Discover New Brunswick’s Groundbreaking Initiative: The World’s Densest Dark-Sky Corridor Awaits!

As the crescent moon dipped behind the trees, I gazed at the Beehive Cluster above me. The stars twinkled, hinting at some of the darkest skies in the Americas. My journey to this cabin in southern New Brunswick, Canada, was inspired by astrotourism—a growing trend focused on stargazing and engaging with the night sky.

Stéphane Picard, an astronomer at Cliff Valley Astronomy, noted, “The U.S. has started an astrotourism project along Route 89 from Canada to Mexico, but we have six dark-sky sites within 100 miles here.” That’s remarkable, considering how few dark-sky destinations exist in such a concentrated area. New Brunswick’s proposed Fundy Dark-Sky Corridor might just become the densest collection of dark-sky reserves globally.

New Brunswick is known for its vast forests and dark skies. The province features three Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC)-designated Dark-Sky Preserves: Kouchibouguac National Park, Mount Carleton Provincial Park, and Fundy National Park. The latter hosts RASC’s star party annually. With the 2024 total solar eclipse having generated around $40 million in economic activity, there’s a clear interest in these nighttime wonders.

Fundy National Park lies at the heart of the proposed dark-sky corridor. Surrounding areas include:

• New River Beach Provincial Park—ideal for beach picnics.
• Irving Nature Park—a nearby urban stargazing spot.
• Fundy-St. Martins—a vibrant dark-sky community featuring historic inns and epic views.
• Fundy Trail Provincial Park—with plans for new RV camping experiences.
• Hopewell Rocks—famous for its stunning “flowerpot rocks.”

The goal is not only to protect these dark skies but also to promote astrotourism in southern New Brunswick. Picard sees the potential for countless unique stargazing experiences. He mentioned, “We could have 200 astrotourism experiences, each unique.”

Stargazing experiences can be had at various sites like the Tide Watcher’s Cottage. The cottage offers a perfect view of the Bay of Fundy tides and is situated near historic covered bridges. Just north, Forest Lane Domes provides an eco-luxury option with stargazing decks and hot tubs, all under Bortle Level 2 skies.

Community leaders see astrotourism as a key to economic growth. Elaine Shannon from the St. Martins and District Chamber of Commerce emphasized, “More people are realizing what dark skies can mean for us.” Jordan Jamison, who runs Bay of Fundy Adventures, pointed out that just one in ten visitors choosing night-themed activities can significantly benefit local businesses.

As New Brunswick looks to enhance its astrotourism sector, communities are recognizing the importance of dark skies—not just for tourism, but for maintaining their ecosystems and heritage. “Astrotourism builds awareness of what we have here,” said Micha Fardy from Friends of Fundy.

With its beautiful landscapes and starry nights, New Brunswick is positioning itself to become a leader in astrotourism. As more people seek authentic, nature-based experiences, the province’s dark skies will surely shine bright.

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