A clear, moonless night can provide the best stargazing opportunities because a bright moon will obscure fainter stars. Checking a Moon Phase Calendar can be helpful in planning your visit at the Dark Sky Viewing Area.
The L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area is the most southerly dark sky site in Ontario, offering a night sky experience very similar to what was available more than 100 years ago. Bring your family and enjoy this unspoiled moment that will have you marveling at our night sky.
Dark Sky Viewing Area
Prepare your Visit
- Reclining Lawn Chair
- Cozy Clothes
- Blanket
- Bug Spray
Bring a small, dim flashlight to see where you are walking. When you’re on the viewing platform, please don’t shine any white light (red light is acceptable).
When pulling your vehicle into the parking lot, please turn off headlights as soon as possible. Even the smallest amount of light can disrupt night sky photographs and disturb people’s ability to focus on the stars.
History
Terence Dickinson was an accomplished stargazing author, founder and long-time editor of SkyNews Magazine, and also a resident of Lennox & Addington County. On his way home, he would often pull off the highway to take night sky photos at an easily accessible location between Erinsville and Kaladar.
After looking at a light pollution map, Terence determined that the roadside spot where he was stopping was the most southerly spot in Ontario with an unimpeded view of the night sky. In 2011, he told his story to the Lennox & Addington Economic Development Office and they realized that this was a great niche tourism opportunity. They immediately got to work on constructing what is now known as the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area.
Contact Us
Township of Stone Mills
4504 County Rd 4
Centreville, ON K0K 1N0
Phone: 613-378-2475
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8:30am - 6:00pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 12:30pm
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