• Interest Groups are based on the interest of club members. New groups are encouraged. 
• All groups are self-managed and have one or more convenors who manage logistics, schedule events and respond to enquiries.
• Members are encouraged to take an active role to help with their group(s).

ARTS AND CULTURE

Arts & Culture Group

Are you interested in discovering more about our beautiful city and, on occasion, exploring some up-Island areas? With input from the group’s members, we will plan trips that expand our appreciation of our adopted city and the many cultural opportunities available. Join us for visits to historic sites, art galleries and theatres. Come and hang out with like minded women and have fun! Times and dates will vary, as they are dependent on venue/show/host availability. 

FOOD FUN

Salad Social

This group meets informally for a friendly lunch of appies, salads and desserts. Members take turns hosting and providing dishes.

Out to Lunch

Join members for lunch at different restaurants in the greater Victoria area. The group may be split into two to allow for ease of conversation. You will have the opportunity to participate in choosing the restaurant, make the reservations and provide the information to the convenor, who will notify the group.

Appy Night

This SWANS' group is open to couples and singles and invites socialization while enjoying a variety of appetizers. Each month, the group meets at a different member’s home. Each person takes their appetizer and beverage of choice.

GREAT OUTDOORS

Butchart Garden Walking Group

Walking Butchart Gardens is a perfect way to spend a Monday afternoon. Noticing the changes and different plants of each season is inspiring. We meet in front of the gift shop and enjoy coffee together after the walk.

Bird Watching

All levels of birders are welcome. We meet at various places, always on the hunt for different birds. Pack your binoculars and a field guide and join us. We also go somewhere for coffee or lunch afterwards.

Friday Walkers

This is a 75–90-minute walk for exercise and socialization. Details, such as the leader, the terrain (flat or hilly, walking surface, coffee location) are communicated before the walk.

A shorter 1-hour walk, starting at 10 AM, is also available. It starts from the same location, with a coffee meet-up afterwards.

Members share the leading duties.

Sunday Hiking

This is a 2-hour (+/-) moderate level hike on varied trails in regional parks and mountain areas. These outings are open to SWANS' members and their partners. Details of each hike will be sent to group members, including level of difficulty, terrain and conditions. A pub lunch follows the outing.

Monday Golf

We play nine holes at Highland Pacific, which is a challenging course more suitable to experienced players. Times vary depending on booking availability, but usually we play in the afternoons, as well as early mornings in the summer. Enjoy golf, camaraderie and coffee afterwards.

BEING SOCIAL

Neighbourhood Coffee Connect

For those women who may not hike or attend book clubs and games but still enjoy gathering for a social hour or so of friendly discussion, please join us. (You are welcome to join us even if you do those other things!)

Stitching Connection

Meet at a member’s home and take along your crafts, needlework, knitting, crochet, quilting, mending or whatever your latest project is. Visit while you work!

GAMES WITH COFFEE

Mah Jong

Lessons are provided so that all participants are playing the same game. A small fee is collected from each player weekly to pay for the room rental.

Bridge

We welcome you to a group of women who love to play bridge and want to develop their skills. All registrants need a basic knowledge of procedures for bidding and playing the game, including using bidding boxes and the use of some basic conventions (such as Stayman and transfers). It is accepted that everyone is somewhere in this process of learning to become a better bridge player, and that more expert players are a great source of knowledge who benefit everyone.

MOVIES AND/OR DISCUSSION

Book Club

This is a lively and supportive group that enjoys wide-ranging discussions. Books are chosen by the members and include a wide variety of topics.

Who’s Got the Popcorn?

Come and join a group of cinema buffs for an afternoon of conviviality, movie and coffee, movie and happy hour, or lunch and a movie. Each month, a member will select a movie, a theatre and where to go before or after.

IMAX and Burgers

Once a month, we’ll meet to enjoy shows at IMAX Victoria and then go for a meal and discussion.  

Listening Circle

Members will share, and listen to, thoughts on a variety of subjects, as determined by participants. We’ll consider other’s points of view and practice non-judgmental listening to broaden our understanding of a topic.