Stargazing & Storytelling at Torrance Barrens Conservation and Dark Sky Reserve

Enjoy the night sky with interpreter Emara Streich for an evening of star stories at the world’s first permanently designated Dark Sky Reserve, Torrance Barrens. With minimal light intrusion, hard granite surface, accessibility, and 360 degree viewing, this truly is a remarkable place in Canada to admire the cosmos. 

You’ll learn about winter constellations and visible planets, and feel more confident locating these (and can practice pointing them out with a laser!). You will also be given a customized night sky chart, depicting the stars as they are oriented during this event at this location (a great tool for celestial navigation and an awesome keepsake from this experience)! This gathering is meant to inspire you to continue to explore the night sky on your own, and with practice, it will become full of familiar beings, animals, and other objects!

This event will only be cancelled in the event of rain or unsafe weather! Poor visibility? That’s okay, there are plenty of stories to share and tips for “reading” the sky regardless!

Some key topics we will explore:

• 5 Circumpolar Constellations -learn these, and see them year-round!

• Winter Constellations, including Orion and his hunting dogs!

• Winter Asterisms (distinct patterns within winter constellations like Orion’s Belt, we well as large patterns made up of prominent stars from multiple winter constellations, like the “Winter Triangle” and the “Winter Hexagon”)

• Phases of the Moon and Full Moon Names as methods of timekeeping

• Stories and mythologies across different cultures about the Milky Way and its stars

• Meteor Showers 2026

• Eclipses: mark your calendar for a total lunar eclipse in March!

Please Bring:

• Layers! It is winter, so please dress very warm

• Winter boots, extra socks

• Gloves/Hat/Scarf/Balacava

• Red light headlamp/flashlight if you wish

• Reusable mug, though paper cups provided if needed

• Camping chair and blankets if you wish

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Location: Torrance Barrens Conservation and Dark Sky Reserve Southwood Road (District Road 13) near the village of Torrance, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario, with parking off that road, ideal for GPS as Southwood Rd, Gravenhurst, ON P0C 1M0. You turn onto Southwood Road from Highway 169 or Highway 11 and follow signs to the parking area.