Discover astro-tourism at the world’s first designated Dark Sky Reserve in Muskoka, Canada Reviews

There are only a few months left of the year, but there will still be plenty of opportunities to look out for celestial activities across the night sky. From Oct. 17 to Nov. 20, tourists from around the globe are invited to Muskoka for free astro-tourism events, where they can stargaze, witness the northern lights, or even capture the Milky Way (and with Muskoka’s stunning landscape and the world’s first permanently designated Dark Sky Reserve, it’s the perfect area to go skywatching).

From shimmering stars to dazzling northern lights, this season is full of opportunities to witness celestial wonders. And where better to take it all in than Muskoka? Known for its dark skies and incredible landscapes, Muskoka is home to the Torrance Barrens, the world’s first permanently designated Dark Sky Reserve. Over the coming weeks, Muskoka invites visitors from near and far to enjoy a series of free astro-tourism events—from spotting the Milky Way to capturing it on camera. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or just starting to explore the wonders of the universe, there’s something for everyone.

Watch out for these upcoming events:

Beginner Stargazing and Astrophotography Session
Oct. 19, 25, 26, 31, Nov. 1, 2, 15, 16, 17 @ 7 pm (with some 9 pm slots)

This 1.5-hour session is perfect for those new to stargazing, with instructors offering a fun and accessible introduction to identifying key constellations, planets, and stars, as well as the basics of astrophotography.  Locations: Across Muskoka.

Myths and Legends Under the Stars
Nov. 1, 2 @ 7 pm

In this 1.5-hour astro-tourism session, a range of lunar topics will be explored, including the origins of the moon, moon phases, features of the moon, and other moons in the solar system. Locations: Across Muskoka.

Gather Under the Moon
Oct. 17 (Hunter’s Moon), Oct. 18, Nov. 15 (Harvest Moon) @ 7 pm

Join this guided 1.5-hour hike to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Earth’s celestial companion, and peer through binoculars to gaze upon its many craters and “seas”. Locations: Across Muskoka.

Star Stories and Smudging: Honouring the Night Sky
Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 8, 16 @ 7 pm

Join Indigenous Naturalist and Night Sky Interpreter Emily Porter for an evening in Muskoka filled with storytelling, astronomy, and ceremony. Participants have the chance to connect with Indigenous culture and the night sky, as well as engage in a traditional smudging ceremony. Maximum 25 people. Locations: Across Muskoka.

When in Muskoka, make sure to visit the Torrance Barrens Conservation Area and Dark Sky Reserve. The vast expanses of Canadian Shield bedrock will provide an unobstructed surface from which to observe the sky, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the heavens. 

But Muskoka isn’t the only spot in Ontario that offers prime celestial views. Throughout the province, other stargazing havens like Killarney Provincial Park, Point Pelee National Park, and Bon Echo Provincial Park provide incredible vantage points to take in the night sky. Killarney’s George Lake offers stunning Milky Way views, while Point Pelee, one of the southernmost points in Canada, boasts clear horizons ideal for spotting meteor showers and even the occasional aurora.

Click here to register and here to discover other celestial events to watch before the year ends!