Island Life 101: Totem poles, beach days and goats on the roof

Grab your snacks and your favourite playlists, it’s time for an adventure!

Hi, my name is Chioma and I just moved to Nanaimo. I am excited to be the island girl I have always wanted to be! Think of Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, but with the energy of a house cat terrified of nature – that’s me. In the last few weeks, I have been exploring and I am not disappointed by my findings. I will be taking you along with me as I explore the quirky charm of Duncan and the coastal vibes of Courtenay. Here is your guide to an affordable, accessible weekend or day trip!

What is the best mode of transportation?

Getting from Duncan to Courtney is a lot easier than it looks on a map. You can drive, use transit or mix biking with bus rides if you’re feeling active.

If you have a car or know someone who drives and is up for an adventure, it’s the most flexible option. I like travelling by car because you can make quick stops at beaches, forests and small towns along the way. So why don’t you carpool with your friends and split gas, playlists, snacks and parking costs? 

If you’re rolling by bus, check BC Transit routes for Comox Valley, Nanaimo and Cowichan. Student passes and day passes keep things very affordable. 

No matter how you travel, a route that hugs the coastline will be best. You would not want to miss classic Cowichan Valley and Oceanside views.

Things to see from Duncan to Courtney

Starting off strong is Duncan, which is famous for its totem poles. Take a self‑guided walk around downtown to learn about Duncan's history. Take a self-guided tour by following the yellow footprints on the sidewalks. Duncan is also known for its local farmers’ market. It runs from Craig Street to Ingram Street every Saturday, year-round. You can ditch the pre-road trip snacks for fresh snacks and handmade goodies.

If you like galleries, Chemainus is the place for you. Chemainus has colourful murals covering its buildings and alleyways. The best part is that they’re free to look at!  It’s the perfect place to grab an ice cream and a few Instagrammable photos.

Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park (on the way to Port Alberni) is a must-see. It has massive Douglas fir and Western red cedar trees. The trees are more than 800 years old and can reach around 75 to 80 metres tall. I felt tiny, and I'm 5’10. 

And then there is Coombs. The Old Country Market is a must because there are goats on the roof! I repeat, there are real goats on the roof. The goats graze on the market’s grass-covered rooftop during the warmer months.  You have free entry to walk around below, shop for snacks and gifts, and snap photos. The market is a mini‑village with shops and places to eat. It attracts visitors from around the world each year.

What about outdoor adventures?

For my outdoorsy readers, the Cowichan River is a classic spot for tubing and swimming when it’s warm. Always check local safety info and water levels before you go. Also, go with friends so no one’s out there alone.

Parksville’s long sandy beaches are perfect for low‑budget beach days. You can walk for ages at low tide or build sandcastles. Paradise Fun Park offers mini golf and bumper boats.  As you move closer to the Comox Valley, you’ll find lots of hiking, biking and picnicking trails and beaches. You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the views.

What should I bring?

For a simple packing list, you can bring: 

• Layers (Island weather changes fast)
• A reusable water bottle
• Snacks 
• A small first‑aid kit
• A portable charger for your phone 
• Outdoor gear. Don’t own outdoor gear? Don't worry, you can rent it from local shops that rent bikes, kayaks, or paddleboards by the hour. 

Time flies when you’re talking about all the fun things to do between Duncan and Courtenay. Grab your friends, plan your route, and turn a normal weekend into a mini-adventure. Don’t forget to take tons of photos. We’d love to see your trips, so tag us on socials @VIUniversity. Remember to enjoy the journey!