Canada’s Night Sky & Top 10 Sky Events

Milkyway galaxy

“THERE IS IN THE UNIVERSE NEITHER CENTRE NOR CIRCUMFERENCE. ”  ~ Giordani Bruno

The coldest time of the year is upon us, and the long nights that accompany the Winter Season are the best time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of our stars and planets. Gaze up in wonder at a celestial show above, painted with twinkling stars against a canvas of dark night sky.

 

SPOT THE BRIGHTEST PLANETS IN JANUARY

Wow! This beautiful #ManningParkDarkSky photo from @apixelguy

At the beginning of January, four planets will be visible in the evening sky: Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars. Mars will be particularly bright during this time, so be sure to catch it while you can!

Observe the slight variations in colour between ochre Mars and the yellow-orange Lucida of Taurus. The Red Planet’s disk spans about 14 arcseconds and is large and close enough to be viewed in detail through a telescope.

Interested in exploring the night sky?  You can rent a telescope at Manning Park and discover the wonders of the universe for yourself!

LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE THAT IS AFFORDABLE & FUN

Watch our new stargazing video here.

 Take a trip to Manning Park and stay in BC Park’s fully serviced Skyview RV Campground. Named because the stargazing is SO great in this location!

62 Campsites are available in the Winter and 92 sites in the Summer. All campsites have hook-ups for water, power (50-amp) and sewer. Skyview Campground is near Lightning Lake, and has a heated shower building for your enjoyment.

At Manning Park, you can spend your days carving down the slopes, gliding across 60km’s of Nordic trails, snowshoeing the tranquil beauty of the Cascade Mountains and unwinding by your campfire while covered in a blanket of stars.

(Pro-Tip: Bring your camping chair to enjoy the cosmos from your campsite)

Click to BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE NOW!  

 

NEW PRIVATE TOURS & A PERFECT STARGAZING OPPORTUNITY

Enjoy the beauty of the star-filled night sky, while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Manning Park. These events offer a unique and magical experience, perfect for all ages and experience levels. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and marvel at the celestial wonders above.

Private Snowshoe Tour + Chocolate Fondue:

  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour followed by a Chocolate Fondue in our Bears Den Pub.
  • $65/per person (minimum 4 people)

Private Snowshoe Tour + Wine & Charcuterie Board:

  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour followed by Wine & Charcuterie Board in our Bears Den Pub. $79/per person (minimum 4 people)

Private Snowshoe or Cross-Country Guide:

  • $60/Hour (2-Hour minimum requirement)

To reserve your Private Experience, please Email: nordic@manningpark.com

ASTRONOMY NEWS AND MORE…

TOP 10 SKY EVENTS OF 2023 

There are three major meteor showers, including the Perseids, arriving with the Moon mostly out of the way this year.

1- Venus, Saturn, & Crescent Moon at dusk

Date: January 23

Type: Conjunction

Time: Evening

View: Naked eye, binoculars

Click to know more – Skynews.ca 

 

TOP 20 STARGAZING APPS

If you’re wondering where to find the Big Dipper or have noticed a reddish dot above you and want to know more, a stargazing app can be a helpful tool. Simply download one to your phone and have access to a wealth of information about the celestial objects visible in the sky.

Click to know more  – Vitotechnology.com  

 

Dark Sky Astronomy Weekend: Big Dipper

A view of milky way galaxy from manning park lookout

That’s right – Dark Sky Astronomy Weekend is back this fall. With not 1 weekend, but 2 weekends full of Dark Sky fun!

TICKETS LIVE NOW!

This weekend, starting October 28th, is best suited for our amateur enthusiast astronomers. Maybe you know a thing or two about our Dark Sky, and you might even have your own telescope! You’ll learn more than the average beginner during this weekend. Come prepared with your questions.

Workshops available throughout the weekend, and Saturday morning will have breakfast included. Our special guest, Rouzbeh Bidshahri, will be talking about astrophotography. Saturday night stargazing will be at the Cascade Lookout (weather dependent) with transportation provided.

Book your accommodations at our Resort here. Reach out to our Front Desk: email – info@manningpark.com or phone – 604 668 5922. Alternative accommodations are Skyview RV Campground or Sunshine Valley RV Resorts & Cabins.

Rouzbeh Bidshahri

Rouzbeh Bidshahri started photography in the late 90’s before the age of digital cameras. Curiosity led him to explore various forms of astrophotography, including lunar, solar, planetary, widefield, and deep sky imaging with DSLR, CCD, and cooled CMOS cameras along with high-speed planetary cameras for lucky-imaging. Over the years he ended up constructing four personal observatories and imaged from three continents and four countries.

His more recent work has been focused on larger observatory class telescopes with the goal of capturing high resolution deep sky images. The high-quality data can also be ordered now, and he work with individuals and institutions to provide both training and consultation.

Images and details on his website: www.RouzAstro.com 

For more details download the event schedule

Big Dipper Weekend Schedule

Dark Sky Astronomy Weekend: Little Dipper

A view of milky way galaxy from manning park lookout

That’s right – Dark Sky Astronomy Weekend is back this fall. With not 1 weekend, but 2 weekends full of Dark Sky fun!

TICKETS LIVE NOW!

This weekend, starting October 21st, is geared towards our future Astronomers, with lots of beginner-friendly information.

There will be workshops, a mobile planetarium, and kids activities. Our guest speaker, Christopher Gainor, will be talking about the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Telescope. Saturday night stargazing will be done at the Cascade Lookout (weather dependent) with transportation provided.

Book your accommodations at our Resort here. Reach out to our Front Desk: email – info@manningpark.com or phone – 604 668 5922. Alternative accommodations are Skyview RV Campground or Sunshine Valley RV Resorts & Cabins.

Christopher Gainor Bio

Chris Gainor is a historian and writer specializing in spaceflight and astronomy. He is the editor of Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly. His latest book, Not Yet Imagined, tells the story of the Hubble Space Telescope. Chris is a past president of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

For more details download the event schedule

Little Dipper Weekend Schedule

Guided Snowshoe Fondue Tour

Enjoy this special #ManningParkDarkSky guided tour in Manning Park’s true Alpine wilderness. Join our experienced guide for a 2-hour snowshoe adventure under the stars. You will trek placidly among the snow-covered trees in beautiful E.C. Manning Park, followed by a delicious chocolate fondue in the forest. This magical evening is not to be missed!

Important Details:

  • The minimum age for this evening excursion is 10 years. Under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please arrive at the Nordic Centre at least 30 minutes prior to get fit into your snowshoes and to check-in.
  • Guests are required to self-drive to the Strawberry Flats trailhead, however, you must first check in at the Nordic Centre.
  • It is recommended to bring your own headlamp or rent one for $5 at the Nordic Centre the evening of the tour.
  • Snowshoe rentals, if required, are included in the price.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

  • Facial coverings are required to be worn while indoors, with the exception of when eating or drinking.
  • Under PHO guidelines, proof of double vaccination is required to participate in this event.

Valentine’s Snowshoe Fondue Tour

Treat your loved one to this Valentine’s snowshoe and fondue tour in Manning Park’s true Alpine wilderness. Join our experienced guide for a 2-hour snowshoe adventure under the stars. You will trek placidly among the snow-covered trees in beautiful E.C. Manning Park, followed by a delicious chocolate fondue in the forest. This magical evening is not to be missed!

Important Details:

  • The minimum age for this evening excursion is 10 years. Under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please arrive at the Nordic Centre at least 30 minutes prior to get fit into your snowshoes and to check-in.
  • Guests are required to self-drive to the Strawberry Flats trailhead, however, you must first check in at the Nordic Centre.
  • It is recommended to bring your own headlamp or rent one for $5 at the Nordic Centre the evening of the tour.
  • Snowshoe rentals, if required, are included in the price.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

  • Facial coverings are required to be worn while indoors, with the exception of when eating or drinking.
  • Under PHO guidelines, proof of double vaccination is required to participate in this event.

Guided Snowshoe Fondue Tour

Enjoy this special #ManningParkDarkSky guided tour in Manning Park’s true Alpine wilderness. Join our experienced guide for a 2-hour snowshoe adventure under the stars. You will trek placidly among the snow-covered trees in beautiful E.C. Manning Park, followed by a delicious chocolate fondue in the forest. This magical evening is not to be missed!

Important Details:

  • The minimum age for this evening excursion is 10 years. Under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please arrive at the Nordic Centre at least 30 minutes prior to get fit into your snowshoes and to check-in.
  • Guests are required to self-drive to the Strawberry Flats trailhead, however, you must first check in at the Nordic Centre.
  • It is recommended to bring your own headlamp or rent one for $5 at the Nordic Centre the evening of the tour.
  • Snowshoe rentals, if required, are included in the price.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

  • Facial coverings are required to be worn while indoors, with the exception of when eating or drinking.
  • Under PHO guidelines, proof of double vaccination is required to participate in this event.

Guided Snowshoe Fondue Tour

Enjoy this special #ManningParkDarkSky guided tour in Manning Park’s true Alpine wilderness. Join our experienced guide for a 2-hour snowshoe adventure under the stars. You will trek placidly among the snow-covered trees in beautiful E.C. Manning Park, followed by a delicious chocolate fondue in the forest. This magical evening is not to be missed!

Important Details:

  • The minimum age for this evening excursion is 10 years. Under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please arrive at the Nordic Centre at least 30 minutes prior to get fit into your snowshoes and to check-in.
  • Guests are required to self-drive to the Strawberry Flats trailhead, however, you must first check in at the Nordic Centre.
  • It is recommended to bring your own headlamp or rent one for $5 at the Nordic Centre the evening of the tour.
  • Snowshoe rentals, if required, are included in the price.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

  • Facial coverings are required to be worn while indoors, with the exception of when eating or drinking.
  • Under PHO guidelines, proof of double vaccination is required to participate in this event.

Guided Snowshoe Fondue Tour

Enjoy this special #ManningParkDarkSky guided tour in Manning Park’s true Alpine wilderness. Join our experienced guide for a 2-hour snowshoe adventure under the stars. You will trek placidly among the snow-covered trees in beautiful E.C. Manning Park, followed by a delicious chocolate fondue in the forest. This magical evening is not to be missed!

Important Details:

  • The minimum age for this evening excursion is 10 years. Under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please arrive at the Nordic Centre at least 30 minutes prior to get fit into your snowshoes and to check-in.
  • Guests are required to self-drive to the Strawberry Flats trailhead, however, you must first check in at the Nordic Centre.
  • It is recommended to bring your own headlamp or rent one for $5 at the Nordic Centre the evening of the tour.
  • Snowshoe rentals, if required, are included in the price.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

  • Facial coverings are required to be worn while indoors, with the exception of when eating or drinking.
  • Under PHO guidelines, proof of double vaccination is required to participate in this event.

New Year’s Day Guided Snowshoe Fondue Tour

Celebrate New Year’s Day with this special #ManningParkDarkSky guided tour in Manning Park’s true Alpine wilderness. Join our experienced guide for a 2-hour snowshoe adventure under the stars. You will trek placidly among the snow-covered trees in beautiful E.C. Manning Park, followed by a delicious chocolate fondue in the forest. This magical evening is not to be missed!

Important Details:

  • The minimum age for this evening excursion is 10 years. Under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please arrive at the Nordic Centre at least 30 minutes prior to get fit into your snowshoes and to check-in.
  • Guests are required to self-drive to the Strawberry Flats trailhead, however, you must first check in at the Nordic Centre.
  • It is recommended to bring your own headlamp or rent one for $5 at the Nordic Centre the evening of the tour.
  • Snowshoe rentals, if required, are included in the price.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

  • Facial coverings are required to be worn while indoors, with the exception of when eating or drinking.
  • Under PHO guidelines, proof of double vaccination is required to participate in this event.

Guided Snowshoe Fondue Tour

Enjoy this special #ManningParkDarkSky guided tour in Manning Park’s true Alpine wilderness. Join our experienced guide for a 2-hour snowshoe adventure under the stars. You will trek placidly among the snow-covered trees in beautiful E.C. Manning Park, followed by a delicious chocolate fondue in the forest. This magical evening is not to be missed!

Important Details:

  • The minimum age for this evening excursion is 10 years. Under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please arrive at the Nordic Centre at least 30 minutes prior to get fit into your snowshoes and to check-in.
  • Guests are required to self-drive to the Strawberry Flats trailhead, however, you must first check in at the Nordic Centre.
  • It is recommended to bring your own headlamp or rent one for $5 at the Nordic Centre the evening of the tour.
  • Snowshoe rentals, if required, are included in the price.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

  • Facial coverings are required to be worn while indoors, with the exception of when eating or drinking.
  • Under PHO guidelines, proof of double vaccination is required to participate in this event.