Calgary’s first forest bathing trail has opened at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, offering a new way to experience one of the city’s most peaceful natural spaces. A practice that began in Japan in the 1980s, forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is the practice of slowing down and connecting with nature through the senses. Created by the City of Calgary’s Parks & Open Spaces and certified by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy, the self-guided trail encourages visitors to slow down, tune in and reconnect with nature.
Calgary’s Forest Bathing Trail is a One-Kilometre Loop
The trail starts and ends at the welcome sign (there’s a handy online map) and has five stations to visit along the journey. Visitors are encouraged to move slowly, walk quietly and take their time. Guests are asked to stay on the trail to protect ground-nesting birds and to watch for prickly plants along the way.
There are Five Audio-Guided Sensory Stations
Along the loop, there are five stations with QR codes that access short audio “invitations” created by Calgary-based forest therapy guide Ken Ouendag. The audio clips encourage visitors to slow down, notice what’s around them and experience the sanctuary. Printed cards with the same relaxation prompts as the audio clips are also available at the trail’s welcome sign for those who prefer to explore without using a phone. The prompts will change with the seasons.
You Can Borrow a Seat Mat or Tarp
If you want to sit at the stations and take in the surroundings, stop by the bin (which has a code to access) with seat mats and tarps. Visitors can borrow and return them to the bin before they leave.
