Once a foul, polluted body of water, Swan Lake is now a lovely urban nature sanctuary boasting a healthy avian population. Located in the city of Saanich just minutes from downtown Victoria, British Columbia, the restored lake and surrounding marsh are graced with a nature center and family-friendly trails, which include a floating bridge. Nearby is Christmas Hill, connected to Swan Lake with a short trail through a residential neighborhood and a couple of small greenbelts. From this small, 358-foot (109 m) summit, admire stately Garry oaks and beautiful views of greater Victoria.

Start your hike at the Nature Center. Open year round (closed on holidays) it’s full of displays, exhibits, live critters and a friendly staff. Kids will love it. After checking out the center, head to the dock at the Lake Loop Trail. Scan the lake for ducks, geese–and during the winter–an occasional swan. Then set out for a hike around the lake heading clockwise to save the best part for last.

Pass the short Aspen Loop Trail before coming to a major junction. The trail left leads to Christmas Hill, a non-contiguous part of the sanctuary. The now 160-acre (65 ha) sanctuary began in 1975 with help from the Nature Trust of British Columbia, which has protected more than 175,000 acres (71,000 ha) throughout the province since its inception in 1971. Head left following the .5 mile (0.8 km) Corridor Trail to the .4 mile (0.6 km) Summit Loop Trail on Christmas Hill.

This hill’s name harkens back to the 1840s. A First Nations woman had her baby carried off by an eagle one Christmas Eve. Folks from throughout the region searched for the child, finding it alive on Lake Hill. Many locals then began referring to this landmark as Christmas Hill in recognition of this miracle. A great hike any time of year, Christmas Hill contains Garry oak groves, camas fields, and wonderful views—especially of the lake. The hill is also home to endangered sharp-tailed snakes. After your merry meandering on Christmas Hill, return to the Lake Loop.

Now continue on this near-level trail traveling through an emerald jungle before reaching open fields. The lakes environs were settled in the 1850s by a Hudson’s Bay employee who cleared and farmed it. The lake was acquired in the 1960s by the municipality of Saanich to restore the area back to a natural state. Cross Blenkinsop Creek, a spur, to a dock and a couple of other spurs leading to the Lochside Regional Trail—an 18-mile (29 km) paved rail trail leading from Swartz Bay to Victoria and intersecting with the 34-mile (55-km) Galloping Goose Trail.

Undulate between fields and thickets and the occasional boardwalk. After rounding the lake’s southern shores enjoy views of Christmas Hill in the background. Pass spurs leading to Saanich’s municipal offices and traverse a stately grove of cottonwoods before crossing Swan Creek. Pass yet another spur before coming to the hike’s highlight—a recently rebuilt floating bridge across Swan Lake’s open waters. Take your time crossing, counting blackbirds and swallows en route. Soon afterward close the loop by returning to the Nature House.

All photos courtesy of Craig Romano.



Craig Romano is an award-winning author of more than twenty hiking guidebooks, including Day Hiking the San Juans and Gulf Islands (Mountaineers Books), which includes an entire section on trails in and around Victoria.

Location: Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 325 feet (100 meters)

Difficulty: easy

Trail notes: dogs prohibited; sanctuary grounds are open year round and admission is by donation

Trail highlights: rare wildflowers and oak meadow, floating bridge, excellent views of Victoria; Nature House containing library, gift shop, coffee shop and environmental learning center

Contact: Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

Getting to the trail: From Victoria or Sidney: follow BC 17 (Patricia Bay Highway) to Saanich exiting onto McKenzie Ave. Proceed east turning right onto Rainbow Street. Then drive 0.2 mile (0.3 km) and turn left onto Ralph Street. After one block turn right immediately coming to trailhead. Sanctuary is also accessible by Victoria Regional Transit lies 17 and 51.