Destination day · park once and walk
The valley's hub, with the largest publicly displayed collection of totem poles in the world, a railway-station museum, galleries and one of BC's biggest year-round farmers markets. Come on a Saturday and it is a full day.
Over 40 poles stand through downtown; a self-guided walking tour follows painted footprints from the museum in the 1912 E&N railway station, with signs telling each carver's story. The museum is small and good on Cowichan settlement history; it keeps weekday-plus-Saturday hours, so check before a Sunday or Monday visit.
Home to Path of the Totem, tracing the poles from model carvings to full-size installation. 126 Ingram Street.
A boutique gallery of more than 20 Canadian artists on the upper floor of the heritage Duncan Garage building, a handsome early-1900s commercial block.
Saturdays 9 am–2 pm at 200 Craig Street, year-round, with more than 100 vendors: produce, seafood, baked goods, crafts and live music. Arrive before 11 for the best bread and seafood.
Weekend brunch inside a converted house at 148 3rd Street. Expect a wait on Saturdays.
A downtown fixture with a family restaurant side and a pub side; try the third-floor deck on a fine evening. 45 Craig Street.
Wine-focused, with a knowledgeable sommelier, tapas, desserts and a solid cocktail list. A good end to a market day.
Family-owned, with salmon, halibut, prawns and crab filleted to order. The smoked salmon is the thing to take home.