Event Details:
- Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
- Time: 11 am – 1 pm & 2 – 4 pm
- Location: UTM Nature Trail & Erindale Park (Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart as a group no later than 10 minutes past the hour.)
- Open to: UTM students, staff, faculty, and librarians
- Participant fee: Free
Overview:
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, join us for a guided forest bathing experience that invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and nurture your mental wellbeing. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a mindful, sensory-based nature immersion designed to help reduce stress and restore balance.
This gentle walk will include a series of open-ended invitations to help you engage with the land at your own pace. There’s no right or wrong way to participate — just come as you are. Plus, enjoy light refreshments during the excursion!
What’s included:
- A guided forest bathing session with nature-based reflection and mindfulness practices
- Light refreshments during the excursion (feel free to also bring your own water bottle)
Please note: This event involves no actual bathing or water immersion.
About the Facilitator:
Sock Gee Gan is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association on Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. A resident of Mississauga who loves to wander and explore in nature, she is eager to share the many benefits of Forest Bathing with the community.
How to Prepare:
- Register in advance to secure your spot.
- Arrive 5-10 min early at the RAWC Lobby and check in with a UTM Moves Crew Member (in orange uniform). We depart as a group no later than 10 min after the hour.
- Check the weather forecast and any event updates (@utm_athletics on Instagram).
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and supportive, closed-toe shoes.
- Apply sunscreen and/or bug spray if needed.
- Bring any personal items you may need (e.g., medications, mobility aids).
Event Weather Policy:
This event includes an outdoor component, which may be affected by weather conditions. In the event of rain, snow, or other inclement weather that could impact safety or comfort, the event may be modified, delayed, or cancelled. Any weather-related updates will be shared by email and posted on Instagram (@utm_athletics) at least one hour before the scheduled start time. We encourage participants to check for updates before arriving and to dress appropriately for the weather.
Waitlist Policy:
This event has limited capacity, and therefore we recommend early registration to secure your spot. If the event is full, you can join the waitlist through the registration form. Should a spot become available, waitlisted participants will be contacted in the order they signed up. Please keep an eye on your email and respond promptly to secure your spot.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be made at least 1 week before the event to receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued after that date. To cancel your registration, please email: Ravi Gabble, Supervisor, Wellness Programs at ravinder.gabble@utoronto.ca.
If an event is cancelled by the organizer(s) due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., severe weather, illness, minimum registration not being met), we will attempt to reschedule or will contact registrants to arrange a full refund.
Contact:
For additional inquiries about this program, please email: Ravi Gabble, Supervisor, Wellness Programs at ravinder.gabble@utoronto.ca.
Event Rating
This event includes light physical activity, such as walking short distances, moving over small inclines, or carrying lightweight items. Suitable for most fitness and mobility levels.