About 45 – 50 minutes or so north of Victoria right along Hwy #1 is the quaint and unique Whippletree Junction.
It’s a funky collection of businesses, restaurants and art and craft galleries that’s always fun to explore.
Whippletree Junction, Duncan, BC
Pioneer House Restaurant at Whippletree Junction
Its jumble of salvaged buildings and old-world charm has served as a rest stop for tourists, a curiosity for locals and a coffee stop for the generations that built up the Island.
Whippletree was established in 1969 when Randy Streit built a store and other businesses using remnants of Duncan’s Chinatown, which he had been contracted to tear down in 1968.
Streit and brother Ernie ran Streit Bros. Antique Trading for 34 years until closing it in 2007. And over the years, old buildings saved from demolition in Sooke and Cobble Hill expanded the site.
Ernie Streit — Randy died in 2001 — sold their portion of Whippletree to Hung’s family six years ago, putting together a land package that includes more than four hectares.
Times Colonist August 1, 2014
The main tenant is the unique Wickertree Furniture Store … which has a large variety of wicker and other varities of outdoor furniture. They also have a great selection of other outdoor accessories such as table settings, lamps, cushions and more!
Wickertree Furniture Store, Duncan, BC
Interior Wickertree Furniture Store, Duncan, BC
Behind the frontage section is the cobbled courtyard with more stores to explore. There’s a leather furniture store along with some other unique galleries.
Whippletree Courtyard
Whippletree Junction
Parking is easy along the front and everything is wheelchair accessible.
This is a great stop along the way to Duncan, Cowichan Bay and Chemainus!
[…] Cobble Hill where you could grab a coffee or do some shopping in some of the quirky stores at Whipple Tree Junction. Depending on the time you have and your inclination, you may want to drive the more scenic route […]