Irving Nature Park, Dark-sky preserve in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Irving Nature Park is a dark-sky preserve along the Saint John coastline spanning forested areas, marshes, and beaches on the Bay of Fundy shoreline. The setting provides ideal conditions for stargazing and exploring coastal habitats.
The area was designated as Canada's first Urban Sky Park by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, marking a turning point in dark sky protection efforts. This recognition highlighted the importance of the location for light pollution prevention.
The park is owned and operated by JD Irving, and motor-vehicle access is open annually from May through October. Its 243 hectares lie between a salt marsh and the Bay of Fundy, and a forest discovery network of trails crosses the property.
Motor vehicles can enter the park only from May through October, so outside those months access is on foot or by bicycle. The park covers 243 hectares between a salt marsh and the Bay of Fundy, and the road network lets drivers reach several coastal lookouts. For night visits, check the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's Urban Star Park listing before setting out.
Irving Nature Park covers 243 hectares between a salt marsh and the Bay of Fundy, and in 2011 the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada named it the country's first Urban Star Park. Motor vehicles can enter only from May through October, so the rest of the year the trails are left to walkers.
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