Top Things to do in Duncan
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What to do and see in Duncan, Canada: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Duncan, Canada including The Raptors, Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching, Duncan Farmer's Market, B.C. Forest Discovery Centre, Cowichan Valley trail, Cowichan Wooden Boat Society, Duncan Totem Poles, Coastal Bliss Adventures - Day Tours, Averill Creek Vineyard, Bright Angel Park.
Restaurants in Duncan
1. The Raptors
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 412 reviews
Birds of prey have always inspired awe. Sadly, they are threatened in many parts of the world. When you experience them up close, you learn that they are more than predators from the sky; they are essential to maintaining the delicate eco-balance of our planet. The Raptors offer compelling and interactive experiences with a variety of birds of prey species including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Get closer than you ever imagined to these majestic and intelligent creatures. Flying demonstrations, hands-on encounters and educational talks offered daily (March - October). The Raptors is located in the heart of the beautiful Cowichan Valley, just 60 minutes north of Downtown Victoria and 45 minutes south of Downtown Nanaimo by car.
Reviewed By Heidi A
This was actually our second time to The Raptors but the first time that we were on time for the flying demonstration. What a fabulous learning opportunity. The staff are very knowledgeable and make the demonstration a lot of fun for the audience.
The birds are great and there are lots of opportunities to take some great photos of the birds, both times we have been we have had the opportunity to see some of the birds up close as the staff often bring the birds out and walk around with them.
We love it here and will continue to come back every time we are in Duncan.
2. Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching
Overall Ratings
5 based on 900 reviews
Ocean EcoVentures' whale watching excursions depart daily from the seaside village of Cowichan Bay.Our Whale Watching tours focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise.A small, owner-operated family business, Ocean EcoVentures is committed to providing you with an intimate and informative whale watching tour.
Reviewed By Richard P - Shawnigan Lake, Canada
I took two of our grand daughters out yesterday for a very special occassion to hopefully see a whale. Coming from Calgary they were excited, but after nearly an hour of motoring they were ready to return. They were expecting whales from the moment we left the dock, not that we had to go and find them!
Well did Simon ever deliver. When he slowed down because of the report of a minke nearby the girls suddenly looked up just in time to see it surface.
Five minutes later two Orcas were seen off the starboard bow and for the next 45 minutes we followed as they dove and surfaced, occassionly thrashing some kill which we fortunately couldn't see.
The stellar sea lions were a nice desert to the day.
When we returned home the girls were buzzing with excitement to call their parents and little sister with OMG you won't believe what we saw today.
Definitely worth the run out.
I highly reccommend this adventure for everyone.
3. Duncan Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
5 based on 82 reviews
Every Saturday morning, all year round, rain or shine, come for the freshest local fruits and vegetables, baking, jams & jellies, honey, crafts, clothing, pet treats, and more! With our "you make it, you bake it, you grow it, you sell it" philosophy, you will find a wide variety of local products to fullfill your "100 mile diet" needs. Please join us in the Market Square in downtown Duncan (look for the clock tower) every Saturday and help make your year-round farmers' market the best in BC! Live music every Saturday from April to Oct.
Reviewed By amanda5805 - Duncan, Canada
I head to the Saturday's Farmer's Market about once a months for the past 5+ years. There is some amazing vendors. So many different things to choice from. Potted flowers and plants, home made soaps, a lot of organic fruits and veggies. Home made everything. Its nice to support local at a reasonable price. Lots of food on the go stands. There is even stands for organic pet food. There is live music. There is even body products and bath bombs. Lots of vendors are cash only but more and more have credit/debit machines now that there is more on the go options for card payment. Great place to find unique holiday gifts. I bought an amazing glass blown martini glasses, pitcher and shot glass.
4. B.C. Forest Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
This museum educates visitors about British Columbia's large and historic logging industry.
Reviewed By sab880 - Ottawa, Canada
Several weekends and days leading up to Christmas families can experience the magic of colourful lights, Christmas music and the wonderful feeling of joy while riding the rails sitting in a steam driven train.
Additional seasonal entertainment is provided and a visit with Santa to share with him your wish list.
The long hours of planning, volunteering, and dedication by the fine people of Duncan make this experience the success it is and a fond memory for those who visit.
5. Cowichan Valley trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Linda S - Metchosin, Canada
At Lake Cowichan you can access the Cowichan Valley Trail in numerous ways although none are very cleared indicated in MHO. It's always brightly depicted on maps but where to actually park and access is a bit vague. The in-town part of the trail is most easily accessed on Wellington Avenue close to King George Road and provides a nice pathway quite busy with locals, kids and dogs. Sadly local residents are adverse to cleaning up after their dogs so the amount of dog droppings on the trail is quite gross; watch your step. For a better experience drive to the end of Boundary Road and access the trail there walking in a South-East direction (i.e.: away from town towards 70.2 Mile Trestle, Cowichan River and Shawnigan Lake). You will quickly walk out of the residential area and the trail use will be much lighter as will the dog litter. Back in town if you follow the trail over the Nelson Rd rail (now pedestrian) bridge the trail continues on the opposite side of the Cowichan River and eventually to Duncan. Overall it's a great trail, just too bad people don't pick up after their dogs.
6. Cowichan Wooden Boat Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Sahali - Victoria, Canada
For a nominal sum [recommended $5] you are able to stroll back in time to the wooden boat era. Some are being restored on premises. There is also an interesting display of old outboard motors. The museum is incorporated onto the wharf so it's a nice, leisurely walk along the pier with lovely scenery. What's not to like?
7. Duncan Totem Poles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By tornillo2015 - Cortez, Colorado
There is a nice walk way thru town which leads you to the many totems exhibited throughout town. Different ages, artistic ability/styles with excellent signage describing each totem, meanings, and artist. Do Not miss this free, easy, self tour.
8. Coastal Bliss Adventures - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 36 reviews
Coastal Bliss Adventures Ltd. is an Wilderness Adventure company, based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. We specialize in multi-day and day hiking, backpacking, kayaking and canoeing adventure tours. Our signature hiking tour is The West Coast Trail, located in "our backyard".
Reviewed By 980janicet - Canmore, Alberta
I was really impressed with the guided WCT trip offered by Coastal Bliss. All the trip organization, food prep and permits were provided. The guides, James and Olivia, excelled at finding safe routes through the boulders and surge channels and provided helpful advice and interesting details along the trail. The food was fresh and delicious; truly amazing for a multi-day back country trip. I'd wanted to do this trip for decades and I'm so glad that I went with Coastal Bliss.
9. Averill Creek Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Averill Creek is a family run 40 acre estate winery on Vancouver Island. Located in the heart of the Cowichan Valley wine region, we are dedicated to producing premium wines that showcase the terroir of Vancouver Island. Drop in for a wine tasting, and to enjoy the views of Cowichan Bay with a glass of wine on the patio!
Reviewed By Pamela J - Victoria, Canada
After an long absence we decided to revisit some of the wineries in this area and were pleased to taste some really good wines, enough that we bought a case here and look forward to some pleasant evenings ahead. The setting is quite lovely, the...MoreThank you for including us on your local winery tour, and congrats on the case to enjoy this spring! We look forward to welcoming you back to enjoy a bottle of wine and a picnic on the Averill Creek patio!
10. Bright Angel Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By vacationary - BC Canada
This area is so diverse in what it offers. A playground for the youngsters, a workout area for the not so youngsters, and a beautiful trail and bridge over the river for those needing some tranquility in the forest. You can see the tiny salmon fry in the river. I hate to let the secret out, but it is an excellent place to swim in the summer too.
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