Visitors' Guide
Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary Welcomes Everyone
LOCATION:
3873 Swan Lake Road Victoria, BC V8X 3W1
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HOURS:
Grounds, Nature trails, Parking lot: Dawn to dusk every day
Nature House & Gift Shop: Tues-Fri 10a-4p | Sat 11a-3p | Closed Sun and statutory holidays
Washroom access only: Mon 9a-4p | Tues-Fri 9-10a | Closed Sun and statutory holidays
ADMISSION TO THE NATURE HOUSE:
By donation (suggested: $5/individual $10/family)
Donations help to pay for ongoing trail and Nature House maintenance, as well as support our restoration and education efforts
For groups of 8+ visitors, please email programs@swanlake.bc.ca with your estimated arrival time and/or consider one of our many programs [URL Embedded] for a guided experience
Please note that visitors under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult 18+ while visiting the Nature Sanctuary and Nature House.
Swan Lake Nature Trails
The Nature Sanctuary offers an extensive nature trail system.
Swan Lake
For those who like to meander or need a more accessible hike, the Swan Lake Loop trail is an easy walk and the floating boardwalk puts you right in the centre of this significant wetland area.
CHRISTMAS HILL
The summit of Christmas Hill sits at 109 meters above sea level and rewards you with a spectacular view of Victoria, BC. In the spring, a vast carpet of wildflowers surrounds you as you venture past the endangered Garry Oak meadow. Please exercise care in this special habitat.
NATURE TRAIL UPDATES
The Nature Trails remain open during inclement conditions, however, we encourage all visitors to exercise care and attention at all times. Parts of the trail may be closed during peak flood periods. Check our social media accounts for trail closure updates or call the office at 250-479-0211.
RUNNERS
Running along Swan Lake trails is permitted where indicated in yellow in the map at left.
There is no running on the floating boardwalk for safety reasons as well animal habitat preservation.
The sound of the boardwalk joints scares away rare and threatened birds that use this as some of their last habitat in the Capital Regional District.
Nature conservation is our primary mandate.
Athletic recreation is secondary and runners should be respectful when they overtake others.
Listening to headphones or air pods on trail is advised against given the wildlife that can be present on site.
BIRD WATCHING
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is an excellent place for year-round birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall migration periods. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and dress for the weather!
Click here for a list of recently-sighted birds at the Nature Sanctuary on eBird.
Here is a checklist of Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Birds of compiled by Chris Saunders.
Parking
The main parking lot to the Nature Sanctuary is located to the left of Swan Lake Road. There is an overflow parking lot located outside 841 Ralph Street. There are two accessible parking spots located outside of the Nature House at the end of Swan Lake Road. During large events, parking at the Nature House is limited. We ask visitors to avoid parking on residential streets. Overflow parking is located alongside Nelthorpe Street and on the intersection of Haynes Road and Lancaster Road. More Information
UPCOMING NATURE HOUSE CLOSURES:
Grounds, Nature trails & Parking lot: Open dawn to dusk every day
Thanksgiving - October 13, 2025 - Closed
Remembrance Day - November 11, 2025 - Closed
Winter Break - December 25, 2025 to January 1 2026 - Closed
2026:
|
Holiday
|
Date
|
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thursday, January 1 |
| Family Day | Monday, February 16 |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 3 |
| Victoria Day | Monday, May 18 |
| Canada Day | Wednesday, July 1 |
| B.C. Day | Monday, August 3 |
| Labour Day | Monday, September 7 |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Wednesday, September 30 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 12 |
| Remembrance Day | Wednesday, November 11 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 |
ACCESSIBILITY:
We aim to make the Nature House accessible to all individuals. If you have specific accessibility accommodations or questions, please contact us (link embedded).
Entrance and Facilities
The Nature House entrance is equipped with an automatic door opener and is approximately 85 meters from the main parking lot on a gravel path.
Inside the Nature House, there are two All Gender Universal Design washrooms and a water fountain with a water bottle filling station at the end of the hall.
We do not have braille or auditory interpretation for our exhibits at this time.
Accessible Parking
There are two accessible parking spaces approximately 11 metres from the front door of the Nature House at the end of Swan Lake Rd.
Accessible Drop-off and Pick-up
An accessible drop-off and pick-up location is positioned 10 metres the right of the Nature House entrance and has space for one vehicle at a time. There is no parking at the drop-off/pick-up location.
Accessible Seating
The Nature House has chairs with back rests by the windows in the Main Hall and as well as chairs with back rests and stools for seating in the Library. There are also benches with back rests at regular intervals on the trails.
Service Dogs and Animals
Certified service dogs (or service dogs in training) are permitted at the Nature Sanctuary, including the Nature House. Per Bylaw #7462, all other domestic animals are prohibited on site.
Trail Accessibility:
The trails surrounding the Nature House, including the Native Plant Garden, are gravel paths. The Wharf and Floating Boardwalk are level and provide a textured surface for mobility aids.
Benches with back rests are available for seating on the trails at regular intervals.
The Lake Loop trail is stroller accessible but has uneven terrain at this time that could cause challenges for visitors with mobility devices.
Respectful Use (Rules) of the Nature Sanctuary
ENJOY WITHOUT TOUCHING:
Enjoy wildlife at a distance; give animals space and do not harass them
Leave flowers, plants, and trees where they are
STICK TO FORMAL TRAILS:
Swan Lake and Christmas Hill are home to many rare species
Going off-trail tramples plants and compacts the ground so plants cannot re-grow
PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT:
Please take all garbage, recycling or compostable materials with you
NO SMOKING:
No smoking, vaping or use of cannabis products
Read about the CRD-Clean Air Bylaw
NO BIKES:
While you are encouraged to cycle to the Nature Sanctuary, Saanich Bylaw # 7753 stipulates no person shall ride a bicycle in the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary except in a parking lot or on a paved roadway
NO FEEDING:
This includes all birds and wildlife
This nature sanctuary protects the ecosystem so that animals and plants have all the things they need already on site without needing to be fed
We are trying to prevent the spread of Avian Flu on site
NO DOGS:
Bylaw #7462 does not permit dogs in parks including the Nature Sanctuary
NO CATS:
Even the presence of predatory animals make this critical migratory bird stop feel unsafe
Many of the birds on-site travel all the way from Alaska to South America.
You can learn more about keeping your cat safe and saving birds lives with this helpful brochure.
More information about threats to birds and how you can help can be found on the Birds Canada website.
NO FIRES:
Bylaw #8807 Saanich limits outdoor burning in Saanich to reduce fire risk and preserve air quality
No charcoal or briquettes BBQs are permitted without express interest and an issued permit from the Nature Sanctuary
NO ALCOHOL
Alcohol consumption is not permitted on site
NOISE:
The Nature House and grounds are for quiet enjoyment and as a sanctuary for wildlife. Keep noise levels down to reduce disruption to the wildlife.
Please refrain from loud music and be conscious of other users.
NO HUNTING / FISHING / BOATING:
Or any other water recreation in the lake
PICNICS:
You are welcome to enjoy a small picnic on the front lawns of the Nature House or in the Teaching Shelter providing you follow the above-mentioned rules and the location has not been rented out for a private function (see Facility Rentals).
Read more about these and other Saanich Parks Management and Control Bylaw rules and regulations.
Download a map.
NEARBY PET-FRIENDLY PARKS
Please read each park's regulations about animal by laws.
CONTACT
3873 Swan Lake Road
Victoria, BC V8X 3W1
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T: 250-479-0211 F: 250-479-0132
E: info@swanlake.bc.ca
All social media: @SwanLakeNature
Charity #: 11920 7157 RR0001