Programs
We offer a range of hands-on educational opportunities on-site in the Nature House and on the sanctuary grounds and waterways. A reminder that the Nature Sanctuary is zoned for wildlife conservation, so please always leave pets at home.
Ways to Learn at Swan Lake
School & Group Visits (1-hour themed education sessions)
Our newly refreshed sessions are great for school groups and youth to learn about native species, ecosystems, and enjoy nature here on site!
Each program has connections to the BC Curriculum to help with your learning objectives.
Learn about our available themes here [URL embedded], and how to book programs here [URL embedded]!
Programs for the 2026/2027 school year will be updated in late August 2026 with NEW and returning themes! Additions with focus on Middle School and High School programming are also being added!
Off site programs
Coming this fall! Off-site programs delivered by our partner Kay from Build-A-Brain will bring some of the nature from Swan Lake to your school! More details coming soon!
Summer Camps/Out-of-School Programs Visits
Looking for a great field trip for your day camp group? Consider a visit to Swan Lake centered around a guided program with one of our Nature Educators!
- Contact us by email [URL embedded] to set up a time that works best for your group for your 1-hour guided program.
- Programs are typically held outdoors and are very hands-on! Our theme options [URL embedded] can be tailored to any age!
- Offerings are available throughout the morning and afternoon, Monday through Friday during the summer.
- Bookings are best for up to 20 participants; back-to-back programs are available to accommodate larger groups, or for extended visits!
- Pair your visit with a walk around Swan Lake, and a visit of the exhibits in the Nature House. Enjoy a picnic and playground time at nearby Rainbow Park. Easily make your trip to Swan Lake a full-day event!
- Registration is completed online through a private link that will be set up for especially for your group (payment available via credit card). Programs are typically $130.00 per group as a flat rate.
Programs for Families
NEW! Summer camps in partnership with Science Venture [URL embedded] will be hosted at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary in July and August 2026!
EcoSTEM at Swan Lake immerses campers in hands-on, place-based learning through guided hikes, environmental monitoring, field games, and meaningful habitat restoration projects. With both A-Week and B-Week options, campers can enjoy varied experiences while building STEM skills, environmental awareness, and a lasting connection to and care for the natural world.
For more information and to register - please visit this site [URL embedded].
NEW! Homeschool programs are back this Fall!
Students are invited to take part in a full 6-week session, or enroll in individual classes as they best suit your schedule and interests. We offer a social and hands-on learning program for home and distance/distributed learners, best suited for elementary-grade students. Weekly themes and opportunities to connect with nature will be offered in this curated, seasonally-focused series.
Centered on the BC Science Curriculum, paired with outdoor education and discovery-based approaches, participants will learn about the plants, animals, fungi, water, ecosystems, and restoration practices here at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary.
This program is offered on Thursday afternoons (1:00 - 2:00 PM) starting September 24th and ending October 29th 2026.
Learn more here [URL embedded].
Other Community Programs
We share many educational opportunities with the community through programs such as Adopt A Patch, Seed Sowers, Native Plant Workshops, weekly Stewardship Meetups, and special events [URLs embedded].
Family Programs
Community Programs
Testimonials
Caregiver Testimonials
"This program could not have been as fun, educational and memorable without the instructors. I love that they included games, crafts and a mix of indoor/ outdoor. The structure of this program could not have been better. I loved that they were so welcoming and adaptive to different kid personalities."
"My son really enjoyed the pond dipping and the owl pellet dissection. There was a fun mix of talking, games, movement and nature objects. Madi and Andi and Aven were so friendly and enthusiastic."