The City of Edmonton’s Community Forestry Program offers guided Forest Bathing sessions throughout the year in parks across the city.
Forest bathing, also known as forest therapy or Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of spending time in a forest or natural area to enhance well-being.
Led by certified Shinrin-yoku practitioners, this program invites Edmontonians to participate in and experience mindful connection to nature in our urban forest.
The 2026 Forest Bathing Season Has Ended
Thank you to everyone who joined us in the urban forest! All forest bathing sessions for the season have concluded. There are currently no upcoming sessions scheduled.
Forest Bathing Locations
The City of Edmonton offers a variety of tranquil treed spaces ideal for relaxation, restoration and mindful connection with nature.
Northeast River Valley Park
This site offers a secluded grove of mixed aspen parkland and spruce trees, providing clearings for group reflection or solo exploration.
Approximate length of trail (one-way): 200 meters - level ground
Surface: Maintained turf
Parking: Nearby parking, drop-off adjacent
Amenities:
- Washrooms
- Event facilities
- Picnic sites nearby
Twin Brooks District and Nature Park
Nestled between the Whitemud and Blackmud Creek ravines, this unique, street level park has a mix of naturalized hills, tree-lined trails and stunning views.
Approximate trail length: 1.5 kilometre loop
Surface: Gravel, hard-packed earth, maintained and naturalized turf
Parking: Nearby parking
Amenities:
- Picnic sites nearby
- Benches
Note: No onsite washroom facilities are available.
Whitemud Creek Ravine
Features a gradual descent from an aspen stand to a grove of towering spruce, with trails running alongside the creek and multiple footbridge crossings.
Approximate length of trail (one-way): 1000 metres - moderate slope
Surface: Granular trail, wooden bridge deck
Parking: Street parking at top-of-bank trailhead
Amenities: Picnic table along route
Please note: No onsite washroom facilities are available.
Capilano Park
Centrally located, this popular trail system offers sheltered groves of trees and peaceful river vistas from the boat launch or bridge.
Approximate trail length: 550 metres (one-way) - relatively even with some steep sections
Surface: paved, gravel, hard-packed earth, wooden bridge deck
Parking: Plentiful parking, including tour bus/large vehicle parking
Proximity: Adjacent to the North Saskatchewan River
Amenities:
- Shelter with seating and a rest area
- Washrooms (relatively accessible - not fully step-free)
- Picnic sites nearby
What To Expect
Forest bathing sessions are immersive 2-hour outdoor experiences. Edmonton’s urban forest offers diverse experiences for all participants.
Your guide facilitates safe, comfortable and accessible activities such as:
- Silent meditation
- Exploratory walking
- Mindful sensory exploration
- Group and individual reflections
Preparing for Your Session
What to wear: Dress in layers with long pants, a hat, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes. You may encounter thistles, sticks or garbage.
What to bring: Sunscreen, bug spray, and any required medications. Water and snacks are optional.
Cancelling or Rescheduling Your Session
If you can no longer attend, please cancel your registration on Move.Learn.Play or email forestbathing@edmonton.ca no later than 2 days ahead of session to allow for other participants to register.
Weather Cancellations
Weather cancellations will only occur when conditions are made unsafe. Light rain or wind may not lead to cancellation and may enhance certain sensory aspects of a forest bathing experience. Weather cancellations include:
- Thunderstorms or lightning
- Temperatures equal to or above 34 degrees Celsius (including the Humidex)
- Wind, including gusts, of over 45 kilometres per hour
- An air quality health index (AQHI) of 7 or above
Frequently Asked Questions
Studies indicate that spending time in nature has positive effects on reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and improving overall well-being. Forest bathing may also increase present moment awareness and nature connectedness.
While some Forest Bathing sessions are situated near natural water features, no actual bathing in water is involved. Instead, participants immerse themselves in the forest, as one would immerse themselves in water while bathing.
Your Forest Bathing guide is certified by the Shinrin-yoku Association to facilitate Forest Bathing sessions. In this role, they work to create a safe and comfortable space to explore and connect. It is important to remember that while this is therapeutic practice, your guide is not a mental or physical health professional.
Forest Bathing invitations are gentle suggestions for engagement that involve sensory experiences to deepen one's connection with nature. Invitations are intended to help us open up to the benefits the forest can share.
As we move through the session, there will be opportunities for you to direct the nature of your session. There is no right or wrong way to participate in an invitation. It is important that you trust your intuition as you move through the invitations.
While all trees have something to offer, aromatic trees such as conifers release phytoncides and other active compounds that are beneficial to human health.
The City received $146,200 from the federal government to support the City's efforts to provide education and engagement opportunities for Edmontonians that promote the benefits and preservation of the urban forest. This includes the development of interactive workshops, community planting opportunities and developing and implementing a community-focused Forest Bathing program. This plays an important role in achieving the City Plan goal of 2 million new urban trees.