Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

Need to press the pause button on your hectic city life? Swan Lake Christmas Hill is a gem in the heart of the city where you can enjoy scenic, restful and largely untouched area where you can take a deep breath and release daily anxieties.

Managed by the non-profit society, it became a nature sanctuary society in 1975 as local politicians, naturalists and area schools and post-secondary institutions joined forces to protect the 65-hectare area from development. It features two physically and ecologically distinct areas, including the low wetland surrounding Swan Lake and the rocky, oak forest hilltop of Christmas Hill.

Four dozen native flower and plant species, more than 180 bird species make the nature reserve their home, and bears, raccoons and deer are regularly sighted meandering through the bush and foraging for food.

The grounds, nature trails and parking lot are all open dawn to dusk every day at 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Saanich. Admission is by donation. The Nature House is open year-round, except for statutory holidays.

More at https://www.swanlake.bc.ca