Categories: Things To Do

The City is offering free forest bathing sessions at parks across Edmonton

Photo via Corrado Baratta/Shutterstock

Immerse yourself in an Edmonton forest this summer with a free forest bathing session.

With sessions led by certified shinrin-yoku practitioners, Edmonton has invested in a program for Edmontonians to experience serenity in nature. Guides will lead you through invitations and activities designed to help you feel grounded and calm, and you can allow yourself to feel rejuvenated.

If you aren’t familiar with forest bathing, it’s also known as forest therapy or shinrin-yoku. It’s the practice of spending time in a forest or natural area to enhance well-being. These forest bathing sessions will be held at various parks across the city, allowing you to engage with your senses and connect with the unique features of our urban forests.

What to expect

The City’s forest bathing sessions will last two hours each. Each will have safe and accessible activities like silent meditation, walking, sensory exploration, and group, as well as individual, reflections.

Before signing up and registering to attend, keep in mind a couple of things. You’ll want to dress in layers with long pants and close-toed shoes, as you may encounter thistles, sticks, or garbage. You should also bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water or snacks if you think you’ll require them. Once you’re packed, you’re ready to go.

There are five different types of bathing sessions, with an introductory session as well as a special reflective tree planting event. These are the two I’ll be highlighting today.

Three introductory sessions are taking place, with one already having been done on May 14. The next two will be on Wednesday, May 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, June 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. This class is best for those needing an introduction to the practice, easing you into the serenity of forest bathing.

Four sessions will include a special tree planting ceremony, where you’ll learn about and plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers native to the Edmonton area. Not only that, but they will be serving local herbal tea during the session. This means ultimate relaxation during the introductory bathing session, which will be held during this specific event as well.

One of these four sessions has already taken place on May 15, but there are times available on May 28, June 12, and June 18.

For a full list of all the forest bathing sessions, check out the schedule on the City of Edmonton’s website.

This new activity is sure to fill up fast, so remember to pre-register online. You won’t regret taking part in this calming activity. Your brain and body are sure to thank you for it.