+ What is Threshold Forest?

Threshold Forest is a 25 acre private forest in the Frontenac Arch, the most biodiverse region of Canada, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Threshold Forest is home to wild forest experiences.

+ What are Threshold Experiences?

Guests at Threshold Forest experience the wild forest of the Frontenac Arch in a quiet, uncrowded and unhurried private environment. This limited access is provided through three types of services: forest therapy walks, photography workshops and wilderness weddings.

+ What is Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.” Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. We build on those benefits and look beyond, to what happens when people remember that we are a part of nature, not separate from it, and are related to all other beings in fundamental ways.

+ How does Forest Therapy work?

Forest Therapy is a practice. It is open-ended; there is no prescription for what a person "should" experience, or what benefits they "should" receive. Instead, it is a practice of developing a deepening relationship of reciprocity, in which the forest and the practitioner find a way to work together that supports the wholeness and wellness of each. In Forest Therapy, there is a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provides structure to the experience, while embracing the many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by the forest and the individual inspiration of each guide.

+ What is the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy?

The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs ( ANFT ) is the most experienced global leader in guide training, and promoting the development and practice of Forest Therapy. Our Forest Therapy Guide Training draws on the latest medical research, new developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions. Every guided walk is an act of power and beauty, cultivating deep connections that can have transformative impacts on people and nature. The ANFT approach to Forest Therapy has become the most-widely used framework for Forest Therapy in the world; with over 1100 guides who are guiding this practice in 55 countries.

+ What are the health benefits of Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy has proven health benefits, supported by scientific research. As well as the benefits of light exercise, there are direct physical health benefits which derive from breathing in beneficial compounds in the air in forest environments. In addition, a growing body of research has demonstrated a wide range of mental health benefits associated with wilderness forest experiences. A 2020 systematic review of recent forest therapy studies concluded that "forest therapy plays an important role in preventive medicine and stress management for all age groups." Here are some of the health benefits:

• Reduces Stress; particularly levels of the stress hormone cortisol
• Boosts Immune Functioning; particularly levels of natural killer cells - the body's disease fighting agents
• Improves Mood, Mental Performance and Creativity

Learn more about the scientific basis of Forest Therapy benefits on our Science page.

+ What happens during a Forest Therapy walk?

Forest therapy walks are not hikes but rather short walks of up to 2 hours on trails in Threshold Forest. Walks are a gentle, slow-paced experience which incorporates periods of quiet stillness, sitting, and laying down on the earth if desired.

• Guides provide an introduction to the history and geology of the land.
• Guests are invited to leave behind the day to day world of pressure and tasks, getting out of our heads and into our bodies, engaging our senses and exploring the forest environment.
• In a very relaxed way, guides will invite guests to connect with the forest through the senses. There is no right or wrong way, guests are free to do what feels comfortable.
• There are opportunities to reflect on the experience and to share what you are noticing with other participants if you choose; sharing is not required.
• Walks conclude with a tea service including light snacks.

+ How many guests join walks?

At Threshold Forest, regularly scheduled public walks are limited to a maximum of 12 guests.

+ Do guests in walks interact with one another?

Before, during and after walks, there are opportunities to chat with other guests. Guides invite guests to share their impressions of their experiences with one another as an option; it is not required. As walks strengthen the connection with nature, guests often find it meaningful to share their impressions with other guests, enriching the overall Threshold Experience.

+ What fitness level is needed for walks?

Forest Therapy walks are not hikes, but rather short walks of up to 2 hours duration. The trails are not long, challenging or strenuous. Walks are designed for all fitness levels and include accommodations for a range of mobility levels.

+ What if it rains?

Threshold Experiences are rain or shine. Rain adds an extra dimension to the sensory nature of walks, creates unique photographic opportunities, and adds a theme of fertility to weddings. Be sure to dress properly if rain is forecast. In the case of extreme weather that would be hazardous or threaten unnecessary risks, experiences may be cancelled and guests will be notified by email or phone with details about alternative dates.

+ What should I bring?

• Water bottle (snacks if you like)
• Comfortable, layered clothing. As we are not exerting ourselves and sometimes still, you may need to dress a little more warmly than you usually would depending on the weather conditions.
• Warm hat or sun hat depending on the season and weather.
• Insect repellant and/or sun screen.
• Umbrella, hoodie or rain poncho as needed.
• Comfortable footwear to ensure your feet are warm and dry.
• Anything else you need to feel comfortable, including walking poles, a portable stool, or a backpack.

+ What if I am running late?

Please contact your guide if you are running late. Guides will give up to 10 minutes extra time for arrival, but will begin the experience then out of respect for the time of other guests.

+ What happens upon arrival?

Guests assemble at the parking area. The guide greets guests there and confirms COVID-19 screening status and guests sign a standard waiver. The guide will lead guests to the trail for the Threshold Experience.

+ What if I need to leave early?

No problem! But please notify your guide in advance or when you realize you need to leave so that we know that you have not become lost.

+ What if I am hungry?

Feel free to bring snacks. We do offer tea service and light snacks at the end of walks. For some experiences, a light lunch may be served. There are toilet facilities available at the parking area. Please make us aware during your visit of any comfort issues you may have - paying attention and honouring what your body needs at all times is an important part of healthy Threshold Forest experiences.

+ What about cell phones and social media?

The wild forest environment is best experienced without the distractions of technology. Out of respect for the privacy and experiences of all guests, we ask guests to turn off their phones during walks. Posting to social media during experiences is not permitted due to our strict policy of privacy for each and every guest so that all guests can experience their journey without worrying about being recorded. Taking photos with GPS coordinates or otherwise recording GPS position is also not permitted. We do encourage guests to spread the word about experiences afterward, while limiting what is shared to individual experiences. Violation of these policies may lead to being asked to leave and being banned from further visits.

+ What if I have a question not listed here?

Please contact us through our Contact form if you have any questions!