Welcome to the history of pioneer settlement in the Cowichan Valley
Location of the Cowichan Valley Museum
The Cowichan Valley Museum is located in the Duncan Train Station on Canada Avenue between Station and Kenneth Streets. The Train Station is surrounded by parkland and totem poles and is located in the heart of downtown Duncan.
Displays in the Museum ~
The Museum holds a wonderful collection of artifacts from pioneer families and businesses in the valley. The history of settlement in the valley is illustrated in our permanent galleries.
Temporary exhibits exploring historical and contemporary themes are installed throughout the year in the Priscilla Lowe Gallery.
The Archives ~
The Cowichan Valley Museum Archives is located a short distance from the Museum on the third floor of Duncan City Hall, on the corner of Craig and Kenneth Streets.
The Society’s mandate ~
The mandate of the Cowichan Historical Society is to gather and preserve information and records connected with the history of the Cowichan area, and secondly, to maintain a museum and archives to preserve objects and records of historic interest and value.
Our collecting area includes Cobble Hill to the south, Westholme to the north, Paldi to the west and Maple Bay to the east.
Visitor Information
Location ~
Duncan Train Station (between Station and Kenneth Streets)
130 Canada Avenue
Duncan, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Directions ~
Coming North from Victoria, turn left off the Trans Canada Highway on
to Trunk Road. Travel five blocks. Just over the train tracks, turn right at the light onto Canada Avenue. The Train Station will be on the right.
Coming South from Nanaimo, turn right off the Trans Canada Highway on to Trunk Road. Travel five blocks. Just over the train tracks, turn right at the light onto Canada Avenue. The Train Station will be on the right.
Parking ~
A public parking lot is located directly north of the Duncan Train Station/Museum; the entrance is on Ingram/Queens Street.
Parking is free for 3 hours in downtown Duncan.
Hours ~
Musuem Winter (October 1 – May 31) hours:
Wednesday ~ Friday, 11 a.m. ~ 4 p.m.
Saturday ~ 1 ~ 4 p.m.
Please call 250-746-6612 to schedule an appointment with the curator on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Archives Winter hours: Wednesday-Friday, 12 noon ~ 4 p.m.
Please call 250-746-6612 to schedule an appointment.
Museum Summer (June 1 - September 30) hours
Monday ~ Saturday, 10 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m
Archives Summer hours: Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.~ 2 p.m..
Please call 250-746-6612 to schedule an appointment.
Please note: Hours may vary due to the availability of volunteers or poor weather conditions. The Museum is closed between Christmas and New Year’s, and on statutory holidays.
Admission ~ by Donation in 2012
Centennial of the Duncan Train Station.
The Duncan Train Station has been the home of the Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives since 1989. The second and current train station was built in 1912. To celebrate the Museum's home we are offering Admission by Donation for the entire year.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Museum Gift Shop ~
Great selection of books by local authors
Many of our gifts are created locally
Contact ~
Mailing Address
Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives
P.O. Box 1014
Duncan, BC V9L 3Y2
Canada
