It is strange to be writing one of these posts as a tourist now, for my home town area on Vancouver Island. Visiting this summer, even though it was short and sweet, has been a surreal experience. I have some ideas to pass along, that others might enjoy as much as I have. Here are 5 free things to do in Cowichan Valley if you find yourself in this neck of the woods.
Totem Poles of Duncan
Called the Totem Walk, there is a path that you can take in the City of Duncan, following painted footsteps along the sidewalks. If you don’t have time to do that, simply park anywhere in the downtown core and walk around. There discover a large number, more than 80, of beautiful indigenous totem poles, old and new.
These pieces of local art are absolutely unique and each one tells its own story. Find a placard with information located at the base of the poles. Stand and admire not only the sheer size of some of them, but the craftsmanship of the carvers as well.
Saturday Market
Also located in downtown Duncan is the Saturday Market. This colourful affair runs all year long and is open from 9am to 2pm. Visitors will see an assortment of local goods and seasonal produce, and speak to farmers from the Cowichan Valley.
Learn all about the wineries in the area, sample freshly made cheeses and baked goods. Vendors are incredibly friendly and willing to speak about their products. Most often there is live music and if its close to a holiday, seasonal activities will also be taking place.
Quamichan Lake
A short 3-kilometre drive away from Duncan is Quamichan Lake. Art Mann Park is here and the perfect spot for a little picnic. The glacier formed lake is extremely shallow, with an average depth of only about 15 feet or less than 5 metres.
For several reasons, it suffers from an incredible algae bloom that makes the water appear almost a nuclear shade of green. No swimming is allowed nor are dogs advised to go for a paddle. There is however, a large family of friendly mallard ducks that has lived here for as long as I can remember.
Views of float planes landing and departing, kayaks slowly making their way across the calm water and the surroundings mountains make this a picturesque place to visit. Bring a picnic, let the kiddos play at the playground, its a peaceful respite in the valley.
Chinese Cemetery
An old and unique cemetery in the area is the Hillcrest Chinese Cemetery located at 6119 Payne Road. For this one, visitors can either walk out along the Trans Canada Trail towards Cowichan Lake, or drive to the closest point and park.
Once you have reached the cemetery, find the original old wooden gate with a large apple tree beside it. Walk through and see a small field that is lovingly mowed and tended by volunteers. There are 127 souls buried here, their graves flush with the earth. Some have small cement markers, others simply plain.
The cemetery was created in 1945 and its last burial happened in 1968. Chinese men predominantly, who worked in the logging industry inhabit this peaceful space.
Kinsol Trestle
I have a post specifically dedicated to this amazing historical structure but feel I must include it here as well. Completely free to visit, is the Kinsol Trestle. Its one of the largest wooden rail trestles in the world.
Located near Shawnigan Lake, the picturesque drive and 15-minute walk is worth every effort. Visitors can walk over and under the trestle, marvelling in its ingenuity and design. Hike through the forest and down to the river for a swim. Built in 1920 during the islands logging boom, Kinsol is an integral part of the history of Vancouver Island.
The Cowichan Valley is a marvellous area to explore while visiting the island. There is so much to see and do, whether you are a nature enthusiast or historian. All of these activities can be seen in one day, half a day even, while you travel from Victoria to Nanaimo. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have on this visit to western Canada.
