November 2022
Article courtesy of: Cameron Berry
As the days shorten it is a great time to enjoy Island amenities that can be enjoyed in a single day from Victoria. A day expedition we enjoy features three interesting locations all within an hour drive from the city. In addition there are several unique places to stop for a coffee break and for lunch. You begin the adventure by driving to Duncan about 60 km north of Victoria on the TransCanada Highway 1. You can access Duncan by driving over the Malahat or by a leisurely cruise on the Brentwood Bay- Mill Bay ferry. The first stop, ideally by 10 AM is the incredible Duncan Farmers Market on Craig Street in downtown Duncan.
Every Saturday, year round, you will find a sea of tents in the market square on Craig Street and down Ingram Street under which more than 100 vendors sell their wares. As a true farmers’ market, priority is given to farmers and growers, and they also host to an amazing array of local artisans and makers offering the unique and unusual. The market offers a full array of produce, in-season fruit, honey, eggs, cheese, meat, seafood, wines and spirits, baked goods, plants and flowers, amazing local artisan creations, pastas, jams, pickles, and many specialty items.
In addition to the food stalls and food trucks we particularly enjoy the Tin Cup Coffee Bar around the corner from the market on Canada Street, a cozy warm atmosphere full of antiques. Enjoy all the sights and sounds offered by one of BC’s oldest and largest farmers’ markets!
On the north side of Duncan is the excellent and informative BC Forest Discover Centre which chronicles the history of logging in British Columbia, arguably the primary resource industry in the province for many years. It is a 100-acre site with 2.5 km of operational 3 ft narrow gauge railway.
There are indoor and outdoor exhibits spread over a 100-acre site, including operating steam and gas rail equipment plus logging trucks. There are forest and nature trails, picnic area, playground, gift shop and a concession. At the Centre visitors can explore a reconstructed logging camp, forest fire lookout tower and the ranger’s station.
The centre has its own heritage railway, a train pulled by a century-old steam locomotive which was once used in the filling in of the North Vancouver harbour. Along the route is one of the first pre-fabricated school houses, a trestle over Somenos Lake and an operational water wheel. Be sure to check ahead of time for opening days and hours
Just a few km north of the Forest Discovery Centre is The Raptors, a hands on experience with most of the wild raptors found on Vancouver Island. The centre is both a zoo and a facility where you can experience large raptors flying a few meters above you. Birds of prey have always inspired mankind for thousands of years and have been symbols of power. They are silent predators from the sky who sweep down with speed, precision and deadly intent. Unfortunately raptors are declining at an alarming rate due to human activities. The Raptors brings people closer to birds of prey and provides an interesting and exciting learning experience. The daily flying demonstrations will bring you close to a variety of raptors as they soar over your heads. Again, ensure that you check out opening days and hours as the schedule changes over the seasons
Submitted by Cameron Berry
