Forest Therapy Walks on Salt Spring Island

People often ask us if they can still get the full benefit of a trip to Salt Spring if they come to Hastings House without a car. While having a car allows you to visit farm stands and beaches at your leisure, there is now a wonderful option for a forest walk and experience in nature for those without a vehicle. Kelly, at Salish Sea Nature Connections, offers a fully guided nature experience with a pick-up and drop-off option.

The walks offer a slow and mindful approach to taking in the textures, colours, aroma, and energy of the landscape. In order to help you drop into a state of connection with the land, sea, sun, and air, the walks are only about a kilometer in length and take place over 2.5 to 3 hours. Forest walks are ideal for participants of all ages and levels of fitness.

If you’re used to being in cityscapes or you generally hike with a destination or purpose in mind, this will be a radically new experience. Those who experience forest therapy for first time report that they suddenly see things they’ve never noticed before: richer colours and textures, small details, like the veins and pores of a leaf, or the deep furrows of fir bark. It is the quiet settling of your energy and the act of noticing that create a deep sense of connection and meaning.

Kelly describes the walks as an immersion in your surroundings, which is why this practice is sometimes called forest bathing.

Benefits of Forest Therapy Walks

• Heightens mood and enhances creativity
• Improves sleep
• Decreases stress and anxiety
• Boosts your immune system
• Deepens your connection with others and the world around you

Hastings House does have complimentary shuttle service to and from the ferry and seaplane terminals. So, the answer is yes, you can arrive at Hastings House by plane or as a foot passenger and have a rich experience in nature!

To book your guided forest walk, visit salishseanatureconnections.ca.

*Photography: Dave Hutchison