Quebec is well known for its grandiose landscapes, from Rocher-Percé to the Monteregian hills and the Saguenay Fjord. But when the night falls, a completely different landscape emerges: the night sky. To be able to observe it, you need to find a place far from light pollution for optimal stargazing. Here are 5 places in the province where you can easily look at the stars and practice astrophotography!
Mont-Mégantic Region
Located in the Eastern Townships, Mont-Mégantic is at the heart of Quebec’s only International Dark Sky Reserve. What is an International Dark Sky Reserve? It’s an area where the quality of the night sky is protected and preserved for optimal stargazing.
The aim is not only to promote amateur and professional astronomy, but also to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting the night sky, which is an integral part of our natural heritage.
In Mont-Mégantic National Park, stargazing is spectacular! Don’t hesitate to take the guided outing to the summit of Mont-Mégantic, to the popular observatory. If the weather’s fine, you’ll have the chance to look directly into this huge telescope and admire the mysterious beauties of our universe.
Mount Cosmos
Mont Cosmos, an astronomical site located in Saint-Elzéar in the Beauce/Chaudière-Appalaches region, is also an interesting place for stargazing.
Situated on a hill, it benefits from dark, clear skies, relatively far from the light pollution of cities. Mount Cosmos site offers 2 lookouts, several trails totaling 5 kilometres (3 miles) in the forest and an astronomical observatory.
This meeting place for nature and astronomy enthusiasts in the heart of the Appalachians offers regular astronomy evenings (check their Facebook page for the calendar).
Since 1995, the Observatoire du Mont-Cosmos has been under the shared responsibility of Université Laval and the Corporation de l’Observatoire du Mont-Cosmos, which is responsible for organizing astronomy activities for the public.
Jacques-Cartier National Park
What could be better than combining camping and astronomical observation? In Jacques-Cartier National Park, it’s a winning combination! With its many wilderness campsites and impressive glacial valley, this park is the perfect place for a weekend under the stars.
Located about 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Quebec City, it’s far enough away from light pollution to offer optimal viewing conditions. With the naked eye, the Milky Way is easily visible in the sky.
With its light pollution-free skies (especially to the north), it’s also an ideal spot for the Perseids, the shooting star shower of mid-August.
Bic National Park
Between river and mountains, Bic National Park is a unique place in Quebec. Located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, it offers a wide variety of vistas, from spectacular coastal landscapes to the peaceful shores of the St. Lawrence River.
The park is also renowned for its diverse wildlife. Here, migratory birds, foxes, white-tailed deer and seals are easily observed, making Le Bic a popular destination for nature lovers.
It’s also located far from light pollution, so when night falls, the spectacle of the starry sky is impressive. With its many camping sites, it’s the perfect place in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region to combine nature and astronomy!
Stoneham-&-Tewkesbury
Far enough away from the light pollution of Quebec City, especially when looking north, the Stoneham-&-Tewkesbury region has some interesting spots for observing the starry sky and phenomena such as the northern lights.
Easily accessible, one of the best spots is the little chapel at Tewkesbury, which offers a view to the completely unobstructed north. It’s a popular spot for locals when the northern lights are visible.
Despite the light pollution in the St. Lawrence Valley between Montreal and Quebec City, the province is fortunate to have many places where you can observe the starry sky.
Whether at the summit of Mont-Mégantic, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River or in the heart of the mountain valleys, each location offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the stars.
Here are some other articles that will have you exploring Quebec’s nature:
- 5 Best Day Trips from Quebec City – Nearest to Farthest
- Quebec White Water Rafting: Best in the Province
- 5 Best Lakes in Quebec, Canada to Visit Now
- Great Activity Ideas to Do in Chaudière-Appalaches
- 5 Best Quebec Fishing Resorts
- Best Quebec City Hiking According to Season
- Map of Quebec Ski Resorts: Which Is the Best?
- 12 Fun Indoor Activities in Quebec City
Looking for Tours, Activities and Planned Outings?
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa and sometimes even Expedia. It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
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