The Astronomy Lover’s Guide to Mont-Mégantic National Park

Continuing our travels through Quebec’s Eastern Townships, our next stop was Mont-Mégantic National Park, except this isn’t your average park. Mont-Mégantic is located in the heart of the first International Dark Sky Reserve and that means it’s an astronomy lover’s paradise. Because there’s hardly any light pollution in the area, it’s the perfect place to turn your gaze upwards and marvel at the stars, plus there’s also plenty of hiking to be enjoyed by day. For this trip, we once again teamed up with Tourisme Quebec and Merrell Canada and these were some of the highlights:

Staying at a spacy chalet in the woods

I love staying in unusual accommodations when I travel and during our visit to Mont-Mégantic National Park, Sam and I had the chance to do exactly that!

We stayed in a small campground in the northwest end of the park, which had 10 chalets with a bit of an astronomy twist. You see, each of the chalets here is named after one of the planets in our solar system, as well as the dwarf planet Ceres, which is the largest object in the asteroid belt. How cool is that?

We were assigned Mercury, the smallest and innermost planet in the solar system.

The first thing I noticed when we drove up to our chalet was that the construction looked quite spacey and futuristic – almost like something you’d expect to find in the Sci-Fi version of a colonized planet.

After parking the car, we followed the black gravel path towards what would be our home for the night. The first thing that caught our attention was the fact that we were surrounded by forest. There were massive windows that wrapped around the side of the chalet and standing in the open concept dining/living/kitchen area, we could see nothing but trees all around us.

The design was modern, minimalist and functional. We had a wood-burning stove in the living area, and out front, there was a propane BBQ, a fire pit, a picnic table, and a set of Adirondack chairs perfect for lounging (had it not been raining).

Since this is considered glamping, when we arrived we had two kits with towels and linens waiting for us. These included: 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, 1 pillowcase, 1 bath towel and 1 face towel per person. We quickly made our beds, and then it was off to go explore what Mont-Mégantic National Park had to offer!

Learning about space at ASTROLab

One of the main draws to Mont-Mégantic National Park is the ASTROLab, which is an astronomy research centre focused on making science accessible to the public. They offer daytime guided tours of the lab with exhibits focusing on life, earth and space.

We toured the exhibits and then watched a screening of a film called Cosmic Rhythms, which really puts into perspective just how vast our universe is and what a short time we’ve been around to witness it all.

We also learned that ASTROLab hosts two astronomy festivals during the summer months:

Popular Astronomy Festival in July

The first is the Popular Astronomy Festival, which is the biggest gathering of novice, amateur and professional astronomers in Québec. This is also one of the few times of year when people are granted access to the Mont-Mégantic Observatory to scan the skies using a 1.6-metre telescope.

You can read more about the Popular Astronomy Festival at ASTROLab here.

Perseid Festival in August

The next festival takes place during the Perseid Meteor Shower, which is visible every year starting mid-July, but peaks in activity in early to mid-August. The ASTROLab puts on a special program and invites people to bring some lawn chairs and blankets, and come to spend the night under the stars with other enthusiasts.

You can read more about Perseid Evenings at ASTROLab here.

Hiking in Mont-Mégantic National Park

So I’ve talked a lot about astronomy so far, but another reason to visit Mont-Mégantic National Park is for all the hiking opportunities, and there are plenty of trails waiting to be explored!

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to hiking in this park, is that it’s divided into two sectors: the Franceville Sector and the Observatoire Sector.

The Franceville sector is located in the northwest end of the park, which is where our cabins were located. The peaks aren’t quite as high in this area, but they have some beautiful trails through the forest and along the river, as well as some lookout points along the way.

The Observatoire Sector is located in the southeast end of the park. Hiking in the Observatoire Sector gives you access to Mont Mégantic (1,105 m) and Mont Saint-Joseph (1,065 m), though you can also drive up to both summits by car if it’s the views you’re after.

Keep in mind that there is no road connecting the Franceville Sector and the Observatoire Sector, so getting from one sector to the other involves driving 30 minutes around the park – we learned that the hard way!

We went hiking in the Franceville Sector since we basically had these trails at our doorstep, and then we decided to drive up to Mont Mégantic to see the observatory and Mont Saint-Joseph to see the chapel.

For this excursion, I wore my Merrell Sugarbush Belaya Lace Waterproof boots, which look heavy duty but are surprisingly lightweight. They have a solid grip which makes them great for uneven terrain, and I will say that since coming back home I’ve also incorporated them into my city life because I love their style!

They’re ideal for winter weather as they’re waterproof and salt resistant – two musts in Canada. Mine are in the colour Espresso and Sam has the men’s version in the colour Merrell Oak.

Feasting at Aux Toits Rouges

So this last activity isn’t exactly astronomy related, but if you’re visiting Mont-Mégantic National Park and you find yourself craving a nice home-cooked meal, you can’t go wrong with Aux Toits Rouges. This is a country lodge with its own in-house restaurant and Sam and I enjoyed a lovely meal in a rustic yet cozy setting.

Aux Toits Rouges specializes in regional dishes, so we decided to be adventurous with our taste buds.

We started off the meal with a pottage,  that was followed by a mixed salad with a balsamic-maple dressing, and then we moved on to the main course; I ordered the royal quail stuffed with veal in a maple glaze, and Sam ordered the duck from Lac Brome. Both of our dishes came with a side of white rice and steamed vegetables.

Then for dessert, we couldn’t resist having some more Maple Syrup Pie. We had tried this in Sutton when we first kicked off our road trip through the Eastern Townships, and we got hooked.

The one we tried here at Aux Toits Rouges was denser and had a similar consistency to a fudge bar. It was served with seasonal fruits and whipped cream, and it was absolutely delicious!

After that wonderful meal, we drove back to our spacey cabin in the woods and imagine our surprise when we were met with a deer right on our front lawn. We sat there in silence just staring at each other for a few seconds, and then the deer bounced off on his merry way. We may not have been able to see the stars due to the weather, but this was the perfect way to wrap up our visit to Mont-Mégantic National Park.

I visited the Eastern Townships in partnership with Tourisme Quebec and Merrell Canada.

Mont-Mégantic Made Easy: Planning Tips, Stargazing Know-How, Trails & Itineraries

When to Go (and What You’ll See)

Spring (Apr–May)

Expect cool days, chilly nights, and patchy trail conditions at higher elevations. Wildflowers and rushing creeks make the forest trails lovely, and night skies are already crisp. On the star front, early Milky Way views begin to peek in late spring.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Peak hiking and peak astronomy season. Longer daylight = later stargazing start times, but warm nights make it easy to linger outside with a blanket. This is also when ASTROLab programming is in full swing and meteor showers (hello, Perseids!) light up the sky. Bring bug spray for the woods and patience for popular dates—book ahead.

Fall (Sep–Oct)

Cooler nights, flaming red-gold forests, and crystal-clear skies. If you want leaf-peeping by day and the Milky Way by night, this is the moment. Nights get cold quickly—layer up.

Winter (Nov–Mar)

The park transforms into a snow globe. Trails shift to snowshoeing and fat-biking where permitted, and the cold, dry air = razor-sharp stars when the clouds cooperate. Shorter daylight hours mean you don’t have to stay up late to stargaze, but you do need warm layers (and then some).

Where to Sleep: On-Park vs. Nearby (What We Learned)

Staying inside the park makes spontaneous stargazing as simple as stepping outside with a mug of something warm. If you’re basing in nearby villages, you’ll trade immediacy for amenities. Here’s the quick compare:

Three Easy Itineraries (Pick Your Mood)

1) Two-Day “Stars & Summits” Weekender

• Day 1 (Franceville): Arrive, settle into your chalet/campsite, stretch your legs on a forest-and-river loop, early dinner. After dusk, set up chairs outside your door, switch on red-light headlamps, and let your eyes adjust. Spot the Big Dipper, Cassiopeia, and the Milky Way arch (summer/fall).
• Day 2 (Observatoire): Morning drive to the Mont-Mégantic summit to see the observatory domes, then scoot over to Mont-Saint-Joseph for chapel views and a late picnic. If there’s an ASTROLab program running, cap your day with that. Back “home” for a hot drink and a final look skyward.

2) Three–Four Day Slow-Travel Plan

• Day 1: Arrive in Franceville, do a short hike, grill dinner, and stargaze.
• Day 2: Choose a longer forest trail or a waterfall/river walk; slow afternoon reading in your Adirondack chair; night sky session #2.
• Day 3: Head to the Observatoire Sector, drive or hike one summit, visit the ASTROLab exhibits and film, linger for sunset.
• Day 4: Breakfast, lakeside detour in Piopolis or pastry stop in Lac-Mégantic, and roll home with happy, sleepy eyes.

3) Family-Friendly Astro Adventure

• Day 1: Check in, explore a short loop (look for mushrooms, ferns, little bridges), early dinner. After dark, try a “constellation scavenger hunt” (Orion in winter, Summer Triangle in warm months) with a hot chocolate reward.
• Day 2: Summit by car, chapel visit, and picnic with a grand view. If attention spans allow, add a short ASTROLab visit in the afternoon and tuck kids in early before a quieter adult star session.

Stargazing 101 (No Astrophysics Degree Required)

Dark-Sky Etiquette

• Use red light at night (switch your headlamp/phone to red; it preserves night vision).
• Dim screens—and point them down. Blue-white light kills your night vision and your neighbour’s.
• Arrive early to stargazing areas. Car headlights ruin 20–30 minutes of dark adaptation.
• Keep it quiet. Night carries sound—save the playlist for the chalet.
• Leave no trace. Pack out everything, stay on paths, and resist the urge to “light paint” buildings or trees near others—one flashlight beam equals 10 ruined photos.

Your Stargazing Kit (Pack This)

• ☐ Camp chairs or a reclining pad/blanket
• ☐ Warm layers, hat, gloves (even in August, mountaintop breezes nip!)
• ☐ Thermos with tea/coffee + water bottle
• ☐ Red-light headlamp or red bike light
• ☐ Star chart app set to night mode, or a simple printed planisphere
• ☐ Binoculars (8x–10x turn star fields into magic)
• ☐ Hand warmers + lip balm

Sky Highlights by Season

• Winter: Orion, Pleiades (Seven Sisters), Canis Major; crisp constellation lines.
• Spring: Leo, Virgo; galaxies (if you’re using binoculars/telescope).
• Summer: Milky Way overhead; Sagittarius “teapot”, Scorpius tail low in the south.
• Fall: Andromeda Galaxy (yes, naked-eye under dark skies!), Pegasus, Cassiopeia.
• Meteor showers: Perseids (Aug), Geminids (Dec), Quadrantids (Jan). Peak nights are busy—book lodging early.

Trails You’ll Love (By Sector)

Franceville Sector (Forest, Rivers & Viewpoints)

• Family river loops: Gentle paths with bridges and ferns, perfect for leg-stretching after a drive.
• Lookouts: Short, punchy climbs reward you with rolling-hill views and layers of spruce.
• Wildlife moments: Deer at dusk, curious birds, and a mosaic of mushrooms after rain.

Observatoire Sector (Summits & Big Vistas)

• Mont-Mégantic (1,105 m): Observatory domes on high and sweeping views; choose to drive or combine with hikes for extra endorphins.
• Mont-Saint-Joseph (1,065 m): Iconic chapel, wind-kissed viewpoints, and classic photos.
• Linking the two: Ambitious hikers can connect summits on longer routes; otherwise, enjoy them separately with scenic stops.

Day-Hike Checklist

• ☐ Sturdy shoes with good grip
• ☐ Layers + rain shell (mountain weather changes fast)
• ☐ 1–2 L of water + snacks
• ☐ Map/route saved offline
• ☐ Mini first-aid + blister patches
• ☐ Sun protection (yes, even in winter)

Weather, Packing & Practicalities (The “Woohoo, I Didn’t Forget Anything!” Bit)

Microclimates Happen

Summits can be 10°C colder and much windier than the valley. Add a layer you think you won’t need—and you’ll thank yourself at the lookout.

Cabin & Camp Staples

• Cooking: Basic groceries are easiest to pick up in Lac-Mégantic; small village dépanneurs have essentials. Pack spices, oil, and your must-have coffee/tea.
• Linens: If you’re in a chalet, check what’s included (you’ll typically find bedding and towels in “glamping” setups, but confirm).
• Fire: If your unit has a stove, bring eco-firestarters and matches or purchase on site if available.

Getting There & Around

• Drive times (roughly): About 3–4 hours from Montréal depending on route/traffic; similar ballpark from Québec City via scenic Eastern Townships drives.
• Roads: Well-maintained, but snow tires are a must in winter. Fuel up before small-hours stargazing.
• Accessibility: Many experiences are outdoors and on varied terrain; the summit roads offer big views without long hikes. Contact the park/ASTROLab ahead of time to align programs with your needs.

Foodie Stops & Side Trips (Because Stars Pair Well with Snacks)

Nearby Tastes

• Country inns & table champêtre spots around Notre-Dame-des-Bois and Lac-Mégantic specialize in regional plates (maple-kissed everything, local duck, hearty soups).
• Bakeries/cafés: Pick up picnic fuel and flaky pastries in village cafés before a summit day.
• Local sips: Microbrews and Québec ciders pop up across the Townships—perfect for a post-hike clink (after you’re done driving, of course).

Easy Detours

• Piopolis & Lac-Mégantic: Lakeside boardwalks and mellow sunsets over still water.
• Route des Sommets: A scenic drive linking viewpoints and quiet hamlets—make your own postcard stops.
• Eastern Townships villages: If you’re road-tripping, places like Sutton, Magog, and Sherbrooke add markets, murals, and cafés to the mix.

FAQ: Mont-Mégantic, Answered

What’s the single best tip for first-time stargazers?

Give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust in darkness. Switch everything to red light, look up, and let the stars come to you—don’t rush the moment.

Can I see the Milky Way with the naked eye?

Yes—on clear, dark nights (especially summer through early fall) you can see the Milky Way as a pale band. Binoculars turn that band into a field of sparkling diamonds.

Do I need to book ASTROLab programs in advance?

For popular dates (summer weekends, meteor showers), yes. Programs and observatory access vary by season—check schedules and secure your spots early.

Is winter stargazing actually fun or just cold?

Both! The air is often the clearest in winter, and darkness comes early. Dress like you’re going to watch a hockey game outside—parkas, boots, hand warmers, thermos—and keep sessions shorter.

Which sector should I choose if I only have one day?

If stars are your focus: Observatoire Sector (ASTROLab + summits). If you prefer a gentler hike and a cabin-in-the-woods vibe: Franceville.

Are drones allowed for night photography?

Night flights are generally not appropriate around stargazing areas and can disturb wildlife and visitors. Always check current regulations and park rules; when in doubt, leave the drone grounded.

Can I drive to the summits?

There is road access to both main summits in the Observatoire Sector during operational seasons, which is great for families, photographers with gear, and anyone short on time.

What if it’s cloudy on my stargazing night?

Pivot! Enjoy a cabin game night, book a cozy dinner, or do a night walk listening for owls and wind in the firs. If you have more than one night in the park, plan two star attempts to hedge your bets.

Will my phone be enough for night shots?

You can capture surprisingly decent images with night mode and a stable support (mini-tripod/rock). Keep expectations realistic and have fun framing silhouettes and the moon.

Are there bugs in summer?

Yep—forests and rivers come with mosquitos. Bring repellent, long sleeves for evening hikes, and change out of sweet perfumes before dusk. (Star fields, however, are usually breezier and less buggy.)

Can I combine the park with other Eastern Townships stops?

Absolutely. Build a loop with lake towns, vineyards/cideries, and small-town bakeries. Stargazing nights + daytime tastings? Sign me up.

What’s the most “worth it” thing to pack that I might forget?

A folding camp chair (or two). Stargazing is 80% comfort, 20% wow. If you’re comfy, you’ll stay out longer—and that’s when meteors streak by.