Escape the glow of city lights and explore Canada’s top Dark Sky Preserves. Learn where to find some of the country’s darkest skies for the most impressive stargazing opportunities.

Canada is home to many of the world’s best stargazing destinations thanks to our protected Dark Sky Preserves. These areas, specially designated by Parks Canada, work to reduce artificial light and preserve natural darkness, creating ideal conditions for observing stars, planets, meteor showers, and even the northern lights.

From the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast, these are some of Canada’s best Dark Sky Preserves.

Jasper National Park, Alberta

Jasper National Park is often considered Canada’s premier stargazing destination. A Dark Sky Preserve since 2011, the park’s combination of high elevation, clean mountain air, and limited light pollution creates exceptional viewing conditions. On clear nights, you can easily spot the Milky Way overhead. Scenic viewpoints, campgrounds, and lakeshores throughout Jasper provide excellent locations to enjoy the night sky. The park is also home to the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival every October, when long nights provide plenty of time for stargazing.

Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta and Northwest Territories

Wood Buffalo National Park holds the distinction of being the largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. The park’s remote northern location, spanning the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, means it isn’t easy to get to, but it also means there is almost no artificial light to interfere with the stars in the night sky. The preserve is particularly well known for being an excellent place to view the northern lights.

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

To find some of the darkest night skies in Canada, you don’t actually have to go that far north. Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan is known for having some of the best conditions for stargazing, with limited light pollution and open horizons that let visitors to see the sky in every direction. On clear summer nights, the bright band of the Milky Way is often visible from horizon to horizon, creating a truly unforgettable sight.

Point Pelee National Park, Ontario

Point Pelee National Park may be best known for birdwatching, but it is also one of Ontario’s most impressive Dark Sky Preserves. Located at the southernmost tip of mainland Canada, the park’s extension into Lake Erie helps shield it from much of Ontario’s light pollution. The park’s popular Dark Sky Nights, which take place roughly once a month, allow visitors to stay until midnight and provide seasonal star charts to ensure you get the most out of your viewing experience.

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Nova Scotia

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is one of the best places in Atlantic Canada to witness a truly dark night sky. Its remote location is worth the trip for the brilliant views of stars, planets, and the Milky Way. What makes Kejimkujik particularly unique is how it showcases Mi’kmaq tradition and perspectives on the night sky. Guided experiences and outdoor shows help visitors learn how generations of people have used the stars to understand the world.

Some of the greatest natural wonders only appear after dark. Whether you’re an avid stargazer or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, Canada’s Dark Sky Preserves showcase the beauty of the night and offer an unforgettable experience.