... which is over two million light years away – can also be seen from the darkness of Torrance Barrens. Find the reviews and ratings to know better. You’ll also escape all of that Toronto light pollution! In 1999, Torrance Barrens Conservation Area was designated as the world’s first permanent Dark Sky Reserve. Torrance Barrens is the ideal location in Ontario Canada for people to enjoy star gazing and photographers to capture the night sky free of light pollution. May all who visit see the beauty of God's creation." This website is intended to provide useful information about what there is to do and see at the Barrens. Thank you for keeping a peaceful place to re-connect." This is my first Milky Way shot in 2019. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to preserving the Torrance Barrens for all. Despite Torrance Barrens DSP is the first dark-sky preserve in Canada and one of the firsts in the world, the light pollution (as seen in this photo above horizon) is getting worse every time I visited this place which is very sad. With so much light pollution from the bustling cities, it is difficult to see the starry sky. It’s also the first officially recognized Canadian dark-sky preserve, having been designated as such in 1999. With so much light pollution disrupting the views of the sky in Southern Ontario, getting great views of the northern lights in southern Ontario is very challenging. Its a beautiful, sunny and no bugs. Sept 9, 2018, "We're so tiny in this vast expanding galaxy--I'm so glad to go on this grand adventure with you..." July 15, 2018, "My son and I drove 4 hours to experience this beauty...Such a gift to experience nature this way. Not only is Torrance Barrens one of the best places for stargazing in Ontario, but, having been established in 1999, it’s also the first dark sky preserve in all of Canada. We mostly stayed in the initial parking-lot, but everyone was respectful, quiet. Potential solutions include a permanent ban on camping and fire-making, creating designated camping areas, and/or charging fees to camp so that there are funds to periodically clean up the Reserve. Mike Silver shared his celestial stories to an enthralled audience." Even an amateur’s telescope can see the rings of Saturn. When astronomers are onsite for viewings only red lights are allowed in the preserve, meaning no white lights are permitted as they reduce night vision. "What a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful place." To access all of the content on Yr, we recommend that you update your browser. I wish you all share this amazing experience here." Lovely lake. Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve is a spectacular getaway in Southern Ontario. Due to several factors - including an increasing number of campers and fire-makers in the Barrens, the proximity of the Barrens to several children's summer camps, and a particularly dry summer - the Township of Muskoka Lakes unanimously passed a resolution requesting a ban on all camping and fire-making activities in the Torrance Barrens. Check their calendar before you go. In 1999, Torrance Barrens Conservation Area was designated as the world’s first permanent Dark Sky Reserve. I was going to head up to the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve, but I can't understand from all the websites Im reading if the lights are visible right now, specifically Sunday night. When visiting, I highly recommend going just before dusk and checking that you're going on a non-cloudy, clear night with good weather. For the best views, bring along a telescope or binoculars and experience the wonders of the universe. Despite Torrance Barrens DSP is the first dark-sky preserve in Canada and one of the firsts in the world, the light pollution (as seen in this photo above horizon) is getting worse every time I visited this place which is very sad. Torrance Barrens lies in Muskoka region, far away … Please choose a different date. Felt like we were banging in space! The Torrance Barrens (officially Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve) is a conservation area and dark-sky preserve in the District Municipality of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada. This ban includes RV/car camping, tent camping, making campfires, and setting off fireworks. Point Pelee National Park. Hotels near Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve, Hotels near (YKF) Kitchener-Waterloo Regional Airport, Things to do near Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve, Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site, Bala's Museum with Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery, Johnston's Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery, Residence Inn by Marriott Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf, View all hotels near Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve on Tripadvisor. Torrance Barren and Bruce Peninsula are some of the closet areas to Toronto. What hotels are near Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve? The northern lights even makes an appearance on nights of strong geomagnetic activity. Thunder Bay and Red Lake are also listed. The sun is setting and its already beautiful. Heading north on Highway 11 from Toronto, turn west onto District Road 13 (Southwood Road) between Gravenhurst and Washago. You don't need a telescope to see the stars at this dreamy spot. Perhaps the closest dark sky to Toronto, the Torrance Barrens Night Sky Preserve is the place for southern Ontarian urbanites to take in the beauty of the night sky. A+"  Mathew & Tammy--June 25, 2018, "Were having a great time. While the vast majority of campers do so safely and respectfully, a few "bad apples" have left massive amounts of garbage in the main dark sky viewing area and in the surrounding trails. Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve is a light-free park offering miles of undisturbed night sky views. Adding garbage bins to the Barrens will help tremendously with the litter issue, and is atop the list of planned infrastructural improvements. read. Here the noise comes from nature. This once pristine place has been destroyed by ignorant people. Creating designated camping areas and permitting only back-country camping (i.e. Torrance Barrens NIGHT SKY Preserving the Dark. Wood Buffalo National Park dark sky preserve is another excellent place in Alberta to look up at the stars. X. Iqaluit, Nunavut . Despite Torrance Barrens DSP is the first dark-sky preserve in Canada and one of the firsts in the world, the light pollution (as seen in this photo above horizon) is getting worse every time I visited this place which is very sad. parties around fires. Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve. Ralph & Claudia--September 13, 2018, "Tonight I feel like the Little Prince gazing up at the sky, lost in the galaxies and milky Way. Over the weekend, the Northern Lights were spotted all across Canada, including right here in Ontario.. You’ll also escape all of that Toronto light pollution! 2 hrs drive from Toronto not worth it at all better you can go to nice beach nearby or park to watch the sky,. Though it has luckily not happened yet, one irresponsible camp-fire could tarnish the landscape for decades. If you are passionate about the Barrens and would like to have your voice heard, we recommend that you contact the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (Northeast Zone), the Town of Gravenhurst, or the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Follow these links to learn how to, Scientist's Trail Camera finds Abundant Wildlife in the Barrens. I don't know if we just got lucky on the night we went, but we honestly nearly decided not to go after reading some of these reviews and I'm really glad we did regardless. With its rare beauty, the dark-sky preserve is … Dark Sky Preserves are incredibly unique and rare, with only 6 in Ontario, 19 in Canada, and less than 100 in the entire world. It was a great opportunity to see the sky without light pollution and I wouldn't hesitate going back. Even so, this place was packed. It’s the only clear night in a long time here in Southern Ontario. With its rare beauty, the dark-sky preserve is one of just six in all of Ontario. The night was cloudy at times, but we were able to sit outside and admire the night sky, the constellations, and the milky way, and a few shooting stars. The 4,700-acres of Crown land is bedrock and wetlands, with trees and bushes that are stunted in height. There is a parking lot to the left of the sign. We saw a baby bear! For summer 2020, we are again kindly asking visitors to refrain from camping (pitching tents, vehicle/RV camping, etc.) Garbage, feces, toilet paper, broken glass everywhere. Starring into deep space you can only wonder what life exists beyond our beautiful planet. Jackalope-- April 30. Torrance Barrens was designated as a Dark-Sky Reserve in 1999, the first one in Canada and we were hoping to captures some shooting stars (on camera, not in our hands). Wood Buffalo National Park dark sky preserve is another excellent place in Alberta to look up at the stars. This Gift He has given to you and for you." Look up at the sky in the city and you're likely to see a dark bluish haze muddled by street lights. This website is operated by the Guardians of the Dark Sky and Barrens, a group of Muskoka citizens, politicians, environmentalists, and astronomers who care about the Barrens and who are working to preserve its natural attributes for generations to come. A Time Lapse of Northern Lights, Perceid Meteor Showers and the Milky Way over Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve in Muskoka Lakes Ontario, August 15, 2015 The 4,700-acres of Crown land is bedrock and wetlands, with trees and bushes that are stunted in height. Until further notice, visitors are being asked to refrain from camping (pitching tents, vehicle/RV camping, etc. Thunder Bay and Red Lake are also listed. There wasn’t any solar events going on (like a meteor shower,) just a normal night. “It is also a regulated Conservation Reserve, which is like a wanna-be provincial park,” says retired MNR biologist Jan McDonnell. Torrance Barrens is located right in the heart of cottage country. 94 Likes, 8 Comments - \,,/ -_- \,,/ (@3pounds) on Instagram: “The night sky had hope... and the Northern Lights danced just a bit last night in Torrance Barrens…” Without park rangers, designated camping areas, garbage bins, and clean-up staff/volunteers, camping and fire-making has and will cause significant harm to the Torrance Barrens. Continue driving for about 20 minutes until you see a brown Torrance Barrens sign. "I came here to shoot the super moon and decided to stay. Torrance Barrens Northern Lights Forecast 2020 / Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve Posts Facebook - Forecast for the northern lights has gone bust.. Azaria and family--June 26, 2018, "Perhaps not Heaven, but mighty close!" 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