Always Look Up for a Starry-Eyed Surprise in Atlantic Canada
According to the International Dark Sky Association, Astro-tourism has become a growing travel trend since enthusiasts found a love of the night sky during various covid lockdowns across the world.
The four provinces of Atlantic Canada offer a wide variety of stargazing options to both accomplished and beginner enthusiasts alike. From the William Brydone Jack Observatory in New Brunswick to the Terra Nova National Park Dark Sky Preserve in Newfoundland and Labrador and the world’s first starlight hotel, Trout Point Lodge in Nova Scotia to starry night skies packages at The Barachois Inn on Prince Edward Island, there’s something to suit every type of stargazer in Atlantic Canada.
The Oldest Existing Astronomical Observatory – New Brunswick
For those stargazers who also have a penchant for the historical, New Brunswick’s Fredericton is home to the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Canada, having been completed in November 1850. The William Brydone Jack Observatory is found on the campus of the University of New Brunswick, which was founded in 1785 and is the oldest English-language university in Canada as well as one of the oldest in North America. Travellers can explore the history of William Brydone Jack who used this observatory to make some of the first accurate longitude measurements in Canada, while taking part in their own public observation nights, observing different astronomical sights through the telescopes, bringing the history of both the observatory and constellations to life.
Terra Nova National Park Dark Sky Preserve, Newfoundland and Labrador
Head to Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador and take the opportunity to borrow a Night Sky Kit from the onsite activity centre. The kit includes everything you need to help you understand the skies above, including binoculars and a star finder and moon gazer guide will help you discover the wonders of above. Terra Nova National Park was the first designated Dark Sky Preserve in Newfoundland and Labrador and is committed to providing educational programs on astronomy and other dark sky themes to visitors. Visitors can have an out of this world camping experience at Malady Head or Newman Sound campground staying in an Ôasis water-drop shaped treehouse which sit on stilts and have a glass roof – perfect for an uninterrupted view of the nights sky. The treehouse costs from from just £74 per night and sleeps two adults and two children. More information can be found here.
Starlight Culinary Escapes at Trout Point Lodge, Nova Scotia
Stay at the world’s first starlight hotel, Trout Point Lodge in Nova Scotia and discover the stories of the night sky with your own guide who will lead you on a guided forest walk on the edge of the Tusket River to a private stargazing deck. The starlight culinary escape includes a gourmet dinner with four-courses curated by Trout Point Lodge’s chef featuring local fresh ingredients accompanied by wines paired by the expert sommelier. Your escape will include accommodation at the luxury wilderness resort, an expert-led stargazing experience who will reveal the secrets of the Dark Sky Preserve, plus access to all on-site activities including wood-fired hot tub, outdoor barrel sauna and guided activities including kayaking, forest bathing, hiking and yoga. The starlight culinary escape package is available until June 2022 and costs from £849 based on two sharing. More information can be found here.
Stargazing at Cavendish Beach National Park, Prince Edward Island
Cavendish Beach National Park at the heart of Prince Edward Island and the centre point of its northern shore is the ideal place on Prince Edward Island to explore the night sky. Stargazing at the beach will give a different perspective as you witness the stars reflect off the ocean. Stay nearby at The Barachois Inn and relax and unwind and witness the night sky in absolute comfort. Rooms cost from £84 per night based on two sharing and can be booked here.