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Gaze at the Stars on your Manning Park Camping Adventure

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Our Top Stargazing Locations

Beneath the pristine skies of Manning Park, the universe feels close enough to touch. With minimal light pollution and wide-open alpine views, this is one of the best places in British Columbia to marvel at the cosmos. Whether you’re spotting constellations with the naked eye, watching a meteor shower streak across the heavens, or peering at Saturn’s rings through a telescope, stargazing here is an unforgettable experience year-round.

Windy Joe Field

Just steps from the resort cabins, this wide-open field is easily accessible for families and first-time stargazers. Expect a bit more ambient light from nearby buildings, but it’s a convenient spot to take in the night sky.

Best for year-round viewing.

Photo credit: @nebulaadventurer

Lightning Lake Day Use Area

A favourite spot just 4 km from the resort on Gibson Pass Road. Head to the far end of the parking lot field for the darkest skies and a view of the reflection of the stars shimmering on the lake.

Year-round access, parking available in the Day Use lot.

Cascade Lookout

Just 8 km up Blackwall Peak Road, this stunning lookout offers some of the most breathtaking, high-elevation stargazing in the park. With an elevation gain of 1,150m you’ll find yourself truly above it all — surrounded by silence, endless skies, and sparkling stars.

Accessible Spring through Fall.

Subalpine Meadows Parking Lot

For those willing to go higher, 16 km up Blackwall Peak Road lies the Subalpine Meadows. Park in the lower lot near the Naturalist hut, then head up to the upper parking lot for some of the clearest skies.
Please Note: walking off-path is prohibited to protect the alpine meadows.

Accessible late Spring through Summer.

“The sky is not the limit. There are infinite possibilities.” —Chris Hadfield

Telescope Rentals

Ready to see the stars up close? Rent a telescope from the Manning Park Resort Lodge and explore planets, moons, and star clusters like never before. Rentals are easy, affordable, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned stargazers looking to enhance their experience.

Photo credit: @nebulaadventurer

FAQ

Anytime the skies are clear is a great opportunity to go stargazing at Manning Park. Each season has different conditions; fall offers earlier nights, spring and summer bring warmer evenings, and winter nights are exceptionally crisp and clear, thanks to the cold, dry air. Meteor showers and special celestial events make each season unique.
After a night under the stars, you’ll want a cozy place to rest. Manning Park offers options for every kind of stargazer:
  • Manning Park Resort: Stay right at the heart of it all. Choose from lodge rooms, cabins, or chalets just steps away from the night sky. Book online or call (604) 668-5922 to reserve your stay.
  • Camping: Surround yourself fully with nature in one of Manning Park’s four provincial campgrounds. Each offers a different setting, from lakeside sites to forest hideaways. Year-round camping available at Skyview RV Campground.
  • Sunshine Valley RV Resort & Cabins: Located just 30 minutes west of Manning Park, this spot offers full hook-up RV sites and 10 comfortable, full-service cabins for a mix of convenience and wilderness access.
The alpine environment cools quickly after sunset. Bring warm layers, gloves, toques, and thick socks—even in summer. Comfort makes stargazing last longer!
Not at all! Stargazing at Manning Park can be magical with just your eyes — or even better with a simple pair of binoculars. A telescope does bring the universe closer, and we’ve got options to make that easy:
  • Rent from Manning Park Resort: Rent a telescope right from the resort through our Telescope Loan program. We feature Celestron models that are simple to use and great for beginners.
  • Library Loan Program: Through the Fraser Valley Regional Library, you can check out a telescope with nothing more than your library card.
  • RASC Membership: Members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Vancouver Centre, enjoy access to their telescope loan program and other astronomy perks.
Whether you’re peering through a telescope or just lying back under the stars, Manning Park’s dark skies promise an incredible show.
Red light helps protect your night vision so your eyes can stay adjusted to the dark. You can create your own with a regular flashlight and some red cellophane.
At 65 km from the nearest town, light pollution is minimal, making Manning Park an official Dark Sky destination.