Experience the best stargazing and night sky viewing in Ontario
Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area | Terence Dickinson
From the waxing and waning moon to meteor showers, constellations, galaxies such as the Milky Way, bright planets and even the spectacle of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Mother Nature puts on a star-studded show at night.
In Ontario, stargazing and night sky viewing are magical year-round, but they truly shine during the crisp, clear nights of fall and winter. The cool air, low humidity and early sunsets create ideal conditions for enjoying the stars. For the brightest and most breathtaking views, seek out areas far from urban light pollution. These dark skies provide the perfect backdrop for both stargazing and astrophotography.
Check the aurora forecast before heading to a designated dark sky viewing reserve.
Here are some of the best places and experiences for stargazers, night sky photographers and astronomy buffs in Ontario.
Night sky viewing events and programs
Discover the Northern Lights with the Ontario Science Centre
In 2025, solar conditions are expected to produce more opportunities to see the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) further south than in previous years, with peak activity in the fall season.
Learn about the science behind the Northern Lights (also called the aurora borealis), get viewing tips and find out about community events.
Muskoka: Home of the Stars
Don’t miss an exciting astro-themed event series in Muskoka.
Join expert guides and astronomy enthusiasts on one of several interactive stargazing sessions at prime locations between October 17 and November 8, 2025.
Gaze up at the dramatic dark skies of Muskoka to experience star shows, moon views and even a possible sighting of the Northern Lights. Register for themed programs such as:
- Beginner stargazing and astrophotography
- Star stories and smudging: Honouring the night sky
- Gather under the moon
- Myths and legends under the stars
Eyes to the skies bike tour with Changing Gears
Set out on a guided night-time bicycle ride that includes a stop to have a sky tour to observe stars, planets and the cosmos. Enjoy storytelling and star gazing through a telescope at a private observatory owned by astrophotographer, Ron Brecher.
Tour dates are dependent on planetary alignment and the weather. The full ride is about 30 kilometres round trip and the tour lasts three hours.
Location: Goderich
Chronos Observatory at Calamus Estate Winery
Join members from the Niagara Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at special stargazing night events hosted at this vintage winery located in the village of Jordan, not far from Balls Falls. View the heavens from the telescope in the vineyard.
Location: 3100 Glen Road, Jordan Station
Stargazing Parties
Free family-friendly stargazing and astronomy events are held on select dates throughout the summer season.
Events are hosted by volunteers of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Ottawa Centre in the parking lot of the Carp Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.
Location: 3911 Carp Road, Carp
Under the stars with Wild Company
Reconnect with nature and explore the night sky at Four Corners Algonquin, a dark-sky-friendly eco-destination located on the edge of Algonquin Park.
Designated as an observatory site, join fellow sky gazers in learning the basics of astronomy, introduction to astrophotography, interactive night sky viewing talks with astro guides, star parties and more during this exciting program.
Accommodation options include glamping, camping, tiny houses and even bubble tents—one of the best ways to truly sleep under the stars.
Location: 29924 ON-60, Whitney
Adventures in Astronomy with Yours Outdoors
Yours Outdoors hosts memorable night sky viewing sessions on select dates in summer and fall in the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve.
The absence of light pollution allows fantastic viewing of stars and galaxies. And guests are treated to an inspiring presentation of stories, fables and myths relating to astronomy. Choose from camping and cabin options in Haliburton Forest.
Location: 1095 Redkenn Road, Haliburton Forest
Stargazing at Evergreen Forest
Nestled on Central Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula, Evergreen Forest Resort is surrounded by nature and exciting night skies.
On clear nights, tour the universe using a powerful 10-inch telescope.
Unique accommodations include a woodlot suite with a clear roof for the ultimate stargazing and rooms with massive skylights to fall asleep under the stars.
Location: 381135 Concession 17, Georgian Bluffs
Northern Lights viewing opportunities at Red Bay Lodge
Another Bruce Peninsula accommodation, Red Bay Lodge, offers guided Northern Lights viewing events, providing guests with an incredible opportunity to view night skies and possibly see the Aurora Borealis.
Sign up for Aurora alerts to be notified when there are possible Northern Lights forecasts.
Location: 462 Huron Road, Mar
Local Astronomy Associations
There are almost 100 local amateur astronomy clubs across Canada, many of which are in Ontario, that passionately share their interest in stargazing and night sky appreciation.
In addition to members-only meetings, they often host special events, guided observing sessions and stargazing parties open to the public.
Observatories and astronomy centres
David Dunlap Observatory
Opened in 1935, this Richmond Hill observatory is home Canada’s largest telescope and hosts special programs, including kid-friendly events and educational talks throughout the year.
Location: 123 Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill
Allan I. Carswell Astronomical Observatory
In addition to supporting the astronomy program at York University in Toronto, this facility promotes public interest in astronomy with programs, tours and viewing sessions, both in-person and online.
Location: Life Sciences Building, 6 Thompson Road, North York
Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory
Fellow astronomy buffs are invited to join students and staff at the Cronyn Observatory at Western University for Astronomy Public Nights on select evenings to view the skies using telescopes.
Location: 1151 Richmond Street, London
Bayside Astronomy
Bayside Astronomy is a public outreach program hosted by the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association, a community committee dedicated to the preservation and education of the UNESCO Biosphere. Join local astronomers for discussions and sky viewing.
Location: 1 Bruin Street, Lion's Head
William J. McCallion Planetarium
McMaster University’s planetarium was the first in Ontario to invite the public to events showcasing its Digitarium Alpha 2 system, a digital projector.
Look for upcoming events and shows and reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment at the door.
Location: Burke Science Building B149, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton
Long Point Eco Adventures Observatory
Choose from two different stargazing experiences at the Long Point Eco Adventures observatory in Turkey Point.
The one-hour Family Stargazing program keeps kids enthralled with lessons in astronomy and stories from mythology. The Observatory Dome Experiences allows you to view the night sky through a 16-inch telescope.
Location: 1730 Front Road, St. Williams
David Thompson Astronomical Observatory
Located at Fort William Historical Park, this observatory is home to one of the largest telescopes in central Canada that’s accessible to the public and offers a variety of stargazing programs, include evening star walk events.
Location: 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay
Dark-sky sites, parks and preserves
Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre
Awarded dark sky preserve status in 2012 by the RASC, the Bluewater Astronomical Society is a non-profit organization that promotes astronomy education and the joy of stargazing. Special public viewing events are held on select dates at the ES Fox observatory at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre using the club’s powerful Webster 28” Dobsonian reflector telescope.
Location: 3092 Bruce Road 13, Oliphant
Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve
This is a photographer’s dream destination.
Over 4,000 acres of fully preserved conservation reserve on crown land ensures this precious spot is well protected from urban light. The smooth granite bedrock at the primary observing area allows for easy gear setup, while open landscapes provide unobstructed night sky viewing opportunities.
Check the park’s night sky visibility forecast in advance of your trip.
Location: Southwood Road, Gravenhurst
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Visitors flock to this spectacular national park for the postcard-perfect Georgian Bay views and vistas, but at night, the main attraction is above. There are two designated observing areas, the first is near the facilities by Cyprus Lake and the second is a coastal site southwest of Highway 6 called Singing Sands.
Enjoy fantastic night skies on a backcountry camping or winter yurt excursion. Be sure to make reservations and secure permits well in advance.
Location: 469 Cyprus Lake Road, Tobermory
Lake Superior Provincial Park
A relatively recent addition to Ontario’s dark-sky preserve list, Lake Superior received its designation in 2018.
Perched on the eastern shores of Lake Superior and far from urban light pollution, this is one of the darkest dark sky preserves in the world, thus one of the best places to admire the night sky and even catch sight of the Aurora Borealis. The designated observation site is on the beach at the Agawa Bay Campground, not far from the Visitor Centre, and offers a magnificent skyscape over the lake. Check online for dark sky programming and events at the park.
Location: 96 Broadway Avenue, Wawa
Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area
Although not an officially designated dark sky preserve, this is one of the most southerly dark sky sites in Ontario that offers an unmatched night sky experience.
Located off Highway 41, south of Kaladar, the site provides parking and a concrete pad for your tripod or telescope and admission is free. It’s open year-round, while laser-guided and astrophotography-focused events are offered from May through September.
Location: 7980 County Road, Erinsville
Point Pelee National Park
A critical spring and fall migration destination for birds and Monarch butterflies, this national park, located in Canada’s southernmost region, is also a great spot to admire the starry wilderness at night.
Point Pelee was the first national park to be recognized by the RASC, receiving its designation in 2006. Join members of the RASC – Windsor Centre for Dark Sky Nights, magical evenings of stargazing. Bring your binoculars or look through one of the special telescopes on-site for the evening.
Location: 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington
North Frontenac Astronomy Park
Just south of the community of Plevna, about a two-hour drive west of Ottawa, the Dark Sky Observation Pad of North Frontenac was Canada’s first municipality to be awarded the Dark Sky Preserve Designation.
Equipped with a Fred Lossing Telescope as well as picnic benches, parking, electrical services and accessible washrooms, it’s a comfortable spot to witness the magic of the skies. Check the North Frontenac Amateur Astronomy Club Facebook page for upcoming public events.
Location: 5816 Road 506, Plevna
Killarney Provincial Park
One of Ontario’s most prized provincial parks, Killarney hugs the northern shores of Georgian Bay. Distinguishing features include the white quartzite hilltops of the La Cloche Mountain range, pine and hardwood forests and smooth, pink-coloured granite coastline.
Killarney was the first park in Ontario to be awarded the preserve designation and one of only two parks with an observatory. Killarney is a great destination for year-round camping or book a roofed accommodation in one of the six cozy yurts or two cabins.
Location: 958 ON-637, Killarney
The DarkSky Preserve at Manitoulin Eco Park
The DarkSky Preserve at Manitoulin Eco Park features a communal, wide-open space offering 360-degree sky viewing, perfect for stargazing. The site was Canada’s first RASC-designated commercial Dark Sky Preserve and continues to provide exceptional dark skies showing 7.5+ magnitude stars.
Beyond the preserve, the park extends into the hardwood forest and offers rustic, earth-friendly accommodations. Check for upcoming astronomy events and presentations.
Location: 18777 ON-6, Tehkummah
Quetico Provincial Park
Located about a two-hour drive west of Thunder Bay, Quetico was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association for its exceptional pollution-free night skies. Classified as a wilderness park, there are year-round camping opportunities as well as roofed accommodations available to rent.
Location: ON-11, Atikokan
Skygazing etiquette includes minimizing artificial light, so switch off vehicle headlights and use the red light setting on your flashlight or headlamp.
When stargazing in Ontario Parks, a daily vehicle permit is required. If available, purchase your pass ahead of time and make camping reservations in advance. Generally, weekends are much busier than weekdays at Ontario Parks, so plan a mid-week visit.
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Last updated: August 21, 2025