Workshops & Events
Learn about local ecosystems and increase your connection to nature!
Forest Bathing at Swan Lake with Agnes
Join us for a forest bathing walk at the Nature Sanctuary
What is forest bathing?
Shinrin-Yoku is the Japanese practice of forest bathing, of taking in the forest through our senses - through our sense of hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell.
More than a walk in the woods, forest bathing is an opportunity to slow down, focus on our senses and re-connect with nature. Being outdoors and connecting with nature offers us wellness and health benefits that include increased immune function, enhanced cardiovascular and respiratory health, stress relief, and more.
Find out more here [URL embedded].
Nature and Forest theory is inspired by Shinrin-Yoku. This guided nature therapy walk invites guests to tune in their senses, connect with nature, and quiet the mind.
Dates and times [Registration links embedded]
January 26, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
February 23, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
March 9. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
May 4, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
More about this guided walk
We will meet at the Nature House where your guide, Agnes, will lead guests on a slow-paced walk covering less than 1 kilometer along Swan Lake's gravel trails, grassy areas, and minimal elevation gain. Along the way Agnes will encourage participants, through nature-based invitations, to take time to tune into their senses and connect with nature.
To ensure you’re comfortable during our 2-hour guided walk, please plan to dress for seasonal weather. Since we will be walking slowly and creating very little body heat, please bring an extra layer. It may also be helpful to bring extra items in a backpack such as mitts, hat, and water.
Please note that the walk may take place on trails that are not rated as "accessible" within our trail system. If you have any questions or requests for accommodations, please reach out to info@swanlake.bc.ca directly prior to registering.
As our walk wraps up, we will share tea together in appreciation to Swan Lake and our time with Nature.
About your facilitator, Agnes K.
Agnes has enjoyed playing, being, and learning about nature and the woods from a young age. From the woods to the ocean, Agnes’ curiosity of the beauty and calmness of nature reminds her of the connection we all have with the wildness around us. Being able to share this love and peace of nature with others is the inspiration for being a forest bathing guide.
In the spring of 2025, Agnes successfully completed her certification as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy [URL embedded], graduating from the Chickadee cohort.
Her safety training includes basic first aid training and a twenty-hour remote wilderness first aid through the Canadian Red Cross.
Other helpful details
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to start time to get settled.
The Nature House has two accessible washrooms and a watering fountain and will be made available in case there is need.
Please dress appropriately for this outdoor activity (layers are recommended), including footwear well-suited for trail walking.
Pre-registration is required for this program.
Please ensure that you detail any mobility or accessibility needs for you and any other participants that you might be enrolling in the registration form.
Registration will close 1 business week day prior to the event. This typically looks like a Friday morning registration close prior to the Monday Forest Bathing event. These timeline and pre-registration requirements are needed to ensure the safety of all involved and success of this program.
Free parking is available on site. Please view the Parking page on our website [URL embedded]. Bike parking and nearby bus routes are also available – 17, 26, 51, 70, 71, 72, and 75.
Embracing the Wild: Native Plant Workshops
Capital region residents are invited to attend an introductory workshop about gardening with drought-resistant native plants.
Please visit this workshop's dedicated page for more information.
2026 Invertebrate Week at Swan Lake
Invertebrate Week is back at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary!
Come by the Nature House March 17th - 21st 2026 to explore the wonderfully diverse world of invertebrates - the miraculous creatures that make up over 95% of earth’s animal species! There will be various living invertebrates, informational displays, and invertebrate-themed activities.
Each day, guest speakers and educators will join us to deliver presentations and workshops on a fascinating invertebrate topic. Registration recommended for each talk or workshop - by donation (unless otherwise noted). Programs and registration links below.
Talks & Workshops
Registration URLs embedded below.
Tuesday, March 17th 2026
- 'Compost Cryptozoa' with Jeffrey Ellom from Compost Education Centre
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (all ages) - 'Let's Talk About Bees' with Alanna Morbin from Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
1:00 - 2:00 PM (all ages)
Wednesday, March 18th 2026
- 'Bugs with Beth' with Beth Lounds from Victoria Butterfly Gardens
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (all ages) - 'Bug Walk & Talk' with Nolan Wood from Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
1:00 - 2:00 PM (all ages) - Bug Printmaking Workshop with Averyl Shifflett from CICADA (University of Victoria)
6:00 - 7:30 PM (teens & adults) $10
Thursday, March 19th 2026
- 'Leggy Legends of the Leaf Litter' with Kay Lillico from Passport to Science
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (all ages) - 'Slugs & Slime' with Rachel Evans from CRD Regional Parks
1:00 - 2:00 PM (all ages)
Friday, March 20th 2026
- Swan Lake Pond Dip with Kristen Banasch from Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (all ages) - Bug-themed Storytime at Swan Lake with Adam Reese from Greater Victoria Public Library
12:00 - 1:00 PM (families)
Saturday, March 21st 2026
- Mason Bee House Workshop with Dr. Cara Gibson from Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
1:00 - 2:00 PM (12 and under with an adult, or adults) $25 per bee house. Mason bee cocoons also available for sale!
