As long-time residents of Duncan, the Island Pharmacy team knows our stuff about our community– which is why we’re sharing four facts about Duncan in today’s blog to help you get to know it (almost) as well as we do!
Let’s jump right in:
Duncan is the Economic Hub of the Cowichan Region
Did you know? Duncan is the economic hub of the entire Cowichan region!
As a major business center for the fishing, farming, forestry, and tourism industries, to call Duncan “hustling and bustling” would be an understatement– which you can see for yourself by tuning into the live City Square webcam!
Duncan also provides an array of retail, professional, and healthcare services to ensure that each and every resident receives big city-services with small town-care.
It is the Home of The World’s Largest Outdoor Totem Collection
Nicknamed the “City of Totems”, Duncan is home to the world’s largest outdoor totem collection: 40 hand-carved totems spaced around the city, making them the perfect scene for walking tours.
Thanks to each totem’s complex history, Duncan’s totem collection is the epitome of Canadian culture and history. Tours range all the way from self-guided to virtual, complete with interactive maps for each.
Don’t Forget the BC Bird Trail
What would a Duncan-related list be without the famous BC Bird Trail?
Located on the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south migratory pathway for birds across the Americas that stretches from Alaska to Patagonia, BC is home to a menagerie of birds you can rarely spot anywhere else.
Regardless of if you’re a long-time birder or wanting to dip your toes in, the BC Bird Trail has something for everyone.
…And, Of Course, Duncan’s Rich Heritage
Located on the traditional lands of the Cowichan First Nations, the Cowichan peoples have lived here for over a millennia– by 1858, Vancouver Island had been colonized by British settlers and was in high demand due to the American gold rush.
“Duncan” became the official name of the city when it was incorporated in 1912. The full story of the settlement can be learned in-depth at the beloved Cowichan Valley Museum!
Learn Any New Facts Today?
Whether you’re a resident of Duncan or live in one of our communities, let us know: did you learn anything new today?
