The Almaguin Summer Star Party is Set to Shine

This August the stars will come out to play in the Almaguin Highlands with a two-night special event. Look to the heavens with the help of skilled astronomers to see faraway galaxies, shooting stars and the planets and wonders of our solar system.

Local businesses and accommodation providers have come together to offer the ultimate star gazing experience with themed food and drink offerings for participants and discounts at a host of places to stay to make a memorable night turn into unforgettable days.

“Society has lost the intimacy with the night sky. We aim to reconnect with the vastness and beauty of the universe. In re-discovering it together we reawake as humans reminding us of how small we are, yet how connected we’ve always been to the stars and the stories they hold.”
– Stephane Picard, CEO/Owner
Cliff Valley Astronomy

Cliff Valley Astronomy

At our astronomy star party, guests can expect an unforgettable journey through the night sky guided by knowledgeable astronomers from Cliff Valley Astronomy and the North Bay Astronomy Club. Using smart telescopes, you’ll get stunning live views of distant galaxies, glowing nebulae, and colourful star clusters right on a screen—bringing deep space within reach. With optical telescopes, enjoy crisp, detailed views of the Moon’s craters and Saturn’s rings. For those who prefer to stargaze naturally, the naked eye reveals constellations, shooting stars, and satellites passing silently overhead.

Mid-August 2025 is a perfect time to gather under the stars. The famous Perseid meteor shower will peak, sending dozens of meteors streaking across the sky every hour. Saturn will be beautifully visible, and the Milky Way’s glowing arc will stretch across the sky on clear nights. Whether through a telescope or just your eyes, it’s a spectacular, shared experience that brings the universe a little closer.

Night One – August 11, 2025
Tom Thomson Park South River

Start Time: 7:30pmThe Banger food truck will be on on site, included with ticket purchase
7:30 – 8:30pm – Disc Golf Demonstration and group participation. Enjoy food and other displays from local businesses.
8:30 – 9pm – Introductory presentations from Cliff Valley Astronomy and North Bay Astronomy Club
9pm – Educational opportunity for star gazing with telescopes provided

Tickets are $10/pp. To purchase tickets to night one’s event CLICK HERE.

Night Two – August 12, 2025
Screaming Heads Burk’s Falls

Start Time: 6:00pmThe Banger food truck will be available on site, included with ticket purchase
6:00pm – 8:15pm – Enjoy live music by Sean Cotton, explore the grounds of Screaming Heads. Bonfire on site. Screaming Heads Artisan Shops will be open and available (please bring cash, as the internet is not available at this location for card purchases).
8:15 – 8:45pm – Introductory presentations from Cliff Valley Astronomy and North Bay Astronomy Club
8:45pm – Educational opportunity for star gazing with telescopes provided

Tickets are $10/pp. To purchase tickets to night two’s event CLICK HERE.

Notes for Attendees

Dress Warmly – Even summer nights can get cool. Layers, hats, and gloves are a good idea

Avoid Bright Lights – Flashlights and phone screens ruin night vision. A flashlight can be used as a safety precaution to navigate into and out of the event, but otherwise, use red lights if needed.

Bring a Blanket or Chair – Comfortable seating or lying down makes for better sky watching

Bug Protection – In some locations, bug spray or long sleeves can be helpful

Check the Weather – Stargazing is weather-dependent; clear skies make for the best experience

Be Patient – Your eyes need about 20 minutes or longer to fully adjust to the dark

Ask Questions – Astronomers love sharing – don’t hesitate to engage and learn

Respect the Space – Keep noise low and follow any event guidelines to ensure everyone enjoys the experience

Stay Curious – The sky changes with time; each visit reveals something new

Moon Craters captured by Cliff Valley Astronomy

Explore Almaguin

Before attending your evening event, consider an extended stay with a road trip through the Almaguin Highlands. A number of local businesses are participating with special discounts (on products, services, and accommodations too!), themed menu items, gift bags and more for event attendees – just show your proof of ticket purchase. For a complete list of participating businesses, read on below.

89 Main
89 Main St, Sundridge
Event themed merchandise

Algonquin Fitness & Massage Therapy Centre
32 Marie St, South River

Star Gazer Upper Body Massage

Brennan’s Hill Cabins and Camping
281 Brennan’s Hl Rd, South River

10% off accommodations for ticket holders

Circling Hawks Centre
156 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls

Small gift bags and discounts available to ticket holders. There will also be ‘See What the Stars Hold’ Tea Leaf Readings on Saturday and Sunday leading up to the event.

Copperhead Distillery
68 Tower Rd, Sundridge

Discount to ticket holders on non-alcoholic merchandise, as well as a themed drink made with Copperhead liquor.

Crystal Cave Canada
11077 Hwy 124, South River

Discounts on star/moon crystals for anyone, and 15% off store wide for ticket holders.

Deer Lake Wilderness Retreat
4198 Eagle Lake Rd, South River

10% off Glamping in the StarGazer Dome

The Mag
113 Yonge St, Burk’s Falls

15% off most items in store

New Adventures In Sound Art
313 Hwy 124, South River

10% discount in the NAISA Cafe

The Owl and the Moon
193 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls

Galaxy Smoothie – $2.00 off regular smoothie price for ticket holders

PitStop 518
1734 Hwy 518, Kearney

20% off yurt stay with proof of event ticket purchase

Port Carmen Marina
3077 Hwy 520, Burk’s Falls

15% off boat rentals

The Pub
198 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls

10% off menu items to event ticket holders

Savour This
206 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls

Enjoy a star shaped sugar cookie

Savour This Coffee Cafe
204 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls

Enjoy a themed Bubble Tea drink

Scoop-A-Licious
93 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls & 266 Doe Lake Rd, Katrine

The Crackling Meteor Ice Cream featuring constellation ice cream – discounted $4.99

Second Nature Thrift
10393 Hwy 124, Sundridge

50% off for ticket holders the weekend leading up to the event (closed Monday/Tuesday)

James Shedden Photography
Magnetawan

James Shedden will be on site as the official event photographer and offering a draw to win one of five of his ‘a day in the night’ books.

Sips Sundridge
80 Main St, Sundridge

Stop by for a themed Milky Way Purple Drink

South River Scoops N’ More
281 Hwy 124, South River

Try a Stargazer Sundae, with every sundae sold donating $1 back towards the local food bank.

Sweat Studio
162 Main St, Sundridge

Cosmic Protein Shake Promo – $5 for Large. Also check out their special yoga/meditation class on event days.

Trailhead Cabins
Sundridge

25% off accommodations for ticket holders

The Village Sweets
195 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls

Enter to win a Star Gazer Gift Basket – 1 entry for ticket holders, 1 entry per purchase

Zak’s
10 John St, Sundridge

20% off galaxy/star themed products when you mention the Almaguin Summer Star Party

To plan your getaway in the great Canadian wilderness just north of Toronto, click here.