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)
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All images are copyright protected by Dave Hutchison Photography.  For image use requests please contact Dave through his website.
Why Walk with a Certified Forest Therapy Guide?
Just like yoga or meditation, Forest Therapy can be much more powerful when shared with a skilled guide. As a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), I create safe, welcoming, and deeply intentional experiences.
Your walk includes:
  • A thoughtfully designed sequence that helps quiet the mind
  • Gentle sensory invitations to connect through sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste
  • Personalized walks based on trail, time of year and group energy
  • Space to explore your own connection to self and nature
  • A closing tea ceremony with locally foraged tea and healthy snack

What to Expect
  • Walks are 2.5 to 3 hours and 1 to 2 km or less
  • We move slowly, making this practice accessible to all ages and fitness levels
  • You will receive a series of nature-based invitations to deepen your sensory awareness
  • Every experience is unique and personal—there is no right or wrong way to engage
  • We end with a peaceful tea ceremony to reflect, connect and offer gratitude to the land

Safety and Care
Your safety and comfort are always a priority. I hold a 20-hour Remote First Aid and CPR Level C certifications through the Red Cross. Allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience knowing that logistics, safety and guidance are fully supported.

What to Wear
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 a must for your comfort and safety. A water bottle is also recommended. During colder or wet months, I advise layering up 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.

Book a Walk
I offer guided Forest Therapy experiences for individuals, couples, families and private groups. Whether you're seeking peace, creative inspiration, or simply a deeper connection to nature, I would be honoured to walk with you! 

As well, together with my husband, Dave Hutchison (of Dave Hutchison Photography), we offer immersive forest therapy walks and photo tours in some of Vancouver Island’s most pristine coastal rainforests. Whether you are a nature lover, a photographer, or simply seeking a moment of peace, we would love to share this experience with you. This offering can be tailored specifically for you. Reach out to explore a personalized experience designed with your needs in mind.
Wander the woods and find yourself along the way...Come walk with me.
"Yes, trees are the foundation of forests, but a forest is much more than what you see...Underground there is this other world, a world of infinite biological pathways that connect trees and allow them to communicate and allow the forest to behave as though it's a single organism.  It might remind you of a sort of intelligence." `Suzanne Simard, forest ecologist, University of British Columbia.  from Forest Bathing Retreat, by Hannah Fries.