Out of this world stargazing in Canada's National Parks

Autumn is the perfect season to stargaze! Since the dark sky reveals itself earlier, there’s no need to postpone bedtime to see the northern lights, shooting stars and other celestial bodies!

Mission: protect the night sky!

Enjoy a welcome escape from glaring city lights in one of Parks Canada's 13 Dark-Sky Preserves. Explore the darkest Dark-Sky Preserve in all of Canada at Grasslands National Park, or the largest in the world at Wood Buffalo National Park!

Feel the magic of these special locations that make a commitment to protect and preserve the night sky, reducing or eliminating all forms of light pollution. 

Shooting stars in fall?

The Perseids of August are certainly the most well-known phenomenon and steal the spotlight. However, almost every month, meteor showers light up the sky. Some are more modest, but all are worth mentioning. Treat yourself to a show this autumn with the Draconids, Orionids, Leonids, and Geminids. 

Northern lights across Canada?

Always dreamed of seeing aurora borealis in Northern Canada? National parks in Canada’s north are indeed well suited for observation, but did you know that it’s possible to see northern lights all over Canada throughout the year? It just requires complete darkness, clear skies, and sufficiently intense solar activity.

Lie back on specially designed benches to enjoy the vast sky at the Dark Sky Circle in Wood Buffalo or visit Grasslands, Waterton Lakes, Elk Island and Jasper National Parks. The chances of seeing the northern lights in these Dark-Sky Preserves are very good.

Dazzling programming!

Discover the stars, moon, galaxies and constellations by participating in special programs and events throughout the year. Borrow an observation kit and discover the cosmic wonders of Terra Nova and Kejimkujik National Parks. Or get a seasonal map of the stars in Point Pelee and participate in activities presented by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Take advantage of the rich programming during the Dark Sky Festivals of Jasper, Kluane and Wood Buffalo or the Gateway to the Stars program of Elk Island.

Sleep under the stars!

Lying on your back in the darkness, gazing up into the twists and turns of the Milky Way and spotting constellations is often the highlight of the evening!

Extend your stargazing experience by staying the night in a tent or a cozy oTENTik (complete with heating stove for those chilly nights). With its cool days, comfort food and incredible colours: there’s no better time to enjoy camping than fall!

Everyone who visits comes home with a brilliant story. Get up close to the stars and come find out what happens in yours. Plan your visit today!