Fall in Muskoka is usually about hiking through the fiery autumn foliage or, perhaps, even taking a side trip to a bona fide Muskoka location featured in Sterling Point, but this October, you’ll likely want to stick around long after the sun goes down. Muskoka is hosting a series of guided stargazing experiences beneath some of Ontario’s darkest skies over the next few weeks.
Muskoka: Home of the Stars returns from Oct. 16 to Nov. 7, with 18 events taking place across the region. The nighttime lineup includes beginner stargazing sessions, constellation storytelling and hands-on astrophotography workshops at Arrowhead Provincial Park, Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, Wilson’s Falls and other spots across the area. And best of all, most experiences cost just $10!
Here’s a roundup of everything to look out for.
Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience
If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and had no idea what you were looking at, this is the event for you. The beginner-friendly experience teaches guests how to identify major constellations with the naked eye while exploring the myths and stories connected to them, everything from ancient Greek heroes and mythical creatures to Indigenous sky lore.
Sessions begin at 8 p.m. and take place on Oct. 16, 17, 30 and 31 and Nov. 6 and 7, including nights at Arrowhead Provincial Park and Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve.
Fall Constellations: Stories & Mythologies
If you’re looking to get a bit spooked this Halloween season, there’s a stargazing experience for that, too. With this experience, guests head to locations with little light pollution to explore constellations visible in the autumn sky while listening to stories involving dragons, sea monsters and the aptly named demon star. And since October is meteor-shower season, you might even spot a shooting star overhead! Just remember to dress warmly and bring a camping chair and blankets if you want to settle in beneath the stars.
The program runs at 8 p.m. on Oct. 17, 18, 23 and 24, with sessions at Lorne Street Beach in Gravenhurst, Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve and the Ryde Co-op Community Centre.
Introduction to Photographing the Night Sky
Ontario photographer Scott Visscher is leading a 90-minute intro to astrophotography. The hands-on workshop covers the basics of photographing stars after dark, including camera settings, focusing, exposure and composition, as well as how to incorporate the surrounding landscape into a night-sky shot. Participants can bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, smartphone and tripod, and the program is open to complete beginners as well as photographers hoping to improve their night photography.
Sessions begin at 8 p.m. on Oct. 24 and 30 and Nov. 6 and 7, with locations including Wilson’s Falls in Bracebridge and Torrance Barrens.
Astro-Photography 101
This experience teaches participants how to photograph the moon, experiment with star trails and create constellation silhouettes. The hour-long workshop also covers simple phone settings like night mode and focus lock, along with inexpensive ways to keep your camera steady on a chilly Muskoka night.
Sessions take place at 8 p.m. on Oct. 23 and 24 and Nov. 6 and 7, including at Deerhurst Adventure Park and Dwight Beach in Lake of Bays.
Astronomy in Action Orion Dome
Astronomy in Action brings the night sky and universe to life inside a planetarium dome. Programs take place at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville on Oct. 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. Bonus: this one is free!
Visit Discover Muskoka for the full schedule and follow @discovermuskoka for updates. And after stargazing, check out some of the best things to do in Muskoka, from scenic hikes and paddling to farmers markets, shopping, restaurants and classic cottage-country experiences.