Forest Bathing Walk - April 20th

Join us for a Forest Therapy walk at the Whitemud Creek Nature Reserve

What is Forest Therapy?

Forest therapy, or Forest Bathing, is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, as well as indigenous teachings and traditions. It’s not your typical walk in the woods - participants take part in immersive experiences that involve slowing down, fully engaging the senses and noticing their surroundings in a new, but ancient, way. Scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve blood pressure and heart rate, improve mood and much more, this practice is gaining worldwide recognition as an accessible, safe and effective path to healing, wellness and connection.

What to Expect

Your guide will lead you through a series of connective invitations - activities designed to facilitate present moment awareness and bring us into to relational contact with the forest. Forest Therapy Guides, as certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, are trained to design supportive and accessible walks, while being highly adaptable to the needs of participants in the present moment. Your guide will follow a professional standard, created with the intention of opening the doors of the forest to you.

The walk will be 2.5 hours in length, but we will be traveling less than 1km as we pause to take notice of and interact with what the forest has in store for us. We will conclude the walk with tea and a light snack. Please inform your guide of any allergies, mobility issues or health concerns prior to the event.

What to Bring

• Layers! During the walk we will be moving slowly and pausing often, and will not be generating a lot of body heat. Bring as many clothes as you need to feel comfortable. We recommend bringing more than you think you will need, then layering down if you get too warm.
• You are welcome to bring a stool or a small cushion to sit on, otherwise we will sit on the forest floor
• Comfortable shoes, although hiking shoes are not required
• A bottle of water

Location

This walk will take place at the Whitemud Creek Nature Reserve. This area is home to diverse range of wildlife and is a beautiful spot.

We will meet at the parking lot located on Rainbow Road, on the left hand side of the road before you reach the Snow Valley Ski Hill. If you Google it, you may be directed to the Whitemud Park trails near the equestrian stables, so please ensure that you are going to Rainbow Road. Feel free to contact us if you need assistance finding the correct location.

Questions about the walk? Reach out to us!