Toronto 
Located in the Niagara Escarpment, the Terra Cotta Conservation Area spans 485 acres and offers a diverse range of trails through mature forests, streams, ponds, and a wetland.
Credit: Credit Valley Conservation
This picturesque setting becomes even more enchanting during Credit Valley Conservation’s (CVC) Ignite the Night series, held at the park on Saturday nights from January 10 to February 28.
During these evenings, visitors can explore a two-kilometre trail illuminated to showcase the forest’s beauty after dark.
The trail is equipped with interpretive signage, providing a self-guided educational journey about the local trees and nature. The event, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., is open to the public with regular park admission and free for Credit Valley Parks pass holders. To enhance the experience, the use of headlamps or flashlights is recommended.
Alongside the visual spectacle of the illuminated trail, the Terra Cotta Conservation Area offers various winter activities. These include skiing, snowshoeing, and kick sledding, with the option for visitors to bring their own equipment or rent on-site, depending on weather conditions.
Moreover, the park facilitates one-hour ice skating rink reservations at the Wetland Pavilion, weather permitting.
The Park Store caters to visitors by providing hot drinks and snacks, creating a cozy atmosphere for guests to warm up and relax. Although hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing are encouraged to enjoy the lit trails, equipment rentals for these activities are unavailable. Therefore, visitors are advised to come prepared with their necessary gear.
The park is open from 8 a.m. and hiking trails open during winter season includes McGregor Spring Trail (1 km), Vaughan Trail (1.6 km), Terra Cotta Lane (2 km), Wetland Trail (0,4 km), A.F. Coventry Trail (1.5 m), Escarpment Trail (0.4 km), Forest Meadow Lane (0.8 km), Graydon Trail (2.6 km), Forest Meadow Loop – Winter Tail (0.89 km).
It’s important to note that winter activities and the event are weather-dependent and subject to change or cancellation. Visitors are advised to check Park Advisories for the latest updates and information. No registration is required for the event, allowing for spontaneous visits, with entry fees payable at the gate.
Mounstberg Conservation Area at Campbellville also offers hikes along illuminated trails.
Ignite the Night
Credit: Credit Valley Conservation
What: Explore a brightly lit 2-kilometre winter trail at Ignite the Night.
This self-guided experience allows visitors to connect with nature and learn about trees in a new way. Ski, snowshoe and kicksled rentals, and one-hour ice skating rink reservations are available onsite, as conditions permit. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own equipment.
When:
Saturday nights from January 10 until February 28, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where:
Terra Cotta Conservation Area, 14452 Winston Churchill Blvd, Halton Hills
How Much:
Child (0-5): Free
Youth (6-14): $3.50
Adult (15-64): $8.00
Senior (65+): $6.50
Person with Disability: $6.50
Parks Passholder: Free
Prices include HST.
