Canada is rich with scenery, thriving cities, and wildlife, but if you’re an avid stargazer, few places are as magical as Bon Accord in Alberta.

Located North of Edmonton, this charming town was the first community in Canada and the 11th in the world to receive International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) status, meaning it’s THE place for budding astronomers.

From the Jurassic Forest and Prairie Gardens to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and Elk Island National, not only is Bon Accord within close proximity to local favourites, but they also have beautiful parks and hold a ton of fun events during the day.

At night time, however, is really when they really shine.

Photo via Kim Ergang / Bon Accord

Under a blanket of stars, those who visit should keep their eyes open for meteor showers, northern lights and glowing planets – all of which are brighter and more visible thanks to the town’s commitment to limiting light pollution.

“As part of its bid for IDA status, Bon Accord enacted one of the most progressive and comprehensive outdoor lighting policies in Canada,” they explain on Darksky.org.

“It also establishes a series of lighting “zones” throughout the town where allowable light levels are based on expected ambient light conditions.”

Want to check it out?

Bon Accord is situated along Highway 28 and loves visitors, so dim your lights, bring a lawn chair, and point your peepers north.

You’re in for a treat!

Bon Accord, Alberta

Where: Directions here

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Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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