Top stargazing spots across Canada
6 Minute Read
From coast to coast, Canada’s vast landscapes and expansive skies offer some of the most breathtaking stargazing experiences in the world.
The country’s diverse geography provides unique vantage points for observing the night sky, from rugged mountain views to vast and open prairies. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious newbie, here are some of the best places to stargaze near you, wherever you are.
British Columbia
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British Columbia boasts several prime stargazing locations. Begin at Tofino’s shores, where the stars seem to stretch endlessly above the Pacific Ocean, shimmering on the waves.
Closer to Vancouver, Mount Seymour and Cypress Mountain offer a quick escape from the city lights and elevated night sky views. A bit further up the Sea-to-Sea Highway, Porteau Cove Provincial Park provides stunning stargazing with coastal mountains framing the sky.
For an inland experience, visit Stake Lake Star Park near Kamloops. The crisp dark skies provide an ideal setting to lose yourself in the beauty of the cosmos.
Alberta
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Start your stargazing adventure in Alberta at the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, just east of Edmonton. Here, the expansive skies and minimal light pollution offer a great view of the Milky Way.
If you want to see the Milky Way with the mountains towering in the background, head to Kananaskis for a perfect night sky view. Or, for a serene lakeside view, Lakeland Provincial Park presents tranquil waters that mirror the night sky, enhancing your stargazing experience.
Saskatchewan
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In Saskatchewan, the Cypress Hills Dark Sky Preserve captivates visitors with its clear skies, which provide stunning views of the cosmos. This park is one of the most reliable cloudless nights in Canada.
A bit further south, Grasslands National Park presents wide-open prairies where you can see the stars stretch endlessly across the horizon. As one of Canada’s darkest national parks with no light pollution, you’ll be sure to see the stars shine bright and clear.
In the fall and winter, constellations are often seen to the naked eye, making it the perfect time to pull out your camera to capture the pictures in the sky.
Manitoba
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For stargazing in Manitoba, Whiteshell Provincial Park is a top choice. Its dark skies and peaceful surroundings create a perfect environment for observing the stars.
At Whiteshell Provincial Park, you can experience the night sky from West Hawk Lake, a captivating location set within a meteorite crater that has been around for a million years.
Spruce Woods Provincial Park is your ultimate escape from the city. Spend your days hiking, skiing, biking, horseback riding or canoeing, and as night falls, unwind with breathtaking stargazing under its pristine, dark skies.
Ontario
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Ontario’s stargazing gems include Bruce Peninsula National Park, where the clear waters of Lake Huron meet the expansive night sky for a stunning celestial view.
Due to its status as a biosphere reserve, it is one of the best places in Southern Ontario to see the stars. Unlike other locations where you can only see a few stars, here you can take in the magnificent Milky Way.
Gordon’s Park on Manitoulin Island is another excellent location, renowned for its dark skies and high-quality stargazing opportunities. Manitoulin Island was designated as the first Dark Sky Preserve in Canada by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC).
For those seeking a more remote experience, North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve provides an unspoiled night sky view with minimal light interference.
Suppose you’re looking for a coastal view. In that case, Agawa Bay Scenic Lookout in Lake Superior Provincial Park provides breathtaking night sky views over the vast lake.
Quebec
Mont-Mégantic Dark Sky Reserve stands out in Quebec with its renowned observatory and dark skies. It has guided tours and spectacular views of the universe.
For a more secluded experience, the Au Diable Vert Outdoor Centre provides excellent stargazing opportunities amidst the natural beauty of the Eastern Townships. It has recently been certified as a Dark Sky Preserve and is the first open air augmented reality planetarium. Each guest will be given a headset that allows them to see the night sky and has a digital display showing constellations and the names of stars and planets.
Additionally, Mont Tremblant boasts a fantastic stargazing experience with its clear skies and elevated vantage points. Whether gazing from the mountain slopes or exploring the scenic surroundings, Mont Tremblant promises a magical night under the stars.
New Brunswick
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Kouchibouguac National Park gives visitors exceptional stargazing experiences with its dark skies and minimal light pollution. It’s an ideal location to enjoy the night sky in all its glory, providing a peaceful environment perfect for spotting constellations and meteor showers.
For a different perspective, Mount Carleton Provincial Park’s high elevation delivers clear, unobstructed views of the cosmos.
Fundy National Park and Irving Nature Park also present excellent options for stargazers. Fundy National Park’s tranquil landscapes offer a serene backdrop for night sky observation, while Irving Nature Park provides a quiet setting to appreciate the stars in a peaceful atmosphere.
Nova Scotia
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In Nova Scotia, Deep Sky Eye Observatory is a standout destination for stargazing, thanks to its clear, dark skies that make the night sky come alive. For a different perspective, Peggy’s Cove lighthouse features stunning ocean views where the stars glisten in the water’s reflection.
If you’re seeking a tranquil setting, Port Maitland Beach Provincial Park provides a peaceful beachside retreat.
Newfoundland and Labrador
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Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador has excellent stargazing opportunities. The park’s remote location, dark skies and rugged coastal scenery make it a perfect backdrop for observing the night sky in all its glory.
For an even more exceptional experience, Torngat Mountains National Park in Labrador features an isolated setting with minimal light pollution. It is great for observing the stunning display of the aurora borealis against its dramatic landscapes.
Prince Edward Island
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Cavendish Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park presents clear night skies with minimal light pollution. The park’s remote location enhances your stargazing experience, making it an ideal spot for observing the stars.
While you are waiting for nighttime to come you can still enjoy your time at Cavendish Beach. Fill your time taking in the world-renowned sand dunes and red sandstone cliffs. You can also explore the area that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s famous novel Anne of Green Gables.
Yukon
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In the Yukon, Kathleen Lake and Kluane Lake offer stunning night sky views. The clear, dark skies provide an ideal setting for stargazing and observing the Northern Lights.
The Yukon Astronomical Society also provides stargazing events and educational opportunities for those looking to deepen their celestial knowledge.
Northwest Territories
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Yellowknife is renowned for its spectacular Northern Lights. Its dark skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities.
Similarly, Wood Buffalo National Park provides a vast and remote setting with minimal light pollution, making it another exceptional location for witnessing the mesmerizing aurora borealis.
Nunavut
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Though Nunavut’s vast and remote landscapes offer some of Canada’s most pristine night skies, Iqaluit is a remarkable stargazing location. The untouched natural environment around Iqaluit provides an extraordinary backdrop for stargazing and occasional Northern Lights views.
Canada’s diverse landscapes provide countless opportunities for stargazing enthusiasts. Whether gazing at the Milky Way from a serene provincial park or observing the Northern Lights dance across the sky, Canada has a perfect stargazing destination for you.
Protect yourself on your stargazing adventures
Before you go, remember to get travel insurance. When you travel outside of Ontario, OHIP may not cover all medical expenses, that’s where travel insurance can help fill the gaps.
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) recommends that Canadians protect themselves when they travel outside of the province. You may not be covered for expenses such as ambulances, prescription drug coverage and airlifts. Travel insurance can help you cover these costs.
Get CAA Travel Insurance and travel with confidence, knowing you’re in safe hands. This way, you can confidently explore the night sky, knowing you’re protected against unexpected events and expenses.
Call 1-800-705-1803 to speak with a CAA Travel Consultant or get an online quote today.
CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
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