Mount Carleton Dark Sky Experience
7612 NB-385 7612 NB-385, Nictau
Sep 11 - Sep 13
September 11–13, 2026
Experience three days of astronomy, science, Indigenous knowledge, outdoor activities, music, and stargazing at Mount Carleton Provincial Park. Discover the importance of dark skies while exploring the night sky from one of Atlantic Canada’s darkest destinations.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Welcome Booth with Stéphane Picard
10:00–12:00 a.m. | Lodge Café
Start your weekend at the Lodge Café and meet Stéphane Picard. Learn more about Mount Carleton as a dark sky destination, discover what makes its night sky special, and get an overview of the activities planned throughout the weekend.
Science East Science Fest
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Lodge Café
Explore science through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities presented by Science East. Designed for students, families, and curious minds of all ages, this drop-in experience makes science fun and accessible.
Opening ceremony
2:00-2:30 PM | Lodge Café
Join us at the Lodge Café as we officially open the 2026 Mount Carleton Dark Sky Experience and welcome visitors to a weekend of astronomy, culture, science, and outdoor discovery.
Nature Workshop with Gina Brooks, The Caribou Club
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Lodge Café
Connect with the natural environment during a guided workshop with Gina Brooks of The Caribou Club. Explore land-based learning and discover new ways to observe and appreciate the natural world around Mount Carleton.
Speaker Session with Michael Rymer of DarkSky International
6:30-7:30 PM | Armstrong Kitchen
Join astrophotographer Michael Rymer of DarkSky International as he shares stories, techniques, and inspiration from photographing the night sky. Discover how astrophotography can reveal the beauty of the stars and deepen our appreciation for dark skies.
What's Up in the Sky Tonight?
7:30 PM | Armstrong Kitchen
Get ready for an evening of stargazing with Cliff Valley Astronomy. Learn which planets, constellations, and other celestial highlights can be seen in September and what to look for in the sky above Mount Carleton.
Yoga Under the Stars with Sunny Bosca
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Armstrong Beach
Slow down and reconnect with nature during an evening yoga session with Sunny Bosca at Armstrong Beach. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as daylight fades and the stars begin to appear. All experience levels are welcome.
Social at the Lodge Café
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Lodge Café
Spend the evening at the Lodge Café and enjoy live music by The Yeehaws. Relax by Nictau Lake and enjoy the atmosphere as the park transitions from daylight to dark skies.
Stargazing with Cliff Valley Astronomy
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Armstrong Kitchen
Explore the universe with Cliff Valley Astronomy. Look through powerful telescopes to observe planets, star clusters, galaxies, and other celestial objects beneath the dark skies of Mount Carleton.
Starlight Paddle
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM | Meet at Lodge Café
Experience Mount Carleton after dark during a guided paddle on Nictau Lake. Enjoy the quiet of the lake at night and experience the park from a different perspective beneath the stars.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Discovering My New Brunswick Under Dark Skies / Découvrir mon Nouveau-Brunswick sous un ciel étoile with Stéphane Picard
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Lodge Café
Join Stéphane Picard to explore the growing world of astrotourism and discover why dark skies are becoming an important travel experience. Learn what makes Mount Carleton particularly well positioned as a destination for experiencing and appreciating the night sky.
Science East Science Fest
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Lodge Café
Science East returns for an afternoon of interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Visitors of all ages can experiment, explore, ask questions, and discover science through engaging activities.
Solar Observing
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Armstrong Kitchen
Turn your attention to our closest star. Observe the Sun safely using specialized equipment and discover features of the daytime sky through a guided solar observing experience.
Animals of the Night
6:30 PM | Armstrong Kitchen
What happens in the park after the Sun goes down? Discover some of the fascinating animals that become active after dark and learn about the important roles nocturnal species play in the ecosystem.
What's Up in the Sky Tonight?
7:30 PM | Armstrong Kitchen
Join Cliff Valley Astronomy for a preview of Saturday night’s sky. Discover the planets, constellations, and celestial highlights visible in September and learn what to look for during the evening’s stargazing activities.
Live Music at the Lodge Cafe
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Lodge Café
Enjoy an evening performance by Elles et Lui at the Lodge Café. Take in live music beside Nictau Lake as night falls over Mount Carleton.
Stargazing with Dr. Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, Canada's First Indigenous Woman Astronomer & Astrophysicist, in collaboration with Cliff Valley Astronomy.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Armstrong Kitchen
Join renowned astrophysicist Dr. Laurie Rousseau-Nepton for a special evening exploring the universe. Discover how Indigenous knowledge and astronomy can contribute to our understanding of the night sky, then observe planets, star clusters, galaxies, and other celestial objects through telescopes with Cliff Valley Astronomy.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Speaker Session with Michael Rymer of DarkSky International
10:00 AM | Lodge Café
Join Michael Rymer of DarkSky International to learn why protecting natural darkness matters. Discover the importance of reducing light pollution and how individuals and communities can contribute to protecting the night sky.
Defending the Dark, Stephane Picard, Cliff Valley Astronomy & Michael Rymer
11:30-1:00 PM | Lodge Café
Join us for a screening of Defending the Dark, followed by a discussion with Stéphane Picard, Cliff Valley Astronomy, and Michael Rymer. Explore why dark skies are worth protecting and the role individuals and communities can play in preserving them.
Quill Workshop with Tara Francis
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Four Seasons Room/Lodge Café
Join artist Tara Francis for a hands-on workshop exploring traditional quillwork. Learn about the art form while creating your own work and discovering traditional techniques.
Limited seating. Registration is required.
Location: 7612 NB-385 7612 NB-385, Nictau
Date: Sep 11 - Sep 13
Parks