Entire home

Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

Photo gallery for Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

A two-story house with a front porch, a garage, and a landscaped front yard.
A dining room with a large wooden table, six chairs, a chandelier, and a fireplace.
A house with a porch, a front door, and a small garden area.
A bedroom with a large bed, wooden flooring, and a view of greenery through the windows.
A living room with a fireplace, a sofa, and a coffee table.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Located on the lake, this 5-bedroom vacation home accommodates 12 guests and features 3 bathrooms. It includes a patio for outdoor enjoyment and a jetted bathtub for relaxation. Explore attractions like Lochside Regional Trail and Uptown Center in the vicinity.

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Uptown Center
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Internet
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Victoria, BC
  • Place, Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Lochside Regional Trail
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Uptown Center
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Futon

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Single Bed

Common spaces

1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
House Video Tour: https://youtu.be/XqseWmblWiY
The best of what Victoria's character home charm and modern west coast living style has to offer. A beautifully updated 5 bedroom, 3 full bath Character home that is centrally located between downtown, ferries, and YYJ airport yet tucked away in the blissfully quiet neighborhood of Swan Lake with stunning views! With a nature reserve across the street, there is no shortage of beautiful wildlife including humming birds, deer, and bunnies; leaving one feeling at home in a true nature sanctuary. There is also a lower seperate legal home (not a suite) which offers two bedrooms and a full 4 piece bath which can also be rented for larger groups if needed.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Kindly start the dishwasher in EXPRESS WASH please !
Kindly do not strip the beds.
Please throw all used towels in the bathtub. Don’t forget to leave the key(s)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No Shoes to be worn in the house - no exceptions! - Quiet Hours 11pm-7am for both lower guests! Please carry all luggage inside the home!
No Smoking or vaping anywhere in the home or on the property. No Parties or Events. -No bikes, strollers or golf bags allowed in the home.
Only the number of guests registered are allowed to stay overnight or on the property. Absolutely NO ICE COOLERS to be stored in the home/wood floors.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 29565, H399503546
Property # 1697462vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Victoria

Located on a lake, this holiday home is in Saanich East, a neighbourhood in Victoria. Butchart Gardens is a popular area attraction and if an activity is on the agenda, Victoria Harbour and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal are worth checking out. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre or Royal Athletic Park.
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Map
Victoria, BC

What's nearby

  • Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Lochside Regional Trail - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Uptown Center - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Playfair Park - 8 min drive - 2.6 km
  • University of Victoria - 16 min drive - 5.3 km

Getting around

  • Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Thrifty Foods - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Browns Socialhouse Uptown - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪7-Eleven - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Noodlebox - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary?

As of 1 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary on 17 Feb 2027 start from AU$1,933, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Character Stay across Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary located?

Located in Saanich East, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Lochside Regional Trail and Uptown Center. MayFair Shopping Centre and Topaz Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 76 out of 82 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 82 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 82 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 82 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 82 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely terrific location on a nature preserve but near all amenities.Great place -- exceptionally clean and well cared for.Gerry is a fantastic host, lightening fast responsive and very attentive.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
this place was amazing! We were three adult couples and all of us were so very impressed with the cleanliness that we didn't even want to consider going rogue and wearing our shoes in this impeccable home. We met Gerry for a tour of the house; a bit unusual for a Vrbo home but, it did allow us to benefit from all the wonderful amenities he has poured himself into. The home was such a pleasure to be in. The flowers out back and the hummingbirds that visited them were just lovely. We enjoyed cool evenings at the fire table on the patio and cooked an amazing salmon dinner for six and appreciated the many many many condiments, seasonings, etc. that Gerry provided in the well appointed and supplied kitchen. I would give more than five stars if I could! Would definitely return to this home!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was very accommodating for a large family of 10 including young children. The property had outside seating for gatherings and play areas for kids. It was very clean and close to our Victoria families. Our host was very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. We had an outstanding experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a fantastic stay and couldn’t have asked for a better host than Gerry. From the moment we arrived, Gerry was warm, welcoming and incredibly helpful, making sure everything was perfect for our stay. Communication was excellent throughout, and it was clear that Gerry genuinely cared about making sure we had a wonderful holiday.The property was perfect for our family, comfortable and beautifully presented! with everything we needed for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. We felt completely at home and would happily return.A huge thank you to Gerry for being such a fantastic host. We would highly recommend staying here and hope to come back again soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely gorgeous home. Brilliantly stocked kitchen for anything you could possibly want to do. Spectacular well-maintained spaces both inside & out. Lovely, quiet neighborhood only steps from the nature sanctuary… we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect stay!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house,super clean and had everything we needed!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Lovely house, with a very enthusiastic owner. Slightly strange layout, from two of the upstairs bedrooms you have to go downstairs and across the house to get to the bathroom which isn't ideal. Very pretty and private garden, we used the bbq. Unfortunately mosquitoes but you get those everywhere. Neighbourhood is ok, some houses looked a bit run down but we felt perfectly safe. Nice nature reserve for early morning walk. Easy access to road network to drive into Victoria. Be aware there is a tenant downstairs, but no issues.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 July 2026
Thank you, Claire, for taking the time to leave your review. I am delighted you enjoyed the home, the private garden, the BBQ, and the beautiful Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Thank you as well for your feedback regarding the layout. As a character home, it has a unique floor plan that is reflected in our listing, and we understand it may not suit everyone’s preferences. Regarding the neighbourhood, it is a well-established area of Victoria that is currently seeing significant redevelopment, with several older homes being replaced by new townhomes and residences. We’re glad you felt safe and enjoyed the convenient location, with easy access to downtown Victoria and nearby parks and trails. Thank you again for your stay, and we wish you and your family all the best in your future travels.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a beautiful well looked after home. Our family of 12 loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice sectioned house for 8 guests to all feel they have some privacy. Beautifully maintained
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is beautiful, the surroundings even more so. There is a great walk around a lake opposite the property and everything else is easy access either walking or driving.The owner maintains good communication throughout and is very kind and helpful.I can't recommend this stay enough. Will definitely try and come back.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent host and a beautiful home.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home is amazing. One of the best I have ever stayed in. Location was amazing for getting around in Victoria. The beds were very comfortable. The kitchen was well stocked with condiments, teas and coffee. The 9 of us could sit around the dining room table with plenty of spare room. The owner welcomed us on arrival and showed us around the home. Every small detail was taken care of right down to special make up remover face cloths. Thank you, Gerry, for giving us the opportunity to stay in your beautiful home.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

"Character Stay" is a great place!

We had a great stay & Gerry is a fantastic host!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Just a little confusion at check in. It all worked out
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Victoria for Mother's Day

We had a lovely stay in this beautiful property.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family reunion

The location next to a park and wildlife area is excellent for families
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This was a beautiful, quiet home perfect our large group. We enjoyed having a dining area large enough to eat together and play games. The walk around swan lake was lovely. Highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving at the coast

This was a great place to house our family of 8 for the weekend. Plenty of space, very well stocked kitchen and great indoor and outdoor spaces.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Fabulous

Perfect for larger groups wanting a place to unwind after a day of visiting the Victoria area.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice stay in Victoria

Very clean and well stocked home, beautiful property and close to the nature preserve. Host was very attentive and involved.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
the house was very thing we expected. the pantry and refrigerator was well stocked for cooking essentials.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place

Excellent amenities, spotless, lovely location, very accommodating and helpful host, gracious and tasteful decor and spaces for gathering. We will come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a beautiful property and very well maintained. There were 8 of us and every day someone commented on how beautiful it was. We were all very comfortable. We went for a walk around the nature sanctuary which was awesome. We get together once a year and this stay was a favourite. Taxied to the places we wanted to go and shared lots of laughter at the house. I would highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for a group of eight

This is a very nice large house with a large deck that worked well for our group for two nights. It is on a quiet street but only two blocks from an arterial. I recommend it and would stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic House

This property was perfect for 5 friends exploring Vancouver Island. It is easy to get to all major highways and so close to downtown. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Gerry Etcheverry

Host profile image
Long time resident of #YYJ, Real Estate Professional with Re/Max Camosun for 33 years. Be it vacation rentals, long term rentals or finding your forever home; thoughtful homes is what I do best. As a DIY/HGTV enthusiast, attention to detail and well thought out living spaces are important to me. I am an avid outdoorsman, enjoy home cooking but also cycling, running, triathlons including the Iron Man (5x), coming 34th I(AG) at World Championship in Kona. Working and chatting with all types of people is in my nature, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Why they chose this property

This updated upper character 5 bedroom 2875 sq. ft. home is both private and quiet. The home offers vaulted ceilings in the master bedroom and ensuite, a walk in closet and a space for an extra queen sized air mattress if required on the upper loft. This home was completely updated from floor to ceiling. Both the Master bedroom and the second guest bedroom offer walk in closets to stow away one's luggage and all that one can pack in it The luxurious bathrooms has an abundance of linen and towels, separate laundry. One can either enjoy the soaker tub for relaxing or for the shower lovers, a beautiful rain shower awaits you. The home has been both a pet and smoke free home.

What makes this property unique

The best of Victoria's character home charm and modern west coast living style by Swan Lake. Bright, airy space with 2 large bedrooms with walk in closets and a 3rd large bedroom on the main floor as well 2 cute smaller bedrooms full of character; all while affording an open concept. All bedrooms have air conditioning. Beautiful wide hallways with crown molding, and curved arches. So many focal features of this home to list. The kitchen boasts Brand New premium model, stainless steel appliances perfect for the avid home chef.

Languages:

English

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