For those living with chronic pain, stress, fatigue, or burnout in the Toronto area, finding moments of true peace can sometimes feel elusive. It’s here that certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Emily Pleasance and her Forest Bathing Club step in to help provide otherwise.

Guiding attendees through the city’s quieter, natural pockets, the Forest Bathing Club offers the opportunity to experience the natural world not just as pretty scenery, but as a living sanctuary and supportive space.

Rooted in the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing goes beyond a simple walk in the woods. This practice, developed in the 1980s as a natural antidote of sorts to the stresses of our tech-driven world encourages participants to immerse themselves in the forest’s phytoncides (wood essential oils) that have been widely studied and credited for their health benefits — including boosting immunity, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.

As an artist and activist in addition to being a certified guide, Emily believes in a deeper connection with nature and the deeply impactful reciprocity that can be found and fostered within it. “For me, the practice goes to where it’s not just about what we are receiving from the forest, or from nature, but rather what does it actually mean to be in relationship with the more-than-human world, and for it to be circular.”

With such in mind, the Forest Bathing Club’s sessions are designed to be welcoming, gentle, and accessible to all. They require no prior skills and typically cover less than a kilometer in distance — all within some of the area’s most stunning and unique landscapes, such as the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Evergreen Brickworks, and more.

Unlike hikes that focus on reaching a destination or closing loops on a step-counter, forest bathing emphasizes being fully present wherever you are within the first step. Sessions last between one to three hours and both introductory walks as well as ongoing monthly sojourns are available.

No matter the format, each gathering includes invitations or prompts to engage with your surroundings in meaningful ways. “These aren’t tasks to complete, but opportunities to explore what resonates with you,” Emily explains. “This could be feeling the rough bark of an old oak, listening to the chatter of birds, or watching the sun play hide-and-seek through the leaves.”

Participants are encouraged to engage all of their senses, creating an immersive and multisensory experience. Research shows this deep engagement with nature can work to improve cardiovascular and respiratory health, reduce symptoms of stress, expand emotional capacity, and more. For anyone navigating chronic pain, fatigue, stress, or burnout, the Forest Bathing Club provides not just a walk, but a nurturing foundation for restorative connection within oneself, others, and the world around.