W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary
(wh-my-eh-then: Place of the Deer)(formerly Mary Lake)
You are Invited
Events at W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary
Regular events are scheduled at the sanctuary: they include walks, volunteer events and events at the nature house.
Special Events
Spirit of Nature Walks
1st Sunday of the month
Social Distancing in Effect
1 – 4 pm: self – guided walk with map
trails in one direction only
Guided walk & talk (1.25 hrs)
Starts at 1:30 and 2pm
Maximum group size 8 people
We invite you to come and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this special property. This land has been under conservation ownership since 1947 so nature definitely has a strong presence here.
The Sanctuary property has 7 different ecosystems, contains a 7 acre lake with various riparian areas and both the Earsman and Millstream creeks which are part of the 13,000 year old watershed flow thru it. There is definitely something special about this Lake!
GUIDED WALKS
Register: HERE
Members: FREE
Children under 12: FREE
Guests and General Public: $10 DONATION
RULES
- We ask that children be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- People with mobility issues are welcome to ask for vehicle access on the main driveway.
- Please stay on marked trails and be mindful not to disturb the wildlife that call the Sanctuary their home.
- Many birds and animals live here so there is a no pets policy to ensure minimum disturbance.
Location: 1772 Millstream Rd just north of the Finlayson Arm Rd. junction
Parking: Please park along Millstream Rd. and meet at front gate to sign in
Note: This property is a conservation area and closed to the public at all other times to ensure the protection of endangered ecosystems and sensitive riparian areas.
SELF-GUIDED WALKS
Members: FREE – No registration required
Children under 12 :FREE
Guests and General Public: $5 DONATION
Forest Bathing Walks:
Participate in a forest bathing experience at the beautiful W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary. This event offers the opportunity to lower your stress and increase your well-being through group invitations to experience nature in a comfortable, peaceful, and immersive way.
Walks are guided by certified Forest Therapy guide and registered social worker Rachel (Rae) Calder. Please note that trails may have some uneven ground and will proceed in the rain but not if there is a wind warning. Please dress accordingly.
The minimum age for participants is 12 years old and there are a maximum of 12 spaces per event
Regular priced tickets are $40.
Sliding Scale tickets ($25-$40) are available for current members of the Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society (they manage Mary Lake), and for BIPOC and unwaged participants.
A portion of the walk fees are donated to W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary to support their programming and conservation.
Dates: TBA
Buy your tickets here:
We acknowledge this sacred land as traditional and unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations.
Upcoming Special Event
W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary
1772 Millstream Rd,
Victoria, BC V9B 6E4
Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society
1772 Millstream Rd.
Victoria, BC. V9B 6E4
Registered Charity BN: 11894 6953 RR0001
WSÁNEC Coast Salish
W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary lies within the traditional territories of the WSÁNEC (Saanich) Coast Salish Peoples.
We recognize the integral role the ancestors of the WSÁNEC Coast Salish Peoples play as past stewards of the Highlands lands.