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A woolly mammoth, cultural artefacts from around the world, natural history displays and room after room of things you never expected to find in the Cowichan Valley. The Hand of Man Museum near Duncan is one of those wonderfully unusual travel stops where curiosity takes over and you just have to go inside.
Just outside Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park feels remarkably far removed from city life. Ancient Douglas firs, moss-covered forest trails, waterfalls and one of Vancouver Island’s famous salmon runs make this the kind of place where a quick roadside stop can very easily turn into several hours of exploring.
There are easier ways to admire the scenery on Vancouver Island, but where’s the fun in that? The Malahat SkyWalk takes you through the treetops and around a soaring spiral tower to incredible views over the surrounding mountains, islands and waterways. And when you’ve finished admiring the scenery? You can take the slide back down.
Just south of Duncan, a jumble of old buildings, little shops and curious pieces of Vancouver Island history sits beside the Trans-Canada Highway. Whippletree Junction is quirky, unexpected and exactly the sort of place that makes me pull over just to see what’s there.
Forget chips, chocolate bars and questionable vending-machine sandwiches. Hidden away at a little farm in the Cowichan Valley is a machine dispensing something considerably more exciting: artisan cheese. Naturally, we had to investigate.
Vancouver Island might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Canadian wine, but the Cowichan Valley has quietly become a destination worth raising a glass to. From sweeping vineyard views and elegant tasting rooms to intimate family-run wineries, here are five Cowichan Valley wineries worth adding to your Vancouver Island travels.
What looks like a small town in the Cowichan Valley turns out to be one of the most fascinating outdoor art galleries in Canada. A walk through Duncan reveals towering totems, Indigenous stories, local history, and a deeper connection to the land than most visitors expect. If you slow down and look up, every pole has a story to tell.
When Your Tree Has More Sass Than Santa. Ever wondered what happens when holiday cheer meets a mischievous twist? A Grinch Tree Workshop is the perfect way to add a little whimsy to your winter décor—and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds!
Guided by a Métis Elder, I learned to transform humble Ponderosa pine needles into a basket steeped in tradition. What began as a craft became a cultural journey—woven with history, heritage, and the quiet beauty of handmade art.
Between sunflowers stretching to the sky, bees drunk on nectar, and armfuls of vibrant blossoms, my trip to Franklin & Co. Flower Farm turned a simple bouquet into a full-blown summer memory.