Winter night hikes being held in Victoria Park

TRURO, N.S. – Bruce Roberts finds there’s a special beauty to Victoria Park on a winter’s night, that he’s happy to share with others.

Roberts is one of the people from Hub Cycle who is leading night hikes through the park, with the first of the year Jan. 7.

“We’ve had a good turnout for night events before, and a lot of people are mesmerized by how nice the woods look at night,” he said. “It’s wonderful. People say they didn’t know it was so beautiful up here and didn’t know so many trails existed.

“We often see deer and small animals, and if there’s a full moon we can turn our lights off.”

Footwear required depends on the conditions. On frozen ground, regular footwear is suitable; while ice spikes are needed when its slippery and participants will go out on snowshoes if snow is deep enough. Information on the type of hike taking place will be posted on the Hub Cycle Facebook page the day before each event.

Participants also need to have a headlamp, water and a snack.

Anyone planning to snowshoe should have a little experience, which can be obtained by taking part in Saturday morning showshoe events planned for the winter.

“People don’t need to have a great fitness level,” said Roberts. “We’ll be going at a moderate pace and anticipate we’ll be out about an hour and a half. We’ll be in the shelter of the woods, so we’ll have some protection from wind.”

A lot of people have expressed interest in taking part, and everyone is welcome. No pre-registration is required. People are simply asked to show up and sign in a little before the hike is to begin.

The first night hike starts from the Pipeline parking lot, 627 Young St., on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m.