Canadian Outdoor Therapies Network
Where nature and mental health meet—across disciplines, sectors, and communities.
The Field Is Growing
Mental health professionals, outdoor leaders, and researchers across Canada are using outdoor experiences to support therapeutic outcomes. But the field remains fragmented, under-recognized, and disconnected. COTN exists to change that—by connecting the people doing the work.
COTN is a pan-Canadian network focused on outdoor and nature-based approaches to mental health. It brings together people doing this work to share insight, strengthen practice, and increase visibility. It is not a certifying body. It does not regulate clinical practice. It creates space for connection, credibility, and coordination.
A New Chapter with OCC
In 2025, COTN joined forces with the Outdoor Council of Canada. While the network continues its collaborative, multi-sector nature, this alignment brings added infrastructure, communications reach, and long-term support. The relationship is evolving—and grounded in shared purpose.
If You Are a Health Professional…
COTN connects you to others using outdoor practice—from walk therapy to land-based healing. It helps raise visibility and connects your work to sector conversations and research.
If You Are an Outdoor Leader…
You do not need to be a therapist to care about mental health. COTN helps you understand where your work overlaps with wellness—and where it should not. It links you to conversations, tools, and people navigating this same terrain.
If You Run an Organization…
COTN gives you access to a national view of this field. It can support your staff, connect you with aligned programs, and help you assess opportunities and limits.
Current Focus
• Mapping who is doing this work—and how
• Hosting sector-wide conversations and events
• Supporting ethical alignment, visibility, and research
• Helping institutions understand and support outdoor mental health work responsibly
Where This Came From
COTN builds on a decade of Canadian Adventure Therapy Symposiums (2009–2019). Those events brought together hundreds of people across disciplines. They called for a national network. Now it exists.
Join the Network
We are growing. Whether you are clinical, non-clinical, new to this, or years in, there is space here for you.