Photo: Federico Beccari/Unsplash
Vancouver’s spectacular scenery continues after dark when the stars come out. From scientific telescopes to dark sky parks, to quiet campgrounds, and more, here’s where to stargaze around Vancouver.
Stargazing Tips
- Check the weather forecast and aim for a clear night.
- Look up the astronomical twilight time so you know what time to go. Astronomical twilight occurs each morning and evening when the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon and all of the sunlight has faded from the sky.
- Avoid bright lights, which make the stars harder to see. That means getting away from city lights like street lamps, buildings, and cars.
- Let your eyes adjust to the dark. Avoid lights for at least 15 minutes for the best night vision. Use a red flashlight to see and avoid using your phone.
- Bring binoculars or a telescope to get a better look.
- Download a stargazing app like Night Sky which has an augmented reality setting that can help you identify the constellations you’re looking at.
Where to Go Stargazing in Vancouver
Spanish Banks Beach
While most of Vancouver has too much ambient light to make for good stargazing, you can still see the stars without leaving the city. Head west to Spanish Banks Beach for an unobstructed view of the stars. Stop at Siegel’s Bagels in Kitsilano on the way there to fuel up with freshly baked Montreal-style bagels. You can pop in on the way back from stargazing too since they are open 24 hours a day!
HR MacMillan Space Centre
You can look at the stars no matter the weather or time of day at the Planetarium Star Theatre at the HR MacMillan Space Centre in Vanier Park. They have several fun space-themed shows that both kids and adults will love. Or view the night sky through the huge telescope at the centre’s GMS Observatory on Wednesday and Friday nights.
Photo: HR MacMillan Space Centre
Cypress Mountain and Mount Seymour
One of the best ways to get a clear view of the sky is to go up a mountain. Head up Cypress Bowl Road in West Vancouver to the Cypress Lookout for stargazing with a great view of the city. Or follow Mount Seymour Road to the Mount Seymour Viewpoint. Stop at late-night favourite Breka Bakery & Cafe on your way out of downtown Vancouver to pick up some baked treats to share.
Photo: Ryan Hutton/Unsplash
Trottier Observatory at SFU
Head to the Trottier Observatory at SFU every Friday night for the free Starry Nights program. Volunteers from the university and amateur astronomers will help you look through their huge telescope and point out planets and stars.
Photo: SFU Trottier Observatory/Facebook
Porteau Cove Provincial Park
Located about 45 minutes north of Vancouver on Howe Sound, Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a favourite stargazing spot for locals. The long pier gives you a great view of the night sky and the remote location means there isn’t much light pollution. Visit for the evening or book a campsite so you can stargaze from your tent!
Night Sky at Porteau Cove. Photo: Ankush Nath Sehal/Unsplash
McDonald Park Dark Sky Preserve
Tiny McDonald Park in Abbotsford about an hour east of Vancouver is one of only two dark sky preserves in BC. The unique geography of the area means that you can get a clear view of the sky while a nearby mountain blocks light pollution from the city. Stop at SippChai Cafe on your way for incredible house-made chai tea and doughnuts.
