By Natalie Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Ontario is known for its breathtaking landscapes, from pristine lakes to dense forests, but beyond its natural beauty lies another awe-inspiring experience—stargazing. Stargazing and astro-tourism is growing in Ontario, which now has over eight of the world’s 80 official dark-sky reserves. The best stargazing spots in Ontario are located far away from city lights and are situated closer to nature. The vastness of Ontario offers some of the best places to witness the night sky in all its glory. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or simply looking to escape the city lights, these stargazing accommodations are the perfect serence getaway that offer exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Manitoulin Eco Park

Located on the world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin Eco Park is a stargazer’s paradise. The park boasts a Dark Sky Preserve, where light pollution is virtually nonexistent, providing an unobstructed view of Northern Lights/Borealis Aurora, Perseid Meteor Showers and many other stellar events. You can camp in the dark sky preserve itself or stay in one of the cozy cabins or tipis on the property. The resort also offers guided stargazing tours, complete with telescopes and expert knowledge.

Killarney Mountain Lodge, Killarney

Nestled on the shores of Georgian Bay, Killarney Mountain Lodge offers a luxurious yet rustic escape with some of the best stargazing in Ontario. The lodge’s remote location ensures dark skies, perfect for nighttime viewing. Visit Killarney Provincial Park which has and observatory that hosts public stargazing events, allowing visitors to observe celestial wonders through powerful telescopes. After a day of exploring the Park, you can relax in your private cabin or by the lodge’s bonfire, where the clear skies above continue to reveal a dazzling display of stars.

Long Point Eco-Adventures, Norfolk County

For a blend of adventure and stargazing, Long Point Eco-Adventures is the place to be. Located near the Long Point UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this glamping site offers a range of accommodations, including wilderness pods, glamping tents, and luxury suites. The area is known for its dark skies, making it a fantastic location for stargazing. The resort also hosts astronomy nights, where guests can use powerful telescopes to explore the cosmos.

Stargazing B&B, Elgin

Nestled at the edge of a UNESCO world heritage site, overlooking serene wetlands teeming with wildlife, Harlem Stonegate offers luxurious glamping in a tranquil maple forest. This quiet rural setting is free from light pollution and offers year-round accommodations with stargazing, astrophotography, and dark sky observations with a telescope. The hosts will set you up in a beautiful comfortable cozy location with hay bales, blankets, Muskoka chairs, a telescope and warm drinks for the ultimate evening of comfort and stargazing.

Algonquin Eco-Lodge, Algonquin Park

For a truly off-the-grid experience, Algonquin Eco-Lodge offers a unique stay deep in the heart of Algonquin Park with unparalleled stargazing opportunities.. The lodge is solar-powered and is truely a  “Digital Detox” vacation, with no phone lines, no internet service, even your cell phones wont work this far out! Stay in one of the comfortable rooms or cabins and enjoy the lodge’s hot tub under the stars after a day of exploring the park. The remote location makes it an ideal spot for observing the Milky Way, meteor showers, and even the Northern Lights.

Four Corners Algonquin

Lie beneath a canopy of stars, nestled in the heart of nature at Four Corners Algonquin, where stargazing takes on a whole new dimension. This unique experience places you inside a bubble tent, with transparent walls that provide an uninterrupted view of the night sky. Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Algonquin’s wilderness, you can watch the Milky Way stretch across the heavens or catch a glimpse of a shooting star, all while staying cozy in your private, luxurious bubble. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, offering an unforgettable way to connect with the cosmos.

Lake Superior Provincial Park Backcountry Camping

For the more adventurous stargazers, backcountry camping in Lake Superior Provincial Park is an experience like no other. Set up camp along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, where the vast open skies offer breathtaking views of the stars and is also home to many nocturnal animals, including bats, beavers, wolves, Northern Flying Squirrels and owls . The park’s remote location is among the darkest of all Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, and also on Earth! This is a more rustic option, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a truly wild stargazing experience however for easier access check out Rabbit Blanket Lake campground and Agawa Bay Campground.

Happy stargazing!

Natalie