Farms & Markets
Fresh produce
The Cowichan Valley, Duncan included, has certainly earned its fast-growing reputation as one of Canada's most promising food and wine production regions.
Fresh farmgate eggs, seasonal produce, artisan bakeries, award-winning cheesemakers, organic grain-fed meat, bistros specializing in the 100-Mile Diet, and nearly a dozen vineyards make the area a must-visit for serious foodies.
The Duncan Farmers’ Market packs booths of local growers and artisans in one place. For those that feel like exploring, head out on a Cowichan Bay food tour to visit Hilary’s Cheese & Deli, True Grain Bakery, the Udder Guys ice cream shop and more.
Duncan Farmers’ Market
The slow food philosophy (read: fresh, local, sustainable, seasonal, and organic) is shared by most growers here. And there's nowhere better to get a taste of the fields than at the Duncan Farmers’ Market, held Saturdays year-round in the revitalized downtown core. Check out the all-Cowichan selection of produce, crafts, clothing, and baked goods as musicians, jugglers, magicians, and dancers entertain the throngs.
Read More
Cowichan Bay Food Tour
Pack the trunk with goodies on a valley food tour. Cowichan Bay's busy waterfront is home to three major foodie daytrip destinations: Hilary's Cheese & Deli (numerous runny and blue varieties made in Hilary Abbot's cheese factory on nearby Cherry Point Road); True Grain Bakery (organic bread baked daily on the premises along with cookies and pastries); and the Udder Guys homemade ice cream shop (try the zesty ginger and red wine grape varieties).
Farms East of Town
Just east of town, Cowichan Bay Farm's self-serve store sells frozen chicken, lamb, and duck raised in the surrounding green pastures. Emu and water buffalo meat is available at Codes Corner Emu Farm (5816 Menzies Rd) and Fairburn Farm (3310 Jackson Rd) respectively. Two choices for fresh-caught seafood: Mad Dog Crabs (downtown Duncan at 775 Canada Ave) and Cowichan Bay Seafoods.
More Farms
Don't miss the remarkable Providence Farm (1843 Tzouhalem Rd), a sprawling therapeutic community farm with a history dating back to 1864; its farm store sells veggies, herbs, and flowers grown on site. The Old Farm Market (Trans-Canada Highway east of town) and the Community Farm Market (at the back of the downtown Duncan Garage) also offer the freshest local produce. So do such farmgates as Cali Farm Organic Produce (2328 Koksilah Rd) and Valhalla Farm Herbs (3693 Gibbins Rd).
Drop by the Duncan-Cowichan Visitor Centre for more information about food and wine, farmers markets, and specialty shops in the area.
Read Less