Nature House building on late April day in Victoria, BC

The Nature House, located at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is an interpretive information centre, open to all visitors to the Sanctuary.  We welcome you to come in and explore the touch table, learn how snakes encounter the world around them, and investigate how bats ‘see’ in the dark.  Whether you meet the local wildlife, visit the bee hive, or read a book, this learning hub will engage your senses as you connect with the fascinating ecosystems found at Swan Lake. 

The Nature House is wheelchair accessible. Admission is by donation. 

Stimulate your senses with interpretive displays, discover nature hands-on and up-close, visit our live bee "house" and browse the natural history reading room.

Nature House Hours

The Nature House is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday year-round. The Nature House is wheelchair accessible. Admission is by donation. The Nature House is closed on Statutory Holidays.

The Library

The Nature House has a reading room that includes materials for both children and adults. The children's section contains a variety of animal and nature-themed books; both non-fiction and fiction. The adult or general section has a wide variety of books on habitats, ecology, behaviour and many other natural history topics. We invite you to sit and enjoy the beautiful view, use our free WiFi, write a letter, knit, or leaf through our coffee table books.

Gift Shop

A small gift shop sells local and regional bird checklists, trail guides,
and unique hand-made items of quality. The selection changes weekly and usually includes: nature-themed cards, native plants, quilts, felted items, re-usable fabric bags, and table fabrics. All are priced to sell. Recently we added a used book table (and we accept donations of used books).

Administrative Offices

The administration centre of the Sanctuary is in the main office in the Nature House.

The Classroom

The Nature House has a multi-purpose room that seats 72. When this space is not used for classes or presentations, it is available for rent. Contact us at 250-479-0211 for information.