As the last light of day slips behind the horizon, most hikers are heading off the trail. But for a growing number of Canadians, this is the perfect moment to lace up their boots and step into the unknown. Night hiking is emerging as one of the most fun—and surprisingly peaceful—ways to reconnect with the wilderness. Under the cover of darkness, familiar landscapes are transformed, senses are heightened, and new adventures begin.
Why Hike After Dark?
For many, the initial appeal of night hiking is practical: summer temperatures can be sweltering during the day, while evenings are cooler and more comfortable. But as more hikers discover, there’s a deeper, more spiritual draw. Whether you’re stargazing from a windswept ridge or navigating a silent forest by moonlight, hiking after dark can be a meditative experience.
Canada’s Best Night Hiking Spots
By day, the Bruce Trail offers sweeping views of the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay. By night, it’s something else entirely. Under moonlight, the cliffs shimmer and shadows stretch across ancient limestone outcrops. The trail’s remote sections near Lion’s Head or Cape Croker are ideal for stargazing—and spotting nocturnal wildlife like deer or owls.
For those seeking a more immersive adventure, Ontario Parks features several overnight hiking opportunities. Algonquin Provincial Park is a favourite, particularly the Western Uplands Trail, which offers multi-day options for intermediate hikers. Bon Echo and Charleston Lake also provide remote backcountry sites perfect for a moonlit escape.
In Alberta, Banff National Park offers an unforgettable night hiking experience beneath some of the clearest skies in the Canadian Rockies. As part of a designated dark sky preserve, Banff is a prime spot for viewing stars, northern lights, and even the Milky Way on clear nights. Trails like Tunnel Mountain provide a relatively short, well-marked climb with rewarding views over the town of Banff—perfect for catching the alpenglow fading into starry skies. For a more open sky experience, the Fenland Trail, a flat loop through quiet forest and wetlands, is a peaceful spot to listen for nocturnal wildlife and watch the stars reflected in still water.
Across the border in British Columbia, Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish is a favorite for night adventurers seeking dramatic landscapes and starlit skies. The hike to Elfin Lakes provides a wide-open alpine basin perfect for stargazing or watching moonlight dance on the water. For something closer to Vancouver, the Stawamus Chief trail offers a challenging nighttime climb, but the panoramic views from the top are unbeatable when lit by the moon. Wildlife enthusiasts can also explore quieter trails in Yoho National Park, where nocturnal animals like owls, deer, and the occasional black bear may make an appearance under cover of darkness.
The Science of Seeing in the Dark
To hike safely and comfortably at night, understanding how your eyes adjust to darkness is crucial. It can take up to 45 minutes for your night vision to fully develop, so avoid bright white light whenever possible. Instead, rely on the light of the moon, your peripheral vision, and a headlamp with a red-light mode, which is gentler on your eyes and those of your fellow hikers.
Other tips:
Avoid looking directly at light sources.
Use your peripheral vision—your eyes see better in low light from the edges.
Slow down—roots and rocks seem to appear out of nowhere in the dark.
What to Pack for Night Hiking
A few gear tweaks can make a big difference on a night hike. Here’s what seasoned hikers recommend:
Red-light headlamp (with extra batteries)
Comfortable footwear with strong ankle support
Layers of clothing—temperatures can drop quickly after sunset
Trail map and compass or GPS app
Easy-access food and water
Emergency gear like a whistle, first-aid kit, and cellphone (though reception may be limited)
And don’t forget the essentials: tell someone your route and estimated return time. Safety should always be top of mind.
Pro Tips for a Stellar Night Hike
Start on familiar terrain: A trail you know well will feel less intimidating at night.
Time it with a sunset or full moon: Great lighting, better views, and less reliance on your headlamp.
Avoid solo hikes: Especially if you’re new to hiking at night—go with friends or join a guided group.
Stay organized: Keep your most-needed gear easily accessible in your pack.
Stay aware: Wildlife encounters are rare, but you’ll hear and see more in the dark. Be alert and respectful.
Choose the Right Setting
From open ridgelines to dense forests, the landscape you pick will shape your night hiking experience. Lighter rock surfaces reflect moonlight beautifully, offering better visibility and epic stargazing opportunities. Darker, wooded trails allow your eyes to fully adjust—and increase your odds of spotting nocturnal animals.
Just be sure to check park hours and rules—some provincial and city parks close after dark, so plan accordingly.
Final Thought: The Magic of the Moonlit Trail
Night hiking in Canada is about more than extending your trail time—it’s about unlocking a new way of seeing and feeling the wilderness. Whether you’re tracing the Bruce Trail by starlight or bunking down in the Algonquin backcountry after a twilight trek, the experience invites stillness, presence, and wonder.
And in a country where nature reigns supreme, that’s always worth staying up late for.
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