The City of Edmonton, led by Community Forestry, offers guided Forest Bathing sessions throughout the summer at 5 local parks.
Forest bathing, also known as forest therapy or Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of spending time in a forest or natural area to enhance well-being.
Led by certified Shinrin-Yoku practitioners, this pilot program invites Edmontonians to participate in and experience mindful connection to nature in our urban forest! Guided forest bathing sessions will be held at various locations across the city.
Sessions Schedule
All programs are conducted outdoors and are provided at no cost to residents this year.
| Days | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Due to the incredible interest in the forest bathing program, all sessions have currently reached capacity. We are currently assessing the possibility of offering more sessions.
Sign Up for Sessions
If you would like to be notified if or when more sessions become available, please email forestbathing@edmonton.ca.
What To Expect During a Session
Forest bathing sessions are immersive 2-hour experiences. Your guide will facilitate a safe, comfortable and accessible environment for connection and discovery.
Sessions are tailored to the location and group needs, engaging one or more of your senses. Activities may include:
- Silent meditation
- Exploratory walking
- Mindful sensory exploration
- Group and individual reflections
Edmonton’s urban forest offers diverse experiences for all participants.
Cancelling or Rescheduling Your Session
Please contact your guide in the event that you need to cancel or reschedule.
Weather Cancellations
Weather cancellations will only occur when conditions are made unsafe; a light rain or wind may not lead to cancellation, and may in fact enhance certain sensory aspects of a forest bathing experience. Weather cancellations include:
- Thunderstorms or lightning
- Temperatures equal to or above 34°C (including the Humidex)
- Wind, including gusts, of over 45 km/h
- An air quality health index (AQHI) of 7 or above
Where to Experience Forest Bathing in Edmonton
The City of Edmonton offers a variety of tranquil treed spaces ideal for relaxation, restoration and mindful connection with nature.
Northeast River Valley Park
This site offers a secluded grove of mixed aspen parkland and spruce trees, providing clearings for group reflection or solo exploration.
Approximate length of trail (one-way): 200 meters - level ground
Surface: Maintained turf
Parking: Nearby parking, drop-off adjacent
Amenities:
- Washrooms
- Event facilities
- Picnic sites nearby
John Janzen Nature Centre (Facility Temporarily Closed)
Please note: While the John Janzen Nature Centre facility is temporarily closed, forest bathing sessions will still take place in the natural areas surrounding the facility.
An island of nature offering diverse settings for stillness. Explore looping nature trails or find repose by the wetland among reeds and cattails, ideal for individual reflection or group gatherings.
Approximate trail length: 450 metres (loop) - moderate slope
Surface: Granular trail, wooden bridge deck
Parking: Nearby parking lot available
Please note: No washroom facilities are available.
Whitemud Creek Ravine
Features a gradual descent from an aspen stand to a grove of towering spruce, with trails running alongside the creek and multiple footbridge crossings.
Approximate length of trail (one-way): 1000 metres - moderate slope
Surface: Granular trail, wooden bridge deck
Parking: Street parking at top-of-bank trailhead
Amenities:
- Picnic table along route
Please note: No onsite washroom facilities are available.
Capilano Park
Centrally located, this popular trail system offers sheltered groves of trees and peaceful river vistas from the boat launch or bridge.
Approximate trail length: 550 metres (one-way) - relatively even with some steep sections
Surface: paved, gravel, hard-packed earth, wooden bridge deck
Parking: Plentiful parking, including tour bus/large vehicle parking
Proximity: Adjacent to the North Saskatchewan River
Amenities:
- Shelter with seating and a rest area
- Washrooms (relatively accessible - not fully step-free)
- Picnic sites nearby
Mill Creek Ravine
Centrally located in Rutherford Park in Old Strathcona, this well-loved trail rolls into the ravine, crossing Mill Creek on footbridges that provide vantage points to soak in the cheerful sounds of babbling water, while on a clear day the light shimmers of the water’s surface like liquid sunshine. You can stick to the trail, or venture a little further afield to find the perfect spot that the moment calls for.
Approximate trail length: 300 metres (loop) - moderate slope
Surface: Granular trail, wooden bridge deck
Parking: Nearby parking lot available
Amenities:
- Picnic sites nearby
- Adjacent to Mill Creek Outdoor Pool
Meet your Forest Bathing Guides
Our certified Shirin Yoku guides are members of the Community Forestry team and bring expertise and passion to the Forest Bathing program, ready to share the healing benefits of Edmonton’s urban forest.
Katelynne Webb
Katelynne began her City of Edmonton forestry career with the Root for Trees team, collaborating with volunteers to plant native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
Now with the Community Forestry team, she delivers engaging programs that highlight the urban forest canopy's value and trees’ role in shaping healthy, connected communities.
George Szilagyi
As an arborist and Urban Forester, George often addresses concerns about City trees.
As a Shinrin Yoku Guide, he finds joy in presenting trees as a solution to those same stresses. He is dedicated to seeking and sharing the wisdom found in the woods.
Allyn Esau
Allyn has been a certified Shinrin Yoku Guide since 2025. As a lifelong Edmonton resident, she has witnessed her relationship with the urban forest evolve from a childhood playground to a source of adult calm and clarity.
A member of Community Forestry since 2024, Allyn is passionate about sharing the extensive benefits of the urban forest with all Edmontonians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forest Bathing invitations are gentle suggestions for engagement. They can take many forms, but tend to involve sensory experiences that help deepen one's connection with nature. Each one is intended to help us open ourselves up to the benefits the forest can share.
As we move through the session, there will be opportunities for you to direct the nature of your session. There is no right or wrong way to participate in an invitation. It is important that you trust your intuition as you move through the invitations.
Your Forest Bathing guide is certified by the Shinrin Yoku Association to facilitate Forest Bathing sessions. In this role, they will work to create a safe and comfortable space to explore and connect. It is important to remember that while this is therapeutic practice, your guide is not a mental or physical health professional.
While natural water features may be prominent in sites selected for Forest Bathing, there is no actual bathing in water involved. Think of forest bathing as being immersed in the forest, as one would immerse themselves in water while bathing.
Spending time in nature has been shown to have positive effects on reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving overall well-being. Forest bathing can also increase present moment awareness and nature connectedness, contributing to improved mental health.
While all trees have something to offer, aromatic trees such as conifers release phytoncides and other active compounds that are beneficial to human health.
Children 16 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All attending members of the family, couple or group must register individually. No pets are allowed.
This is an outdoor event, please dress accordingly. The sessions will be held in a natural area. It is possible that you may encounter thistles, sticks, or garbage. Consider dressing in layers, long pants and a hat. It is important that you wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes.
If desired, remember to bring a water bottle and snacks. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray, and any medications that you may require.
The City received $146,200 from the federal government to support the City's efforts to provide education and engagement opportunities for Edmontonians that promote the benefits and preservation of the urban forest. This includes the development of interactive workshops, community planting opportunities and developing and implementing a community-focused Forest Bathing program. This plays an important role in achieving the City Plan goal of 2 million new urban trees.
