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
- September 15, 2026
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Tuesday Birding
September 15, 2026 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Corner of Bowker Ave. and Bowker Place, VictoriaNovice and experienced Nature Victoria members are welcome!
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- September 16, 2026
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Swan Lake Bird Walk
September 16, 2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, CanadaEvery Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
Bring your binoculars and walking shoes and meet in the parking lot for this informal and informative walk around the lake area. Walks are generally led by Victoria Natural History Society members.
DIRECTIONS: Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is at 3873 Swan Lake Road, off Ralph Street.
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- September 19, 2026
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Hawk Watch (East Sooke Park)
September 19, 2026 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3: Involves steeper grades or obstacles that require some agility)
Hawk Watch
Meet at 9:30 a.m. The Saturday birding group will join the combined Nature Victoria/Capital Regional District Hawk Watch event at East Sooke Regional Park. From the parking lot at Aylard Farm, we will take the Beechey Head Trail to the lookout. Several Nature Victoria members will be available there to help you find the raptors among the vultures until approximately 2:00 p.m. The final ascent to the viewpoint is a trek up a steep and rocky trail. Bring binoculars, water, and perhaps a lunch. If you do not want to make the trek up to the hill, there are good opportunities to look for raptors in the field next to the parking lot. There will also be live raptor demonstrations and other activities and displays near the parking, and a barbecue (see below for information about the barbecue).
DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Aylard Farm parking lot at the end of Becher Bay Road.
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