Where To Go Stargazing in Vancouver: What You Need to Know
Staring 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 join us on a journey through the best places to go stargazing in Vancouver.
1. Aldergrove Regional Park
Address: 27240 8 Ave, Aldergrove, BC V4W 2P8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 530 4983
Website: Aldergrove Regional Park
Hours: Everyday from 7 am to 5 pm
Nestled amidst farmlands, Aldergrove Regional Park is 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, where 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 campgrounds. Bring small flashlights to navigate the site at night since there’s minimal lighting.
Most Popular Guides
- The Ultimate Birthday Party Checklist (Step-by-step)
- Kids Birthday Parties: The Ultimate Guide for Parents
- 50 Kids Party Food Ideas (Budget-Friendly)
- 50 Best Kids Birthday Party Ideas (Budget-Friendly)
- 50 Fun Birthday Party Themes for Kids
- Birthday Party Places for Kids: The Ultimate List for Any Budget
2. Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
Address: Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Phone Number: +1 519 826 6850
Website: Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
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.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars with you to spot some eagles and vultures by day!
3. Boundary Bay Provincial Park
Address: Boundary Bay Rd, Delta, BC V4L 1N2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 520 6442
Website: Boundary Bay Provincial Park
Hours: Everyday from 7 am to 5 pm
Boundary Bay Provincial Park is surrounded by expansive farmlands for unencumbered views of the night sky. The park also has many small beach fronts which are perfect for stargazing.
Pro Tip: Arrive early and snag an open spot in the south end of 72nd Street. The views here are great, just next to the access to the dike. The park gates close at night, so it’s better to park outside.
4. Campbell Valley Regional Park
Address: 20285 8 Ave, Langley Twp, BC V2Z 1W5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 530 4983
Website: Campbell Valley Regional Park
Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 7 am to 5 pm, Tuesday from 7 am to 5:30 pm
Campbell Valley Regional Park is a vast nature park that spans multiple landscapes, including meadows, woodlands, marshes, and rocky ravines filled with trees. Its size and location in the wilderness offer some of the best and most peaceful stargazing spots.
Pro Tip: Visit during the day to familiarize yourself with the area. Find a spot and make sure you know how to get back to your car or the exit before nightfall.
5. Cypress Mountain
Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 926 5612
Website: Cypress Mountain
Hours: Everyday from 9 am to 5 pm
Cypress Mountain invites enthusiasts to climb up its slopes for a fully immersive stargazing experience. Choose a vantage point as far south as possible for a north-facing view of the sky, especially during meteor showers.
Pro Tip: Check weather and snow conditions before heading out, as accessibility depends on these factors.
6. David Lam Park
Address: 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Website: David Lam Park
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
David Lam Park offers a stargazing experience right in the city. While not entirely removed from urban hustle, this park provides great views of the sky.
Pro Tip: Visit during cloudless summer nights and weekdays for a quieter experience. Look for stargazing meetups or approach people with telescopes for tips and company.
7. Elfin Lakes
Address: Elfin Lakes, Squamish-Lillooet, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 815 4994
Website: Elfin Lakes
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Elfin Lakes, located near Garibaldi Provincial Park, offers a great view of the night sky. The twin lakes and pristine backcountry camping areas create a stunning mirror effect with the stars.
Pro Tip: Plan your visit during the winter months for enhanced visibility and enjoy the snowy backdrop, snowboarding, and skiing during the day.
8. HR MacMillan Space Centre Observatory
Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 738 7827
Website: HR MacMillan Space Centre Observatory
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 in Vanier Park is a museum dedicated to astronomy. It offers informative shows, lectures, exhibits, and workshops. On Fridays, visitors can use the Cassegraun telescope to view the night sky.
Pro Tip: The observatory offers 4D light shows that simulate meteor showers, providing an experience close to the real deal.
9. Jericho Beach along the Spanish Banks
Address: 3941 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6R 1B5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Website: Jericho Beach
Hours: Everyday from 7 am to 10 pm
Jericho Beach along the Spanish Banks is one of the best beachfront spots for stargazers seeking both convenience and quality. The parking lot on the westmost side offers a great vantage point away from the city lights.
Pro Tip: Winter months offer the clearest skies. Bring blankets or a tent to warm up between stargazing sessions.
10. McDonald Park Dark Sky Preserve
Address: 39451 No. 3 Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2G1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 888 924 7272
Website: McDonald Park Dark Sky Preserve
Hours: Open everyday from 7:30 am to 9 pm
The McDonald Park Dark Sky Preserve spans 3 hectares and is surrounded by the Sumas River and Sumas Mountain Regional Park. Its location offers some of the best stargazing opportunities with zero light pollution.
Pro Tip: Park outside the gates as they close strictly at 9 pm. If you need assistance, visit the Abbotsford or Chilliwack Service Centers.
11. Mount Seymour
Address: Mount Seymour, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 986 2261
Website: Mount Seymour
Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
Mount Seymour is a premier destination for stargazing enthusiasts, especially during the famous Perseid meteor shower in August. Regular stargazers often gather in the parking lot halfway up the mountain.
Pro Tip: Summer months offer the best stargazing conditions. Heavy snow during autumn to spring can make access difficult.
12. Porteau Cove
Address: Squamish-Lillooet D, BC, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 986 9371
Website: Porteau Cove
Hours: Monday to Friday from 7 am to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 11 pm
Porteau Cove offers unbeatable dark skies and panoramic views over Howe Sound, making it a favorite for both stargazers and astrophotographers. It’s easily accessible without difficult trails.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to maximize your experience. Make sure to exit before the gates close at 10 pm on weekdays and 11 pm on weekends.
13. Simon Fraser University Trottier Observatory and Courtyard
Address: 643A Science Rd, Burnaby, BC V5A 0A9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 778 782 6967
Website: Trottier Observatory
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
The Trottier Observatory at Simon Fraser University is a convenient stargazing spot without the need for a long drive. It features a dome with a 0.7 m reflector telescope for viewing stars, planets, and the moon up close.
Pro Tip: Attend the Starry Nights events every Friday (weather permitting), where staff guide attendees through constellations, moon phases, and planets.
14. Whytecliff Park
Address: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 925 7275
Website: Whytecliff Park
Hours: Open everyday from 7 am to 10 pm
Whytecliff Park, located near Horseshoe Bay, offers beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing opportunities. Make it a full-day affair by arriving early and staying through the evening.
Pro Tip: Choose a stargazing spot away from the ferry terminals to minimize noise and enhance your experience.
These are just a few of the incredible stargazing locations Vancouver has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a serene escape from the city lights or a more social stargazing experience, there’s a spot for everyone. Happy stargazing!
