With the total lunar eclipse just days away on March 13-14, stargazers are on the hunt for the best viewing spots. The ranking considered factors like latitude, elevation, light pollution levels and even Instagram posts to determine where the night sky is at its most dazzling.
One Canadian park stood out for its high elevation, low light pollution and status as an International Dark Sky Park — making it one of the top spots on Earth to see the blood moon.
Best place to see the lunar eclipse in Canada
Located in southern Alberta, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is famous for its jaw-dropping mountain scenery, glacier-carved lakes and vast wilderness that stretches across the U.S. border into Montana. It's the first-ever International Peace Park, made up of Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and Glacier National Park in the U.S.
Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it also boasts some of the darkest skies in North America — perfect for stargazing, meteor showers and, of course, the upcoming lunar eclipse.
The park's International Dark Sky Park status means it's actively working to reduce light pollution, offering pristine conditions for celestial events. Whether you're gazing at the northern lights, spotting the Milky Way or watching the moon turn blood-red during totality, this is one of the best places in Canada to experience the night sky in all its glory.
How do Canada's dark sky spots stack up?
Planet Cruise's list puts Waterton-Glacier in the top three worldwide, ranking it just behind Interlaken, Switzerland, and Reykjavík, Iceland — two destinations known for their incredible night-sky views. Here's the full top 10 list for the best astro-tourism spots on the planet:
- Interlaken, Switzerland
- Reykjavík, Iceland
- Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Canada
- Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA
- Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
- Leknes, Norway
- Lapland, Finland
- Gantrisch Dark Sky Zone, Switzerland
- Hehuan Mountain, Taiwan
- Kittilä, Finland
Canada also had two other locations in the top 20 — Churchill, Manitoba, and Whitehorse, Yukon, ranked 14th and 15th respectively — further proving that the Great White North is a paradise for night-sky lovers.
When & where to see the 2025 lunar eclipse in Canada
This week's total lunar eclipse will be visible across Canada late Thursday night, March 13, and into the early morning hours of Friday, March 14, with totality lasting around 65 minutes.
While dark-sky locations like Waterton Lakes offer an unmatched experience, the good news is that you can still see the eclipse from anywhere in the country — even in light-polluted cities.
Here's when totality will happen across Canadian time zones:
- Newfoundland time: 3:56 a.m. – 5:02 a.m. (March 14)
- Atlantic time: 3:26 a.m. – 4:32 a.m. (March 14)
- Eastern time: 2:26 a.m. – 3:32 a.m. (March 14)
- Central time: 1:26 a.m. – 2:32 a.m. (March 14)
- Mountain time: 12:26 a.m. – 1:32 a.m. (March 14)
- Pacific time: 11:26 p.m. (March 13) – 12:32 a.m. (March 14)
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that turns the moon a deep red hue — hence the name "blood moon." No special equipment is needed to see it, but binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view.
The last time Canada saw a total lunar eclipse was in November 2022, and the next one won't be for another year after this — on March 3, 2026.
If you want an unforgettable eclipse experience, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is the place to be. But even if you can't make the trip, all you really need is a clear sky and a sense of wonder.
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