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Have you ever observed the wonder and mystery of the stars and planetary exploration? Experience celestial splendour by visiting dark sky areas and observatories in Ontario.
I. Dark Sky Areas
The dark is a good place to be if you are at a Dark Sky Preserve. See thousands of twinkling lights and unearth the magic of the universe at these places. So pack your sleeping bags and take in the awe-inspiring star-filled night sky at these locations.
Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee National Park is not only a hotspot for spring bird migration but also a designated Dark Sky Preserve. It was the first national park designated as a Dark Sky Preserve in 2006.
Situated in the southernmost tip, the park is the only dark sky area in Canada where you can see Southern Hemisphere constellations and deep space objects. The park is an especially good place for viewing near-horizon events. The best night to view the stars are during the new moon, when the park stays open until midnight. The best car-accessible stargazing locations at the park are the West Beach and the Visitor Centre parking lot.
Upcoming Dark Sky Nights. 2021: April 10, May 15, June 12, July 10, August 12, September 11, October 2, November 6, December 4
Address: 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington
Nature Attractions & Parks in the Windsor Essex Region
Binbrook Conservation Area
If you are in Hamilton and is interested in seeing diamonds in the sky with “lesser” light pollution, then consider visiting Binbrook Conservation Area.
Binbrook Conservation Area is far enough from city lights and yet near enough to make it an accessible place to stargaze. The conservation area provides a clear view of the southern horizon over Lake Erie. The Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Club conducts the gathering for the Perseid meteor shower at the conservation area annually.
Address: 5050 Harrison Rd, Binbrook
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Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Reserve
The Torrance Barrens Reserve is the first official dark sky reserve, located only two hours from downtown Toronto.
Designated as a Dark Sky Preserve in 1997, Torrance Barrens Conservation Area is a relatively undisturbed crown land located west of Gravenhurst town centre and south of Lake Muskoka, Highway 169 and the village of Torrance.
The undeveloped land surrounding the reserve as well as the lack of urban lights makes Torrance Barrens Conservation Area naturally dark.
The main trail leads up the boardwalk and provides stargazers a chance to view the Milky Way.
Address: Southwood Rd, Gravenhurst; The main observation area is located right off of the parking lot entrance. The other observation spots are indicated with signs.
Municipality of the Northern Bruce Peninsula
Though not an official dark sky area, the Municipality of the Northern Bruce Peninsula designated itself a Dark Sky Community due to very little light pollution. Visit any park in Lions Head, Ferndale, Stokes Bay, and Tobermory for a fabulous view of the night sky.
Viewing Platform in Lion’s Head’s harbour is the perfect place to drop in to view the skies. Bayside Astronomy offers free programming to educate enthusiasts on the constellations and planets in real-time through their volunteer telescopes. Fans of the solar system will be wowed by incredible views of Saturn’s rings and Andromeda Galaxy, as well as discover the beauty and wonder of the dark skies.
Address: 1 Bruin Street, Lion’s Head
Bookings: Free to explore
Bruce Peninsula National Park and Five Fathoms National Marine Park
Granted the Dark Sky Preserve status in 2009, Bruce Peninsula National Park and the Fathom Five National Marine Park are among the best places to go stargazing in Ontario. There are numerous places to observe the night sky on the Bruce Peninsula including the viewing platform at the harbour in Lion’s Head and the Flowerpot Island.
Address: 120 Chi sin tib dek Road, Tobermory
Gordon’s Park
Located in Manitoulin Island, Gordon’s Park invites visitors to experience the wonders of the night sky. Officially designated as a Dark Sky Preserve in August 2009, this is the only commercial designated preserve.
With a sky quality meter reading (Unihedron Inc.) of 21.96 magnitudes / sq.arcsec, stargazers can see 7.5+ magnitude stars on the best night. Accommodations are available at the park from May to October. Gordon’s Park hosts many stargazing events throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Address: 18777 ON-6, Tehkummah
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Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area
Soak up the dazzling night sky at the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area. Though not an official dark sky preserve, this is one of the southernmost dark sky sites with little light pollution in Ontario.
The dark sky viewing area has a concrete pad to set up your camera and telescope and is open from dusk till dawn. The best part is, there is no need to register in advance and admission is always free.
Address: 7980 County Road 41 (37 kilometres north of Napanee)
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North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve
The night has fallen and the views are spectacular at the North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve. Set up your telescope at the Observation Pad and enjoy the darkest skies in southern Ontario. This is a public space with parking, accessible washrooms and electrical hookups.
The North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve also holds regular events between May and October that are free for everyone to attend. Check their event calender for updates.
Address: 5816 Road 506 (just south of Plevna); Pad Coordinates (44.91791, -76.93947)
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Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Get away from light pollution to Eastern Ontario’s Charleston Lake Provincial Park! This dark sky field is frequented by visitors who want to experience a stargazing adventure. Charleston Lake Provincial Park is the site of Ontario Parks’ annual summer stargazing party during the Perseid meteor shower.
Address: 148 Woodvale Road, Lansdowne
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Irvine Lake Airstrip
Lie back and enjoy a night of stargazing at the Irvine Lake Airstrip. This is an unofficial observing site for Ottawa Astronomy Friends (OAF) with a limiting magnitude of 7.1. Located at 19213 Hwy 41 between Bon Echo Provincial Park and Denbigh, the Irvine Lake Airstrip is popularly known by the name Nirvana.
Address: 19213 Hwy 41
Killarney Provincial Park
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the night sky at Killarney Provincial Park, the first provincial park designated as an official dark sky preserve in Ontario. The Observatory at the park houses a research-grade 16″ telescope with an attached 5″ refractor.
Killarney hosts several astronomy programs including demonstrations by guest astronomers and Tuesday night astronomer-in-residence programs. The Observatory also offers a self-use program that allows everyone to explore the night sky. Interested in night gazing? Sign out at the Observatory and spend an evening exploring the night sky together.
Address: 960 ON-637, Killarney
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Lake Superior Provincial Park
Known as one of the darkest preserves in Canada, the Lake Superior Provincial Park is one of the best places to go stargazing in Ontario. Due to the Park’s remote location there is very little light pollution here. This is also one of the few places in Ontario where you can see the Northern Lights.
The Agawa Bay Campground and the Rabbit Blanket Lake campground are the best places to see the night sky at the park.
Address: 96 Broadway Avenue, Wawa
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Quetico Provincial Park
To look up at the night sky and see all the stars is an awe-inspiring sight, one which you can enjoy at the Quetico Provincial Park. The park was designated in February 2021 as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. International Dark Sky Park is an area where there is an “exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.”
Address: 108 Saturn Ave., Atikokan
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Observatories
**Observatories are not open during COVID-19 restrictions. Most observatories hold public outreach programs once a month and during special astronomy events like solar eclipses and meteor showers. **
Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory
Visit the David Dunlap Observatory and experience Canada’s largest optical telescope. Take advantage of their educational group tours along 189 acres of property where you can explore the stars.
Address: 123 Hillsview Dr, Richmond Hill
Website
Allan I. Carswell Astronomical Observatory
The Allan I. Carswell Observatory is owned by York University and is operated by campus personnel. The observatory offers group tours as well as public viewing on Wednesday evenings. Check out special features as well as their new store for an array of unique gifts.
Address: Life Sciences Building, 6 Thompson Rd, North York
Website
Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics
Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics holds talks and free planetarium visits including fun programs like Astronomy on tap at University of Toronto and various locations in downtown Toronto.
Hamilton RASC Observatory
The Hamilton RASC Observatory was first created in 1974 and has expanded to provide astronomy lovers with various activities. The Leslie V. Powis building acts as a general information hub as well as a library. The Chilton Building provides viewing via several available telescopes.
They hold various programs for the public including events during special astronomy nights. You can also book talks and evening programs.
Address: 576 Concession 7 E, Millgrove
Website
Dortwood Observatory
Fans of the stars will love a visit the Dortwood Observatory. The owners have opened up their backyard for nightly viewings and provide a plethora of information on astrology. This non-profit model has been created so that astronomy lovers can share in their planetary fascination, although donations are gladly accepted.
Address: 3218 Burnham St N, Cobourg
Website.
W.J. McCallion Planetarium
Owned and operated by McMaster University, the W.J. McCallion Planetarium provides private, and group shows using volunteer telescopes. Explore the endless beauty of the solar system, including viewings of the Dippers and North Star. Whether you are an Astronomy student or curious about the constellations, there is something for everyone who visits this planetarium.
Address: Burke Science Building B149, McMaster University, 1280, Main St W, Hamilton
Calamus Estate Winery
Credit: Calamus Estate Winery
Combine wine and stars at Calamus Estate Winery. Located on the grounds of the Calamus Estate Winery is the Chronos Observatory. Calamus Estate Winery offers various popular, star-gazing events and provides use of their telescopes, one of which is located in their silo and the other is located in the vineyard. Royal Astronomical Society of Canada: Niagara Centre holds talks once a month during a “foodie” event so that you can experience great views with great food and wine!
Address: 3100 Glen Rd, Jordan Station
Gustav Bakos Observatory
Located on campus at the University of Waterloo, the Gustav Bakos Observatory is home to a 12-inch telescope, which can be found on the Physics Building roof. The observatory has been welcoming free public tours and school groups for over ten years. Both University students and the general public alike can enjoy viewing the stars and learning about astronomical studies. Public tours are free and open to the public; no reservations are required. Contact the Observatory directly to inquire about upcoming events.
Address: 200 University Ave W, Waterloo
Elginfield Observatory
Opened in 1969, The Elginfield Observatory is owned and operated by the University of Western Ontario. The first telescope that was erected was 1.2 meters, and as funding was provided, the observatory procured more equipment. In addition to the observatory, the campus also provides special presentations and talks from guest speakers.
Address: 7601-7999 Observatory Dr, Granton
Website
Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre
Located at the base of Bruce Peninsula, the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre in Warton is home to the ES Fox Observatory. Affiliated to the Bluewater Astronomical Society, the Observatory has a 28-inch (71 cm) Webster Dobsonian reflector. The ES Fox Observatory is Ontario’s largest publicly accessible roll-off observatory and is open to the public only during public nights. The Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre is an RASC designated Dark-Sky Preserve.
Address: 3092 Bruce Road 13, Wiarton
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Queen’s Observatory
The Queen’s Observatory is owned and operated by Queen’s University, which was first established in the mid-19 century. Queen’s University has a long history of astronomical studies, with the current observatory offering a 14-inch reflecting telescope for stargazers. This observatory welcomes both public and school tours and acts as a host for related, special events. Contact the Observatory Coordinators directly to inquire about public and group tours.
Address: 99 University Ave, Kingston
Website
Kessler Observatory
The Kessler Observatory is located on the Carleton University campus. Usually, once a month, their Astronomy Nights allow the general public to visit the observatory to view the night sky for an hour.
Address: 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa
Sudbury Neutrino Observatory
The only underground Canadian observatory, the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory was created in 1999 and acts as a scientific laboratory specializing in the study of dark matter physics. In addition to research studies, SNOLAB also provides seminars, workshops, and events as a platform to share new discoveries and data.
Address: Creighton Mine #9, 1039 Regional Road 24, Lively
Website
The David Thompson Astronomical Observatory
Considered to be one of Thunder Bay’s ‘best-kept secrets,’ the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory is situated at the Fort William Historical Park. The center’s high-quality equipment allows for celestial and planetary examinations. The observatory also offers group and school tours, along with educational programming and special events.
Address: Fort William Historical Park 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay
Website
