Duncan and Chemainus are both in the Cowichan Valley, and Chemainus sits on Highway 1 between Victoria and Nanaimo. Driving is the simplest way to cover the gap. A bus is possible, but the best connection depends on the day, so run the trip through the BC Transit trip planner before you leave.
Taking the bus from Duncan to Chemainus
BC Transit’s Cowichan Valley system serves both towns. Chemainus has a Crofton and Chemainus route (route 6) and a Ladysmith and Chemainus route (route 34). Duncan is the bigger hub, with several local routes plus express services toward Victoria and Nanaimo.
Whether one bus covers the whole trip or you change somewhere depends on the time of day. Enter Duncan as the start and Chemainus as the end in the BC Transit trip planner, pick your date, and it will show the departures, the stop names and any transfer. Fares and passes are listed on the same site. Timetables change by season, so a schedule you saw last summer may not apply now.
Driving along Highway 1
By car, head north on the Trans-Canada Highway out of Duncan and follow the signs for Chemainus. You will have luggage space, and you can stop on the way. Allow some extra time on summer weekends and on ferry days, when traffic on Highway 1 is heavier. Check DriveBC for closures and roadworks before a longer trip, especially in winter.
Parking in the village is easiest if you arrive early. Look for signs that show time limits before you leave the car.
Once you reach Chemainus
The village is known for its outdoor murals, around 53 of them, and most are an easy walk from each other. There is also a BC Ferries terminal with sailings to Thetis Island and Penelakut Island, which matters if you are connecting to a ferry rather than staying in town. Check the BC Ferries schedule for sailing times.
A bicycle or a walk between towns is a long day and mostly alongside Highway 1 traffic, so most visitors choose a car, a bus or a ride. A local cab is useful for early starts, ferry connections or when the bus timetable does not line up. The Cowichan taxi page has the details for rides in the valley, and the fare estimator gives a rough idea of cost before you book.
For luggage, tight schedules or a group of three or four people, sharing a car is usually simpler than juggling a transfer.