Algonquin Radio Observatory

Algonquin Radio Observatory is a radio astronomy facility located in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. The main antenna is a 46-meter parabolic reflector dish positioned among pine forests that receives electromagnetic radiation from space.

The National Research Council of Canada established this facility in 1959 to provide Canadian scientists with advanced radio astronomy capabilities. Early experiments connected multiple telescopes across great distances, advancing techniques for analyzing distant cosmic sources.

The facility represents a key center for Canadian radio astronomy research and international scientific collaboration. Visitors can observe how the installation fits into the forest landscape and understand its role in studying the cosmos.

The site is located in a forested area with limited public access, so checking visit conditions beforehand is important. The grounds require weather-appropriate clothing since it sits in an isolated region with exposed conditions.

The parabolic antenna has surface accuracy of 0.2 centimeters (0.08 inches) and can detect wavelengths as small as 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches). This extreme precision allows the facility to capture and analyze faint signals from distant objects in space.

Location: Ontario

Official opening: 1959

Website: http://arocanada.com

GPS coordinates: 45.95550,-78.07300

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40