Sky Events & Star Parties

One of the darkest sites in the eastern US. An International Dark Sky Park where the Milky Way casts a shadow on clear nights. 2,300 feet elevation with an open field free from obstructions. No better dark sky site this accessible in the northeast.

The world's largest dark sky preserve — over 11,000 square kilometres of protected dark skies in the Canadian Rockies. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic mountain backdrops. Annual Dark Sky Festival every October draws astronomers from around the world.

The closest dark sky reserve to Toronto — just two hours north in cottage country Muskoka. A provincially protected dark sky reserve open year round. Flat open barrens give an unobstructed horizon. A favourite for Ontario observers wanting to escape the city glow quickly.

The world's first International Dark Sky Reserve — established in 2007. Home to a working research observatory. The region around the observatory is strictly light-pollution regulated. Stunning views of the Milky Way and a beautiful destination in the Eastern Townships.

A designated dark sky preserve in the heart of Nova Scotia — one of the best dark sky sites in eastern Canada. Canoe the lakes under the Milky Way or observe from the park's astronomy field. A Parks Canada dark sky preserve with regular public astronomy programs.

One of the best dark sky destinations in North America — a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park with some of the darkest skies in the American Southwest. At over 8,000 feet elevation the air is thin, dry and crystal clear. The iconic red and orange hoodoos under the Milky Way create one of the most photographed astronomy scenes on earth. Ranger-led astronomy programs run year-round including telescope viewings at the Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival each June.

Arguably the darkest accessible place in the Maritimes — home to the highest peak in Atlantic Canada at 820 metres. No housing development in the park means darkness as far as the eye can see, with lakes surrounded by mountains and zero light pollution. The RASC New Brunswick Centre holds its annual star party here every August. Remote, wild and breathtaking under a clear sky.

Stretching along the Acadian coastline with golden sand dunes, lagoons and salt marshes — and some of the most magical dark skies in eastern Canada. Designated a RASC Dark Sky Preserve in 2009 and called "one of the most magical astronomy parks in North America" by Sky News. Kelly's Beach offers a stunning open horizon for meteor showers and Milky Way photography. Stargazing programs run from spring through fall.

A world-class research observatory open to the public — nightly star parties available year round. Bortle Class 2 skies at 6,800 feet elevation in the Davis Mountains. One of the most accessible professional observatories in North America. Regular public programs and special viewing nights through their large research telescopes.