Canada’s vast and diverse landscapes have earned it a reputation as a stargazer’s paradise. With its pristine wilderness and minimal light pollution, this country offers some of the darkest and most breathtaking skies for observing the wonders of the cosmos. In this article, we’ll take a journey through the top 10 Canadian national parks for stargazing, ranked not just by their celestial beauty but also by data-driven stargazing scores.
Located in Alberta, Banff National Park tops the list as the ultimate stargazing destination in Canada. With a Google review score of 4.9 and a staggering 610 stargazing-related Instagram posts, Banff boasts some of the darkest skies in the country. Its Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.98, combined with minimal artificial brightness (0.175 μcd/m2), places it at the forefront of stargazing excellence. A Bortle scale rating of 3 ensures unparalleled clarity. Banff National Park is where dreams of the night sky come to life.
British Columbia’s Glacier National Park secures the second spot with a Google review score of 4.8 and 602 stargazing-related Instagram posts. With a Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.97 and minimal artificial brightness (0.176 μcd/m2), this park offers an enchanting celestial experience. Its reputation as the most picturesque Canadian national park on social media, with over 1.1 million Instagram posts, is well-deserved. Glacier National Park is not only a stargazing gem but also a daytime wonder with its glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
3. Jasper National Park (Stargazing Score: 9.03)
Alberta’s Jasper National Park holds the third position, boasting a Google review score of 4.7 and 442 stargazing-related Instagram posts. With a Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.94 and a relatively low artificial brightness of 0.180 μcd/m2, Jasper’s night skies are captivating. A Bortle scale rating of 2 ensures that the Milky Way shines brightly over its breathtaking landscapes. Jasper National Park is a celestial haven tucked away in the Canadian Rockies.
4. Yoho National Park (Stargazing Score: 8.44)
With a Google review score of 4.7 and 207 stargazing-related Instagram posts, Yoho National Park in British Columbia secures the fourth spot. A Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.98 and minimal artificial brightness (0.174 μcd/m2) ensure excellent stargazing conditions. Yoho’s landscapes and emerald lakes add to the allure of its night skies, making it a stargazing paradise in the heart of the Rockies.
5. Gros Morne National Park (Stargazing Score: 8.39)
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Gros Morne National Park ranks fifth with a perfect Google review score of 4.9. While it may have fewer stargazing-related Instagram posts (15), its Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.99 and low artificial brightness (0.173 μcd/m2) offer exceptional stargazing experiences. With a Bortle scale rating of 1, Gros Morne National Park provides pristine night skies for avid astronomers.
6. Kejimkujik National Park (Stargazing Score: 8.33)
Nova Scotia’s Kejimkujik National Park is another hidden gem for stargazers. With a Google review score of 4.8 and 15 stargazing-related Instagram posts, this park shines. A Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.99 and low artificial brightness (0.173 μcd/m2) make it an ideal destination for those seeking quiet, dark skies.
7. Grasslands National Park (Stargazing Score: 8.31)
Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park, with a Google review score of 4.7 and 31 stargazing-related Instagram posts, ranks seventh. A Sky Quality Meter reading of 22.00 and minimal artificial brightness (0.171 μcd/m2) offer pristine stargazing conditions. With a Bortle scale rating of 1, this park delivers some of the darkest skies in Canada.
8. Pukaskwa National Park (Stargazing Score: 8.31)
Ontario’s Pukaskwa National Park secures the eighth position, boasting a Google review score of 4.8 and 4 stargazing-related Instagram posts. With a Sky Quality Meter reading of 22.00 and minimal artificial brightness (0.171 μcd/m2), it’s a hidden gem for stargazers seeking solitude and pristine nightscapes.
9. Kluane National Park and Reserve (Stargazing Score: 8.26)
Yukon’s Kluane National Park and Reserve ranks ninth with a Google review score of 4.7 and 11 stargazing-related Instagram posts. Its Sky Quality Meter reading of 22.00 and minimal artificial brightness (0.171 μcd/m2) create a celestial haven in the North, perfect for those seeking remote and untouched night skies.
10. Waterton Lakes National Park (Stargazing Score: 8.25)
Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park rounds off the top 10, boasting a Google review score of 4.8 and 124 stargazing-related Instagram posts. With a Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.94 and a relatively low artificial brightness of 0.181 μcd/m2, Waterton Lakes offers both celestial beauty and natural wonder.
Stargazing Beyond the Numbers
Canada’s national parks not only offer some of the darkest skies on Earth but also breathtaking views during the day. As we explore these top 10 national parks for stargazing, it’s clear that their celestial beauty is matched only by their natural splendor. These parks are more than just stargazing destinations; they are gateways to pristine wilderness, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos and the natural world simultaneously.
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply seeking a profound connection with the universe, these national parks provide
EDMONTON – RCMP say a second suspect has been arrested in the killing of an Alberta county worker.
Mounties say 28-year-old Elijah Strawberry was taken into custody Friday at a house on O’Chiese First Nation.
Colin Hough, a worker with Rocky View County, was shot and killed while on the job on a rural road east of Calgary on Aug. 6.
Another man who worked for Fortis Alberta was shot and wounded, and RCMP said the suspects fled in a Rocky View County work truck.
Police later arrested Arthur Wayne Penner, 35, and charged him with first-degree murder and attempted murder, and a warrant was issued for Strawberry’s arrest.
RCMP also said there was a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Strawberry, describing him as armed and dangerous.
Chief Supt. Roberta McKale, told a news conference in Edmonton that officers had received tips and information over the last few weeks.
“I don’t know of many members that when were stopped, fuelling up our vehicles, we weren’t keeping an eye out, looking for him,” she said.
But officers had been investigating other cases when they found Strawberry.
“Our investigators were in O’Chiese First Nation at a residence on another matter and the major crimes unit was there working another file and ended up locating him hiding in the residence,” McKale said.
While an investigation is still underway, RCMP say they’re confident both suspects in the case are in police custody.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
RICHMOND, B.C. – The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says the 26-year-old son of a man found dead on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast has been charged with his murder.
Police say 58-year-old Henry Doyle was found badly injured on a forest service road in Egmont last September and died of his injuries.
The homicide team took over when the BC Coroners Service said the man’s death was suspicious.
It says in a statement that the BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of first-degree murder against the man’s son, Jackson Doyle.
Police say the accused will remain in custody until at least his next court appearance.
The homicide team says investigators remained committed to solving the case with the help of the community of Egmont, the RCMP on the Sunshine Coast and in Richmond, and the Vancouver Police Department.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
VANCOUVER – Mediated talks between the union representing HandyDART workers in Metro Vancouver and its employer, Transdev, have broken off without an agreement following 15 hours of talks.
Joe McCann, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724, says they stayed at the bargaining table with help from a mediator until 2 a.m. Friday and made “some progress.”
However, he says the union negotiators didn’t get an offer that they could recommend to the membership.
McCann says that in some ways they are close to an agreement, but in other areas they are “miles apart.”
About 600 employees of the door-to-door transit service for people who can’t navigate the conventional transit system have been on strike since last week, pausing service for all but essential medical trips.
McCann asks HandyDART users to be “patient,” since they are trying to get not only a fair contract for workers but also a better service for customers.
He says it’s unclear when the talks will resume, but he hopes next week at the latest.
The employer, Transdev, didn’t reply to an interview request before publication.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
