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Discover the rich history of the Cowichan Valley, a beautiful region on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives is your gateway to explore the fascinating stories and heritage of the area, located right in the heart of Duncan.
Our Location
Tours and Visitor Information
Tours and Visitor Information
Housed in the historic 1912 Duncan Train Station, the Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives provides year-round access to carefully curated displays of artifacts. The station is situated in the picturesque Charles Hoey V.C. Memorial Park, surrounded by impressive totem poles and vibrant gardens.
Tours and Visitor Information
Tours and Visitor Information
Tours and Visitor Information
The museum serves as the meeting point for all guided tours of Duncan. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, we provide in-depth knowledge and historical context to enhance your experience of the city and its landmarks.
Dive Into the History
Tours and Visitor Information
Dive Into the History
Our museum focuses on preserving and sharing the history of the Cowichan Valley, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s past. From Duncan’s early roots as Duncan’s Crossing, established in 1886, to its growth into the commercial centre it is today, you’ll uncover the stories that shaped the valley.
Explore the Archives
Archival Services and Research Requests
Dive Into the History
Our archival collection is housed on the third floor of Duncan City Hall. The archives offer a treasure trove of materials, including books, papers, photographs, and films, that document the history of the region. Visits to the archives are by appointment only, ensuring personalized access to our extensive collections.
Archival Services and Research Requests
Archival Services and Research Requests
Archival Services and Research Requests
Our volunteer archivists are available to assist with research requests, including obituaries and image reproduction. To inquire about fees or to submit a research request, please contact us directly through the form provided below. We strive to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible.
Access to Our Collections
Archival Services and Research Requests
Archival Services and Research Requests
Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives is a proud member of the Archives Association of British Columbia. Our archives serve as a repository for records of historical significance to the Cowichan Valley, from Goldstream Provincial Park to Paldi, Westholme to Maple Bay. A description of some of our fond collections can be found on MemoryBC.
Hours and Guidelines
Museum:
Summer Hours are 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Daily
Winter Hours are Thursday and Friday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Archives:
The Archive's regular hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Visitation is via appointment using the contact form.
Guidelines:
For the preservation of our collections, we kindly ask that you follow these guidelines during your visit:
- Please refrain from bringing food or drinks into the museum or archives.
- Hand sanitizer is provided at the front desk for your use.
- Masks are optional but recommended.
Admission
Admission to the museum is by donation. We accept cash, cheques (payable to the Cowichan Historical Society), e-transfer, debit and credit cards. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for amounts over $25.00.
Shop and Support Local History
Our museum gift store offers a selection of items that represent the local history of the Cowichan Valley. Additionally, digital images from our archives are available for purchase upon request. All proceeds from the gift store help support our mission of preserving and sharing the history of the Cowichan Valley.
Testimonials
1. This museum is very easily spotted at the city's center, just by the totem poles. It was a very interesting experience for me, seeing all the historical items and details of the history here - from the Japanese immigration to the first settlers meeting the Indigenous people who lived on this land - I was very pleased to see how descriptive and detailed the information presented here was. Admission is by donation, and there are souvenirs at the front desk. The staff working there was also kind and welcoming to visitors. I highly suggest stopping by here to see what the Cowichan Valley Museum has to offer; especially if you're a tourist and/or seeing the totems here!
2.Well worth the visit, if only for the chat with the lovely lady at the door! As Brits, we shared our love of Heartbeat with her, and she helped us understand the history of the town. Chinese and First Nation history is very rich! We also loved doing the Totem Trail on the main streets opposite. Highly recommend!
3.The Cowichan Valley's rich history and culture have left countless traces throughout the region.
Museums and cultural centers play the role of inheriting history in an orderly and unique manner. Dozens of Aboriginal totem poles are scattered throughout downtown Duncan. Not to be missed is the Kinsol Trestle, the tallest existing wooden railway bridge in Canada and (reportedly) in the Commonwealth.
Aboriginal and European settlers
The Coast Salish and Cowichan people have settled on the coast here for at least 6,000 years. Spanish and British explorers did not map this coast until the early 1890s. In August 1862, William Chalmers Duncan arrived in Cowichan Bay aboard the H.M.S. Hecate. He led his men to clear large areas of forest, build wooden houses, and plant crops to obtain food and raise livestock. livestock. Information comes from the Internet
Although it is a free museum, donations are required and cash and cards are accepted. There are many stories and hardships of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush era. I recommend everyone to go in and have a look. This will give you a better feeling when visiting this totem city.
Cowichan Valley Museum
The Cowichan Valley Museum, operated by the Cowichan Historical Society, is located on Canada Avenue in downtown Duncan, housed in the red 1912 E&N train station. The Jack Fleetwood Gallery recreates local life before the First World War, while the Alderle a shop is filled with the necessities of pioneer life.
Connect With Us
We invite you to explore, learn, and engage with the history of this vibrant region. Contact us today to schedule a visit, request research services, or learn more about our exhibits. We look forward to sharing the rich history of the Cowichan Valley with you!
Join Our Mailing List
Acknowledgement
The Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives, operated by the Cowichan Historical Society, is located on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory.
Copyright © 2024, Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives. All Rights Reserved.
The Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives, operated by the Cowichan Historical Society, is located on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples.
We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory.
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