Ontario isn't just beautiful during the day. Away from the glow of city lights, the sky comes to life every evening with shimmering stars and constellations. You can gaze into the faraway galaxy at these light-free destinations this summer. Get lost in the night sky by visiting Ontario's stargazing spots. With bright city lights obscuring views of the stars, it's easy to forget just how spectacular the night sky is. You can marvel at the celestial world above by taking a trip to these stargazing spots this summer. Free of light, these majestic areas offer unparalleled views of the stars, constellations, Milky Way, and more. Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve is a light-free park offering miles of undisturbed night sky views. The 4,707 space is far from civilization and light pollution. You can watch the Milky Way stretching through the darkness, and often catch a glimpse of the colourful Northern Lights. Several national and provincial parks also feature gorgeous dark skies. Point Pelee has monthly dark sky nights, where you can stay late to see the stars. Bring your telescope, camera, or just your closest stargazing pal, and enjoy the wonders of the night sky this summer. Torrance Barrens DSP Price: Free Address: Southwood Rd., Gravenhurst, ON Why You Need To Go: This massive light-free area will bring you panoramic views of the night sky. You can even pitch a tent and relax beneath the galaxy. View this post on Instagram DREAMS . . . #moodygrams #nightphotography #instagood #picoftheday #createcommune #beautifuldestinations #agameoftones #fatalframes #lensbible #gramslayers #theimaged #sonygang #instagood10k #watchthisinstagood #sonyimages #sonyalpha #all2epic #visualambassadors #way2ill #artofvisuals #hypebeast #alphacollective #illgrammers #igcolor #heatercentral #longexposure #torrencebarrens #milkyway #levelfineart A post shared by Phill Chun (@phillchun) on Jun 30, 2019 at 2:43pm PDT Website Point Pelee National Park Price: $7.90 per adult When: Various dates Address: 1118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington, ON Why You Need To Go: On select nights, the park remains open until midnight so that visitors have a chance to take in the stunning stars and constellations while artificial light is kept to a minimum. View this post on Instagram More tree silhouettes at sunset • • • • #photography #lightroom #silhouette #tree #lr_photohunt #lr_vista #darkskyshots #sunset #dusk #pointpelee #pointpeleenationalpark #picoftheday #photooftheday #photographer #naturephotography #nature #darksky #onthe42 #darkskypreserve #moon A post shared by Chrys Quick (@__mistress_9) on Dec 20, 2019 at 4:00am PST Website Gordon's Park Price: $20 per person When: Thursdays & Saturdays in July & August Address: 18777 ON-6, Tehkummah, ON Why You Need To Go: This magical island park offers astronomy nights throughout the summer, and you can see the Milky Way in great detail. You can also camp out in the Dark Sky Preserve or stay in the special stargazing cabin. View this post on Instagram This Thursday and Friday will be peak viewing of the Perseid Meteor Shower. I always do my best to make sure I see them every year. So make sure you find some dark skies and catch some shooting stars 💫 #vanlife #ohcanada #nomadsinnature #small_wanders #milkyway #stargazing #perseid #darkskies #universe #ontario #ontariotravel @ontariotravel A post shared by Jenny Nomad (@small_wanders) on Aug 9, 2016 at 2:36pm PDT Website Fathom Five National Marine Park Price: $7.90 admission per adult Address: 121 Chi sin tib dek Rd., Tobermory, ON Why You Need To Go: As one of Ontario's designated Dark Sky Preserves, you can enjoy twinkling galaxies at this unique island. The park is gradually reopening for limited day use and activities. View this post on Instagram Summer night at Flowerpot island. A small island famous for its crystal clear water and unique landscape... . . . . . . . . . . . . #wonderfulplacestogo #wonderfulplaces #earthfocus #bd_pro #bds_earth #infinity_worldshoot #instanaturefriends #gottolove_this #travelawesome #fotofanatics_nature #amazing_shots #earth_shotz #earthpix #opcmag #exceptional_pictures #awesome_earthpix #exceptional_pictures #earthescope #master_gallery A post shared by Henry Liu (@henrylw) on Dec 30, 2018 at 7:16am PST Website Lake Superior Provincial Park Price: Fees vary Address: 96 Broadway Ave., Wawa, ON Why You Need To Go: Recognized nationally as a Dark Sky Preserve, this expansive park will bring you vast views of the sparkling sky. Backcountry camping is currently available. View this post on Instagram @lakesuperiorpp is now a dark sky preserve! And the water is super clear and a beautiful hue of green! A post shared by Jeff Dixon (@jeffvisualart) on Feb 15, 2019 at 7:06am PST Website Lennox And Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area Price: Free Address: 7980 Lennox and Addington County Rd. 41, Erinsville, ON Why You Need To Go: Take a trip to the most southerly point in the province that offers unique views of the night sky. The viewing platform is the perfect spot to set up a camera or telescope. Social distance circles have been installed for safe gazing. View this post on Instagram See all the cool yellow/green lights in the grass? Fireflies, lightning bugs or whatever you call them were out in droves last night. I was hoping they would stick around for the long exposure of the foreground. My first image using Raya Pro 3.0 within Photoshop to blend foreground images with night sky images that were used with my new star tracker. So far so good and I can only get better from here. Camden Lake Technical Info: Fuji X-T2 Mirrorless camera Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 lens ISO 1000 for the sky 4 minute exposures x3 stacked ISO 1000 for the foreground 4 minute exposure. #ygk #teamygk #huffpostcanada #natgeo #natgeocreative #beautifuldestinations #igs_can #ig_great_shots_canada #photooftheday #canadagram #fujixt2 #fujinonlenses #fujifilmx_us #fujifilm_northamerica #skywatcherstaradventurer #resourcemag #ig_captures #ig_shotz #igers #igdaily #chasinglight #pocket_canada #kingston_on #visitkingston #milkyway #milkywaychasers #longexposure #naturallylennoxaddington #lennoxandaddingtondarkskyviewingarea #lennoxandaddington A post shared by Adam Michael (@a.m.creativ) on Jun 25, 2019 at 7:35am PDT Website Bruce Peninsula National Park Price: $7.90 admission per adult Address: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd., Tobermory, ON Why You Need To Go: Another designated Dark Sky Preserve, this national park features towering cliffs and turquoise water. Backcountry camping is open, so you can spend an evening beneath the stars. View this post on Instagram Our country may not be perfect, but I could not imagine living anywhere else. 🇨🇦Happy Canada Day!!! 🇨🇦 A post shared by Nick Seman (@nick_seman_photography) on Jun 30, 2019 at 10:56pm PDT Website North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve Price: Free Address: 5816 Road 506, Plevna, ON Why You Need To Go: Boasting the darkest skies in southern Ontario, you can drink in celestial views from the observation pad. View this post on Instagram After staying at home for 2 months, I’m glad I finally got a chance to shoot the night skies this past new moon night. Also took this opportunity to create my first composite night sky image! The sky and foreground were both photographed on the same night, but at different locations. ================================================ Foreground: Stack of 6 photos for noise reduction. * Camera: @nikoncanada D7200 * Lens: @nikoncanada 18-140mm * F/6.3 * 1/100 seconds * ISO 250 Sky: Tracked and stacked: 7 photos * Tracker: @skywatcherusa Star Adventurer * F/3.2 * 150 seconds * ISO 1600 ================================================ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #milkyways #milkywaypics #milkywaychasers #milkywayphotography #milkyway_nightscapes #milkywaychaser #milkywayphoto #newmilkyway #milkywayshooters #nightphotoshoot #nightphotography_exclusive #nightskyphotography #nights_dreamworld #canada_gram #canada_true #canada_photolovers #canadaparks #canadaviews #canadagems #nightphotographers #nightphotographycaptures #milkywayhunters #milkywaygrams #milkywaymastery #underthemilkyway #longexposure_photos #longexposureshot #astrophotos #astrophotography_ #canada_pic A post shared by Prashanth Vajjhala (@prashanthv09) on May 25, 2020 at 4:40am PDT Website We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
