How to Book a Program

• Our maximum capacity is one class of up to 30 students per program (except for Wetland Wonders which is capped at 20 students)
• Unfortunately, we do not have the staff to support simultaneous programming for 2 classes.  Back-to-back bookings are recommended for "buddy classes" with time in the Nature House or a walk around Swan Lake recommended during the off-time for your class.

• To ensure the best experience with our hands-on and outdoors-based programs, we request that there are at least 2 adult helpers from your group present in addition to a teacher/adult in charge.
• Adults are expected to support the children in the group, including ensuring safety and appropriate behaviour (including staying on trails, not climbing trees/rocks, not picking plants, etc.).
• As our space is limited in size, we ask that groups limit the total number of participants (children, teachers and adult helpers) to 35 people,  If this is a concern given special needs of your group, please contact us before booking at programs@swanlake.bc.ca

• All programs have an outdoor component, or are fully offered outside.  Please have all participants dressed for the weather!
• If you have any questions or concerns about participant mobility or accessibility, please contact us before booking at programs@swanlake.bc.ca

Preparing For Your Upcoming Program

• A sign may be placed outside the Nature House where your group will meet their Nature Educator - you may also send one adult helper/teacher into the Nature House to check in with our Visitor Services representative that your group has arrived.
• If planning to have snack or lunch during your time, you are welcome to use the Teaching Shelter which has concrete bench style seating and is covered.  Other users may be in the shelter as it is not provided as exclusive use unless booked (at an additional cost).  There is a garbage can outdoors (near our Information kiosk) and inside our building (including recycling and compost).  Please ensure to pack out all trash and avoid any food debris.
• We highly recommended arranging extra time to explore the Nature House itself as well as the Nature Sanctuary grounds. Consider doing an activity Nature Scavenger Hunt,  Invertebrate Checklist , Bird Checklist , and/or doing a litter pick up. Please print out these checklists before arriving.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations with 15-days of notice will be subject to a 25% non-refundable administration fee
• Any cancellation 14 days or fewer before the program starts or any no-shows are non-refundable
• It puts a lot of strain on a small non-profit organization to offer refunds or make last minute changes; we appreciate your understanding!

Getting Here & Bus Parking

• Public transit routes that are nearby include: #26 and #72
• Our main parking lot is available for passenger vehicles.  The spots nearest to the Nature House may be used for drop off only or for vehicles with Accessible parking passes.
• We have limited space for large vehicles in our parking lot and request that buses over 20’ long use one of the alternative parking spots shown on the map below
• Buses parked in our lots may be asked to move, regardless if it disrupts a program.
• Please coordinate with your bus driver so they are not idling in the parking lot or nearby streets. We have many residential neighbours and want to be respectful to them.
• Buses should never come to the Nature House (down Swan Lake Road) due to tree cover and no turn-around space.