Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy
Connecting with the Forest
Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese practice known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy. Shinrin means forest and Yoku means bath. It is an evidence-based therapeutic practice that connects people to forest environments through gentle sensory-based invitations. The intention of Shinrin Yoku is to deepen one’s connection with the forest.
- What are the benefits of Shinrin Yoku?
Researchers have found that people who spend time in forests have lower heart rates, lower blood pressure and lower concentration of stress hormones.
Shinrin Yoku trails in the City of Markham provide visitors with the unique opportunity to explore the Greenbelt protected river valleys, and allow visitors to experience the positive physical and mental health impacts that result from connecting to nature.
- Where can I find Shinrin Yoku trails in Markham?
Markham is pleased to have self-guided Shinrin Yoku trails in:
Pomona Mills Park (200 John Street, John Street and Bayview Avenue).
Rouge Valley Trail (120 Rouge Bank Drive, 14th Avenue and Legacy Drive). Enter by Rouge River Community Centre.
Springdale Park and Valley (45 Norwich Drive, 16th Avenue and Markham Road).
Toogood Pond Park (280 Unionville Main Street, Carlton Avenue and Main Street Unionville).
- What can I expect to see?
The Shinrin Yoku trails include improvements to the existing pathway system through the addition of mulch, interpretive signage and seating. The Park Renaissance Program worked with the Global Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT) a registered non-profit organization, to create the interpretive signage for the Shinrin Yoku trails. Each trail has its own unique interpretive signage, to create places where individuals and groups can go to for a self-guided Shinrin Yoku experience.
Markham is proud to announce that the Springdale Park and Valley trail is the first GIFT designated trail in all of Canada!
- How were the trails funded?
Program Funding and Partnerships:
The majority of this project has been funded by the City of Markham’s Parks Renaissance Program (81%), in fitting with the mandate to revitalize older parks to encourage further engaged residents.The Greenbelt Foundation and Park People were engaged throughout the planning and implementation stages of this program. The remaining project funding (19%) was provided by the Greenbelt River Valley Connector Program – a collaborative grant offered by the Greenbelt Foundation and Park People.
- Learn more about Public Realm
Visit our Public Realm web page to learn more about the public realm, where we live, work, socialize and play.