Be sure to check websites for updates over the coming months, as COVID-19 may result in event cancellations, postponements or park closures. For information on Health Canada guidelines regarding safety precautions, travel and public gatherings, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Star parties and dark-sky festivals across Canada offer a chance to enjoy astronomy in the company of fellow enthusiasts and get firsthand tips from seasoned observers and astrophotographers.
Be sure to contact organizers ahead to confirm details and inquire about any changes and registration requirements.
Events across Canada
Please note: SkyNews is updating this page as plans change. If you are hosting an event that is not yet on this page or know of a change that is occurring, please email us at editor@skynews.ca.
Atlantic Canada
Kouchibouguac Star Fest – CANCELLED
June 19-20, September 18-19 2020
Kouchibouguac National Park, NB
Organizer: RASC New Brunswick Centre
Contact: Paul Owen or Emile Cormier
Phone: 506-343-7975
Email: pacificpaul@msn.com
Website: rascnb.ca
Mactaquac Camping & Observing Weekend – CANCELLED
July 17-18, 2020
Mactaquac Provincial Park, NB
Organizer: RASC New Brunswick Centre
Contact: Paul Owen
Phone: 506-343-7975
Email: pacificpaul@msn.com
Website: rascnb.ca
Butter Pot Star Party – CANCELLED
July 24-25, 2020
Butter Pot Provincial Park (40 km. west of St. John’s), NL
Organizer: RASC St. John’s Centre
Contact: Randy Dodge
Email: info@stjohnsrasc.ca
Website: stjohnsrasc.ca/bpsp/star-party.shtml
Mount Carleton Star Party – CANCELLED
July 24-25, 2020
Mount Carleton Provincial Park, NB
Organizer: RASC New Brunswick Centre
Contact: Paul Owen
Phone: 506-343-7975
Email: pacificpaul@msn.com
Website: rascnb.ca
Terra Nova National Park Night Sky Celebration – TBA
August 21-22, 2020
Terra Nova National Park, NL
Organizer: RASC St. John’s Centre
Contact: Randy Dodge
Email: info@stjohnsrasc.ca
Website: stjohnsrasc.ca/bpsp/star-party.shtml
Please check the website as the date approaches.
Fundy Star Gaze – TBA
August 21-22, 2020
Fundy National Park, NB
Organizer: RASC New Brunswick Centre
Contact: Paul Owen
Phone: 506-343-7975
Email: pacificpaul@msn.com
Website: rascnb.ca
Nova East Star Party – ONLINE
August 21-23, 2020
Organizer: RASC Halifax Centre
Contact: Judy Black
Email: novaeast2020@halifax.rasc.ca
Website: novaeast.rasc.ca
Central Canada
Aurora Borealis Weekend – RESCHEDULEDMay 15-18 Aug 21-24, September 4-7, 2020
Gordon’s Park Dark Sky Preserve (on Manitoulin Island), ON
Organizer: Gordon’s Park
Phone: 705-859-2470
Email: reservations@gordonspark.com
Website: gordonspark.com
Astrophotographers Assemble – LATE START
May 16, June 13 2020 (Cancelled)
July 25, August 22, September 12, 2020 (As scheduled)
Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area (7980 County Road 41), Erinsville, ON
Organizer: Lennox & Addington County
Contact: Rob Plumley
Phone: 613-354-4883 ext. 3271
Email: stargazing@lennox-addington.on.ca
Website: DarkSkyViewing.com
Please call beforehand to ensure the event is running as planned.
Events at the North Frontenac Star Gazing Pad
May 16-17, 2020 (Cancelled)
Events at the North Frontenac Star Gazing Pad
June 20, 2020 (Note time change: 9pm-2am)
July 25, August 11-12, August 22, September 12, October 10-11, 2020 (TBD)
North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve (5816 Road 506, between Plevna & Fernleigh), ON
Organizer: Township of North Frontenac
Contact: Corey Klatt
Phone: 613-479-2231 x 233
Email: recreation@northfrontenac.ca
Website: northfrontenac.com/en/open-for-business/dark-sky-preserve.aspx
Laser-Guided Stargazing Tours
May 22-23, June 19-20, 2020 (Cancelled)
July 17-18, August 14-15, September 18-19, 2020 (TBA)
Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area (7980 County Road 41), Erinsville, ON
Organizer: Lennox & Addington County
Contact: Rob Plumley
Phone: 613-354-4883 x 3271
Email: stargazing@lennox-addington.on.ca
Website: DarkSkyViewing.com
Millennium Square Stargazing Nights
May 29, June 26 (Cancelled)
July 24, August 21, September 25, October 23
Millennium Square (south end of Liverpool Road), Pickering, ON
Organizer: RASC Toronto Centre
Contact: Arnold Brody
Phone: 905-903-2822
Email: arnbrody@gmail.com
Website: rascto.ca
New Moon in June Star Party – CANCELLED
June 18-21, 2020
Organizers: RASC Sudbury Centre & North Bay Astronomy Club
Contact: Linda Pulliah
Phone: 705-671-8127
Email: pulliah@fibreop.ca or bobandlil14@gmail.com (the Chapmans)
Website: gatewaytotheuniverse.org
16th International Video Star Party – ONLINE
July 15-18, 2020
Johnstown, ON — Online event only
Contact: Rock Mallin
Phone: 613-749-7592 or 613-925-7592
Email: mallincam@gmail.com
Website: mallincam.net/video-star-parties.html
Gateway to the Universe Star Party – CANCELLED
July 16-19, 2020
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park (near Mattawa), ON
Organizer: North Bay Astronomy Club
Contact: Bill Montague
Phone: 705-482-3048
Email: astronomer123@cogeco.ca
Website: gatewaytotheuniverse.org
Stargazing Manitoulin & Aurora Watch
July 17-20, 2020
Gordon’s Park Dark Sky Preserve (on Manitoulin Island), ON
Organizer: Gordon’s Park
Phone: 705-859-2470
Email: reservations@gordonspark.com
Website: gordonspark.com
Registration is required. Don’t forget to bring a mask. Please call beforehand to ensure it the event is still on.
Perseids Meteor Party & Aurora Watch
August 14-17, 2020
Gordon’s Park Dark Sky Preserve (on Manitoulin Island), ON
Organizer: Gordon’s Park
Phone: 705-859-2470
Email: reservations@gordonspark.com
Website: gordonspark.com
Please call beforehand to ensure it the event is still on.
The August Star Party
August 13-16, 2020
Chapman Observing Field, ON
Organizer: North Bay Astronomy Club
Contact: Robert or Lillian Chapman
Phone: 705-386-7087
Email: bobandlil14@gmail.com
Website: gatewaytotheuniverse.org
Still on, but call Bob to attend. The organization will make decisions based on the size of groupings allowed at the time.
Starfest 2020 – POSTPONEDAugust 20-23, 2020 August 5-8, 2021
River Place Park (near Mount Forest), ON
Organizer: North York Astronomical Association
Contact: Tony Ward
Email: info@nyaa.ca
Website: nyaa.ca/starfest.html
“This year, even though Starfest is over four months away (August 20-23, 2020), the uncertainty of what conditions will be like at that time and the status of the River Place Campground (open or closed), has led us to postpone our 39th Starfest until August 5-8, 2021.”
Half the Night Star Party – TBA
August 27-30, 2020
Halfway Lake Provincial Park, ON
Organizers: Linda Pulliah &RASC Sudbury Centre
Contact: Linda Pulliah
Phone: 705-671-8127
Email: pulliah@fibreop.ca
Website: sudburyastronomyclub.com
Please check the website as the date approaches.
The Last Chance Star Party – TBA
September 17-20, 2020
Restoule Provincial Park (Group site 601), ON
Organizer: North Bay Astronomy Club
Contact: Lillian or Robert Chapman
Phone: 705-386-7087
Email: bobandlil14@gmail.com
Website: gatewaytotheuniverse.org
Please check the website as the date approaches.
Fall ‘n Stars – POSTPONED
September 18-20, 2020
Johnson RV Park, Picton (South Bay), ON
Organizer: RASC Belleville Centre
Contact: Randy Boddam
Phone: 705-321-3205
Email: rboddam@hotmail.ca
Website: rascbelleville.ca/fallnstars
CAFTA 2020 (Concours Annuel de Fabricants de Télescopes d’Amateurs)
November (DATE TBA)
Quebec (Venue TBA)
Organizers: Dorval Astronomy Club & Société d’astronomie de Montréal (SAM)
Contact: Marjolaine Savoie
Phone: 514-953-9038
Email: marjos@ca.inter.net
Website: astrosurf.com/cdadfs/cafta.html
Check website for details closer to the event date.
Western Canada
Beyond the Big Dipper – CANCELLED
May 23, 2020
Rock Creek Campground (in Grasslands National Park), SK
Organizer: Grasslands National Park
Contact: East Block Visitor Centre
Phone: 306-476-2018
Email: pc.infopnprairies-grasslandsnpinfo.pc@canada.ca
Website: parkscanada.gc.ca/grasslands
Alberta Star-B-Q – CANCELLED
July 17-19, 2020
Eccles Ranch Observatory (north of Caroline), AB
Organizer: RASC Calgary Centre
Contact: Roland Dechesne
Phone: 403-510-4330
Email: rolandd@cnrl.com
Website: calgary.rasc.ca/starbq2020.htm
Mount Kobau Star Party – CANCELLED
August 15-23, 2020
Summit of Mount Kobau (near Osoyoos), BC
Organizer: Mount Kobau Astronomical Society
Contact: Jim Failes
Phone: 250-763-6962
Email: info@mksp.ca
Website: mksp.ca
“May 21, 2020: After an assessment of risks related to the ongoing pandemic, and how those risks would influence the operation of a successful star party, the directors of the Mount Kobau Astronomical Society regret to announce they have unanimously voted tonight to cancel MKSP 2020. This is the first time in the 37 years of MKSP’s history that the star party has been cancelled outright. Conservation of money and resources we have on hand gives us solid hope of meeting again on the mountain top for the start of MKSP 2021 on August 7 next year. Thank you to all who have expressed concern for Mt. Kobau Star Party.”
Saskatchewan Summer Star Party – CANCELLED
August 19-24, 2020
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Centre Block), 30 km. south of Maple Creek, SK
Organizer: RASC Saskatoon Centre
Contact: Richard Huziak
Phone: 306-665-3392
Email: sssp.sk@sasktel.net
“We regret to announce the cancellation of the Saskatchewan Summer Star Party 2020 … See our website for the full announcement. Don’t forget to check our website throughout the summer for updates and for some fun online activities. The dates of the 24th (mostly) annual SSSP 2021 are Aug. 4th to 9th. We hope to see you there!”
Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Dark Sky Festival – SUSPENDED
August 20-23, 2020
Fort Smith & Wood Buffalo National Park, NT
Organizer: Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society
Contact: Mike Couvrette
Phone: 867-872-0243
Email: info@tawbas.ca
Website: tawbas.ca
“Due to the current global COVID-19 situation, the organizers of the Dark Sky Festival have decided to suspend our plans to host the 2020 Dark Sky Festival event. As circumstances improve, we may consider sponsoring a ‘scaled-down version’ of the event. Please check for updates.”
25th Island Star Party – CANCELLED
August 21-22, 2020
Bright Angel Park, Duncan, BC
Organizer: Cowichan Valley Starfinders Society
Contact: Brian Robilliard
Email: starfinders.ca/contact-us
Website: starfinders.ca/island-star-party
Yukon Star Party
August 29-30, 2020
RASC Yukon Centre Observatory, Takhini Hot Springs, Whitehorse, YT
Organizer: Yukon Astronomical Society
Contact: Vikki Zsohar
Email: yukonastronomicalsociety@gmail.com
Website: yukonastronomy.com
Running as scheduled, if no restrictions are in place.
Northern Prairie Star Party – POSTPONEDSeptember 15-20, 2020 September 7 – 12, 2021
Black Nugget Lake Campground (southeast of Tofield), AB
Organizer: RASC Edmonton Centre
Contact: Rick Bramm
Email: npsp@edmontonrasc.com
Website: edmontonrasc.com/northern-prairie-star-party
“The 2020 Northern Prairie Star Party (NPSP) sponsored by the RASC – Edmonton Centre has been postponed until September 7 – 12, 2021. Individuals wishing to camp at the Black Nugget Lake campground this year should check the Black Nugget Lake Campground website.”
Alberta Star Party – ONLINE
September 18-20, 2020
Starland Recreation Area (north of Drumheller), AB
Organizer: RASC Calgary Centre
Contact: Jason Nishiyama
Email: albertastarparty@gmail.com
Website: calgary.rasc.ca/asp2020.htm
“Keep an eye on the ASP web page and on the Facebook and Twitter accounts as more details become available.”
Northern Nights Festival – TBA, may move online
September 18-19, 2020
Kathleen Lake Campground (in Kluane National Park & Reserve), YT
Organizer: Parks Canada
Phone: 867-634-7207
Email: pc.kluaneinfo.pc@canada.ca
Website: pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/yt/kluane/activ/nuits-nordique-northern-nights
Manning Park Dark Sky Astronomy Weekend
October 16-18, 2020
Manning Park Resort (in E.C. Manning Provincial Park), BC
Organizer: Manning Park Resort
Contact: Robyn Barker
Phone: 604-668-5922
Email: marketing@manningpark.com
Website: manningpark.com/stargazing
“We are still optimistic about being able to hold our Astronomy Weekend in October as planned, barring any major recurrences of COVID-19 that might shut us down again. We will post information about the Astronomy Weekend and other Manning Park Dark Sky info on this webpage. And we also have a Dark Sky Mailing list that can be signed up for here.”
Jasper Dark Sky Festival – TBA
October 16-25, 2020
Jasper townsite & Jasper National Park, AB
Organizer: Tourism Jasper
Contact: Myriam Bolduc
Phone: 418-455-8441
Email: myriam@jaspercanadianrockies.com
Website: jasperdarksky.travel
