Forest Therapy (Shinrin Yoku), Markham

Markham has 4 designated forest therapy trails, developed with the help of the Global Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT). Each trail has self-guided interpretive signs and seating areas. Each sign invites you to connect with nature using your senses.

What is forest therapy? This is a popular practice in Japan, where it is called Shinrin Yoku (which translates to Forest Bathing). It is a way of slowing down and spending time in nature in a way that promotes peacefulness and healing. Studies have shown that being in nature can lower blood pressure and help our bodies feel less stress.

You do not need to go to Markham to practice shinrin yoku, but visiting these trails at least once will teach you what forest therapy is all about. It can give you ideas for practicing your own shinrin yoku in any forest, especially if there is a river, stream, or lake nearby.

These are the four forest therapy trails in Markham:

Rouge Valley Trail is 1.8 km one way, so 3.6 km for a return trip. Park at Rouge River Community Centre near 120 Rouge Bank Drive. This trail goes under the 407 highway, so it is noisy in the middle of the trail, but very peaceful and lovely at the end.

Springdale Park and Valley is a short 445 m loop. There is a small parking lot near 45 Norwich Drive.

Toogood Pond Park is 1 km one way, so 2 km round trip. The parking lot is near 280 Unionville Main Street. To find the forest therapy trail from the parking lot, go to the right when facing the pond, cross the long bridge, and then you will see a sign directing you to the trail.

Pomona Mills Park is a 1.3 km loop. The parking lot is near 200 John Street. It is a short distance from there to the start of the trail, which is just east of Henderson Ave.

Time codes
00:00 Introduction
00:07 What is a Forest Therapy trail
00:32 Rouge Valley Trail
01:08 Springdale Park & Valley
01:33 Toogood Pond Park
02:02 Pomona Mills Park
02:21 Maps
02:46 Summary and Comparison

[TravelHungryForLife]

Great channel my friend like and support here keep it up be safe always 👌🏼👌🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[riversandcoffee]

I’m all in on forest therapy… It’s what I seek…thanks 😊

[OntarioHikingTrails]

Great Video I love that there are so many trails in Toronto

[eyecomeinpeace]

So nice to be in touch with nature. I can only hope and pray that the provincial government won't touch all these beautiful parks and greenspace for housing development.