of thousands of dollars, demands nearly a year of designing and carving.
“Poles of all types share a common graphic style of carved and painted containers, housefronts, canoes, masks, intricately-woven blankets, ceremonial dress, weapons, armor, and many other tools and implements” (Malin 1986).
Some poles are erected to celebrate cultural beliefs, but others are intended mostly as artistic presentations. Certain types of totem pole are part of mortuary structures incorporating grave boxes with carved supporting poles, or recessed backs in which grave boxes were placed.
“Some of the figures on the poles constitute symbolic reminders of quarrels, murders, debts, and other unpleasant occurrences about which the Indians prefer to remain silent… The most widely known tales, like those of the exploits of Raven and of Kats who married the bear woman, are familiar to almost every native of the area. Carvings which symbolize these tales are sufficiently conventionalized to be readily recognizable even by persons whose lineage did not recount them as their own legendary history.” (Reed 2003).
House front poles were often carved for wealthy tribe members and often depicted the story of the family. Although the cliché “low man on the Totem Pole” implies the most prestigious people were depicted at the top of the totem pole. However, there is evidence that different carvers used variations in order including most prestigious person depicted at the bottom, middle or top depending on the carver.
Other attractions include a variety of unique shops and restaurants. Duncan is the home of the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, it portrays the history of BC’s forest industry through . A historical Steam Locomotive travels from the Train Station in downtown Duncan to Somenos Lake — an enjoyable journey into history .
Duncan’s economy took a downturn when the US-Canada softwood lumber dispute, resulted in reduced lumber export opportunities. Perhaps because lumber is one of Duncan’s natural resources, it is not so surprising that Duncan is the home of the biggest hockey stick in the world, carved for Expo 86. Built from wooden beams reinforced with steel, the stick measures 205 feet and weighs 30 tons (28,118 kgs)
The area also boasts beautiful vineyards, farmers markets and an opportunity to enjoy river and ocean adventures. Kayaking on the rivers and ocean is a delightful experience for those who enjoy water sports. Cowichan Sweaters designed and knit by the Coast Salish Natives, are world famous. The Duncan Farmer’s Market boasts to be the largest farmer’s market on Vancouver Island. It is held just south of town at Sun Valley mall and features local produce, nursery products and crafts.
Duncan’s Museum is located on “Heritage Designated” land at the site of the 1912 Railway Station along the E & N Railway.
A self-guided tour of the Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery which stocks 150 lakes and streams on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, is an opportunity to see steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Duncan and the Cowichan region, is home to many aritsans who enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Many artist studios are open to the public and give tourists an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area that attracts artistic types, including potters, dancers, actors, glass blowers, woodworkers and musicians.
Tourists and local golfers enjoy Duncan golf courses including:
- The Cowichan Golf and Country Club
- Duncan Meadows Golf and Country Club
- Arbutus Ridge Golf and Country Club
Live, Work, Play, Vacation.
Duncan is a great place to live, do business, visit for a golf weekend, a romantic get-away, holiday destination, or a place to retire. A variety of Bed and Breakfasts provide accommodation for every taste and budget.
