The Sunshine Coast offers more than just scenic sunset spots and coastal daytime views—its night skies are equally spectacular. It's a stargazer’s dream, offering some of the darkest skies within easy reach of Vancouver.
There's something magical about being enveloped in the complete darkness of night, save for a mysterious ocean of glittering stars, constellations, moons, and galaxies above you. At its simplest, stargazing is meditation, a form of cosmological nature bathing that calms the mind and soothes the senses. But unlike other restorative activities on the Sunshine Coast that often spur introspection, stargazing invites you to contemplate the grandness of our universe and your small role in it. And, with the exception of cloudy evenings, it's a free nightly ritual that's open to all. You only need a sense of exploration and a few essential items to experience the wonders of the universe from our coastal shores.
Read on for tips on where to stargaze on the Sunshine Coast and how to make your after-dark experience as enjoyable—and comfortable—as possible.
Where and When to Stargaze on the Sunshine Coast
One of the biggest draws for stargazing enthusiasts is the Sunshine Coast's low levels of light pollution. While Gibsons, with its close proximity to Vancouver, has the brightest nightglow, the farther north you travel up the Coast, the darker the sky becomes. While starry skies can be spotted year-round, your best chance at taking in the cosmos is in winter when nights are long and dark. Winter brings high pressure cold weather spells; cold air holds less moisture, meaning clearer nights and greater visibility.
At the Sunshine Coast Observatory, located near the Sechelt Airport in ts'uḵw'um (Wilson Creek), you’ll experience a Bortle 4 sky—a significant improvement over Vancouver’s urban skies, which range from Bortle 6 to 9. The Bortle scale uses astronomical observations to measure the amount of light pollution—and quality of brightness—for any given location. There are nine levels; the lower the number, the better for stargazing. On clear moonless nights, the Milky Way is visible from the observatory—and it's only a short drive from Sechelt and Gibsons.
For the darkest skies, venture beyond Secret Cove up toward Powell River; up the Sechlet Inlet; or past Lund into the watery expanse of Desolation Sound. Some of the best locations are more remote and take a bit more planning to explore, but you'll also find easy-to-access spots close to community hubs. These spots include:
- Secret Beach, Gibsons: An easy escape close to town, this pebble beachfront provides a peaceful spot for stargazing. Bring a blanket and some provisions, and settle in for a late night astral picnic.
- Bonniebrook Beach, Gibsons: Known for its stunning sunsets, Bonniebrook Beach transitions into an excellent stargazing location after dark, with a wide-open, west-facing horizon that hangs above the quiet ocean.
- Roberts Creek Pier: A local favourite for evening walks, the Roberts Creek Pier offers an open vantage point for stargazing with minimal effort required.
- Tuwanek, Sechelt: The cabin community of Tuwanek, located at the very far end of Sechelt Inlet, is tucked far enough from the lights of downtown Sechelt for good viewing.
- Mount Steele, Tetrahedron Provincial Park, Sechelt: Even further beyond Tuwanek sits Tetrahedron, a backcountry wilderness area that features three backcountry huts and soaring mountain peaks that reach skyward to brush the stars.
- Francis Point Provincial Park, Madeira Park: Francis Point's relative seclusion makes it ideal for spotting constellations with minimal light interference.
- Ruby Lake, Madeira Park: Far from any urban lights, Ruby Lake offers some of the best viewing on the Southern Sunshine Coast. The reflective waters of the lake only adds to your cosmic experience.
- Klah Ah Men Lund Gazebo Park: Grab a blanket and sit under the sky in this small regional park in Lund. The covered gazebo offers refuge from the bracing winter air and picnic tables for when you want to pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate.
- Saltery Bay Provincial Park: This provincial park sits adjacent to the Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal, making it easy to access en route to the city lights of Powell River. Whether you stay for only a few hours, or overnight at the campground (the park is open year-round), you're guaranteed to spot a few stars.
- Klahoose Wilderness Resort: Situated in the heart of Toba Inlet, in the far reaches of Desolation Sound, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is a prime spot for taking in the dark night skies. Round out your evening of stargazing with campfires and some time in the sauna.
- Sunshine Coast Trail: The 180-kilometre long Sunshine Coast Trail is home to 14 backcountry huts, all of which offer front row seats to stunning night skies. Tin Hat Hut is a popular overnight hike for those who can't commit to a multi-day expedition.
- Shelter Point Regional Park & Campground, Texada Island: In the summer you can swim, snorkel, or skimboard before pulling out your camp chairs and settling in for some evening star spotting. In winter, stargazing is complemented by cozy campfires and hot chocolate.
Don't forget to check out the Light Pollution Map, which can help you to pinpoint the best spots on any given night.
The Sunshine Coast Observatory
The Sunshine Coast Observatory is the hub of stargazing on the Sunshine Coast. Located near the Sechelt Airport, the volunteer-run observatory offers stargazing on clear nights, access to a community of dedicated astronomers, and public events. The Sunshine Coast Astronomy Club operates the observatory, and has worked diligently over the years to create a space where people can learn about and appreciate astronomy. In recent years, grants have enabled the club to make the facility more accessible, with the installation of concrete pathways and observing pads to facilitate access and setup, solar powered red lighting on the walkways, and a wheelchair accessible porta potty. Donations are always welcome, and help the club maintain and operate the observatory.
The observatory is only open on clear (cloudless) Saturday nights; before you head out, check to see if it's open on the local Sunshine Coast Astronomers Facebook group. The club also has a handy graphic that helps to identify whether or not the observatory is likely to be open.
Keep in mind that:
- No dogs are allowed on the observatory site.
- No food or drinks are allowed in the observatory.
- Only flashlights with red light are allowed on site in order to preserve night vision. The Qualified Observers at the SCC Observatory have some red gel and rubber bands for anyone wanting to modify their regular flashlights.
If you’re interested in learning more about the night sky, consider attending one of the Sunshine Coast Astronomy Club's events. From September to June they host a free speaker series (donations welcome) at the Sechelt Library. Topics range from Mars missions to Indigenous sky stories, and speakers include world-class scientists and experts in the field. On the third Friday of the month, visitors are welcome to join local members in Sechelt for an Astro Cafe meetup to discuss all things astronomy. If the skies are clear, members will often bring their telescopes to Davis Bay or—if the viewing is exceptional—even head to the observatory.
What to Pack for a Night of Stargazing on the Sunshine Coast
When it comes to stargazing, good preparation and gear are key. Nights can get chilly on the Sunshine Coast (even in summer), so make sure to dress in comfortable layers. In fall and winter, the warmer you are, the longer you're able to brave the cool night air. Pack a warm coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf. Hand warmers are also a small detail that can make the difference between taking in the expanse of the Milky Way (or even practicing your astrophotography) and having to pack up and head home early. In summer, a good mosquito repellent is an invaluable tool.
Blankets and camp chairs can also come in handy, depending on your plans. You'll want to bring a headlamp or flashlight with a red light setting. White light disrupts your ability to see in the dark and it can take up to 40 minutes to recover. A red light setting will allow you to navigate the dark without losing sight of the stars.
And don't forget to pack plenty of water and snacks to enjoy while you're gazing upwards. Check out our picnic provisions blog post for some inspiration.
