{"id":24923,"date":"2026-04-17T00:01:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T04:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aleta.life\/?p=24923"},"modified":"2026-04-17T00:01:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T04:01:40","slug":"totem-pole-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aleta.life\/index.php\/2026\/04\/17\/totem-pole-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Totem Pole Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"
Position: 48\u00b046’43.3″N 123\u00b042’25.6″W<\/a><\/h6>\n

The City of Duncan<\/a> probably wouldn\u2019t exist if it weren\u2019t for the enterprising actions of a group of settlers from the community of Alderlea. After the settlers erected an impromptu arch, they held up the inaugural train of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway at Duncan\u2019s crossing in 1886. The train ground to a halt and soon after a station was established. One thing led to another and in 1912 the City of Duncan was incorporated.<\/p>\n

Today, Duncan has a large indigenous community and is the traditional home of the Cowichan Tribes<\/a>, the largest of the Coast Salish<\/a> people. The city is known for its collection of totem poles, one of the world\u2019s largest. At one point there were 44 poles. One succumbed to a traffic accident, another was gifted to New Zealand, and another \u2018returned to earth\u2019. \u00a0You can take a virtual tour and read all about the totems and their artists here: Totems Tour<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Petals<\/h6>\n

\"\"<\/a>Our visit took place on a bright, sunny spring day. We arrived just as the fruit trees came into full blossom. Pink petals littered the main street and parking lot. Swirling like snowflakes, apple and cherry blossoms are one of nature\u2019s most joyful gifts. For me it is a reminder of springtime\u2019s renewal and nature\u2019s abundance, marking the turning point from winter\u2019s drab towards spring\u2019s colourful brilliance.<\/p>\n

Duncan\u2019s Totems Tour begins and ends at the erstwhile railway station. The station is now the Cowichan Valley Museum<\/a> which is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the winter. Summer in Duncan begins on June 15 and runs through September 14. Seeing as we were there on a Tuesday, we couldn\u2019t do more than peer in the windows. The train tracks remain in place and run the length of the old line. It would be tempting to find a handcar<\/a> and work your way north towards Campbell River or south towards Victoria.<\/p>\n

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