Summer Forest Bathing Retreat
Overview
Connect with Nature and Calm Your Nervous System
Join us in Ontario to Find Your Connection to the Forest!
The retreat centre is a place that will connect and ground you to the natural world around you and remind you how soothing birdsong and running streams can be for your nervous system. In our time at the retreat you will experience a series of guided forest walks, restorative meditations, nature-inspired art activities, journaling and time for solo contemplation. If you are seeking a place to calm your body and mind this is the retreat for you.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is a research-based framework that supports health and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. It is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which was developed in the 1980s as a strategy for reducing stress and improving health.
In Forest Bathing, there is a clearly defined sequence of guided invitations that your guide provides to allow you to connect to your senses and slowly experience new perspectives of the world around you. Think of it as a mindfulness walk where nature helps provide the prompts. It's not a hike or a naturalist walk, but instead an opportunity for your nervous system to reset into a more relaxed and restorative state.
Why are people returning to nature?
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves mood and emotional well-being
Boosts immune system function
Enhances focus and creativity
Encourages physical activity and connection to the environment
Agenda
Friday
4:00 - 5:00 PM - Arrival and Check in
5:00 - 5:30 PM - Intros and Expectations
5:30 - 6:30 PM - Dinner
6:30 - 8:00 PM - Intro to Forest Bathing and Meditation
8:00 - 10:00 PM - Wind Down - tea available in lodge
Saturday
8:30 - 9:30 AM - Breakfast
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM - First Forest Walk
12:30 - 1:30 PM - Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 PM - Choose your own adventure: reading time, crafts/coloring, pool time, hammocks
3:30 - 5:00 PM - Nature inspired art
5:00 - 5:30 PM - Break
5:30 - 6:30 PM - Dinner
7:30 - 8:30 PM - Fire Ceremony
8:30 PM onwards - Wind Down
Sunday
8:30 - 9:30 AM - Breakfast
9:00 AM - Room Check out
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Second Forest Walk
12:30 - 1:30 PM - Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 PM - Closing ceremony and reflections
Accommodation
If you'd like to learn more about the accommodations at the Ecology Retreat Centre you can find additional photos and information here. https://ecologyretreatcentre.com/facilities/#accommodation
Single rooms (with double bed) will be in the Lodge. Double rooms (with bunk beds) will be in the Bunkhouse. There are bathroom facilities with toilets, sinks and showers in each building (think elevated dorm room style bathrooms).
What's Included
What's included
Meals
All Meals (Friday Dinner, Breakfast Lunch and Dinner on Saturday, Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday). Lunches will be vegetarian. All other meals will be omnivore.
Lodging
Simple but comfortable lodging (rooms have pillows, bed linens and a shower towel). Shared bathroom facilities (similar to what you'd find in a dorm).
Activities
All activities and supplies
What's not included
Transportation to and from Mono Ontario
If you need a ride from the Toronto airport there are many ride share options available and we also may be able to source a carpool option for you.
Flights if you're coming from outside of Ontario
Ecology Retreat Centre
1. 308046 Hockley Rd
308046 Hockley Rd, Mono, ON L9W 6N2, CanadaAbout your organizer
Finding Your Forest LLC offers guided, sensory-based nature experiences through a series of invitations designed to support your unique wellness and healing journey. Rooted in the evidence-based Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing), this experience helps you trade the digital hum of technology for mindful engagement with the natural world. By slowing down, you can calm your nervous system, unlock creativity, and access significant physical and emotional benefits, including reduced anxiety and lowered blood pressure, ultimately fostering a deep sense of peace and belonging in nature.
Founder Diana Siebenaler was certified as a Forest Therapy Guide in 2022 by the Global Institute of Forest Therapy in Canada, having personally discovered this practice as a healing modality during her own journey with depression and anxiety.
Reviews
Photo gallery
