There’s no better way to connect with nature than by stargazing. But to truly see all that the skies have to offer, getting away from the city lights is a necessity.
One of the best places to do that is at a dark-sky preserve; they are key to enjoying the celestial landscape to the fullest because they are committed to eliminating light pollution in all forms.
Here are some of the best dark-sky preserves to visit in Ontario.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Located between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, the park was designated as a dark-sky preserve in 2009. Bruce Peninsula National Park is made up of 154 square kilometres of beautiful forest, towering cliffs, and the blue waters of Georgian Bay. The best viewing sites in the park are Cyprus Lake and the Singing Sands, a coastal site with no lights and a low horizon.The closest town, Tobermory, is located some 10 minutes away and is famous as the port for the Chi-Cheemaun, a large passenger ferry which traverses Lake Huron between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island, home to another dark-sky sanctuary.
Manitoulin Eco Park
Located on the largest freshwater island in the world, Manitoulin Eco Park was Canada’s first Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated commercial dark-sky preserve. Surrounded by a hardwood forest, the communal stargazing area boasts 360-degree sky viewing and, on clear nights, 7.5+ magnitude stars. Magnitude is a measure of star brightness.Formerly known as Gordon’s Park, the preserve can be found just off of Highway 6 in Tehkummah township in the southeast section of Manitoulin Island. It is an 11-minute drive from the park to South Baymouth, where the Chi-Cheemaun docks.
Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee National Park is the ideal place for both bird watchers and star gazers to visit. It was designated as a dark-sky preserve in 2006, making it the first national park to receive that honour. It may be Canada’s second smallest national park, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in gorgeous night skies, set on Lake Erie at its southern boundary.The park is the only preserve in the country where Southern Hemisphere constellations can be viewed. The best easy-to-access stargazing locations at the park are the West Beach and the visitor centre’s parking lot.
Torrance Barrens Conservation Area
The Torrance Barrens conservation area is the perfect place for GTA residents to view the night sky in all of its glory. Only two hours from downtown Toronto, the dark-sky preserve is located on Crown land west of Gravenhurst and south of Highway 169.
The main dark sky viewing area is accessible to vehicles, allowing viewers to easily unload telescopes and astrophotography gear. The conservation area website suggests “unsurpassed binocular viewing with a fully unobstructed 360-degree panorama” can be accessed by following the main trail up to the first ridge. This site offers the best place to view the Milky Way.
North Frontenac Astronomy Park
The North Frontenac Astronomy Park received dark-sky preserve status in 2013 and is thought to have the darkest skies in southern Ontario.The park’s observation pad comes complete with electrical service where anyone can set up their telescope, and is home to frequent organized events where amateur astronomers are available to help visitors view the skies fully.
The park is located roughly 30 minutes from Bon Echo Park, and is a 20 minute drive off Highway 41 in Cloyne.
