1. Quw’utsun Cultural and Conference Centre
If you want to get a deeper understanding of First Nations heritage and history, there’s no better place to visit than the Quw’utsun Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan. Located just off the the Trans-Canada Highway along the beautiful wooded banks of the Cowichan River, the Quw’utsun Cultural and Conference Centre is a great place to spend the afternoon, and features traditional long houses, totem poles, and native plants. There are individual and group tours, and visitors can book ahead for salmon barbecues.
2. BC Forest Discovery Centre
The BC Forest Discovery Centre has more than just a fully operational railway – there are also 5000 artifacts spread across more than 100 acres of forest and trails. The Centre will hold a Canada Day celebration this summer, and also offers summer workshops for kids. It’s the perfect place to bring the family for a picnic, and then go birdwatching.
3. Travel the Pacific Marine Circle Route
Take the Pacific Marine Circle Route and travel by car from Victoria’s Inner Harbour to the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, then travel overland on to the Cowichan Valley, and finally return to Victoria via the Island Highway. Along the way, encounter groves of giant Sitka Spruce and Douglas Firs, archaelogical sites, places to hike, museums and more! It’s a little long for a day trip, so make plans to stay in one of the communities along the route.
4. Alberni Valley Museum
Travel to Port Alberni and the center of Vancouver Island to visit the Alberni Valley Museum, which is considered one of the finest community museums in British Columbia. The Alberni Valley Museum features displays describing the history of the region, including Nuu Chah Nulth art, culture and history.
5. McLean Mill National Historic Site
Also in Port Alberni, McLean Mill National Historic Site, the location of the only steam-operated commercial sawmill in Canada. The historic site preserves much of the logging and forestry heritage of the Albernia Valley.
