Guided Hiking & Forest Bathing experiences in the Beautiful parks around Victoria & Sooke. |
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Workshop Hikes
Tea in the Trees
Hosted at Sandcut Beach or Sooke Potholes.
The fresh spring growth of many plants and trees can be collected and enjoyed as a wild tea. They may be dried for storage or enjoyed fresh. It's a comforting way to connect further with the natural world and the friends you're sharing the pot of tea with. As we hike I'll identify various plants that can be used in a wild tea blend. I'll pick us enough for a pot of tea, boil some water, and steep the wild ingredients right in front of you! Each guest will get a small bag to pick their own tea blend as we hike so that you can make another pot for yourself later. 2-3hrs $50 per person Challenge Rating - 3/10 |
Forest Bathing 101
Hosted at East Sooke Park or Sooke Potholes
The practice of Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, has been shown to benefit many aspects of our health; both mental & physical. There are many ways to reap the benefits of this practice, and like other forms of meditation, there is no one, perfect method. Each person must find their own comfortable method of Forest Bathing. This experience will introduce you to the practice and give you the mental tools to continue on your own path. 2-3hrs $50 per person Challenge Rating - 3/10 |
Local Park Tours
Sooke PotholesNo trip to the Sooke area is complete without hiking through the Sooke Potholes park and learning about the local history, flora & fauna. Hear about the Leechtown Goldrush, Deertrail Lodge, and the Galloping Goose Rail Line while hiking the riverside. The yearly salmon returns in the fall are a sight to behold, and truly a wonder of nature. High water levels in the winter make for excellent waterfall viewing. This pristine river ecosystem is fed from the watershed lands of Sooke Lake where the drinking water for the Victoria region is collected. Summer tours are only advised early in the morning or evening; the area can be overrun with swimmers and parking is in short supply.
3-4hrs $65 per person A backpack & light trail lunch is provided for each guest. Challenge Rating - 5/10 |
East Sooke Park The rugged coastline of East Sooke Park offers spectacular views of the Salish Sea and the Olympic Mountains, with possible wildlife viewing of Sea Lions, seals, birds, and the resident Orca Whales.
We'll hike from Aylard Farm to Beechey Head through the inland trail, and back along the coastal trail; stopping to view a historic petroglyph carved into a large rock-face. This is a challenging trail with steep sections and loose footing; sturdy footwear and a moderate level of physical fitness are required to complete this route. 3-4hrs $65 per person A backpack & light trail lunch is provided for each guest. Challenge Rating - 7/10 |
Mount QuimperBest viewpoint in the Sooke Hills, but you really have to work for it! The 550m summit of this mountain was once used as a forest fire lookout point with its commanding view of the Sooke Hills. The cabin on the summit has been kept in great repair, offering some shelter from the elements on a rainy day. The 5.6km hike to the summit takes approx 1.5hrs, but there are plenty of places to stop, take in the view and catch your breath. This is a very challenging with loose footing, steep slopes & no guard rails. A high level of physical fitness is required to complete it comfortably.
3-4hrs $65 per person A backpack & light trail lunch is provided for each guest. Challenge Rating - 8/10 |
Sheringham Point Park
**Coming Soon**
Located just 20 minutes from Sooke in the town of Shirley, this 3km loop trail weaves through a spectacular mature forest, with just enough elevation gain to get your blood pumping. The southern portion of the trail is a short walk to view the Sheringham Lighthouse, a National Historic Site. The lighthouse is not open to enter, but the base of the structure offers a spectacular view of the Olympic Peninsula while the waves of the Salish Sea crash on the rocks beneath you. On occasion, Orca & Humpback whales can be seen in the waters near by.
3-4hrs $65 per person
A backpack & light trail lunch is provided for each guest.
Challenge Rating - 6/10
Located just 20 minutes from Sooke in the town of Shirley, this 3km loop trail weaves through a spectacular mature forest, with just enough elevation gain to get your blood pumping. The southern portion of the trail is a short walk to view the Sheringham Lighthouse, a National Historic Site. The lighthouse is not open to enter, but the base of the structure offers a spectacular view of the Olympic Peninsula while the waves of the Salish Sea crash on the rocks beneath you. On occasion, Orca & Humpback whales can be seen in the waters near by.
3-4hrs $65 per person
A backpack & light trail lunch is provided for each guest.
Challenge Rating - 6/10
Meet Your Guide, Ryan.
A 30 year resident of the Sooke area, with plenty of knowledge and stories to share about the region. I've been guiding hikes with my business for the past 5 years, and love sharing my favourite places with people seeing them for the first time. In the past I've worked as a Sailing Instructor, Bartender, Restaurant Manager, Maintenance Man, Coast Guard Deckhand, and am starting a small farm this year to supply produce for my wife's cafe. Learn more about The Natural Connection & what to expect on the trail on the "About" page, linked below.
Ask about custom tour packages.
Many more destinations available!
Guest Reviews & Media Spots
"Ryan was a fantastic guide. We enjoyed a long conversation with him throughout the tour. He's very knowledgeable about the area. Everything from plants to wildlife to history of the area. He was very attentive to our abilities as recreational tourists and he introduced us to meditation in a way that made us really enjoy it and feel confident in continuing it on our own should we wish to. I think we will. Thanks Ryan! We look forward to future hikes with you." "It has been a really great experience. Ryan is so nice and interesting. We've appreciated a lot how Ryan embarked us during this hike and meditation moment: very calm, affable, sharing his knowledge and giving us some space also. And the hike is absolutely beautiful, all along the river. Thanks again Ryan!" "I just spent the most amazing day on a guided hike with Ryan LeBlanc and a couple of my friends. Ryan had EVERYTHING prepared for our day - a pick up and drive to our destination and back; our own backpack each with water, the most delicious healthy lunch all from local sources, safety supplies; a hiking spot that was chosen specifically to match our group's interest and abilities; a perfect spot to eat lunch on top of a mountain overlooking the ocean towards the Olympic Mountain range; a guided meditation after lunch.....it was a soulful, heartwarming experience full of great conversation, laughter, ease and flow. I highly highly recommend Ryan's "Natural Connection" guided adventures for couples, locals, or visitors from out of town, or as unique birthday/wedding/holiday/etc gifts for nature lovers of all ages, sizes and abilities. Ryan will find the perfect spot for your adventure into nature! Thank you so much Ryan - loved our day!!!!" |
"I booked this hike last minute and I am so glad I did, Ryan was an amazing host and tour guide. He's a true local who's very well educated in all that nature has to offer. I learned so much on this hike about the potholes and the different types of plants that are native to the area. The meditation was calming and the snacks were a bonus. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me and I will definitely recommend booking with him and his amazing tour company. All the best Ryan and good luck with the adventures." "Forest bathing, based on the Japanese concept of Shinrin-yoku, seeks health bennifits from mindful time in nature. You're in good hands with outing leader Ryan LeBlanc, who is Coast Guard trained, well versed in local flora and has never owned an umbrella. You might begin your hike at Thetis Lake with a series of stretches before finding a mossy rock to sit on (Foam pad provided) for a guided meditation to attune your senses to the elements." "What a great hike at Sooke Potholes this evening and such a spectacular place to learn about bears. We learned so much from Ryan who clearly has years of experience, a lot of knowledge and presents it all in such a warm and friendly manner. He clearly respects wildlife and loves this island we are lucky enough to call home. If you are looking for a great hike or to learn something new, I recommend giving Ryan a call." |
"We went to the Tea in the Trees and it was an exceptional day. We had a three-hour walk through the beautiful natural park which the guide interpreted. The walk is challenging in places so you need to be physically fit. Although we had a child in our group, she did only the first, easier part of the walk then returned with her mom to the start. Halfway we were given a break with scones and tea, sitting in the wild while overlooking a lake. The tea was made with the dried leaves of plants found in the area. Very nice! Afterward we had appetizers and drinks in the lovely restaurant."
~Kweega (Tripadvisor Review)
"Hiking in Victoria BC is a year round activity locals and visitors alike can enjoy. While I’ve done one standout hike in the area – the Coastal Trail in East Sooke Regional Park – I hadn’t spent any time in the regional parks closer to Victoria. That all changed when I hooked up with guide Ryan Leblanc from The Natural Connection. I was going to spend some time practicing Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing. This was all new to me and while I didn’t expect to get naked, I really wasn’t sure how this would be any different from a hike in the woods. Right off the bat, I could tell that our first hike of the day – a loop around beautiful Matheson Lake- was going to be about the journey, not the destination. We started off with a good 5-10 minutes of stretching, something I never do. And then shortly after we started hiking Ryan asked me to pick up a rock and a pine cone. From there I was to transfer all my negative energy and thoughts to the rock and focus all the positive energy into the pine cone. Then I pitched the rock. I wish I could say all negativity has stayed out of my life since that rock went sailing through the air but it hasn’t. Still for the day I spent hiking with Ryan I really did focus on all that was right in my life, of which there is plenty. He did get me to focus on all five senses (even eating bitter berries) and I credit him for slowing me down so I was wholly in the moment. I also appreciated that much of our hike was done in silence so we could both really focus on nature."
~ Leigh McAdams HikeBikeTravel.Com
"One moment, we were in the dark forest. After turning a corner, we were back in sunlight, at the end of the Salish Sea. “Take a seat and get comfortable,” said Ryan, who started to guide our meditation setting overlooking the ocean. I peeked one eye open to catch a quick glimpse of my partner. Meditation isn’t exactly his thing, but he seemed pretty Zen in that moment. Next was smell, where we picked one scent to focus on, the crisp air, or salt spray, mud on the boots. Then touch, where we physically connected to the Earth with bare hands and focused on the wind on our face. Taste came later in the day with some delicious trail snacks from Glenrosa of fresh crostini, pickled beets, a variety of tasty cheese, homemade sausage, cured meats and a thermos filled with hot tea."
~ Kristyl Clark ValleyMom.ca
"There are so many things occupy your time with while in Victoria. If you’re a nature lover, check out one of The Natural Connection‘s guided hikes. Led by Ryan LeBlanc, the company’s owner, you get to discover some of the most beautiful local hikes and point of views. He comes equipped with a gourmet lunch and supplies for your hike. He is a super knowledgeable guide, who invites you to use all five senses when exploring the area. It’s a great way to discover all of the stunning scenery just next to the city."
~Melissa Offner (Melsays.com)
~Kweega (Tripadvisor Review)
"Hiking in Victoria BC is a year round activity locals and visitors alike can enjoy. While I’ve done one standout hike in the area – the Coastal Trail in East Sooke Regional Park – I hadn’t spent any time in the regional parks closer to Victoria. That all changed when I hooked up with guide Ryan Leblanc from The Natural Connection. I was going to spend some time practicing Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing. This was all new to me and while I didn’t expect to get naked, I really wasn’t sure how this would be any different from a hike in the woods. Right off the bat, I could tell that our first hike of the day – a loop around beautiful Matheson Lake- was going to be about the journey, not the destination. We started off with a good 5-10 minutes of stretching, something I never do. And then shortly after we started hiking Ryan asked me to pick up a rock and a pine cone. From there I was to transfer all my negative energy and thoughts to the rock and focus all the positive energy into the pine cone. Then I pitched the rock. I wish I could say all negativity has stayed out of my life since that rock went sailing through the air but it hasn’t. Still for the day I spent hiking with Ryan I really did focus on all that was right in my life, of which there is plenty. He did get me to focus on all five senses (even eating bitter berries) and I credit him for slowing me down so I was wholly in the moment. I also appreciated that much of our hike was done in silence so we could both really focus on nature."
~ Leigh McAdams HikeBikeTravel.Com
"One moment, we were in the dark forest. After turning a corner, we were back in sunlight, at the end of the Salish Sea. “Take a seat and get comfortable,” said Ryan, who started to guide our meditation setting overlooking the ocean. I peeked one eye open to catch a quick glimpse of my partner. Meditation isn’t exactly his thing, but he seemed pretty Zen in that moment. Next was smell, where we picked one scent to focus on, the crisp air, or salt spray, mud on the boots. Then touch, where we physically connected to the Earth with bare hands and focused on the wind on our face. Taste came later in the day with some delicious trail snacks from Glenrosa of fresh crostini, pickled beets, a variety of tasty cheese, homemade sausage, cured meats and a thermos filled with hot tea."
~ Kristyl Clark ValleyMom.ca
"There are so many things occupy your time with while in Victoria. If you’re a nature lover, check out one of The Natural Connection‘s guided hikes. Led by Ryan LeBlanc, the company’s owner, you get to discover some of the most beautiful local hikes and point of views. He comes equipped with a gourmet lunch and supplies for your hike. He is a super knowledgeable guide, who invites you to use all five senses when exploring the area. It’s a great way to discover all of the stunning scenery just next to the city."
~Melissa Offner (Melsays.com)
