TRAVEL

The best Canadian parks for wild stargazing during the Hunter's Moon

As the Hunter's Moon graces the night sky on Saturday, Oct. 28, it's a wonderful opportunity to embrace the magic of the cosmos. Imagine sipping a warm cup of cocoa, surrounded by friends and family, while you gaze up at the stars. To make this experience even more special, a new report has highlighted the best Canadian national parks for stargazing. They considered various factors such as sky quality, light pollution, and even Instagram popularity, ensuring you can share this awe-inspiring moment together. Here's the list. 

 Banff National Park
·    Google Review Score: 4.9
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 610
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 21.98
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.175
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 9.65


Mt. Rundle at Banff National Park (photo John Price @JohnPricePhotography)


Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park takes the crown as the number one national park for stargazing. With a remarkable Google review score of 4.9, this park boasts exceptional sky quality and minimal light pollution. Banff's Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.98, along with its brightness of 0.175 mcd/m2, provides an ideal canvas for stargazers. It's no wonder that it has become a favorite among astrophotography enthusiasts, as evidenced by its 610 stargazing-related Instagram posts.

 Glacier National Park
·    Google Review Score: 4.8
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 602
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 21.97
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.176
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 9.56

Coming in as the second-best national park for stargazing, Glacier National Park is a true visual spectacle. With a Google review score of 4.8 and an impressive 602 stargazing-related Instagram posts, it is clear that this park is a favorite among those seeking celestial wonders. Its sky quality meter reading of 21.97 and a brightness level of 0.176 mcd/m2 make it a stellar location for stargazing enthusiasts.

 Jasper National Park
·    Google Review Score: 4.7
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 442
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 21.94
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.180
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 9.03


Jasper National Park (photo Travel Alberta)


Jasper National Park, the third on the list, is also a prominent stargazing destination. It is not only the second largest dark sky preserve globally but boasts a Google review score of 4.7 and 442 stargazing-related Instagram posts. With a sky quality meter reading of 21.94 and a brightness level of 0.180 mcd/m2, stargazers are in for a celestial treat.

 Yoho National Park
·    Google Review Score: 4.7
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 207
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 21.98
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.174
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 8.44

Yoho National Park is another gem on this list, with a Google review score of 4.7 and 207 stargazing-related Instagram posts. Its sky quality meter reading of 21.98 and a brightness level of 0.174 mcd/m2 make it a great choice for stargazers.

 Gros Morne National Park
·    Google Review Score: 4.9
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 15
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 21.99
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.173
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 8.39



Gros Morne National Park, with its Google review score of 4.9 and 15 stargazing-related Instagram posts, offers a unique stargazing experience. Its sky quality meter reading of 21.99 and a brightness level of 0.173 mcd/m2 contribute to its allure.

 Kejimkujik National Park
·    Google Review Score: 4.8
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 15
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 21.99
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.173
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 8.33

Kejimkujik National Park, with a Google review score of 4.8, has a similar stargazing score as Gros Morne National Park. It has 15 stargazing-related Instagram posts and offers excellent sky quality and low light pollution.

 Grasslands National Park
·    Google Review Score: 4.7
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 31
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 22.00
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.171
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 8.31

Grasslands National Park, with its Google review score of 4.7 and 31 stargazing-related Instagram posts, provides a remarkable stargazing experience with its pristine sky quality and limited light pollution.

 Pukaskwa National Park
·    Google Review Score: 4.8
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 4
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 22.00
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.171
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 8.31

Pukaskwa National Park, with a Google review score of 4.8, is another excellent choice for stargazing, offering exceptional sky quality and minimal light pollution.

 Kluane National Park and Reserve
·    Google Review Score: 4.7
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 11
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 22.00
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.171
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 8.26



Kluane National Park and Reserve, with a Google review score of 4.7 and 11 stargazing-related Instagram posts, is an attractive option for stargazers seeking a remarkable night sky.

 Waterton Lakes National Park
·    Google Review Score: 4.8
·    Number of Stargazing-Related Instagram Posts: 124
·    Sky Quality Meter (mag./arc sec2): 21.94
·    Brightness (mcd/m2): 0.181
·    Stargazing Score (/10): 8.25


Waterton Lakes National Park (photo Denis Semenov @sdlphoto)



Waterton Lakes National Park, with its Google review score of 4.8 and 124 stargazing-related Instagram posts, stands out as a remarkable destination with the brightest night sky, boasting a brightness level of 0.181 mcd/m2.

So, whether you're an experienced stargazer or just looking for a unique way to spend an evening under the stars, these Canadian national parks offer the perfect settings for your celestial journey. Enjoy the natural beauty and cosmic wonders of these breathtaking locations, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Comments

Motivation

“The body achieves what the mind believes.”

More motivation on Facebook