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Discover
Forest
Bathing
What is
Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin Yoku, is a health and wellness practice originating from Japan that involves intentionally taking in the atmosphere of nature through our five senses.
By spending intentional time interacting with the forest, we are able to take in her medicine, boosting our immunity, reducing our stress levels, and bringing our mind, body and spirit into a state of rest.
Upcoming Forest Bathing Walks
in North Oshawa
​​Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
Full day retreat​ | 9am-4pm
Saturday, April 26th, 2025​
Half day retreat | 9am - 12pm
Saturday, May 31st, 2025
Half day retreat | 9am - 12pm
Saturday, June 21st, 2025
Full day retreat | 9am - 4pm
Saturday, August 8th, 2025
Full moon walk | 6pm - 9pm
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Full day retreat | 9am - 4pm
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Half day retreat | 9am - 12pm
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​Types of Forest Bathing Walks
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Take part in immersive nature and visioning experiences close to home in North Oshawa. Come together with other nature lovers to spend intentional time connecting to nature and our senses, disconnecting from the demands of daily life.
New to 2025 are three different types of forest bathing experiences for you to enjoy - full day forest bathing and visioning retreats, half-day 'traditional' forest bathing walks, and in August, enjoy a forest bathing walk under the full moon!​
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Each forest bathing experience starts with connecting to our senses through invitations - prompts that encourage us to connect mindfully with nature, others and ourselves. We slowly and mindfully connect with the natural world in ways that encourage wonder, joy, playfulness and reflection. Each forest bathing walk ends with a tea ceremony, where we share our reflections and gratitude for the forest.
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Full-day Forest Bathing Retreats​​
Unique to this full-day forest bathing experience is the time we will be spending visioning and working with the seasons to map out our year. With the support of both Kristy Micklewright, shamanic practitioner, and Randi Micklewright, forest bathing guide, you will connect deeply with nature, others, and yourself as you dream and vision for 2025 and beyond. ​​
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Cost:
This full-day retreat includes forest bathing, guided visioning, a light lunch, along with tea and snacks. The investment is $150+HST.
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Half-day Forest Bathing Walks
Join us for 3-hours of intentional nature connection, where we slowly and mindfully spend time connecting with nature and each other to reduce stress and increase well being. Research has shown us that spending time in nature has immense benefits for our mental, physical and spiritual health - come and spend time taking in the medicine of the forest and meet other members of your community who want to do the same. ​
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Full Moon Forest Bathing Walk
Usually our forest bathing walks take place on Saturdays, but since there will be a full moon on Friday, August 8th we thought it would be meaningful to spend this walk welcoming the energy of the full moon into the experience. ​​
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Cost:
In an effort to make this wellness practice accessible to as many people in our community as possible, the cost of the half-day forest bathing walks are offered on a sliding scale. The standard fee for a walk is $50 +hst, with a supported rate of $40 +hst, and a pay it forward rate of $60 +hst. Choose the rate that is the right fit for you.
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*You will receive an email after booking with more information about how to prepare for the walk and make your payment.
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About Your Guides
As a certified Forest Therapy Guide, Randi guides groups of people through forest settings, offering invitations to connect with the more than human around us, as well as connecting to each other and ourselves.​
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To learn more about Randi click here.
As an intuitive body therapist and shamanic practitioner, Kristy helps people create a safe and gentle space where they can all discover what is asking to be healed and bring in love, wisdom and forgiveness to those places. She helps facilitate this by guiding others to connect with their inner wisdom through ritual, meditation and spiritual practices
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To learn more about Kristy click here.
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About Chubtown Country Retreat
Chubtown Country Retreat is a 5-acre property in North Oshawa consisting of cedar forest and the Oshawa Creek meandering through this pristine space. There are various areas where you can connect deeply with nature, as well as an indoor meeting space.
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Chubtown Country Retreat is located at 3015 Ritson Rd. N in Oshawa, ON.
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FAQ
What do you need to know to prepare for a Forest Bathing walk? What if it rains?
Keep reading to find out...
What should I bring to the Forest Bathing walk?
You don't need to bring much, but there are some key items you will want for your comfort and safety. Bring a bottle of water, appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather, and if you have an epipen or puffer, bring those. Mats and chairs to sit on in the forest will be provided, as will a light snack and tea at the end of the walk. Some people like to bring a journal and a pen, but that's a personal preference!
What happens if it rains?
Forest Bathing walks take place rain or shine. Please check the weather so you make sure you wear the appropriate gear (rain coats and boots, for example). If it is lightening and thundering, or if the winds are greater than 35km/h the walk will be rescheduled and your payment will be carried forward to the new date. Sorry, no refunds are available if we need to reschedule due to weather.
What's the cancellation policy?
If you have to cancel your walk due to illness, emergency or a change in circumstances you will not be refunded the cost of the walk. If the walk needs to be cancelled due to the guide being ill or because of inclement weather, the cost of your walk will be applied to any future walk you would like to participate in.
How do I pay?
After registering for the walk you will receive an email confirming your registration, a prompt to complete a consent form, and checking in on which fee you will be paying - $40, $50 or $60 (+HST). This can be paid by credit card or e-transfer.
I noticed Randi is a psychotherapist. Is a Forest Bathing walk psychotherapy?
Although some emotions and feelings may come up during your time in the forest, Forest Bathing is not considered psychotherapy. Randi is a psychotherapist, teacher, and Forest Bathing Guide. During the Forest Bathing walks she is acting only as a Forest Bathing Guide and is not providing psychotherapy. You will not be given a psychotherapy receipt for the walk and will not be able to claim it as a psychotherapy service.
How long is a Forest Bathing walk?
A Forest Bathing walk lasts 3 hours. The walks start and end promptly at these times, so please arrive about 15 minutes early to settle in.
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What people are saying about
Forest Bathing
The experience of forest bathing was like nothing I’ve experienced before. I was very moved and felt connected to nature. I could smell wonderful smells that Mother Earth provides that I didn’t notice until I felt “unplugged” from the outside world and connected to the forest. I cannot wait to participate again!
Previous Forest Bathing Participant
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Community Connections
This spring is proving to be a busy one as we share the benefits and experience of forest bathing to other members of the community. Here are some of the places Randi will be this spring sharing the practice of Forest Bathing.
April 15th - Randi will be presenting a workshop to Life Time fitness members in Ajax on the practice and benefits of forest bathing to their seniors community
April 25th - Randi will be participating in the Great Lakes Student Conference at Haydenshore Pavillion, organized by CLOCA, sharing the practice of forest bathing and talking about ecological grief and anxiety with youth from around the Great Lakes region.
June 7th - Randi will be sharing the practice of forest bathing at the Rooted Soul Retreat at Soul’s Path in Blackstock. Here’s a link if you are curious to learn more about this event!
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Randi has guided Forest Bathing walks in partnership with the following community organizations since 2021. If you would like to partner with Randi and offer a Forest Bathing walk for your organization, please reach out at randi@soul-ledwellness.com.
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Stay Connected!
If you would like to know about upcoming forest bathing walks and events, join our email list! We promise we won't spam your inbox and will only send information about forest bathing.