Dark sky experiences
Join fellow night sky enthusiasts at Astotin Lake after dark! Elk Island National Park is a member of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and is a perfect place to experience the stars and planets above. Because the earth is constantly rotating, the night sky changes throughout the year.
See our Calendar of Events 2020 for all dark sky and other events at Elk Island National Park!
Snowshoe and Stargaze
Dates: Saturdays || January 16, 23, 30 || February 6, 13, 20
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $29.80 per person, plus a valid park pass
Location: Astotin Day Use Area
Register: Call 780-992-2965 or email pc.interp.elkisland.pc@canada.ca; beginning November 15
Registration is required, max of 20 participants.
Registrations are managed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please contact us on one of those days, send an email, or leave a message and we will get back to you on the next booking day.
Program Information:
Come take part in two unique experiences at Elk Island National Park: snowshoeing and stargazing! A short guided snowshoe hike around the shore of Astotin Lake takes you atop the snow like a snowshoe hare while stars twinkle overhead. As you march along, the welcoming crackle of a campfire eclipses the soft sounds of nature surrounding you. With a park interpreter and the Big Dipper as your guide, gaze up into a sky full of stars and learn to navigate the night sky of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. Without the glow of city lights you’ll see more than you knew existed!
Includes:
- Parks Canada interpretative program
- Use of snowshoes during the program
What to bring:
- Headlamp or flashlight with a red light or red filter
- Snow/ski pants
- Appropriate winter clothing; be prepared for two hours outside in evening conditions
Note: Programs may be rescheduled or cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. Please ensure that the contact information given upon registration is accurate. You will be notified of cancelled or rescheduled programs. Refunds will not be issued if programs run.
Gateway to the Stars
Thank you to everyone who participated and showed interest in our Gateway to the Stars program! The program has wrapped up for this season. Check back for updates about Gateway to the Stars in 2021 and follow us on Twitter to get interpretive program announcements.