~July 29 – 30, 2022~
Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Star Party near Site 44, Armstrong Campground
~For itinerary and any last minute changes check the RASC NB Mount Carleton Star Party for updates.
~Please read the Notes section near the bottom of this page~
Weather permitting, Mount Carleton can be of the best star gazing sites anywhere in Canada, if not North America.
Paul Owen captured the night sky at the 2018 Mount Carleton Star Party. On the first night, the sky was so dark the Milky Way was casting a shadow on star maps.
Above~ Photo by Paul Owen of the 2015 Mount Carleton Star Party.
Some facts about Mount Carleton Provincial Park~
- Incredible 174 sq km (42,000 acres) of pristine wilderness
- Contains the highest peak in the Maritimes, Mount Carleton
- Four main mountain peaks and several large freshwater lakes
- Excellent canoeing and kayaking on lakes and two rivers
- 88+ campsites, group camping, cabins and chalets available
- Canadian portion of the International Appalachian Trail passes through
- Some of the most varied and interesting hiking in North America with 11 hiking trails ranging from wheelchair to strenuous
- Known as “One for the Bucket List,” “A True Wilderness Park,” “The Algonquin of New Brunswick,” among outdoor enthusiasts
- A Dark Sky Preserve, among the darkest skies in Canada
Maps (click to view)~
[click to open in pdf]
Clicking Park map above opens portal to view current available reservation page. Select Mount Carleton once there.
Mount Carleton Star Party Information~
If you do not have a telescope~ Just show up, or book your camping weekend if you want to be at the campground during the Stargaze.
Activities usually take place near Site 44, Armstrong Campground. Please read the Notes section below.
If you do have a telescope~ A limited number of campsite reservations for astronomers who wish to volunteer are available in the astronomers area. Registration will be posted on the RASC NB/Mt. Carleton when available.
Location~ Near Site 44, Armstrong Campground
Info & Details: RASC NB Mount Carleton Star Party
Registration for volunteer astronomers: Posted on the RASC NB/Mt. Carleton when available.
Facebook Event: usually posted on the RASC NB and Mount Carleton Provincial Park Facebook pages.
What usually happens at the Mount Carleton Star Party~
Friday~
8 – 9 PM – “What’s Up?” slideshow presentation at the kitchen shelter near site 44. Come learn about the wonders of the night sky you’ll be seeing through the telescope.
9:30 to 11:30 PM – Night sky viewing with telescopes (weather permitting). Come look through our telescopes and enjoy the views.
Saturday~
1:00 to 3:00 PM – Solar observing
1:00 to 3:00 PM – Telescope and astrophotography clinic. Bring your telescope for a free set and tuning. Learn about astrophotography.
8:30 to 9:30 PM – “What’s Up?” slideshow presentation at the kitchen shelter near site 44. Come learn about the wonders of the night sky you’ll be seeing through the telescope.
9:30 to 11:30 PM – Night sky viewing with telescopes (weather permitting). Come look through our telescopes and enjoy the views.
~For itinerary and any last minute changes check the RASC NB Mount Carleton Star Party page.
.
In 2018 there was a Free Draw for a Celestron Astromaster 130 AZ Telescope generously donated by All Star Telescope. Congrats to Amber Maillet. The draw was open to all attendees. You never know what can happen at a Star Party.
General Park Information~
Telephone: (Toll-free)~ 1-800-561-0123, (Office)~ 506-235-0793
Address: Mount Carleton Provincial Park, 7612 Route 385,
Saint-Quentin, New Brunswick, Canada, E8A 1N4
Email~ Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Reservations Parks New Brunswick
Tourism New Brunswick Website
More Info~ HikingNB Trails Lists Trip Advisor
Facebook Friends of Mount Carleton on Facebook
Friends of Mount Carleton Website Mount Carleton Trails Map.pdf
Rates: $10 – $90 Cash only due to remote location
Notes:
Cell reception is spotty. Gates close @8pm. If you are arriving late, phone ahead to 506-235-0793 to see if someone can meet you at the gate. Because of its remote location, this is a park where it pays to check out all the information. Arrive with full tank of gas, extra clothing, food & supplies. Visit Friends of Mount Carleton, etc.
Dates: Open May 14 to October 15 for camping
Other Star Parties in New Brunswick~
Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest
COW Mactaquac Star Party
Fundy Park StarGaze
Kouchibouguac Fall StarFest
General overview~ Star Parties in New Brunswick
You can also check our Upcoming Events page.
Tourism & Travel Info~ Tourism New Brunswick, Explore NB