Biophilia refers to human’s innate desire to spend time in and connect with nature. Embrace your biophilia this year by resolving to spend one day a week exploring your local forest!

Several studies have revealed that spending time in the forest has multiple health benefits, including: an improved immune system, lower levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, lower blood glucose levels, and even cancer prevention. Not to mention the positive psychological effects forests have on us; walking as little as 15 minutes in the forest can decrease feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue.

There are compounding benefits to spending more time outside; along with all the health benefits I listed above, you get physical exercise from walking through the woods and intellectual stimulation by observing the plant and animal species that surround you.

Try out some forest therapy this year by visiting one of the many beautiful forests the Fraser Valley has to offer. Here are a few of my favorites:

Abbotsford

Sumas Mountain Regional Park

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No

Sumas Mountain also has a tremendous number of trails carved throughout this lush, dense forest. A favorite trail of mine to visit in the summer is the Chadsey Lake trail. There is nothing like having a dip in a cool lake hidden amongst trees after a strenuous hike. If you are an experienced hiker, you can continue to the most spectacular viewpoint at Sumas Mountain, that is about 1.3 kilometers more hiking after you reach the lake.

Cassiar Park Discovery Trail

Transit accessible: Yes

Stroller or mobility device friendly: Yes

Wildlife and nature abound on this urban, paved trail! It’s a casual, easy walking path that is popular with Abbotsford residents for good reason! I used to live right beside this trail and have seen all sorts of wildlife here, like deer, owls, snakes, frogs, and rabbits.

Maclure Trail Park

Transit accessible: Yes

Stroller or mobility device friendly: Some parts

Take a relaxing hike on your next lunch break in this urban forest that boasts wooden bridges crossing over streams, hills blanketed in a thick covering of ferns, and sweet peace and quiet.

Mission

Fraser River Heritage Park

Transit accessible: Somewhat

Stroller or mobility device friendly: Some parts

This is a lovely park with a trail for all levels and abilities. There is a paved loop trail, an open field for dogs to run free, and for more adventurous hikers, a path that takes you all the way up to Heritage Mountain.

Mission Municipal Forest

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No

This forest is popular for hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners alike, with trail networks galore for you to explore! My favorite trail in this park is the Bear Mountain Loop. It takes you to a wonderful viewpoint and is generally a relaxing hike through a beautiful forest.

79 Grind Trail

 

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No

For more experienced hikers, this brand-new trail is well-marked and takes you to a platform with a breathtaking view of the entire area. Take more water than you think you need, because the uphill on this trail is a bit strenuous, but the road to the trailhead is drivable for even the most unadventurous car.

Hunter Logging Road

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No

This trail easily has the highest reward for the lowest amount of effort. It is almost a smooth, straight hike up an easy incline to one of the most spectacular views of Stave Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The parking area for this trail is very limited and it is quite a popular trail, so try going on a weekday, and if the parking lot is full, try one of the other trails on this list!

Rolley Lake

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: Some parts

Save this easy hike for a gloomy, rainy day, as it sets the mood for an easy walk around a beautiful lake surrounded by a dense forest. There is even a small waterfall to check out if you want to do a bit more walking. The trail is almost all stroller-friendly, minus a few parts where there are excessive rocks and roots covering the trail.

Chilliwack

Elk Mountain

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No

Elk Mountain is a beautiful hike in all seasons; after a smooth, steady incline up a well-maintained trail, you’ll reach the most incredible view of Chilliwack at the top. From here, you can keep going onto Mount Thurston if you still have plenty of daylight and energy. Try to go on a weekday if you can, because this trail (and the parking lot) can get packed on weekends.

Chilliwack Community Forest

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No

This may be my favorite forest on this list. You and your dog will love going for a serene hike through a forest with the most huggable trees. There is a wide variety of trails in this forest for whatever mood you’re feeling that day, whether you want to trek up a mountain, or just go for a nice stroll through the forest.

Bosumarne Falls

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No.

Deep in the Chilliwack River Valley lies this little trail that winds through a forest of towering trees that takes you to a mind-blowingly-beautiful waterfall. While this trail is not that strenuous of a journey, there is a section that requires you to cross over a creek via a fallen log, so be prepared for that!

Mount Thom

Transit accessible: Yes

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No.

While this well-marked trail can be quite the workout to walk up, you are rewarded with an incredible view overlooking Cultus Lake and Chilliwack from the top! Despite its steady incline, it is a great trail for inexperienced hikers and children.

Seven Sisters Trail

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No.

This is a beautiful and easy trail by Cultus Lake that winds through a mossy cedar-filled forest to a couple of old-growth trees that have many stories to tell if you stand there long enough to listen. You have to walk through Entrance Bay Campground to get to the trailhead, but after that, it is a smooth and easy hike!

Lindeman Lake

Transit accessible: No

Stroller or mobility device friendly: No.

Would this list be complete without one of the most famous hiking trails in the Fraser Valley? People come from far and wide to see this turquoise-colored alpine lake that is hidden in a dense forest. Try to go on a weekday if you can, or as early as possible on the weekend to avoid a mob of people who you’ll share the trail with. If you’re an experienced hiker, and well-prepared for the journey, you can even continue to Greendrop Lake if you feel up to hiking through half a dozen boulder fields. Be sure to check the trail conditions before going and be prepared for all types of weather!