Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest

~June 3 – 4, 2022~

Kouchibouguac National Park
Also see RASC NB Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest for updates and before heading out.
Photo of the Cygnus region of the Milky Way, taken at Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest 2019 by Paul Owen.Above~ Image of the Cygnus region of the Milky Way taken at Kouchibouguac by Paul Owen .Group photo of astronomers gathered at the RASC NB 2019 Kouchibouquac Spring StarFest.

Photo of the night sky at the 2018 Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest by Paul Owen.Campers, stargazers, and astronomers were treated to spectacular skies in June 2018.

An ariel photo showing part of Kouchibouguac National Park.

The walkway to a beach in Kouchibouguac National Park. Photo of a trail in Kouchibouguac National Park.

“New Brunswick’s dark sky ocean paradise and one of the most magical astronomy parks in North America” – Skynews.ca

Logo of the RASC Dark Sky Preserve.

What usually happens at the Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest~

Friday~
8:00 to 9:00 PM – “What’s Up?” presentation (in English).
Come learn about the celestial wonders that can be observed that evening.
9:30 to 11:30 PM – Night sky viewing with telescopes.
Come look through our telescopes and enjoy the views.

Saturday~
1:00 to 3:30 PM – Solar Observing
Come take a close look at our nearest star, the sun.
1:00 to 3:30 PM – Telescope Clinic
We can assist you with adjusting and using your telescope.
8:00 to 9:00 PM – “What’s Up?” presentation (in French)
Come learn about the celestial wonders that can be observed that evening.
9:30 to 11:30 PM – Night sky viewing with telescopes
Come look through our telescopes and enjoy the views.

For an exact itinerary and any last minute changes, check the RASC NB Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest for updates.

Observing Site~

Map showing location of the observing site at Kouchibouguac National Park for star parties.

Some Images from Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest 2017~

Photo of twilight at the Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest 2017.Despite four thunderstorms rolling through the area that day, the sky cleared later to give the everyone a show. About 40-50 people showed up for Friday stargazing– campers and people coming into the park for the event.Twilight at the Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest 2017.

Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest 2017.

Photo of observing at the Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest 2017.

Observing with the public at the Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest 2017.

Photo of stargazing with the public at the Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest 2017.

Some facts about Kouchibouguac National Park~
  • Pronounced (koochi-boog-wac), means ‘River of Long Tides’ in the Mi’kmaq Indian language
  • Protected area of 238 sq. km (58,811 sq. acres)
  • Over 25 km of shifting sand dunes
  • Due to currents, the Northumberland Strait has warmest beaches north of Virginia (such as Parlee beach in Shediac)
  • Diversity of salt marshes, peat bogs, freshwater systems, Acadian woodland and sandy beaches
  • Rich tapestry of biological and plant life, including marine life
  • In the centre of Acadian and Mi’kmaq Culture
  • Hiking and cycling trails, wheelchair to easy (HikingNB lists 23)
  • One of Canada’s Dark Sky Preserves as recognized by the RASC
Maps (click to view)~

Google Earth photo of Kouchibouguac National Park area.

Photo of Google Maps of Kouchibouguac National Park area.

Park map of Kouchibouguac National Park, site of the Kouchibouguac Star Party.
Clicking on the maps above opens in pdf.  Above: Parks Canada Map

How to reserve a campsite or check things out~

Loop 3 of the South Kouchibouguac Campground where the Star Party is usually held at Site 194Clicking on the map above will take you to the Reservation Site for Loop 3 of the South Kouchibouguac Campground. Excellent serviced sites. This is about 12 minutes from the 2019 observing site at La Source.

Below, Loop 1 and 2 , mainly unserviced sites. Maps have a lot of info.Loop 1 & 2 of the South Kouchibouguac Campground--mainly unserviced sites.Below–Overview of camp sites available at Kouchibouguac.Link to overview of camping sites at Kouchibouguac National Park.

General Park Information~

Telephone:      (Toll-free)~ 888-773-8888,      (Office)~ 506-876-2443
Address:          Kouchibouguac National Park,  186 Route 117,
New Brunswick, Canada     E4X 2P1
Email~     Kouchilbouguac National Park
Reservations~Kouchilbouguac National Park Website
Parks Canada Website      Tourism New Brunswick Website
More Info~ HikingNB Trails Lists         Trip Advisor
Facebook     Twitter
Rates:     See Parks Canada Website
Dates:     Open Year-Round

How to Attend~

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 StarFest. The event is free, but you will need a pass to enter the Park.
Please check RASC NB Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest for updates and before heading out.

If you do have a telescope and wish to volunteer~
Registration for a limited number of campsites will be posted on the RASC NB Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest website when available.

Info & Details: RASC NB Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest

Registration for astronomers:  Please visit RASC NB Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest when available.

RASC NB—RASC NB Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest

Facebook: usually posted on the RASC NB or Kouchibouguac National Park Facebook pages

 

Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest is presented by RASC.NB and Parks Canada

Logo of the RASC New Brunswick Centre

Other Star Parties in New Brunswick~

COW Mactaquac Star Party  
Mount Carleton Star Party  
Fundy Park StarGaze   
Kouchibouguac Fall StarFest
General overview~ Star Parties in New Brunswick
Please also see RASC NB Star Parties in New Brunswick
You can also check our Upcoming Events page.

Tourism & Travel Info~ Tourism New Brunswick, Explore NB