Situated on 25 acres of serene natural forest about a two-and-a-half-hour-drive from Toronto, Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, best known for their renowned Scandinavian Baths, is now offering both guests and registered visitors, a certified Forest Bathing Trail experience. The new Forest Bathing Trail officially opened on June 6th, 2019 and is the second of its kind in Canada certified by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Forest Bathing.
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-Yoku, is simply taking a slow walk in the woods while mindfully taking in your surroundings through your senses. The practice follows the general principle that it is beneficial to spend time “bathing” in the atmosphere of the forest for enhancing health, wellness and happiness. There is a synergy between Forest Bathing and the Scandinavian Baths, both offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, with a connection to nature that is proven to be beneficial for your overall health and wellness.
The Trail is conveniently located on a small section of the property, just beyond the Baths. A perfect addition to a relaxing visit to Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, either before, or after, you experience the Scandinavian Baths. The trail is about half a mile (0.8 km) and leads guests through seven marked stations.
As guests wander slowly to each post, taking as long as they wish to experience each one, they mindfully move through the landscape in a way that cultivates a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, mirroring the results achieved in the Baths.
To fully realize the benefits of the Forest Bathing Trail, guests need to give their full attention to both honoring silence and engaging in digital detox. These attributes are not only part of the Scandinave brand but are designed to help guests achieve complete rejuvenation and a deeper connection to nature.
Nature supports our mind and body in so many ways, and by taking a walk in a forest we are able to access the much-needed relaxation + health benefits of spending extended time in the outdoors. For those urban dwellers, breathing in forest air doesn’t just feel fresher and better, it actually is, due to various essential oils, generally called phytoncide, found in wood, plants, and some fruit and vegetables, which improves immune system function. So, by walking amongst the trees we can reduce stress, anxiety, improve our immune system and promote feelings of joy, happiness, awe, and wonder. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain is open daily from 9am-9pm. Guests must be 18 yrs and older.
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Rachel Friedman Elberts is a Park City, Utah based writer, personal trainer, fitness and outdoor enthusiast. You can find her at www.stokecoach.com