Summer Forest Bathing at the Garden

Join us this summer for a unique forest bathing walk on-site at the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG). Certified Forest Therapy Guide Emma Rooney will lead you on an outdoor experience to stretch your sensory awareness while deepening your connection with nature.

Forest bathing—taking in the forest atmosphere—is a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s to address burnout caused by the technological boom. Now, the practice has inspired people all over the world to connect with nearby nature. You will learn about some of the benefits of forest therapy and be gently guided in the practice. As you walk leisurely through TBG’s grounds, you’ll receive gentle prompts to help fully engage your senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching the nature surrounding you. Immerse yourself in the new season and deepen your relationship with the wild things in our city.

The walk ends with a seasonal tea, where we’ll share some poetry to allow the experience to sink in. Don’t miss your chance to try forest bathing for yourself in a beautiful outdoor setting! Leave with ideas for getting outside at any time of the year and feeling the benefits of being nurtured by nature.

Accessibility:

We’ll begin with an introduction indoors before heading outside. The walk will be at a leisurely pace throughout, following designated pathways and trails but sometimes covering uneven terrain and steep inclines. The total walk distance over the three hours is approximately 2 km. Dress appropriately for the weather and walking slowly. Wearing layers is recommended. Closed-toed shoes are required. You may wish to bring along your own folding stool, cushion, or kneeling pad for sitting on the ground and a walking stick or poles. In the event of severe weather, alternative arrangements to seek cover will be made by TBG staff. Bathrooms are available on-site. The program will finish at the TBG building.

NOTE: This program occurs rain or shine; please dress appropriately for the weather.

Registration Deadline: Friday, June 21 at noon

Sunday, June 23 from 1:30-4:30 PM.
Registration: Public $50, TBG Members $40 (plus applicable taxes and fees)

About Emma Rooney

Emma Rooney is a community programmer, environmentalist, health and wellness advocate, gardener, and foodie. She is the proprietor of Blooming Caravan, a mobile business that brings Creative Companionship—therapeutic gardening, seasonal cooking, and storytelling—to older adults in the comfort of their homes. She also works as a horticultural therapy practitioner, offering nature connection programs in long-term care and to various community groups. Her hands-on approach is informed by an ethic of caring for the land and people and by hours spent wandering High Park, dreaming up possibilities. Emma is a certified forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and offers weekly community sessions at her Forest Bathing Studio.

Join Toronto Botanical Garden

Join the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) as a member to get a discount on this program, upcoming events and classes, and free parking. A TBG membership helps you deepen your knowledge and connection to the natural world, become a part of a dynamic community of plant people, and be inspired! Become a member !

Safe Program Access

• To ensure the safety of our participants and instructors, all staff, volunteers, and participants are welcome to wear masks indoors and maintain physical distancing.

• To learn more about what we’re doing to make your next visit safe, enriching, and uplifting, please review our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
• Read about our Refund Policy and Code of Conduct.
• This is an in-person, indoor, Adult Education program at the Toronto Botanical Garden.

We appreciate your support and cooperation.