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Hiking at Night
While most hikers choose to explore the Bruce Trail by day to take in the colourful sights and vast vistas, venturing out after dark also has its benefits.
Hiking at night allows you to tap into other senses and explore nature in a whole new way. From stargazing to nocturnal animal sightings, there is a lot to see and hear when exploring the Bruce Trail after sunset. No matter your motivation for heading out for a nighttime hike, certain precautions should be taken to ensure that your time on the Trail is safe and enjoyable.
Before you go
Plan your route and choose somewhere familiar. It’s easy to get turned around in the darkness. Planning your route and hiking it in daylight first will help you know what to expect. If you’ve never tried hiking at night, start with a shorter hike somewhere familiar to you. Always stay on the Trail to avoid getting lost.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries. The Trail can be quite rugged with uneven surfaces, rocks, and roots. A headlamp or flashlight is essential for preventing trips and falls – and both are brighter and last longer than your phone’s built-in light. A light source with different settings, including a red light, is ideal as bright lights can be hard on your eyes over time.
Bring a fully charged cell phone. You should always bring your phone with you when hitting the trails in case you need to call for help. Most phones have a flashlight function that can act as a backup to your headlamp. You can also use your phone’s GPS with apps like the Bruce Trail App and what3words for navigational and safety purposes.
Wear reflective clothing and bring a whistle. A reflective piece of clothing can help other hikers or drivers see you in the darkness. A whistle can help others hear you in case of an emergency, even if they can’t see you.
Plan to do your first hike under a full moon and a clear sky.
A full moon can provide a surprising amount of light. Planning your first night hike during a full moon and clear sky can be a great way to acclimate yourself to hiking after dark.
Don’t go solo and tell someone where you are going. Always share your route with someone before heading out in case of an emergency. Bring a friend to explore the Trail together, or join one of the moonlit hikes offered by some Bruce Trail Clubs.
Bring layers. The temperature can drop quickly in the woods at night. Bring layers to stay warm and comfortable.
While Hiking
Slow down and be aware of hazards. Don’t expect to hike at the same pace you would in daylight. Darkness can make the terrain more challenging. Slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, and stay away from cliff edges to prevent injuries.
Be prepared for wildlife. Many animals such as coyotes, owls, bats, salamanders, foxes, opossums, and skunks are active at night. Sightings can enhance your nighttime hiking experience but be careful not to get too close. Keep your ears open to the sounds around you to avoid unwanted interactions.
While more preparations may be needed for a hike after dusk, for many, once they find themselves in the cool of the night gazing up at the constellations or watching an owl swoop through the darkness, the effort is well worth it.
