Torrance Barrens, Dark sky preserve in Muskoka District, Canada
Torrance Barrens is a protected area spanning 1,906 hectares of Precambrian bedrock, wetlands, and low-growing vegetation beneath completely natural dark skies. The landscape offers wide, open sightlines to the stars without any external light pollution.
The Ontario government established this protected area in 1997, and it became the world's first permanent dark sky preserve in 1999. This designation helped protect the area from light pollution and set a model for similar reserves elsewhere.
Astronomers and photographers gather at observation points to study stars and photograph the Milky Way, an activity that draws people who care about the night sky.
Visitors can access hiking trails from the parking area without paying admission, but should bring minimal artificial light sources for navigation. Plan your visit around the moon phases, as the best stargazing happens on moonless nights.
The area is home to over 90 bird species and wildlife such as white-tailed deer and beavers that have adapted to the natural dark environment. This wildlife shows how ecosystems thrive when artificial light does not interfere.
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