We all do it – gaze up into the night sky to admire the stars. We’re so lucky here in the 705 because conditions are ideal for stargazing.
Because much of the 705 is comprised of rural locations, we have a naturally dark sky that is less affected by light and air pollution. This condition is known as “dark skies”. This allows for stars and constellations to be seen clearer, for the Milky Way and bright planets to be viewable, and for special events like meteor showers. Dark skies are extremely important to humans and wildlife, and there are several protected dark sky regions in Ontario.
The human body is accustomed to experiencing light during the day and darkness at night. This is known as a circadian clock or rhythm and impacts things like sleep patterns, hormone release, eating habits and digestion, and body temperature. Knocking your circadian clock out of its natural rhythm has been linked to various chronic health conditions including sleep disorders, obesity, diabetes, and mental health challenges. Darkness means better sleep, which contributes to better overall health.
In fact, some studies are beginning to see connections between light pollution and rates of cancer.
Dark skies aren’t just good for humans, it’s essential to the survival of wildlife. Many nocturnal animals like owls, bats, and wolves rely on uninterrupted periods of darkness to look for food, migrate, or find a mate. Dark skies also provide important signals to other animals that trigger events like amphibian breeding and bird migration. Many birds and insects migrate at night, and some use the moon and stars to navigate. Artificial lights can distract or lead wildlife off-course. Migrating birds may collide with windows of illuminated buildings at night, thinking the light is a more distant star. Artificial lights also attract insects. They may fly at the light, tiring themselves, depleting fat reserves, and making them too tired for migrating or mating.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is an international leader in protecting night skies and has developed various criteria which denote a place that is focused on the protection and preservation of our night skies. That includes:
- Control of local lighting
- Outreach programs aimed at the general public and neighboring municipalities
- Good nighttime lighting practices
In 2018, Ontario Parks protected two parks as Dark Sky Preserves: Killarney Provincial Park and Lake Superior Provincial Park. This designation from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada means that these sites are focused on the preservation and protection of the night sky. In 2021, Quetico Provincial Park became an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association.
Killarney has implemented programs and safeguards to ensure that ALL local lighting is shielded, reddened, or turned off when not in use. Killarney Provincial Park works with local groups, organizations, and landowners to promote dark sky awareness and preservation.
Skies in the rural regions of the 705 are among the best places in the province to view stars and planets, and the incredible spectacle of the Northern Lights. Now that we are entering the fall season, crisp air, low humidity, and early nights make for perfect dark sky viewing and photography conditions.
Destination Ontario has listed the best places in Ontario for stargazers, night sky photographers and astronomy buffs:
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
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 main observing area allows for easy gear setup, while open landscapes provide unobstructed night sky viewing opportunities.
Location: Southwood Road, Gravenhurst
Bruce Peninsula National Park
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. Backcountry camping or winter yurt excursions are available.
Location: 469 Cyprus Lake Road, Tobermory
Lake Superior Provincial Park
This is one of the darkest dark sky preserves in the world. 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.
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. The site provides parking and a concrete pad for your tripod or telescope and admission is free.
Location: 7980 County Road, Erinsville
Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee is an important spring and fall migration destination for birds and Monarch butterflies. It was the first national park to be recognized by the RASC, receiving its designation in 2006. You can bring your own 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 with 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.
Location: 5816 Road 506, Plevna
Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney is known for its white quartzite hilltops of the La Cloche mountain range, pine and hardwood forests, and pink-colored granite coastline. Killarney was the first Ontario park to be awarded the preserve designation and one of only two parks with an observatory.
Location: 958 ON-637, Killarney
The DarkSky Preserve at Manitoulin Eco Park
The DarkSky Preserve at Manitoulin Eco Park is a communal, wide-open space offering 360-degree sky viewing. Manitoulin Eco Park was Canada’s first RASC-designated commercial Dark Sky Preserve and continues to provide exceptional dark skies showing 7.5+ magnitude stars.
Location: 18777 ON-6, Tehkummah
Quetico Provincial Park
Located about two hours west of Thunder Bay, Quetico is classified as a wilderness park, and was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association for its exceptional pollution-free night skies.,
Location: ON-11, Atikokan
Four Corners Algonquin
This dark sky eco-destination is located on the edge of Algonquin Park. Designated as an “observatory” site, it provides an official night-sky forecast with data populated by the Canadian Meteorological Society, as well as tips and tools to make the most of your night sky experience.
Location: 29924 ON-60, Whitney
Now that you know where to find the best stargazing spots, you need to know how to best see the night skies. Here are some tips:
- Stargaze when there’s a new moon. The darker the sky is, the more stars become visible. At night, the size of the moon has a large effect on how bright or dark the sky. If you go stargazing when the moon is at its smallest, you will have a better view of the stars. You can look up the phases of the moon online on various astronomical websites. Some weather forecasts will also include information about the moon.
- Try to find a spot with a high elevation. Being at a high elevation puts you above trees and other things that can block your view.
- Winter provides the best views of the night sky. The sky gets darker at night and stays that way for longer periods. Also, the leaves have fallen off of most trees, so it’s easier to find an unobstructed view.
- Pay attention to weather forecasts. Make sure you have good, clear weather. Cloudy skies will severely limit your ability to see stars.
- Do your homework. Research upcoming astronomical events like comets or meteor showers. The NASA website provides great Sky Events calendars. https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SKYCAL/SKYCAL.html
- Bring binoculars or a telescope. Binoculars are a more affordable option. For advanced stargazers, telescopes offer a clearer view of stars. If you are looking to buy a telescope, keep in mind that some of the most important factors are magnification power, portability, type, and price.
- Bring charging equipment for your devices. Depending on how long you plan on spending outdoors stargazing, you will want to bring external chargers for your phone and any other devices you have with you. If you are bringing a lot of high-tech gear, you may want to bring a portable power source.
- Take along a chair. If you plan on stargazing for several hours or a whole night, you should bring a portable folding chair. Ideally, you should have a chair that enables you to use your telescope comfortable
- Dress for the weather. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for the weather you’ll face when you go stargazing. No matter the season, it makes sense to bring several layers along. You may want to bring gloves that have either retractable coverings over the fingers or no covering
- Bring reference material. You will want to consult your star charts and star atlases while you stargaze. These will help you to figure out what to look for and how to find it. There are also stargazing apps available like SkySafari and Starmap.
- Identify important stars for orientation. In the 705, locate the North Star. Stargazers often use these markers to figure out what part of the sky they’re looking at. From these touchstones, you can often easily identify other stars and constellations. (This process of using one star to identify the others around it is sometimes called star-hopping and is often practiced by even veteran astronomers.
- Learn the difference between stars and planets. You can tell the difference between stars and planets by paying attention to the light they give off. Sparkling lights in the night sky tend to be stars, while lights that don’t sparkle and seem to keep a fixed position are usually planets.
