Lakeland Provincial Park & Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area were designated as a Dark-Sky Preserve on November 19, 2016, in partnership with Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. The park is 590 square kilometres in size with the core area of the Dark-Sky Preserve having a nighttime sky quality level of approximately 21.5 mag/arcsec2. Annually a Dark Sky Celebration event is held, this year activities will be hosted at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park.
Steeped in Nature
Friday, September 26: 1:00 pm — 2:30 pm
Amphitheatre (Campground, Loop C)
Program begins with the first cup of tea at 1:00pm then a guided walk and wraps up with another cup of tea. A unique experience that blends a plant identification walk with a relaxing tea tasting, all rooted in the beauty and benefits of local flora. Discover the natural world around you while sipping thoughtfully brewed teas made from Boreal Forest plants.
Campfire Stories
Friday, September 26: 7:30 pm — 9:30 pm
Amphitheatre (Campground, Loop C)
Join us in the amphitheater at 7:30pm with the fireplace crackling for an evening of dramatic, hilarious, and sensory storytelling inspired by the Boreal Forest’s wildlife, people, and legends, all written by an interpreter (and volunteer for the weekend) Matt!
We’ll guide you through four one-of-a-kind stories, and maybe sing a few classic (and not-so-classic) campfire songs, and share some good old-fashioned fireside conversation. Whether you stop by for one tale or stay for the whole evening, it’s a warm and welcoming way to start your camping weekend and launch into the Lakeland Dark Sky Celebration!
Following the “Campfire Stories” program (8:30 pm), be sure to check out the night sky display & information, and take in an opportunity for some early night sky viewing (sky conditions pending).
Discovery Zone
Saturday, September 27: 1:30pm—3:30pm
Amphitheatre (Campground, Loop C)
Bring your curiosity & discover some fascinating facts of the Boreal Forest wildlife all the way to ‘out of this world’ outer-space occurrences! From the superpowers of Owls (flight, sounds, & digestion) to some experimental activities of mini-rocket launching and moon crater creation. Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) & Alberta Parks staff will be sharing the importance of Dark Sky in the Boreal Forest.
Plus: Lac La Biche County Libraries will host a ‘story time’ program, and there will be a craft station, and other stellar displays & fun activities available!
Dark Sky Celebration
Saturday, September 27: 7:30pm—10:30pm
Amphitheatre (Campground, Loop C)
Explore the nocturnal world of Sir Winston Churchill’s creatures in an interactive presentation starting at 7:30pm featuring mysterious bumps, hoots, screeches, and howls. Discover with a Park Interpreter Volunteer, Jacquie, which animals make these spooky sounds and uncover the secrets of our nighttime wildlife!
Following the “Sounds of the Night” program (8:30 pm), be sure to check out the night sky display & information, and take in an opportunity for some night sky viewing (sky conditions pending) as well as learn about the amazing resources available through Lac La Biche County Libraries. A craft station and other stellar displays & fun activities available.
Tickets / Registration
All Alberta Parks programming is on a drop-in basis and for park visitors of all ages. Children under 12 must be
accompanied by an adult.
For the Dark Sky Celebration please be mindful of cellphones/flashlights during all evening programs. Please use stargazing etiquette & reduce use of all lights, and use dim ‘night’ or red-lights only.
