Did you know that 2019 is the United Nations year of Indigenous Languages?
In celebration, Killarney Provincial Park and our Wiikwemkoong partners at Point Grondine Park, along with our colleagues at Science North, are thrilled to present Stars over Killarney 2019: a weekend of Indigenous astronomy and cultural learning!
Learn about our Indigenous connection to the land and the night sky. See spectacular views of the Milky Way in our Dark Sky Preserve, and be amazed at the incredible views of Jupiter and Saturn through our research-grade telescope!
The event will also feature a raffle and a warm-up tent where the Friends of Killarney Park will be selling warm beverages and materials related to astronomy.
Visitors who are camping in the park or purchasing a day pass can enjoy the event at no additional charge. Campers and day-use visitors with a Killarney Provincial Park permit valid for September 28 or 29 will receive 50% off admission to Science North for the weekend.
The in-park agenda is as follows:
| Time |
Killarney Provincial Park |
|
Friday, September 27 |
|
| 9:00 pm | Informal astronomy from Killarney Provincial Park’s observatory complex |
|
Saturday, Saturday 28 |
|
| 10:00 am | Welcome and acknowledgement of the land with traditional song/dance |
| 1:00 pm | Guided hike overlooking the La Cloche Mountains led by an Indigenous guide
Planetarium show/Tour of Polaris Boulevard* |
| 3:00 pm | Planetarium show/Tour of Polaris Boulevard* |
| 4:45 pm | Tour of the observatory complex |
| 5:00 pm | Official unveiling of the observatory names |
| 7:30 pm | Raffle and twilight talk featuring the creation story and the Ojibwe constellations |
| 9:10 pm | Experience the wonder of the stars from the Killarney Provincial Park Dark Sky Preserve while learning the Indigenous constellations and all about the night sky |
| 11:00 pm | Formal session concludes |
*for those visitors to Science North
Science North bus tour
The bus tour from Science North includes:
- Admission to Science North
- Transportation from Science North to Killarney Provincial Park and back
- Tour of Polaris Boulevard with solar observing
- Planetarium show, Under the Same Stars: Minwaadiziwin
Bus tour ticket price is $60. If it rains, the Science North programming and bus will run the following Saturday, October 5. Ticket holders will have free access to the park programming Saturday, September 28, rain or shine. No refunds will be available.
Please note that a maximum of 54 guests can attend the bus tour. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. The bus departs Science North at 3:00 pm, arriving at Killarney at 4:00 pm. The bus returns to Sudbury at 11:00 pm.
The bus will also visit Killarney’s world famous Herbert’s Fisheries for guests to purchase dinner if desired.
Click here to purchase bus tour tickets.
*Those interested may purchase educational aids from the Friends of Killarney Park while at the event.
Join us!
Come out for this amazing day and learn about Indigenous heritage amidst the beauty of Killarney Provincial Park!
