Night Moves

It’s a chilly Saturday night in late January. But instead of popcorn and a movie, my partner, Chris Bean, and I decide to venture out for a winter night hike. We find ourselves in a lineup of vehicles entering the Terra Cotta Conservation Area, 485 sprawling acres of the Niagara Escarpment on the southwest border of Caledon. Sure, such lineups are a common sight at the height of summer or during fall leaf-viewing season, but in the depths of winter?

We’re both originally from Northern Ontario and find solace in long winters by embracing the outdoors, but this is a first for us. We are pleasantly surprised by how many others are here, in the dark, bundled up and ready to go – many with headlamps. It’s shortly after 7 o’clock and we’re all exploring a two-kilometre illuminated trail – part of Credit Valley Conservation’s Ignite the Night program. The last entry time is extended to 8 p.m. with a closing time of 9 p.m. It’s free, aside from the park entry fee. 

As we set out, the air is crisp and refreshing. The snow glitters under the light of our headlamps and a peaceful stillness envelops us. It is a sensory journey unlike any other. The night sharpens our senses; every crunch of snow underfoot is amplified, and the darkness transforms the familiar landscape into something magical.

Lachlan McVie, a night hiker and backcountry canoer I connected with before our hike, helped explain the allure of night hiking to me. “Since we had kids, night hiking has become a must for us,” the Alton resident explains. “In winter, it gets dark so early that you either head out or miss out entirely.” For Lachlan, what began as a necessity quickly turned into a cherished tradition. He notes how being out in nature offers a break from the daily grind and a refreshing sense of calm.

As we venture deeper into the trail, the atmosphere shifts as we encounter five light installations, each showcasing a specific tree species: red oak, hemlock, sugar maple, American beech and willow. These artistic displays not only light our path, but also deepen our appreciation for the diverse flora around us. The first half of the trail is adorned with twinkling lights that evoke a fairytale-like ambience, while the second half, illuminated by tiki torches, offers a more rustic feel.

“Winter night hiking is an incredible adventure,” says Emily Quinton, president of the Alton Grange Association, which manages a 350-acre tract through which Shaws Creek and the Credit River flow. “It’s less busy, plus, there are no bugs! There’s something really cool about seeing the landscape through all its natural changes.”

Emily has been an all-season hiker for years and recalls her early adventures on the Bruce Trail with her grandparents. “They jumped into it with both feet and that was part of my inspiration,” she says. “Now in my free time I volunteer to lead seasonal hikes in the Alton Grange. We’ll set up bonfires and do two guided hikes each season.” She recommends that readers follow the association on social media to find out about upcoming hike events. 

The lack of foliage makes even familiar trails seem novel, Emily says. “You see everything in a new way. If there’s water, you can spot birds and beaver activity that you might miss in the summer. Plus, the trails are so accessible now that many libraries rent out hiking poles, and some conservation areas offer snowshoes and skis for rent.”

Indeed, one of the goals of events like Ignite the Night is to remind nature lovers that they can – and should! – cross-country ski, snowshoe and walk trails they’re used to traversing long before the snow flies, even if they have to plan their own itinerary. At various intersections along the Caledon Trailway, for example, visitors can pair an evening hike with a hot chocolate stop in a nearby village. 

Gazing upward on my hike, I marvel at the twinkling stars that seemed to shimmer even more brightly against the winter backdrop. Every sound – snow squeaking, trees creaking, the whisper of the wind – is heightened in the stillness. I make a mental note to return with my teenage daughters, hoping to share this extraordinary adventure with them. 

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As Chris and I stroll, he points out notable signs of wildlife. His keen eye for details reminds me of my conversation with Lachlan: “Night hiking isn’t just about the hike. It’s also about reconnecting with nature.” Lachlan also emphasizes how essential these moments are for our mental clarity and connection to the world around us. “Without daylight as your guide, your senses take over,” he notes. At first, this shift can feel unsettling, but once you let your senses adjust, it feels profound.

And though I appreciate the solitude of the hike, the camaraderie of fellow hikers is equally rewarding. As we pass families and couples, short conversations flow easily, punctuated by shared moments of awe at the installations along the path. We were all part of an exclusive club, united by our love for the outdoors.

Preparing for a winter night hike doesn’t require a hefty investment. “If you’re starting out, you don’t necessarily need winter hiking boots,” Emily advises. Regular boots can work well since you’re not as hard on your footwear in the snow, she says. “Ice cleats are also a great investment – they can be as little as $15 and make a significant difference when you encounter icy patches.”

Lachlan recommends bringing two headlamps, a backup flashlight and extra batteries. “You can find headlamps at hardware stores and it’s always good to be prepared,” he adds. 

As we finish our hike, we gather around a cozy firepit near the park store, where guests can purchase small souvenirs like stuffed animals and books about local wildlife. We indulge in hot chocolate and unwind with fellow adventurers. The warmth of the fire adds to the sense of community. 

Steve Fisher is a hiking leader with the Oak Ridges Trail Association, which organizes hikes year-round along the Oak Ridges Moraine, a 200-kilometre ridge that runs from Caledon’s Niagara Escarpment in the west all the way to the Trent River in the east, and includes places like the Palgrave Forest. “Winter on our trails is a whole different expedition,” the Schomberg resident explains, echoing Emily’s perspective. “Without the density of foliage, you see everything differently. The landscape transforms and the absence of mosquitoes makes winter the ideal season for hikers.”

For me, the fresh air, the crackle of snow beneath my feet, and the magical interplay of moonlight and starlight made my chilly hike both calming and invigorating. I’ll be back.