HAMILTON, ON – Conservation Halton is happy to announce the return of its newest annual outdoor winter program, Winterlit, this year. The award-winning outdoor event is taking place on select evenings until February 20th, 2022, at Mountsberg Conservation Area. Visitors can enjoy an enchanting, illuminated walk through the woods featuring inspirational upcycled art installations along the trails. Food and hot beverages are also available for purchase to enjoy during your walk through the snowy woodland.
Only in its second year, Winterlit has already become an anticipated highlight of the winter season. With funding provided by the province of Ontario, Conservation Halton has continued to build on the event from last year in order to create even more memorable experiences for our visitors. The experience has been extended to encompass two kilometers of trail and we have incorporated more unique and creative art installations, including pieces from Dog Bite Steel Art Studio – a studio focused on using recycled oil tanks – and a new musical elements.
Winterlit is an enchanting experience that is centred on sustainability and connecting people with nature through art, winning the Responsible Tourism Award from the Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association in 2021. Materials selected for this experience are recycled, upcycled, and energy efficient. Electric battery packs are used rather than gas generators to power remote parts of the trail, and most of the wood elements used on the trail have been repurposed – many created from ash trees that once had to be removed from Conservation Halton parks due to the impact of an invasive insect called the Emerald Ash Borer.
During continued times of uncertainty and challenges caused by the pandemic, this unique experience filled with glowing fireside lounges and messages of hope throughout the trails provides friends and families a space where they can safely visit and experience a memorable outdoor activity together. Lucky visitors can hear local wildlife, such as owls, and enjoy a view of a star-filled winter sky.
There are still tickets available, and can be purchased online through the event website. Winterlit is offered Thursday to Sunday evenings, 6:30PM – 10:30PM.
*Conservation Halton takes the safety of our visitors and staff very seriously and has been working with Hamilton Public Health to adhere to the current COVID-19 guidelines. Guests must book a two-hour timeslot using Conservation Halton’s reservation system, which monitors real-time event capacity. They also must complete a pre-screening questionnaire before attending the event and will be encouraged to wear masks except when eating or drinking. *