How to night toboggan like a seasoned Canadian
By late winter in Canada, you have two choices: complain loudly about how much longer this season is dragging on, or give in completely and start doing objectively unhinged things. Like tobogganing at night.
If you’re a backpacker visiting from abroad, you need to know that this is a thing.
We have Cozy Winter which you probably already knew about. This is about chunky knit sweaters, mugs of mint tea, candles or indoor fires, and books galore. You enjoy these things while you gaze outside as snowflakes settle on window ledges. There’s also Adventure Winter where you strap on skis, get on a chairlift and hope for the best. (And regardless of your ability, there’s always the apres-ski party.)
And then there’s Unhinged Winter. Unhinged Winter is when you embrace the season and absolutely refuse to let cabin fever set in. This often happens later in winter. Like in February. In leaning into Unhinged Winter, you and your friends may find yourselves plotting a Caribbean escape… only to realize that your budget really only allows for you to travel around the block.
That’s where night tobogganing comes in. That’s sleds, crazy carpets, a headlamp, and a group of people willing to commit. You’ll laugh a lot. You’ll fall on occasion. And it’ll be an unexpected highlight from your trip. Here’s how to night toboggan like a seasoned Canadian…
Dress in layers. Think full marshmallow.
Night tobogganing is not organized. There are no tickets, rules or (sadly), warming huts. Dressing properly is however as close to an official rule as you’re going to get. Please, for your sake, don’t ignore this piece of advice. Canadians are casual people—especially in winter. So don’t dress to impress, dress to be able to feel your legs even after two hours of hitting the slopes on a sled. Plan to look like a total marshmallow: ski pants, sweaters (yes, plural), fluffy toques, and scarves covering your entire face.
Bring drinks. Nothing fancy.
If you’re launching yourself down a hill in sub-zero temperatures with a windchill, then an emotional support beverage is pretty much obligatory. You choose what you want to drink but keep in mind that this isn’t the time to get fancy. You might plan on bringing hot chocolate, tea, beer, or maybe mulled wine.
Let your inner child play.
Night tobogganing is winter play for grown-ups who refuse to hibernate. So let your inner child play in the snow with the excitement of recess after the first snow fall. We’re talking about creating jumps at the bottom of the hill, launching yourself down the slope with a running start, taking photos for the memories, and going backwards if you dare. (Do it!)
Pack handwarmers, tea and extra socks.
Cold hits different after dark. Embracing Canada in the winter means thinking ahead and planning for the cold—or even just extra comfortability. One way to brave the elements like a real Canadian is to bring a few essentials that you’ll only reach for once the chill starts to settle in. These can include an extra scarf, a buff, wool socks, a thermos of tea, or hand warmers. These things can stop windchill in its tracks (well, kind of) and buy you a few more runs before morale drops. Comfort is how you stay out just a bit longer and keep the night fun.
Don’t be a wallflower.
Yes, it’s a little ridiculous to be bundled up like a toddler and sliding down hills at night… but that’s kind of the point. So don’t be a wallflower and join in on the fun. (Wallflowers huddled on the sidelines will in fact freeze.) Go at your own speed and toboggan with caution but definitely don’t miss out.
Come with a speaker fully charged.
Fact: silence makes it feel colder than it is. A fully charged speaker turns a dark hill into a party vibe. If you want Canadian tunes, opt for Sam Roberts, The Arkells, or Metric. And not to be a bummer, but keep the music volume in check. Be a respectful Canadian with beats that are loud enough for your crew but low enough that you don’t wake the whole neighbourhood.
Go for poutine after.
Does this even need an explanation? You just spent time outside in winter doing a quintessential Canadian activity. You braved the snow and windchill and now it’s time for the fries, gravy and cheese curd triple threat. Luckily poutine is often known as a late-night eat so you’re bound to find a spot serving this snack hot and fresh!
