Once something of a ghost town, Duncan's downtown is now alive with the sound of shopping, dining, and coffee-shop sipping. The heritage Whippletree Junction and various big box stores – including one of North America's biggest Wal-Marts – line the Trans-Canada Highway. Find everything from First Nations art to fair trade fashions to thousands of books at Duncan's many galleries, boutiques, and shops.
Getting to Downtown Duncan
Slightly off the beaten path, the old town is a 60-second drive off the highway. From Victoria and the south, turn left onto Trunk Road (the first stop light past the Cowichan River bridge). Up-island traffic can access downtown via Canada Way (turn right at the exit near the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary). Free three-hour parking is available near the train station and in two lots along Kenneth Street.
Art Galleries
Imagine That! on Craig Street across from City Hall is a art cooperative featuring the juried work of more than 100 local artists – among them mixed media specialist Robin Millan and steel enamel artist Margot Page. The late E.J. Hughes is the Cowichan's best known contemporary artist, and his classic west coast landscapes are showcased at a namesake gallery (28 Station Street). Next door is the Judy Hill Gallery, a treasure house of First Nations art.
Fashion
Assemble a new wardrobe at Radway Fair Trade & Eco Fashion Boutique (showcasing local designers and fairly traded fashion and gifts), Eclectic Avenue Vintage Boutique (retro and new clothing & jewellery), Fabrications (women's fashions) and Cardino's Shoes. Outfit the kids at Giggle Gear and find a new handbag at Niche. Top bargains on offer at Indigo Children's Consignment and Fab Finds Boutique.
Book Stores
More than 50,000 used and rare titles are racked at Gallowglass Books (40 Ingram Street). A strike out there in the search for a fave used title might be a home run at Ten Old Books in the Duncan Garage. Volume One Bookstore (149 Kenneth Street) carries new and discounted/deleted books.
More Downtown Shopping
Many stores here believe in old-fashioned window shopping and decorate their front windows in style. The Red Balloon Toyshop (85 Station Street) caters to kids and parents seeking imaginative puzzles, games, puppets, kites, wooden toys, and battery-free gizmos of all kinds. The adjoining Beyond Balloons specializes in "games and activities for big kids." An eclectic selection of rugs, pillows and decorative glass is sold at Khaya (107 Kenneth Street).
Four more specialty shops along Station Street: local wool fleece and hand knits are sold at Ingrid's Yarn & Needlework; Wishes is the town's New Age emporium; Practical Magic Herbs carries skin care products and hemp clothing; and rad skateboard gear can be snagged at Area 57.
Whippletree Junction
Some 14 relocated and restored wooden buildings from the early 1900s now house this retail alley on the Trans-Canada Highway, 7km/4.3mi south of Duncan. Furniture outlets (including one affiliated with folk artist Jim Shockey), an auction house, fudge shop, and the popular local hangouts Black Coffee and the Pioneer House Restaurant are here.
Drop by the Duncan-Cowichan Visitor Centre for more information about shopping in the area.