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.

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Family & Youth Programs

Homeschool Science (Fall 2026)

Our 6-Week Home School Science Series is a social and hands-on learning program for home and distance/distributed learners. 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.

Our programs are open to parent/caregiver participation - we encourage adults to take part in learning alongside your child(ren).

Children ages 8+ who can independently take part in programs, including distance walking, group activities, and following Sanctuary site rules [URL embedded] may take part without their adults present.

Home learner caregivers - please ask third party payment (learning resource/educational support funds) to be provided through our online booking system. Please do not book the program and request a refund for reimbursement.

Cost: $150 for 6 sessions; includes the cost of 1 learner + 1 adult

When: Thursdays 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Accessibility: If you have accessibility needs, please reach out ahead of time so we can work to accommodate you: programs@swanlake.bc.ca.

Fall 2026

September 24 – Welcome to the Nature Sanctuary (Place-focused introduction, meet our Nature Educator & other learners)

October 1 – Decomposers: Fungi & Invertebrates

October 8 – The Garry Oak Ecosystem

October 15 – Hands-on Restoration

October 22 – Whooo Lives Here? Owls in our Backyard

October 29 – Bats (National Bat Week!)

To review program details and to register for the full program or individual classes, please visit this link [URL embedded](opens in new tab)

School & Children Group Program Visits

Our newly refreshed sessions are great for school groups and youth to learn about native species, ecosystems, and enjoy nature here on site!

Programs for the 2026/2027 school year have been updated with NEW and returning themes. Additions with focus on Middle School and High School programming have also been added!

Each program has connections to the BC Curriculum to help with your learning objectives.

Bookings are now open for September to December 2026!

Programs are offered primarily on Fridays with specific themes available each week.

Please check out our School & Group Program Brochure for 2026/27 [URL embedded](opens in new tab) for more details.

Learn about our available themes here [URL embedded](opens in new tab), and how to book programs here [URL embedded]!

Storytime at Swan Lake with GVPL

The Greater Victoria Public Library is hosting free nature-themed storytime at Swan Lake! Join us for fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes, and puppets for young children and their families, followed by 30 minutes of social time and free play.

Who: Ages 1-5 and their guardian (older siblings welcome to join too)

Where: Swan Lake Nature House, 3873 Swan Lake Road, Victoria BC V8X 3W1

When: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Cost: Free

This program will be hosted outdoors when the weather is amenable, or in the Nature House Library otherwise.

Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Drop-ins welcome - registration appreciated.

Storytime 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM; Free play 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Registration recommended.

UPCOMING DATES [URL embedded]:

September 18(opens in new tab)

October 23(opens in new tab)

November 20(opens in new tab)

December 11(opens in new tab)

Special Events (for Families)

School Break Camps

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary partnered with Science Venture (based at the University of Victoria) for summer camps hosted at Swan Lake in July and August 2026. Outdoor-focused nature-themed summer camps were offered by Science Venture camp leaders - highly trained University of Victoria students, with special sessions guided by Swan Lake team members.

Please visit Science Venture's website [URL embedded] and search for "ECOSTEM at Swan Lake" for more details about joint offerings.

Summer Camps/Out-of-School Program 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.

Community Programs

Special Events (for Adults)

Older Adult & Seniors Programs

We offer private programs for older adult and seniors' social groups, clubs, and for retirement or care facility outings. Each offering gives participants a chance to connect with nature and learn about the local ecosystems at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary.

Programs are led by a trained Nature Educator and can be adapted to your group's needs including modified walking distances, additional indoor time, or more leisurely pacing.

Please look at our Older Adults & Seniors Program Brochure for 2026/27 [URL embedded](opens in new tab) for more details.

Adopt A Patch

Seed Sowers

Native Plant Workshops

Restoration Crews

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."