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)
All images are copyright protected by Dave Hutchison Photography. For image use requests please contact Dave through his website.
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
(Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay-Comox)
All images are copyright protected by Dave Hutchison Photography. For image use requests please contact Dave through his website.
Vancouver Island Nature Photo Tours & Forest Therapy
Explore the Wild Beauty of Vancouver Island with Forest Therapy & Photography
Join me, ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide and my husband, award-winning wildlife and nature photographer Dave Hutchison, for an unforgettable experience in the remote coastal old-growth rainforests on Vancouver Island.
Wander among some of British Columbia’s most ancient trees, far from the crowds, as I gently guide you in a deep, mindful connection with the forest. Along the way, Dave captures your time in nature through stunning professional photography—or, if you are a budding or seasoned photographer, he will share his expert tips to help you capture the magic yourself.
These unique forest experiences blend the healing power of nature with the art of photography—perfect for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking a meaningful and memorable adventure. These experiences take place in remote, wild locations, and are for able-bodied participants as they are more physically demanding than typical forest bathing walks.
For availability, pricing, and details, please contact me directly.
Join me, ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide and my husband, award-winning wildlife and nature photographer Dave Hutchison, for an unforgettable experience in the remote coastal old-growth rainforests on Vancouver Island.
Wander among some of British Columbia’s most ancient trees, far from the crowds, as I gently guide you in a deep, mindful connection with the forest. Along the way, Dave captures your time in nature through stunning professional photography—or, if you are a budding or seasoned photographer, he will share his expert tips to help you capture the magic yourself.
These unique forest experiences blend the healing power of nature with the art of photography—perfect for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking a meaningful and memorable adventure. These experiences take place in remote, wild locations, and are for able-bodied participants as they are more physically demanding than typical forest bathing walks.
For availability, pricing, and details, please contact me directly.
Option 1: Jurassic grove, Eden grove, Big Lonely Doug
(plus Fairy Lake tree, and beaches, depending on the season)
We start the day with an ancient old-growth forest—about a 45-minute drive from Victoria. The location boasts several ancient Western red cedars and is an easy 500-meter hike. From there, we travel to Port Renfrew, home to Big Lonely Doug and Eden Grove (Avatar Grove if accessible). If time permits and the season yields enough light, we could add seascapes and the Fairy Lake tree.
(plus Fairy Lake tree, and beaches, depending on the season)
We start the day with an ancient old-growth forest—about a 45-minute drive from Victoria. The location boasts several ancient Western red cedars and is an easy 500-meter hike. From there, we travel to Port Renfrew, home to Big Lonely Doug and Eden Grove (Avatar Grove if accessible). If time permits and the season yields enough light, we could add seascapes and the Fairy Lake tree.
Old-growth forests on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island with ancient Western Red Cedars, Sitka Spruce and Douglas Firs.
Option 2: Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park
We also offer full-day trips to Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park—home to stunning ancient Sitka Spruce groves. This location is remote and requires 4x4 access with the same features as in Option 1. In this option, there is tent camping, or we take a 2-hour drive back to Lake Cowichan and stay the evening. We could also stay in Lake Cowichan the evening prior and head to Carmanah for morning light in the Sitka grove. This option is fully customized to meet your specific adventure needs. We would be happy to show you some of the most incredible old-growth forests the Island has to offer.
We also offer full-day trips to Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park—home to stunning ancient Sitka Spruce groves. This location is remote and requires 4x4 access with the same features as in Option 1. In this option, there is tent camping, or we take a 2-hour drive back to Lake Cowichan and stay the evening. We could also stay in Lake Cowichan the evening prior and head to Carmanah for morning light in the Sitka grove. This option is fully customized to meet your specific adventure needs. We would be happy to show you some of the most incredible old-growth forests the Island has to offer.
Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, near Lake Cowichan.
Option 3: Ucluelet, Tofino and Meares Island
One of our favourite locations on Vancouver Island is the Pacific Rim National Park, including Ucluelet, Tofino, and Meares Island. The trip can be done in a long full day; however, it is best as a multi-day immersive experience in the area. Approximately a 5-hour drive from Victoria or 2.5 hours from the Qualicum Beach / Parksville area. This is a customized adventure to suit your specific needs. Perhaps you seek amazing rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, ancient old-growth forests, or even a short helicopter ride to create images that last a lifetime. Vehicle access is by normal paved roads or to the outer island (by boat charter). Vehicle supplied is the same as in Options 1 & 2. Please inquire via the contact page for details, hotel options, camping, transportation, etc. We would be happy to take you to the wild west coast!
One of our favourite locations on Vancouver Island is the Pacific Rim National Park, including Ucluelet, Tofino, and Meares Island. The trip can be done in a long full day; however, it is best as a multi-day immersive experience in the area. Approximately a 5-hour drive from Victoria or 2.5 hours from the Qualicum Beach / Parksville area. This is a customized adventure to suit your specific needs. Perhaps you seek amazing rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, ancient old-growth forests, or even a short helicopter ride to create images that last a lifetime. Vehicle access is by normal paved roads or to the outer island (by boat charter). Vehicle supplied is the same as in Options 1 & 2. Please inquire via the contact page for details, hotel options, camping, transportation, etc. We would be happy to take you to the wild west coast!
Tofino & Ucluelet, west Vancouver Island.
"The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration." `Claude Monet
I respectfully acknowledge that Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are the traditional and unceded
territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw Peoples.
I am deeply grateful to the Qualicum, Snaw-naw-as, and Snuneymuxw Nations, on whose lands I walk, guide, and learn.
It is an honour to live, work, and gather here.
territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw Peoples.
I am deeply grateful to the Qualicum, Snaw-naw-as, and Snuneymuxw Nations, on whose lands I walk, guide, and learn.
It is an honour to live, work, and gather here.
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Please note: Forest Therapy is a non-clinical nature-based wellness service, not a substitute for mental health treatment.
All photographs are the sole property of Kelly Hutchison and/or Dave Hutchison Photography (where noted) and are held under copyright. The images and contents of this website may not be copied, collected, or used for personal or professional gain without express written permission from Salish Sea Nature Connections, www.salishseaforesttherapy.ca
Copyright ©2026
Copyright ©2026