Come experience the best of Canadian winter as you don a pair of snowshoes and gaze up at an endless sky. Snowshoe and Stargaze will be held on every Saturday at Elk Island National Park starting December 22nd, 2018 and running until February 23rd, 2019. The event is set to take place from 7 pm to 9 pm each evening. It provides an amazing opportunity to familiarize yourself with the constellations that are visible in the winter night sky of the northern hemisphere.

Snowshoe and Stargaze begins with a guided snowshoe hike along the shores of Astotin Lake. Your snowshoes will keep you gracefully atop the deep snow as you make your way. The hike is not very long and ends at a warm and crackling campfire around which you’ll get to enjoy warm refreshments and snacks. Sit back by the cozy fire and a park interpreter will take you on a tour through the night sky overhead. Then, you’ll strap your snowshoes on again and take the short hike back.

Elk Island National Park is encompassed by the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, designated so by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. This means that light pollution is restricted in the area, which helps promote astronomy and which provides incredible viewing opportunities of the night sky for the general public.

You can visit Elk Island National Park to do some stargazing on your own any night that you wish. The park is open every day and visitors are always welcome. Come and watch the northern lights or take in a meteor shower. Going on the Snowshoe and Stargaze tour at least once, however, is highly recommended because it is such a unique and informative experience.

Attending Snowshoe and Stargaze requires a valid Parks Canada park pass and costs $29.80 per person. The registration fee includes the use of the snowshoes, the snacks and refreshments provided around the campfire, and a Parks Canada guide. You will need to register your spot for Snowshoe and Stargaze in advanced by calling 780-922-5790. Note that the event may be cancelled or rescheduled if extreme weather conditions are expected. If that is the case, you will be notified and refunded.

The meeting place for Snowshoe and Stargaze is the Astotin Lake Beach Parking Lot. Before you head out, make sure you dress appropriately for chilly evening winter weather. This means wearing layers, a proper winter hat and gloves, and snow pants. You should also bring along a flashlight or a headlamp that has a red light or a red light filter.

If trying out snowshoeing while getting to view a beautiful, star-filled night sky free of light pollution sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t wait to book your spot. Banff and Jasper National Park may be the more popular winter destinations in Alberta, but you should also take some time to visit Elk Island for this one-of-a-kind opportunity.