Aurora Borealis: August 11, 2024 (Guest Photo)

Create an Unforgettable Astrotourism Experience!

At Balsam Ridge Forest Domes, we invite you to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky. We are proud to be a Dark Sky Destination, meaning our location provides exceptionally clear and dark conditions for stargazing.

What Does “Better Than Bortle 3” Mean for Dark Skies?

To understand the quality of our night skies, we refer to the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, a nine-level classification system (1 being the darkest, 9 being the most light-polluted). Our skies are better than Bortle 3, and considered excellent by most amateur astronomers, Bortle 3 skies can offer a visible Milky Way with clear structure. Light pollution domes may be visible on the horizon, but overhead, the sky is incredibly dark.

Your Stargazing Journey at Balsam Ridge Forest Domes

We have everything you need for an incredible celestial adventure:

  • Monthly Sky Binders: Each dome is equipped with a comprehensive, monthly updated binder from Cliff Valley Astronomy. This handy guide will help you in your “star-hopping” journey, detailing what celestial events you can expect to see that month.
  • Binoculars Available for Complimentary Use: Get a closer look at star clusters, the Moon’s craters, and even some of the brighter nebulae. Simply sign out a pair of binoculars (from our main office), and enjoy them during your stay!
  • Farmhouse Dome Telescope (for Farmhouse guests only): For an even more magnified view, guests of the Farmhouse dome have access to a dedicated telescope, allowing for more detailed observations.

Group & Corporate Educational Events with Cliff Valley Astronomy

Inquire about a specialized two-hour educational stargazing session led by the experts from Cliff Valley Astronomy, who will come on-site to Balsam Ridge Forest Domes for your convenience. They bring a high-powered telescope, sometimes two depending on group size, outfitted with the latest technology and accessories, allowing your group to see the night sky in greater detail.

Following your personalized stargazing party, participants in your group will receive an email with photos of what was seen during the night.

Inquire about group bookings today and let us tailor an extraordinary astrotourism experience for you! Email us at hello@balsamridgeforestdomes.ca for details.