Designed to support the well-being of Calgary’s residents and visitors alike, the 1-kilometre loop offers five unique stations that guide you on a sensory exploration of this peaceful natural area. While not literal bathing, forest bathing is a chance to “bathe” and be immersed in the forest surroundings. 

The term “forest bathing” is the translation for the Japanese term, “shinrin-yoku”. The term was created in the early 1980s when there was a rise in anxiety and stress-related illnesses as people in Japan were increasingly living and working in urban centers. To support the health and well-being of people living in Japan, research was conducted to determine whether spending time in forested environments was beneficial.

Studies show nature helps:

1. Reduce stress
2. improve mood and sleep
3. Lower blood pressure
4. Boost creativity and immunity

The five stations help you connect deeper with nature: trees, birds, water, deer, and more. Keep in mind:

• This is not a naturalist walk. Instead of studying plants and animals, forest bathing invites us to get out of our thinking minds and simply notice what is going on around us. You are invited to stop thinking and just notice. Try to explore with curiosity.
• This is not a hike or race. There is no need to rush. You’re invited to slow down. If you stop at each station, spend about 15 minutes at each and plan for at least 1.5 hours total.
• Each station has a QR code linking to a recorded “invitation” from a Forest Therapy Guide. You can follow the invitation or adapt it however you feel is right. This is your time—listen to your body.
• You can use your phone to scan QR codes, but consider airplane mode to avoid distractions. If you prefer not to use your phone, laminated trail maps with printed invitations are available at the trail’s welcome sign.
• If you’re with someone, try walking without talking to see how that silence changes your experience. Between stations, you can also ask: “What are you noticing?”
• Please use headphones for the audio invitations so you don’t disturb others (you can keep one ear free to hear the sounds of nature around you).
• It’s okay to touch and smell things, but please stay on the trail. This is a bird sanctuary, and some birds nest on the ground. Also, watch out for prickly plants.
• The trail goes clockwise in a loop. At the end of the trail, you will return to this spot after crossing the bridge.

The trail is certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), a global leader in forest therapy. ANFT was founded in 2012 and has trained over 3000 guides. “Forest therapy” and “forest bathing” often mean the same thing. A forest therapy guide is not a therapist—the forest plays that role. The Forest Bathing Trail at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is part of a growing network of ANFT-certified trails focused on well-being, nature protection, and meaningful outdoor experiences.