Forest & Nature Therapy walks with Kelly Hutchison,  ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide.
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
(Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay-Comox)

Forest Bathing Walks on Vancouver Island

Step into the Forest, Come Home to Yourself

Join me for a guided forest bathing experience that invites you to slow down, reconnect and feel restored. Whether you're seeking more energy, better health, creative spark, or relief from stress, anxiety, or depression, forest therapy offers a gentle and powerful way to support your well-being.

In this quiet, intentional time among the trees and beings of the forest, you will be guided through a series of simple, sensory invitations designed to help you deepen your connection to the natural world—and to your own inner landscape. Forest therapy is not about reaching a destination. It's about arriving, fully, in the moment. You will move slowly and allow the forest to meet you where you are. As Amos Clifford, the founder of ANFT, beautifully says, "the guide is not there to speak for the forest. The guide is there to create space for the forest to speak."

Each 2.5 to 3-hour guided walk includes guided invitations, quiet time in nature, and concludes with a tea ceremony made with locally foraged plants, accompanied by nourishing snacks. 

I have a permit to offer guided Forest Therapy walks throughout the Regional District of Nanaimo parks and trails—see my scheduled walks here.

Private group walks are available in natural settings across Vancouver Island (and beyond for groups of eight or more).
These experiences are ideal for wellness retreats, team gatherings, or quiet time with friends, loved ones, or yourself.

I also collaborate with my husband, professional wildlife and nature photographer Dave Hutchison, to offer unique forest bathing and photography tours on Vancouver Island—featuring some of BC's most ancient and awe-inspiring trees.

Reach out to explore a personalized experience for your group.
Guided Private Group Forest Therapy Walks

Experience forest therapy in a supportive, relaxed setting. These small-group walks are open to anyone and designed to be accessible for most abilities.
  • Up to 4 participants: $250
  • For groups of 5 or more, please contact me for availability and a personalized quote.
Walks are 2.5 to 3 hours and are offered in Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Bowser.

Private & Custom Experiences
For larger groups, reunions, corporate or wellness retreats, I offer private forest therapy walks designed to meet your group’s needs.
Experiences are unhurried, accessible, and flexible in timing and location. Session length and pricing vary depending on group size and details, with larger groups typically enjoying a 3 to 3.5-hour experience.
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Please contact me to discuss your group’s needs and to arrange a tailored session.
What to Wear on a Forest Therapy Walk
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To make the most of your forest experience, please dress comfortably and prepare for the weather.
In summer, bring a hat and sunscreen, and consider a light jacket—forested areas can stay cool even on warm days. Closed-toe shoes are important for your comfort and safety—a water bottle is also recommended. During colder or wet months, it is advisable to layer with a warm coat, scarf, gloves, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear to keep you cozy and dry. Being well-prepared helps you relax and enjoy the healing pace of the forest.

 "As you walk through the forest, feel your own body react and respond. 
​Invite the forest through your senses."  ~Hannah Fries