Dark sky preserves and stargazing spots to check out in BC

Who doesn’t love a magical night under the stars, especially when auroral activity is high or there’s a rare full Supermoon in the cards?! These dark sky preserves and low-light destinations offer some of the best stargazing in British Columbia, and we’re here to share them with you.

McDonald Park – Dark Sky Preserve

McDonald Park is a civic park and designated Dark Sky Preserve in Abbotsford – and it might just be one of BC’s only at that. Managed by the Fraser Valley Astronomers Society (FVAS), the park is bordered by the Sumas River, the Katherine Tye Ecological Reserve, and Sumas Mountain Regional Park.

Curious how it retains minimal light? The mountain acts as a huge amphitheatre, according to the FVAS. It blocks off city lights from Abbotsford to the west, Chilliwack to the east, and Mission to the north.

Note that visitors are only allowed after dark on days when FVAS members are in attendance for an astronomical event.

Where: 39451 Number 3 Road, Abbotsford

E.C. Manning Park 

This one’s definitely for the books. E.C. Manning Park and Manning Park Resort offer incredible stargazing opportunities, with multiple viewing locations and minimal light pollution. So you can gaze up at the twinkling stars year-round!

Manning Park Resort recommends stargazing at Windy Joe Field, Lightning Lake Day Use Area, The Cascade Lookout, and The Sub-Alpine Meadows – to name a few spots. And if you love camping, then the Skyview RV Campground is an ideal place to set up for the day and night!

Where: 7500 Highway #3, Manning Park

Porteau Cove 

A classic day trip from Vancouver just minutes from Squamish, the scenic Porteau Cove is a fantastic spot for stargazing, hiking, and paddle-boarding all rolled into one. And with aurora viewing becoming increasingly popular, you can bet its low light and serene setting make it a prime spot to catch some stars.

Note that the day-use area closes at 11 pm and access to the campground is not permitted for solely the purpose of stargazing (if you’re not already camping).

Where: Sea to Sky, BC

So there you have it, sky watchers! If you’re looking for a new place to catch the next spectacular astronomical phenomenon (or just admire the stars), it’s worth checking out one of these spots.

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