Recently, some members of our team had the chance to experience a forest bathing session, and it genuinely felt like such a unique and grounding way to experience nature in Victoria. Led by wellness coach and certified Shinrin Yoku guide Tracey Cook, the experience focused on slowing down, being present, and mindfully reconnecting with the natural world.
Rather than a traditional hike, forest bathing is all about moving slowly through nature, engaging your senses, and appreciating the environment around you. The session included gentle walking, guided mindfulness practices, moments of stillness, and time to simply notice the sounds, textures, and atmosphere of the natural world. It was calming, thoughtful, and honestly something that felt very different from most outdoor experiences we’ve done before.
One thing we especially appreciated was how approachable the experience felt. Whether you spend lots of time outdoors already or are simply looking for a new way to slow down and recharge, Tracey creates an environment that feels welcoming and accessible. The practice itself is rooted in the Japanese tradition of Shinrin Yoku (森林浴), or “forest bathing,” which is centred around mindful immersion in nature and its many wellness benefits.
Victoria is already known for its beautiful green spaces, and experiences like this offer such a meaningful way to connect with them on a deeper level. Our session took place in Beacon Hill Park, and experiencing such a familiar Victoria spot in a slower, more intentional way completely changed how we noticed and appreciated the space around us.
We loved learning more about the intention behind the practice and would absolutely recommend checking out one of Tracey’s guided sessions if you’re looking for something restorative, reflective, and uniquely Victoria.
By the end of the experience, we noticed just how relaxed and calm we felt. Forest bathing has a way of slowing you down and helping you pay attention to the small things you’d normally rush past — the sound of leaves moving in the wind, the smell of the forest after rain, the texture of the trees, or even just the feeling of being fully present outdoors for a while. It felt less like a hike and more like a reset. We did our session in the morning, and it left us with a sense of clarity and calm for the remainder of our day.
Are you interested in trying a fully guided forest bathing experience in or around Victoria? You can learn more about Tracey’s upcoming sessions and offerings through her website. Click here