Sharing a love of nature
Join us in celebrating, protecting, and learning about natural habitats in the Greater Victoria region.
Formed in 1944 as the
Victoria Natural History Society
What we do?
(Photo Credit: Gordon Hart)
Protecting
For 80 years, Nature Victoria has been a steadfast advocate for protecting the biodiversity of southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. The three principal areas of protection we engage in are direct advocacy, support to other organizations that are advocating for issues we support, and the annual Christmas Bird Count.
(Photo Credit: Phil Lambert)
Learning
Nature Victoria is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world through various educational initiatives. These include a member newsletter featuring articles, project updates, and event announcements; monthly evening presentations covering topics like birds, marine life, and botany; and a variety of field trips exploring diverse natural environments. These programs aim to engage participants of all ages in hands-on learning experiences, promoting ecological awareness and a sense of community among nature enthusiasts.
(Photo Credit: Robert Harwood)
Celebrating + Sharing
Nature Victoria is deeply committed to fostering education, collaboration, and community engagement in the natural sciences. The organization offers scholarships and bursaries to support students pursuing studies in species and habitat conservation. Additionally, Nature Victoria actively participates in regional science fairs by providing financial support and volunteering as judges, aiming to inspire and encourage student projects focused on ecology and nature. The organization also collaborates with various environmental groups, offering funding and support to advance conservation efforts and ensure the sustainability of these initiatives.
We Need Your Help
There are many ways to get you can get
involved and make a difference!
Donate
Every dollar donated helps us to continue do great work.
Attend an Event
Explore nature and meet others in the community.
Videos
Volunteer Passion Projects
Invertebrate Alert
This blog provides an informal forum for terrestrial invertebrate watchers to post recent sightings of interesting observations in the southern Vancouver Island region. Visit https://invertsight.com/ to learn more.
Butterfly Count
Each month from April to September, one weekend will be designated for Butterfly Counts. If you are not able to complete your count on the weekend, you may do so during the following week. Please note: we are currently looking for a new count coordinator. Email: butterflies@naturevictoria.ca
Christmas Bird Count
Register to help collect data and monitor trends on bird species of Southern Vancouver Island.
The Victoria Naturalist Newsletter
Six times a year Nature Victoria produces a top-notch member newsletter chronicling species of note, future events, activities and field trips, conservation projects and nature resources in the community.
Non-members can view archived copies of The Victoria Naturalist here.
Become a member to receive current issues of the Victoria Naturalist.
Upcoming Events
- August 22, 2026
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Birding Esquimalt Lagoon
August 22, 2026 7:30 am - 8:30 am
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 1.5: Easy walking, mostly level paths but may be narrow/ uneven)
Birding Esquimalt Lagoon
Meet at 8:00 a.m. This trip will cover the birds in the open ocean, inside the lagoon, and may go into the fields behind the lagoon for additional species. DIRECTIONS: Esquimalt Lagoon is in Colwood on Ocean Boulevard, off the Old Island Highway. Meet and park near the bridge.For more information, please email birdingfieldtrips@gmail.com.
Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome. Non-members can participate up to three times, after which they are expected to join the Society.
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Boat Tour of Shoal Harbour
August 22, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Once again, the Friends of Shoal Harbour (FOSH) is offering informal 90-minute boat tours exploring the shorelines of Tsehum Harbour and Roberts Bay at the north end of the Saanich Peninsula.
TOUR LENGTH: 90 minutes
BOAT: Enclosed, 12-person capacity
LOCATION: Meet at Canoe Cove Marina on thenorth part of the Saanich Peninsula – Dock E
PRICE: $50 per person, or $100 per personwhich includes a $50 income tax receipt
TO RESERVE: Contact bobpeart@shaw.ca
On the guided outingguests will learn about the history of the federalShoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary(SHMBS), and see a variety of migratory birdsas well as other ocean-related animals.FOSH is a volunteer community group that has been working for over 20 years to improve the management of Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary. For more information please visit: www.friendsofshoalharbour.ca
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- August 24, 2026
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SḰŦÁMEN/Sidney Spit Birding
August 24, 2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sidney Spit Ferry, 9835 Seaport Pl, Sidney, BC V8L 4X3, CanadaSḰŦÁMEN/Sidney Spit Birding (LEVEL 1.5 - Easy walking, mostly level paths)
Meet: 9:00 a.m. Each year around this time, we take the ferry to SḰŦÁMEN/Sidney Spit (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L351673 ) to look for interesting shorebirds on their southbound migration.
Possibilities include Baird’s Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, and maybe the elusive Buff breasted Sandpiper. We will also check out the Purple Martins at their nest boxes on the dock and enjoy other passerines migrating through. The group will take the 9:30 ferry from Port Sidney Marina. We will have lunch on the island. Bring food and water as there is no drinking water within the park. N.B.: Purchase your ticket online at SidneySpitFerry.com to reserve your spot on the ferry and remember to book your return time as well. The cost is $26.25 for adults ($22 for seniors and children under 13). The return ferry leaves the island at 12:30, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m. so you can choose how long you wish to stay.
DIRECTIONS: Port Sidney Marina is at the end of Seaport Place in Sidney. Parking can be found a short distance away in the residential areas.
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