BC Forest Discovery Centre
About This Museum
The BC Forest Discovery Centre began its life back in 1964, a passion project to preserve the region's rich logging heritage before it faded from memory. Today, it's a sprawling 100-acre open-air museum where history feels alive and tangible. You can hop aboard a vintage steam train that chugs through the property, past serene ponds and towering stands of cedar and Douglas fir. It’s less a stuffy gallery and more an immersive trip into the heart of Vancouver Island's past.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the impressive collection of steam-powered donkeys and massive, meticulously restored logging trucks. The Heritage Village is a real charmer, with its old-school general store and authentic blacksmith shop where you can often catch a live demonstration. For something completely different, climb up into the fire lookout tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding forest and mountains.
Visitor Information
Wear comfortable shoes because there's a lot of ground to cover on the trails. The train ride is included with admission and is the perfect way to get your bearings—it runs every half-hour or so. They're open seasonally from spring through fall, so definitely check their website for current hours before you head out.
Architecture & Building
The site feels like a rustic logging camp, with its main structures being historic buildings relocated from around the island, including rough-hewn bunkhouses and industrial sheds that house the big machinery.
Contact & Location
Address: BC Forest Discovery Centre, 2892, Drinkwater Road, South End, North Cowichan, Cowichan Valley Regional District, British Columbia, V9L 6C6, Canada
Phone: +1 250-715-1113
Website: Visit Website
