Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinStaring out into the night sky and seeing the infinite number of stars in space has been known to be a great form of meditation and reflection. Stargazing can be a humbling yet empowering experience for anyone.
Luckily, Vancouver has several places where you can do just that. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or just someone captivated by the beauty of the night sky, the city’s stargazing spots won’t leave you in the dark.
So, pack up your loved ones and come with us on a journey through the best places to go stargazing in Vancouver.
- Aldergrove Regional Park
- Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
- Boundary Bay Provincial Park
- Campbell Valley Regional Park
- Cypress Mountain
- David Lam Park
- Elfin Lakes
- HR MacMillan Space Centre Observatory
- Jericho Beach along the Spanish Banks
- McDonald Park Dark Sky Preserve
- Mount Seymour
- Porteau Cove
- Simon Fraser University Trottier Observatory and Courtyard
- Whytecliff Park
Aldergrove Regional Park
Address: 27240 8 Ave, Aldergrove, BC V4W 2P8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 530 4983
Hours: Everyday from 7 am to 5 pm
Nestled amidst farmlands, Aldergrove Regional Park has established itself as a prime spot for stargazers looking for locations untainted by city lights. The park itself is also kept relatively dim with minimal artificial light.
One of the most popular events here is the Stargazing and Stories program, wherein a guide shares information, trivia and tales about the visible stars in the sky. If you’re lucky and time your visit right, you might even catch a meteor shower here!
Pro Tip:
You can come during the day and walk, bike, or even go horseback riding around the camp grounds. Make sure you bring small flashlights to navigate the site at night since they don’t have a lot of lights on.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
Address: Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Phone Number: +1 519 826 6850
Hours:
- Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park is not just about eagle watching – it’s also a great spot to stargaze! Nestled near the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers, the park is located on a flat plain which gives unobstructed views of the night sky.
By day, you can immerse yourself in the views of moss-covered landscapes. But when the night comes, the park transforms into a blank canvas for the stars.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars with you to spot some eagles and vultures by day!
Boundary Bay Provincial Park
Address: Boundary Bay Rd, Delta, BC V4L 1N2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 520 6442
Hours: Everyday from 7 am to 5 pm
Boundary Bay Provincial Park is encircled by expansive farmlands for unencumbered views of the night sky. The park also has a lot of small beach fronts which are perfect for stargazing.
While setting up your telescope on the beaches, the open space and unpolluted skies are perfect for viewing the stars. Try to go on a moonless night for maximum effect!
Pro Tip:
Although the park has a lot of great spots, try to arrive early and snag an open spot in the south end of 72nd Street. The views here are really great. You’ll find it just next to the access to the dike. The park gates close at night, so it’s better to park outside.
Campbell Valley Regional Park
Address: 20285 8 Ave, Langley Twp, BC V2Z 1W5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 530 4983
Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday from 7 am to 5 pm
- Tuesday from 7 am to 5:30 pm
Campbell Valley Regional Park is a huge nature park that settles over multiple landscapes including an expansive field of meadows, woodlands, damp marshes, and rocky ravines filled with trees.
The sheer size of the park and its location in the wilderness create some of the best and most peaceful stargazing spots we’ve tried!
There are areas on site that are absolutely pitch black! One of these is the abandoned racetrack near the park’s south side. It’s also relatively easy to find, plus the tracks themselves serve as a guide when you can’t see anything.
Pro Tip:
If it’s your first time to visit the Campbell Valley Regional Park, we suggest going during the day to familiarize yourself with the area. Find a spot and make sure you know how to get to your car or the exit from there while there’s still daylight.
Cypress Mountain
Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 926 5612
Hours: Everyday from 9 am to 5 pm
Cypress Mountain invites enthusiasts to climb up its slopes for a fully immersive stargazing experience. We recommend choosing a vantage point as far south as possible for a north facing point of view.
This position gives you optimal views of the sky. And backing up as far south as possible allows for an even wider perspective, especially during meteor showers.
At the bend in Cypress Bowl road, there’s a lot that some locals use for parking, but it’s actually a beloved stargazing spot in the area if you don’t want to make your way up the mountain.
Pro Tip:
Accessibility to Cypress Mountain depends on the weather and snow conditions, so make sure you stay updated on weather reports.
David Lam Park
Address: 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
David Lam Park is an unexpected spot for stargazers looking for a break from the city lights. While not entirely removed from urban hustle, this popular park offers great views of the sky.
Try to ask some of the locals you see lounging about during the day about stargazing meetups or just show up during the evening and approach the people you see gathered around telescopes.
Pro Tip:
To maximize your chances of a successful stargazing experience, go during cloudless nights during the summer. If peace and quiet are a must for you, visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds.
Elfin Lakes
Address: Elfin Lakes, Squamish-Lillooet, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 815 4994
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Elfin Lakes has made a name for itself as a one stop shop for all activities nature-centered. Located in Squamish near Garibaldi Provincial Park, the lakes offer a great view of the night sky.
These twin lakes, surrounded by pristine backcountry camping areas, offer stunning views of the sky. In addition to the familiar constellations, the lakes mirror the night sky, creating a scene that looks straight out of a poster.
Pro Tip:
If you can, try to plan your visit during the winter months from December to February. The mountain air becomes more crisp during this window and enhances visibility. Plus, you can enjoy the snowy backdrop, snowboarding, and skiing during the day!
HR MacMillan Space Centre Observatory
Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 738 7827
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm
The HR MacMillan Space Centre Observatory, located in Vanier Park, is a museum dedicated to astronomy. This observatory goes beyond conventional stargazing, offering informative shows and lectures from experts and scientists.
There are also exhibits and workshops throughout the week. While the museum invites visitors daily, the Gordon Southam Observatory opens its gates only on Fridays. On those nights, you can check out the night sky using the Cassegraun telescope.
Pro Tip:
If you want to stargaze without having to wait for clearer skies or perfect timing, the observatory has 4D light shows for you to watch hypothetical meteor showers created through advanced projection systems for an experience that’s close to the real deal.
Jericho Beach along the Spanish Banks
Address: 3941 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6R 1B5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Everyday from 7 am to 10 pm
Stretching quite a distance between the University of British Columbia and Point Grey, Jericho Beach along the Spanish Banks is one of the best beachfront spots for stargazers seeking both convenience and quality of experience.
One of the best vantage points is located in the parking lot on the west most side. This area is the farthest spot from the city and as you walk across the field toward the seawall, you can find a comfy spot and set up for the night.
Pro Tip:
Winter months offer the clearest skies, but the sea breeze can be pretty chilly. So, if you plan to stay for a while we suggest bringing some blankets, or a tent to warm up in, in between breaks from watching the stars in the sky.
McDonald Park Dark Sky Preserve
Address: 39451 No. 3 Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2G1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 888 924 7272
Hours: Open everyday from 7:30 am to 9 pm
The McDonald Park Dark Sky Preserve spans across 3 hectares and is surrounded by the Sumar River on 2 sides. Beyond the river is the Sumas Mountain Regional Park. The height of the mountains serves as a huge wall that blocks off light.
The result is one of the country’s best and most sought after stargazing locations. The Fraser Valley Astronomers Society recognizes this gem, hosting stargazing events that elevate everyone’s experience into an educational one.
Because there is zero light pollution, you can not only see stars but you can gaze at constellations and even glimpses of planets if they’re in the correct position.
Pro Tip:
The stargazing site is accessible by cars, but the park management suggests parking outside the gates because they close strictly at 9 pm every night. If you need assistance, you can head to the Abbotsford or Chilliwack Service Centers.
Mount Seymour
Address: Mount Seymour, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 986 2261
Hours:
- Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4pm
- Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
As late summer days unfold, Mount Seymour emerges as a premier destination for stargazing enthusiasts in Vancouver. This popular hot spot reaches its peak during the famous Perseid meteor shower in August.
During the event, you can expect a gathering of avid stargazers who stay late into the night to watch the night sky. On the other hand, regular nights will have them together in a parking lot, about halfway up the mountain gazing up at the stars.
In September, there have been times when glimpses of the Northern Lights have been spotted from the mountain as well.
Pro Tip:
Be mindful summer months offer the best time for stargazing, because it snows heavily on the mountain during autumn all the way to winter and even a part of spring. Unless you’re prepared for a winter wonderland, we suggest going from June to September.
Porteau Cove
Address: Squamish-Lillooet D, BC, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 986 9371
Hours:
- Monday to Friday from 7 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 11 pm
For stargazers looking for unbeatable dark skies, Porteau Cove stands as a prime stargazing spot jewel nestled between Vancouver and Squamish. The cove’s edge over Howe Sound offers panoramic views of the waters below along with the night sky.
Both stargazers and astrophotographers frequent this spot because of the great views but also because there are no difficult trails you need to trek before getting there.
That’s a dream come true especially if you’re hauling heavy equipment like telescopes and huge cameras.
Pro Tip:
The entrance to Porteau Cave closes at 10 pm sharp on weekdays and at 11 pm sharp on weekends, so make sure you get there earlier to maximize your trip and experience. On the flip side, make sure you exit the premises before closing as well!
Simon Fraser University Trottier Observatory and Courtyard
Address: 643A Science Rd, Burnaby, BC V5A 0A9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 778 782 6967
Hours: Open Everyday 24/7
Right inside campus grounds, the Trottier Observatory at Simon Fraser University is a stargazing getaway that doesn’t require a long drive or tiring hikes up mountains. It’s a great quick fix for those craving a stargazing session.
Featuring a dome with a 6 meter diameter which houses a reflector telescope measuring 0.7 m in diameter, the observatory allows you to see the stars, planets, and moon upclose. Plus, access is completely free!
For a more personal touch, you can bring and set up your own telescope at the viewing plaza right next to the observatory.
Pro Tip:
The Faculty of Science at the University holds Starry Nights every Friday night (if the skies are clear). These are evening stargazing parties where the staff guide the attendees through the present constellations, moon phases, and planets.
Whytecliff Park
Address: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 925 7275
Hours: Open everyday from 7 am to 10 pm
For those of you who are fans of sky related phenomena, Whytecliff Park, just located in West Vancouver is the place to be. This park right beside Horseshoe Bay, offers beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing opportunities.
Make your trip an affair for the whole day by arriving early for a breakfast as dawn filters in. You can stay and watch the sun set into the surrounding water and wait for night to fall. As darkness embraces the sky, stars emerge uninterrupted.
Pro Tip:
Choose a strategic stargazing spot away from the ferry terminals.this ensures an undisturbed view of the celestial panorama, but also minimizes noise which enhances the immersive experience.
