Killarney starscape

The Killarney Provincial Park Dark Sky Preserve

In 2018, Killarney Provincial Park became Ontario’s first provincial park to be designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada!

Dark Sky Preserve badge

We are committed to the protection and preservation of our province’s biodiversity. The night skies in their natural splendour are an important part of that protection.

Celebrate Killarney’s historic designation with us at “Stars over Killarney!”

Killarney Provincial Park is thrilled to present the 2nd annual Stars over Killarney on September 27-28, 2019.

Don’t miss this fun interactive gathering at Ontario Park’s first Dark Sky Preserve. We will explore the night sky while learning about Indigenous constellations and sky lore. Come enjoy awe-inspiring views of the planets and stars with the Killarney Park Observatory’s research-grade observatory.

Killarney observatory

Can’t make it to our big celebration event?

Come up and visit Ontario Parks’ first Dark-Sky Preserve on your own.

Killarney observatory

Stargaze on the beach on a clear night, or take in one of our Astronomer in Residence-led programs.

These programs are offered most Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the summer.

Astronomers in Residence lead presentations about topics of interest as well as daytime solar viewings and nighttime planetary and star viewings at the observatories.

Do the skies really need our protection?

In short: yes.

Lake Superior Rabbit Blanket Lake starscape
Photo: Paula Trus

Learn more about why protecting our dark sky sanctuaries is so important here.