Mini Adventure Highlight - Night Snowshoe Hike at the Keppoch
It is such a thrill to try something ‘out of the ordinary’ and take a step into the winter forest after dark. I was very fortunate to guide a Snowshoe at Night Hike at Keppoch Mountain and what I expected to be a simple outdoor activity turned into one of the most peaceful, memorable winter experiences I’ve ever had. With a great turn out of about 30 participants, we shared a magical evening on beautiful trails!
A Place of Gathering
Before we ventured on our evening hike, we had a moment to gather as a group inside the Keppoch lodge. There were families, friends, couples, and individuals of all ages who came to experience this special night. Many came in from other counties around the region. Some were even newcomers to Canada and wanted to experience some winter fun. It was truly a wonderful sight to see so many people from different interests and backgrounds coming together to give an evening snowshoe hike a try.
A Nighttime Treat on the Trails
With the mild but crisp evening air we fastened our snowshoes, lit up our headlamps and ventured out into the darkness. As we set out on our destination to the Game Changer trail, you could feel the soft crunch of the snow powder on the ground as well as the quietness amongst the trees in the forest. We had a steady but slow pace, as to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.
As we kept hiking, we looked up to see a clear sky with endless stars. We took a moment to take it all in. We continued to make our way through Shindig Hollow trail that looped our group back towards Game Changer and then to the lodge. Looking back and seeing the stream of headlights from our group gave a magnificent view that lit up the forest all the way through our hike.
A Fireside Finish
As we finished the hike we were to gather around a small campfire. We warmed our hands on mugs of hot chocolate and satisfied our sweet tooth with a s ’mores treat. There was a feeling of accomplishment and celebration that we were all able to share in this special moment.
Embarking on a snowshoe hike at night is about stillness, connection, and seeing winter from a completely different perspective. If you have access to a trail, a guide, or even just a safe open space, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Happy Adventuring!