Yes, Vancouver has some prime spots to watch a sunset, but once that sun goes down and the nights get dark, you’ll need to leave the city for a serious view of the stars.
Beyond the light pollution of Vancouver is an entire ocean of twinkling lights waiting to be gazed upon, and BC has some beautiful spots to do just that—and a few aren’t even too far away from the city.
Here’s some great places in BC to sit down, lay back, and look up into the shining cosmos.
For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Check current conditions before you leave and make sure that you know about the dangers involved before you set off.
Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.
Boundary Bay Regional Park
Located in Tsawwassen just short drive south from Vancouver, Boundary Bay Provincial Park is a great area to look at the stars and still make it home in time for bed. There’s a few beaches near the area to set up a picnic blanket and pop some champagne… if that’s the mood you’re aiming for.
Helmcken Falls
Helmcken Falls is just a little bit further away. Okay, it’s a road trip and a half away, but it’s no secret that the middle of nowhere tends to be the best place to see some stunning night-time sights. Throw a beautiful waterfall into the mix and you’ll be smiling the whole way home.
Kamloops Lake
Just west of Kamloops is a great area where you can camp under the stars; just make sure to bring a flashlight, because it is going to get DARK.
Coldstream
On the north end of Kalamalka Lake you find you’ll find the town of Coldstream, where you can spend hours gazing at the stars—either those up above, or their reflections on the lake’s surface.
Lillooett Lake
Anyone who has spent a wild weekend at Pemberton Music Festival (RIP) knows the magic of the clear skies they have there, and it is even clearer out by Lillooett lake. There’s just something about being further north that makes the air crisper, cleaner, and all the better for star-gazers.
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Observatory
Sitting right here in our very own Vancouver, the Gordon Southam Observatory is free to the public, and is open Friday and Saturday from 8 pm to midnight. It may not be a full field of twinkling lights like at some of these other BC spots, but you’ll at least be able to get a closer look at the final frontier.
Whytecliff Park
Beautiful by day, even more stunning by night, and close enough to Vancouver to make it the perfect destination for a romantic night out. Whytecliff Park sits in West Vancouver right by Horseshoe Bay, and offers a stunning view of the cosmos in all its glory. Bring a picnic, watch the sunset, then stick around for a bit—you’ll be in for a treat.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park
Another one close to the city, Porteau Cove is about halfway to Squamish, making it an ideal destination for those wanting an unreal view—without the six hour hike that is usually needed to achieve such a dazzling display.
Mystic Beach
An adorable little beach with mountainous cliffs that make you feel protected and as though the place is all yours. Across the channel on Vancouver Island (near Sooke, to be precise), this beach marks the end of the Juan De Fuca trail—or the beginning, depending on where you start.
Elfin Lakes
These twin lakes sitting above Squamish are a favourite for hikers around the area, and for good reason. A cabin sits on the site that can sleep up to 33 people—though reservations are required—and the lofty perch allows for the night sky to shine down on campers in all its glory.
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