– STARGAZING – IN ATLANTIC CANADA
In the Maritimes, seeing the stars can be taken for granted, but really the sky in the city is nothing like it is in the wilderness.Across Canada there are observatories gazing at the galaxy and dark sky preserves that control light pollution, offering visitors a stunning view of the stars. In Atlantic Canada, there are plenty of places to stargaze. GRENFELL CAMPUS OBSERVATORY
The home to Newfoundland’s only professional telescope, this observatory is built on Grenfell Campus, part of Memorial University. One of the largest telescopes in Canada, Grenfell is open to the inquiring public and has had more than 4,200 visitors since opening.
WILLIAM BRYDONE JACK OBSERVATORY
Constructed in 1851, this is the first astronomical observatory built in British North America and the oldest in Canada. On the campus of the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, the observatory is now a museum and still offers visitors the opportunity to experience the stars as they would have experienced been over 150 years ago.
KEJIMKUJIK NATIONAL PARK AND NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
One of Nova Scotia’s two national parks, this site boasts a dark sky preserve, where on a clear night it is possible to see planets that are light years away.With camping and accommodations available, it is possible to stargaze from the park overnight.
FUNDY NATIONAL PARK
Located in Alma, New Brunswick, Fundy National Park is notorious for having the highest tides in the world, but also a offers evenings filled with starlight. Like other national parks, the dark sky preserve offers the ability to look at the stars and get one of the best views in Canada.
TERRA NOVA NATIONAL PARK
Newfoundland offers its first dark sky preserve as well. Nearly 80 km west of Gander, Terra Nova National park has lots of places to get the best view. Climb the old fire tower at Ochre Hill to look at the stars off the ground, or set up a telescope and stargaze with both feet firmly planted on the ground. Atlantic Canada can give the most casual to the most avid stargazers something to talk about.Whether it is planets, constellations or even a galaxy or two, the Maritimes will always be there to offer the best views possible.