A unique experience at Black Creek, where you are introduced to the practice of Forest Bathing while immersed in a living history museum.

Introduction to Forest Bathing at Village at Black Creek

Offered at Village at Black Creek, this is an introductory walk to the practice of Forest Bathing that is held within the landscape of a living history museum.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Organized by the Forest Bathing Club in partnership with Village at Black Creek, these walks are offered to the public as an introductory experience to the practice of Forest Bathing. Led by Emily Pleasance, artist and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, this 3-hour experience will offer you a space to drop into your body, tune into your senses, and connect with the more-than-human world.

Village at Black Creek is unlike any other setting for this practice. Once a 19th-century pioneer settlement, the site is now also restorying itself and is actively weaving in Indigenous history alongside its settler-era buildings and grounds.

You will be introduced to the concept of all beings, have stories told about the land, and be shown alternative ways of being with yourself, each other, and this particular place.

Unlike a hike where there is a destination, this practice is about arriving here, in the present moment.

Two things make this Forest Bathing session one-of-a-kind:

A quiet park, just for you! This session begins before Village at Black Creek opens to the public. Meaning, you'll experience the rare spaciousness and stillness of the grounds before regular visitors arrive.
The invitation to stay :) Once the session concludes, you're welcome to continue exploring the village and its historic buildings on your own, carrying that same slowed-down presence with you.

HOW IT WORKS

No prior experience is necessary
Slow and relaxed walk with time to rest
Approximately 3hrs (route no longer than 1km)
Invitations for you to be with nature
Begins before the museum opens to the public, with time afterward to explore the village grounds on your own

PREPARATION

Wear layered clothing and dress for -10 degrees cooler than the forecast. This is not a brisk walk, so we will not be creating body heat to support us.
Bring weather-appropriate and comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and an open mind.
Recommended to BRING A HAT — the village grounds have many open areas with lots of sun!

// About the Facilitator

Led by Emily Pleasance, artist and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, the Forest Bathing Club offers walks led by a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide on lands throughout the GTA including places such as High Park, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Evergreen Brick Works, and Tommy Thompson.

The practice of Forest Therapy supports our mental, physical, and planetary health by nurturing heart-centered relationships between all peoples and the More-Than-Human World of Nature.