When was the last time you were in nature and truly slowed down?

​Not walking for exercise, not on your phone, or talking in conversation—but being fully present?

My name is Kelly Hutchison. I’m an author, artist, and certified forest therapy guide.

I’ve spent over 20 years working in health and wellness and have been a nature lover my whole life; it wasn’t until I trained as a forest therapy guide in 2018 that I really understood how powerful nature can be—not just as something beautiful to look at, but as something that deeply supports our well-being.

Now, my work is centred around helping people connect with nature in simple, meaningful ways.
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I do this in two main ways. The first is through an art publishing business I share with my husband. Together, we bring nature into indoor spaces—homes, health and wellness centres, including hospitals and work environments. We do this through our book that celebrates the landscape of the place we call home—Vancouver Island. As well as fine art prints, calendars, and art cards. The other way is through guided forest therapy walks. As a guide, I help people to step out of their busy lives and into a slower, more intentional experience with the natural world.

Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” And while it may sound simple, there is science-backed research showing that spending two mindful hours a week in nature can lower stress, improve mood, reduce blood pressure, support our immunity and overall health.

Doctors and health care professionals are also realizing these powerful benefits; in Canada, they are now prescribing time in nature to their patients. I am proud to be a part of this new initiative as a member of Nature and Forest Therapy of Canada and PaRx (Parksprescription.ca —Canada’s Nature Prescription).

Beyond the research, I have personally experienced the healing benefits of this practice.

Six years ago, I was in an unhealthy relationship and felt anxious, stuck, and alone. It was through quiet, mindful time in nature—forest therapy—that I began to feel a shift. This practice gave me space to think clearly, to reconnect with myself, and eventually to find the strength to make big changes in my life. It helped me to find joy, peace and clarity during a difficult time. I also began to paint and write again after years of ignoring my heart’s calling.

A few years later, it brought an unexpected gift—meeting my husband in a park while forest bathing.

So when I guide people, it’s not about hiking or covering distance. It’s about slowing down, engaging the senses, and creating space for whatever someone might need—whether that’s rest, clarity, or simply a moment of calm. As Amos Clifford, the founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, beautifully says, "the guide is not there to speak for the forest. The guide is there to create space for the forest to speak."

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to guide a mother and daughter on a private walk at Moorecroft Regional Park in Nanoose Bay. Before we began, I learned that they were in the middle of a stressful time in their lives—temporarily living in B&Bs and navigating demanding jobs. 

As our 2.5-hour walk progressed, I could sense the stress beginning to soften and lift. I enjoyed witnessing how engaged they both were with the simple invitations. The sun was out, and the weather was perfect. Just a few days before, the area had strong winds and rain. I was grateful to have been blessed with divine conditions for this walk. At the end of our time together, while sharing nettle tea, both women expressed gratitude for the experience. Closing words included appreciation for the slow walk in the woods and a sense of peace and calm they had not felt in a long time.

​This filled my heart—reminding me why I share this practice, and what happens when you finally slow down in the forest.

We are so proud of our upcoming hardcover book (224 pages) Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape. It has been a true labour of love, and we have sacrificed many things to complete it. Last year we sold the house, moved, created a publishing company, wrote the book, tirelessly working with an amazing book designer and editor. Everything within the book was carefully chosen from the front and back cover, its size, paper type and full colour photographs. “Not merely a collection of photographs, this book is a love letter, a tribute, to a place that has given us so much.”

When I was young, I loved to write non-fiction, reading and researching information about far off places, animals and people. My dream was to one day write alongside of a photographer for National Geographic. In my heart I felt that I would one day write a book, I just didn’t know when. Over the years I have studied many things including business (accounting), fine art, holistic nutrition, forest therapy and energy healing (Reiki & ThetaHealing®). I have more books that are eagerly wanting to come through, and believe this book was the catalyst for me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to author a book alongside of my amazing husband Dave Hutchison. It is our hope you love it as much as we do!

“Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape is a visual journey and celebration of this beautiful island and its adjacent Gulf Islands, as seen by nature and wildlife photographer Dave Hutchison. A twenty-year photographic journey, it is also a collaboration of two nature lovers, husband and wife, who together shared a vision: to create a pictorial fine art book, filled with beautiful scenic images, which both preserves and honours the landscape in time. The narrative is woven through Dave’s personal experiences, as he shares the stories behind his photos, offers tips on his favourite locations, and delves into the islands’ fascinating history. The book is organized into seven geographical regions for easy reference: Victoria, Sidney & The Saanich Peninsula; Cowichan & Carmanah Valleys, Nanaimo & Parksville; The Southern Gulf Islands; Sooke to Port Renfrew West Coast Corridor; Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield & Area; Comox Valley, Campbell River & Area; Northern Vancouver Island & Area. Featuring more than 150 full colour images capturing the islands’ diverse landscapes, flora, fauna, cityscapes and wildlife, this book invites readers to immerse themselves in its beauty.”

UPDATE** It is now January 2026. Our book has been on the BC Bestseller list for over 40 weeks! It is available in all bookstores and on Amazon Prime.