North Frontenac - Ontario | Dark-Sky Preserve
Photos: Gary Colwell
North Frontenac Township was designated a Dark-Sky Preserve in 2013 in partnership with the Township of North Frontenac, North Frontenac Economic Development Task Force, and the RASC Kingston Centre. It is the first municipality in Canada to achieve Dark-Sky Preserve status, and covers an area of 1164km2. Due to its low population density and distance from large urban centres, the Township of North Frontenac boasts some of the darkest and most star-strewn skies in southern Ontario.
The main viewing area in the Dark-Sky Preserve is North Frontenac Astronomy Park, located at 5816 Road 506, 4km south of the Township offices near Plevna. The North Frontenac Observatory officially opened in August 2021, and houses the Fred Lossing Telescope. The North Frontenac Astronomy Park is open year round to the public, is equipped with electrical service, an information station, picnic tables, washrooms, parking, and is fully accessible.
Events at North Frontenac Astronomy Park have included activities for International Astronomy Day and the Perseid meteor shower, sun parties, and other themed programs featuring galaxies, nebulae, planets, and constellations. The programs are hosted by local astronomers and volunteers, who offer visitors the opportunity to look through their telescopes. Visitors also often have the chance to look through the Fred Lossing Telescope. A new group, the North Frontenac Amateur Astronomy Club, will be active in future events. Visitors can check the Township’s website and the Dark-Sky Preserve’s Facebook page for news and a schedule of upcoming events.
Limited services are available in the small community of Plevna, 8km north of North Frontenac Astronomy Park. There is a range of services and accommodations scattered throughout the Township of North Frontenac - visitors can consult this handy amenities map for information. There is no overnight camping permitted at the site. Larger urban areas nearby include Kingston (116km southeast) and Ottawa (140km northeast).
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