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Welcome to Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives Preserving Our History!

Hours were open...

Museum Operating Hours:

Winter Season (September 18, 2024 to June 14, 2025):
- Thursdays & Fridays: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturdays: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Summer Season (June 15, 2025 to September 17, 2025): Open 7 days a week.

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.

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...

Please refrain from bringing food or drinks into the museum or archives.

Contact

Our Location

Tours and Visitor Information

Dive Into the History

Housed in the historic 1912 E&N 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.

Cowichan Valley Museum

130 Canada Avenue, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 1T4, Canada

Telephone: (250) 746-6612Email Us: info@cvmuseum.ca

Map

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.

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.

Please contact us and we'll get you set up.

Access to Our Collections

Archival Services and Research Requests

Tours and Visitor Information

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 fonds collections can be found on MemoryBC.

Explore the Archives

Archival Services and Research Requests

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.

Message us or send us an e-mail at archives@cvmuseum.ca

We strive to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible.

Message Archives

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, message us or send us an e-mail at archives@cvmuseum.ca

We strive to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible.

Message Archives

What's Inside the museum?

A snippet of what you'll find in The General Store

A Re-Creation of Alderlea General Store

This re-creation of a General Store boasts a spectacular collection of merchandise used by pioneers – everything from buttons to bear traps. A general store during pioneer times was the lifeblood of the community, not only offering impossible-to-find products, but also services such as a post office, telephone centre, and even a dentist. Our supportive community has donated hundreds of fascinating objects for this exhibit, and it’s well worth a visit.

Museum Gift Shop

Cowichan Valley Museum Gift Shop

Our museum gift store offers a selection of items that represent the rich 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.

Explore Our Selection

We have a good selection of beautifully crafted maps, engaging calendars, and informative articles available in our Gift Shop. Each item is a glimpse into the rich history of the Cowichan Valley, perfect for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

Shop with Us and Take Home a Piece of Our Heritage!

For more information on products within the Gift Shop, please get in touch with us at info@cvmuseum.ca

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 boasts a rich history and vibrant culture that can be seen throughout the region. Museums and cultural centers play a vital role in preserving this history in an organized and distinctive way. For instance, numerous Aboriginal totem poles are displayed throughout downtown Duncan, with a notable collection located next to the museum.

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. The Jack Fleetwood Gallery recreates local life before the First World War, while the Alderlea shop is filled with the necessities of pioneer life. I recommend everyone to go in and have a look. This will give you a better feeling when visiting this totem city.

Welcome to Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives Preserving Our History!

Welcome to Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives Preserving Our History!

Hours were open...

Our Location

Tours and Visitor Information

Dive Into the History

Cowichan Valley Museum

Dive Into the History

Tours and Visitor Information

Dive Into the History

Tours and Visitor Information

Tours and Visitor Information

Tours and Visitor Information

Access to Our Collections

Archival Services and Research Requests

Tours and Visitor Information

Explore the Archives

Archival Services and Research Requests

Archival Services and Research Requests

Archival Services and Research Requests

Archival Services and Research Requests

Archival Services and Research Requests

What's Inside the museum?

A snippet of what you'll find in The General Store

What's at the Archives?

Memorable Finds - From Our Archive

Shop and Support Local History

Museum Gift Shop

Testimonials

Connect With Us

Join Our Mailing List

Acknowledgement

Welcome to Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives Preserving Our History!

Welcome to Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives Preserving Our History!

Hours were open...

Our Location

Tours and Visitor Information

Dive Into the History

Cowichan Valley Museum

Dive Into the History

Tours and Visitor Information

Dive Into the History

Tours and Visitor Information

Tours and Visitor Information

Tours and Visitor Information

Access to Our Collections

Archival Services and Research Requests

Tours and Visitor Information

Explore the Archives

Archival Services and Research Requests

Archival Services and Research Requests

Archival Services and Research Requests

Archival Services and Research Requests

Archival Services and Research Requests

What's Inside the museum?

A snippet of what you'll find in The General Store

What's at the Archives?

Memorable Finds - From Our Archive

Shop and Support Local History

Museum Gift Shop

Testimonials

Connect With Us

Join Our Mailing List

Acknowledgement

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