A glowing winter wonderland is waiting to be discovered just outside the city, and it’s the perfect excuse to embrace the season and get some fresh air.
While most hiking adventures are reserved for the daylight hours, one hidden gem in Ontario is inviting you to explore the woods long after the sun goes down. From January 10, the Terra Cotta Conservation Area located just an hour’s drive from Toronto in Halton Hills will once again host their annual Ignite the Night event, a magical evening experience that transforms the forest into a twinkling escape.
The main attraction is a breathtaking two-kilometre illuminated trail, where visitors can journey through a backdrop of mature forests and frozen wetlands under the stars.
Whether you want to trek on foot or glide through the snow, the conservation area has you covered. Visitors can snowshoe, cross-country ski, or even try their hand at kick-sledding along the frosty routes, provided the weather cooperates.
If you don’t have your own equipment, rentals are available onsite – just be sure to pack a headlamp or a trusty flashlight to help guide your way through the deeper parts of the woods. After your trek, you can warm up with hot drinks or snacks from the park store.
Ignite the Night runs every Saturday evening from 6:30 – 9 p.m. until February 28, with last entry at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $8.50 for adults, $3.75 for youth, and free for children aged five and under.
As weather can impact conditions, be sure to check the Credit Valley Conservation website here ahead of your visit.