The Duncan center is about 15 miles northwest of Victoria Airport Hotels and 18 miles northwest of Butchart Gardens.
The best times to visit Duncan are from March to May and again from September to November. These shoulder seasons offer mild weather along with bargain hotel rates, helping you save money on your trip. Spring and fall also provide ideal weather for exploring Vancouver Island beyond Duncan.
Given Duncan's reputation as a tourist town, its peak season is in the summer when school-aged children are out of school and families are taking advantage of the city's attractions. If you do want to visit during the busier summer season, try to book your room a few weeks in advance.
Despite Duncan's biting winters, the city serves as a great home base for snowboarders and skiers. Skiing options on Vancouver Island near Duncan include Mount Cain Ski Resort and Mount Washington Ski Resort. Be mindful of the population's penchant for winter sports, however, as hotels tend to fill up quickly and tourists take advantage of rock-bottom lodging rates.
If you qualify for a special rate, you can save even more money on your trip to Duncan and Vancouver Island. Seniors, AAA/CAA members, military families, and government employees can all book special rates and save as much as 10 or even 20 percent depending on where you stay.
Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn offers special rates for AAA/CAA members. The hotel offers a fitness center, indoor pool, spa tub, lobby fireplace, tour assistance, free Wi-Fi, a business center, free newspapers, conference space, and a complimentary buffet breakfast. Guest rooms include mini fridges, flat-screen TVs, deep soaking tubs, safes, coffee makers, and phones with free local calls.
AAA/CAA members can also save at Travelodge by Wyndham Victoria Airport. Located less than 16 miles from Duncan, this Travelodge offers three on-site restaurants, a bar, complimentary breakfast, a seasonal outdoor pool, lobby fireplace, barbecue grills, a 24-hour business center, and free newspapers. Guest rooms feature mini fridges, microwaves, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, toiletries, hairdryers, and well-lit work desks.
Communities surrounding Duncan offer many midrange hotels that give you extra value for your dollar.
Located in nearby Sidney, Best Western Plus Emerald Isle Hotel features an on-site restaurant that serves cooked-to-order breakfasts for an extra fee. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, a lobby fireplace, business center, express check-in and check-out, ample self-parking, and a fitness center. Guest rooms include microwaves, mini fridges, MP3 docking stations, cable TV, hairdryers, toiletries, work desks, and separate sitting areas.
Super 8 by Wyndham Saanichton Victoria Airport is a conveniently located hotel close to the airport. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast daily, free newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, ample self-parking, and express check-in. Guest rooms are basic but include free Wi-Fi, TVs with satellite programming, hairdryers, work desks, and coffee makers.
If you don't mind staying in Victoria, consider booking a room at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Victoria Colwood. Standard amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, free continental breakfast, on-site shopping, free Wi-Fi, laundry services, ample parking, and a 24-hour business center. The nicely decorated guest rooms feature work desks, flat-screen TVs with cable, hairdryers, and modern wood furnishings.
When visiting Duncan, it's important to plan the perfect itinerary that allows you to see everything this small city has to offer.
One of Duncan's main attractions is the BC Forest Discovery Centre, which chronicles British Columbia's logging history. The 100-acre, open-air museum features an operational railway, bird watching trails, concessions, picnic tables, and a gift shop.
Cowichan Valley Museum is another must-see attraction in Duncan. Operated by the Cowichan Historical Society, the Cowichan Valley Museum collects, preserves, and interprets the area's history and heritage through permanent and temporary exhibits. Permanent exhibits include gallery displays, a recreation of the Alderlea General Store, and a First Nations art gallery.
It wouldn't be a trip to Duncan without locating each of the city's 44 totem poles. Visitors can take a self-guided Totem Tour Walk using a map downloaded from the city's website. You can also visit the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre in Duncan for more information.
Exploring Duncan is always an adventure, but no matter what your itinerary includes, you'll find a quaint locale brimming in charm and beauty. Whether you're looking for a hotel in the heart of Duncan or a luxury resort nearby, you can find the perfect accommodation to meet your needs and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Duncan, BC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Our family enjoyed the location being in between Nanaimo and Victoria as half of our group wanted to visit old downtown Nanaimo and the other half visited Victoria. We enjoyed the laid back feel of Duncan that has plenty of food options and convenient shopping options if you forgot to pack an item.
The wineries were nice.
Good shopping, Farmer's Market and easy, accessible parking.
Shopping is all on the main street!