Elk Island National Park Dark Sky Experiences

Join fellow night sky enthusiasts at Astotin Lake after dark! Elk Island National Park is a member of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and is a perfect place to experience the stars and planets above. Because the Earth is constantly rotating, the night sky changes throughout the year.

Gateway to the Stars
Date: Oct. 18, 19
Time: 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: See prices
Register: 780-992-2965 or email interp.elkisland@pc.gc.ca Registration is required.

Experience the wonder of Elk Island’s night sky. In the heart of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, escape the city to gaze upon the countless stars in our galaxy and learn to navigate from one constellation to the next.

Gateway to the Stars is an introductory stargazing program where park interpreters guide participants using star charts to find some of the major constellations visible in the night sky in the fall. We then use the Big Dipper as our Gateway to the Stars to explore other constellations visible to the human eye and tell some of the cultural stories about the constellations along the way. A campfire and a friendly park interpreter are included. Telescopes are not used in this program.

This program is enjoyed seated outside around a campfire. The program location is approximately 300 meters up a hill along a paved path from the Astotin Lake parking lot. Participants are encouraged to bring their red headlamps to walk to and from the program location as it will be dark by the time the program starts.

Elk Island National Park | Website