Guided Forest Therapy
Guided Forest Therapy Programs
Slow down and reconnect with nature through a guided forest therapy session led by Milena McWatt of Wild Calm Forest Therapy. You can choose your experience: guided Forest Therapy Walks or Forest Therapy Walks PLUS thoughtful, creative activities. Whatever you choose, you will come away with a deeper connection to the natural world and sense of calm.
All Forest Therapy programs are designed to awaken your senses and support your own embodied presence and connection to nature. Every program includes a guided meditation, a very slow-paced wander through a forested area of the Botanic Garden, gentle sensory invitations and ends with a peaceful tea ceremony featuring fresh-foraged tea and locally-sourced snacks.
- Limited spaces are available for these programs - register early.
- Advance registration required.
- Regular admission required in addition to program fees, payable at the gate or online. Garden Members do not pay admission fees.
- Participant waiver (online) required in advance of program
Forest Therapy Program Dates At-A-Glance
See detailed descriptions below.
Sept. 19 - Forest Therapy + Mindful Photography
Oct. 3 - Forest Therapy + Ephemeral Art
Program Descriptions
Guided Forest Therapy - 90 minutes
Slow down and reconnect with nature through a 1.5 hour guided session led by Milena McWatt from Wild Calm Forest Therapy.
$45 plus tax per person, plus Garden admission
May 10, 2026 | Two Sessions: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. SOLD OUT
July 1, 2026 | Two Sessions: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Canada Day)
Aug. 7, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Make it a date night by adding a Twilight Picnic after your walk)
Aug. 14, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Make it a date night by adding a Twilight Picnic after your walk)
Guided Forest Therapy - 120 minutes
Slow down and reconnect with nature through a two-hour guided session led by Milena McWatt from Wild Calm Forest Therapy.
$55 plus tax per person, plus Garden admission
June 6, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
June 20, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Guided Forest Therapy + Nature Sketching
Slow down and reconnect with nature through a two-hour guided forest therapy plus nature sketching session led by Milena from Wild Calm and local artist Niabi Kapoor. Brand new and seasoned artists will be guided in sketching to foster presence, awe and appreciation of the forest’s minute details.
Sketching materials are provided, and you’ll take home a curated postcard with sketching tips.
$65 + tax per person, plus Garden admission
June 4, 2026 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
July 30, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Guided Forest Therapy Walk + Cree Medicine Bundle Creation
Led by Wild Calm Forest Therapy and Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions
Following the guided forest sensory immersion, create your own medicine bundle using plant medicines, herbs, and flowers. Monique of Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions will share teachings on the four sacred medicines and their meanings, offering insight into their traditional uses and cultural significance. You will leave with both a handcrafted bundle and a deeper understanding of these teachings.
$65 + tax per person, plus Garden admission
Aug. 4, 2026 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 29, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Guided Forest Therapy + Mindful Photography
Milena from Wild Calm will lead this two-hour guided forest therapy plus mindful photography session. You’ll receive guidance on how to use your camera to deepen your awareness and observation, and time to explore the relaxing process of slow noticing through your lens.
Explore new ways of seeing through your camera that inspire awe, curiosity and gratitude. No photography experience required. A phone camera is great, although if you are proficient with a DSLR or other camera (and won’t be distracted by technical settings), you are welcome to bring that as well.
$65 + tax per person, plus Garden admission
Aug. 15, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sept. 19, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Guided Forest Therapy + Ephemeral Art
Slow down and reconnect with nature through a two-hour guided forest therapy plus ephemeral art session. Embrace your creativity and draw inspiration from nature and its cycles of change and renewal. You will have guidance and time to experience the freeing and mindful process of creating imperfect and impermanent art with materials you find on the forest floor. No art experience necessary.
$65+ tax per person, plus Garden admission
Oct. 3, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Important to Know
- To fully immerse yourself in the experience, participants are kindly asked to turn off phones and other devices.
- Suitable for all bodies and levels, but for any dietary concerns/allergies or mobility concerns (including if you are unable to sit comfortably on a padded mat on the forest floor), please reach out to Milena directly at: milena@wildcalm.ca to ensure your experience is safe and welcoming.
- Dress for the weather and bring some water and bug spray - this activity runs rain or shine.
- Participant waiver (online) required in advance of program.
Guides and Instructors
Guided Forest Therapy
Certified Guide: Milena McWatt, Wild Calm Forest Therapy
Milena is a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. She has a degree in biology and a Master's in Resource and Environmental Management. She has a Wilderness/Remote First Aid & CPR certification. Along with Forest Therapy walks, Milena guides the Mindful Photography and Ephemeral Art experiences.
Cree Medicine Bundle Creation
Knowledge Keeper: Monique Collins
Monique Collins is a Cree Knowledge Keeper and Indigenous Wellness Director of Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions, with roots in Peepeekisis Cree Nation. She facilitates land-based wellness experiences that integrate Indigenous knowledge, plant teachings, and mindful practices to support connection, learning, and well-being.
Nature Sketching
Niabi Kapoor is a local artist who specializes in ink pen nature and architectural sketching, and observing the beauty in the "ordinary". Learn her secrets to getting over the fear of a blank page, simplifying and capturing the intricate details of your surroundings, and committing to diving in with a pen instead of a pencil.