On World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2025), we’re celebrating something simple and profoundly needed: regular time in nature. The science is clear—contact with green and blue spaces reduces stress, improves mood, and supports long-term mental well-being. For the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC (FMCBC), this isn’t just interesting evidence; it’s one of the reasons we advocate so strongly for protecting non-motorized access to BC’s backcountry and trails—for all.

A growing body of Canadian and international research shows that time outdoors yields measurable benefits. One widely cited study of nearly 20,000 people found that at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with significantly higher odds of reporting good health and high well-being—benefits that tend to peak around 200–300 minutes per week.1

Regular time spent in nature is linked to better brain health across our lifespan. (2)

Closer to home, a recent Canadian briefing synthesizes dozens of studies and highlights several key findings:

  • Even 90 minutes in a natural setting can reduce rumination, a risk factor for depression, compared to the same time spent in non-green urban environments.
  • Short bouts of time in forests lower stress markers.
  • Greened schoolyards are linked to improved cooperation and reduced aggression in kids.

These benefits are especially urgent because mental health needs in Canada are high.

National data indicate that in any given year, 1 in 5 people live with a mental illness, and by age 40, about half of Canadians will have experienced one.1 As our world becomes more complex, amid climate anxiety, economic pressures, political anxiety, and digital overload, nearby nature offers a highly accessible, low-cost buffer against chronic stress. Importantly, the research suggests multiple pathways for why it works:

  • Nature nudges us to be active.
  • Fosters social connection.
  • Reduces exposure to noise and air pollution.
  • Promotes psychological restoration.

Each is linked to better brain health across the lifespan.

Equity and proximity matter, too. Most Canadians live in large urban centres, where anxiety and depression risks are elevated and access to restorative landscapes can be uneven. Ensuring that people can see trees from home, reach a park within a short walk, and enjoy communities with robust canopy cover are practical design targets that help deliver mental-health benefits where people actually live. That’s why public access, via safe, connected trail networks, transit-reachable trailheads, and well-maintained green spaces should be treated as essential health infrastructure, not a luxury.

The good news: British Columbia is also a leader in turning evidence into action. An example of this is the work being done by the BC Parks Foundation (BCPF). The BCPF is building a culture of stewardship and everyday connection through its Healthy By Nature initiative, creating opportunities for children and families to form healthy relationships with the outdoors.3  The Foundation also leads PaRx: A Prescription for Nature, Canada’s national, evidence-based nature-prescription program that now counts thousands of participating health professionals. PaRx encourages patients to make nature a regular part of their health plan, often starting with just 20 minutes a few times a week, progressively building toward that 120-minute weekly target supported by research. 3

What does this mean for us at FMCBC, and for you?

  • Protect access: We advocate for non-motorized recreation and the protection of trail corridors so that everyone—kids, elders, newcomers, people with disabilities—can safely reach restorative landscapes close to home and farther afield. Healthy people need healthy, accessible places.
  • Invest in maintenance: Trails, bridges, signage, and urban canopy require ongoing care. Stewardship keeps nature’s “dose” safe and available year-round, especially as extreme weather increases.
  • Think “little and often”: You don’t need a weeklong expedition to feel better. Short, frequent visits to local parks, greenways, and community forests add up. Aim for two hours a week, in whatever increments fit your life.2
  • Invite someone along: Social connection amplifies nature’s benefits. Join a local hiking club (or invite a neighbour on a short walk). Collective experiences build belonging and resilience.

As we mark World Mental Health Day, let’s recognize that access to nature is a public-health priority. The evidence is robust. The solutions are practical. And in British Columbia, where forests, peaks, rivers, and shorelines are part of our shared identity, there’s a powerful opportunity to make well-being more equitable by keeping trails open, ecosystems healthy, and everyday contact with nature within reach.

FMCBC’s volunteers, member clubs, and partners are working toward exactly that. 

Because when people can get outside safely, communities thrive, and so does our health. 

If you live in BC and you’re interested in being a member of a non-motorized outdoor recreation club, find a club in your region here.

Interested in volunteering? Check out our volunteer page here.

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References:

  1. Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), Human Health & Wellbeing Committee. The Power of Nature for Mental Health and Well-Being: Nature. CSLA PDF
  2. White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., Bone, A., Depledge, M. H., & Fleming, L. E. “Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing.” Scientific Reports 9, 7730 (2019). (Sourced Literature)
  3. BC Parks Foundation. “Healthy By Nature.” Web page. (bcparksfoundation.ca)