Swan Lake-Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society
3873 Swan Lake Road, Victoria, BC, V8X 3W1
250-479-0211 | Website
See the wildlife of Swan Lake or take in the view from Christmas Hill and enjoy some of nature’s wonders!
Category:
Recreation Location
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | Victoria |
| Getting There | | Saanich |
| Cross Street | | Ralph Street |
When:
| Monday to Friday: 8:30AM to 4PM (year-round), Weekends and most holidays: Noon to 4PM |
Profile Last Updated: May 15, 2009
The environment
The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary consists of two distinct areas; the marshy lowlands surrounding Swan Lake and the rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. The Swan Lake and Christmas Hill areas are connected by a 2.5-kilometre loop. Swan Lake was formed over 12,000 years ago when the last glacier receded, leaving an area that now provides a solid habitat for many birds and small animals that make their homes in rock walls or the grassy marsh around the lake. The highland atmosphere of Christmas Hill includes rock faces sculpted from the glaciers, a seasonal pond and a spectacular view from the hilltop. If you are lucky enough to climb the hill during the spring, you’ll be treated to a blanket of wildflowers.
For the love of nature
The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is a charitable organization with a nature education centre. The lands and facilities are owned by the Corporation of the District of Saanich, but the Nature Sanctuary Society has been managing and operating the Sanctuary since 1975. The Society’s mission is to foster an understanding and appreciation of nature through direct experiences that will develop a personal responsibility for the care and protection of the natural environment.
Enter the house of nature
The Nature House is the information centre for the Sanctuary. Enjoy interpretive exhibits, experience nature up-close, or attend a course designed for children, adults or family. To learn something new, browse through the natural history reading room, which contains fiction and non-fiction books of interest for all ages. A small gift shop is also available if you’d like a memento to remember your visit to this unique and natural treasure.
The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary consists of two distinct areas; the marshy lowlands surrounding Swan Lake and the rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. The Swan Lake and Christmas Hill areas are connected by a 2.5-kilometre loop. Swan Lake was formed over 12,000 years ago when the last glacier receded, leaving an area that now provides a solid habitat for many birds and small animals that make their homes in rock walls or the grassy marsh around the lake. The highland atmosphere of Christmas Hill includes rock faces sculpted from the glaciers, a seasonal pond and a spectacular view from the hilltop. If you are lucky enough to climb the hill during the spring, you’ll be treated to a blanket of wildflowers.
For the love of nature
The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is a charitable organization with a nature education centre. The lands and facilities are owned by the Corporation of the District of Saanich, but the Nature Sanctuary Society has been managing and operating the Sanctuary since 1975. The Society’s mission is to foster an understanding and appreciation of nature through direct experiences that will develop a personal responsibility for the care and protection of the natural environment.
Enter the house of nature
The Nature House is the information centre for the Sanctuary. Enjoy interpretive exhibits, experience nature up-close, or attend a course designed for children, adults or family. To learn something new, browse through the natural history reading room, which contains fiction and non-fiction books of interest for all ages. A small gift shop is also available if you’d like a memento to remember your visit to this unique and natural treasure.
Details
Admission: By donation
Tip: Wheelchair Accessible
