Week of Astronomy on Manitoulin

Ontario Tourism Vacation Getaway Outdoor Adventure Package

Week of Astronomy on
Manitoulin

Table of Contents

Brief Description
Package Pricing
Availability Dates
Package Duration
Package Details
Package Participants
Package Suitability
What's Included
Bring it with you
Available options
Term & Conditions

View of Moon from Manitoulin. Dark skies and clear weather combine to give some of the best viewing conditions in North America

Brief Description:

Self-guided week for dark sky astronomy on Manitoulin Island, Ontario Canada

Package Pricing:

Off-Season:      $ 600 CAD
Ferry Season:   $ 800 CAD
Prime Season:   $ 1,000 CAD

for week, for up to 5 persons

For more than 5 people, extra persons are $20 (off-season), $25 (Ferry Season), or $30 (Prime Season) per night per person

Children under 5 yrs. old are free.

Each summer, hundreds of amateur astronomers gather on Manitoulin for a great party of observing, celestial photography, sharing telescopes, and stories

Availability Dates:

This package is available every week from:

Jan. 1

till

Dec. 31 inclusive

subject to prior booking of this and other packages.

"AUTUMN AURORA" by Mark Oldfield

Jupiter and Saturn, the Pleiades and Hyades Clusters -- four jewels of the night sky bathed in auroral light. Photo taken Saturday, October 5, 2000

Pentax ME camera, Pentax 28 mm lens, Kodak Royal Gold 800 ASA film, 20 second exposure.

Package Duration:

7 nights, 8 days

Sat. 2:00 PM till
following Sat. 11:00 AM

Details about the Package:

Manitoulin is famous for its dark skies. I have very fond memories of staying up for hours past midnight watching the Northern Lights dance and entertain me. Most city folk have forgotten how beautiful the night skies are. Some children have never experienced this "wonder of the world".

This package is ideal for amateur astronomers, and those who want to share the natural wonders of the Earth with their family & friends. View fantastic skies full of stars, Northern Lights, planets, and satellites. Everything you need is provided.

Package Participants:

Minimum 1 person

Maximum 12 persons (due to available sleeping accommodations in the cottage where you will be staying).

Participants should be capable of traveling over uneven ground in low light conditions.

Package Suitability:

This package is designed for small groups and families. The package is ideal for parents with children who are 8 yrs. old and older

Children under 8 years old will have to be closely supervised in the dark. Some children may not initially have the patience or interest to do extended star gazing.

What's Included?

Lodging for up to 12 persons at BBL's waterfront cottage
Self-guided methods and recommended activities for star, planet, & satellite viewing (communication satellites, Space Station, etc.)
Reference books on astronomy, star charts, 3 sets of binoculars will be available for use during your stay.

Bring it with you

Your personal telescope and/or binoculars
Camera and tripod for time lapse photography at night

Available options & customization:

Also available as a weekend package (3 nights, 4 days)
Local Manitoulin experts in astronomy are available for personalized instruction, expert guiding, and assistance in your celestial weekend (subject to availability and prior booking).
Add-ons for horseback riding, swimming, boating, hiking, nature trails, animal observing, canoeing, fishing, bird watching, and many others. See BBL's website for further information on Manitoulin activities.

For more information, E-mail BBL

Book your Week Astronomy Package

Term & Conditions:

Package requires at least one responsible adult, 25 years or older, in attendance. Children participants must have the prior written permission of their parent or legal guardian. Participation and cottage rental are subject to BBL's approval of your rental application, and your signing of liability waiver & indemnification agreement. Rental deposit of $500 CAD is due with submission of package application, and becomes your Damage Security Deposit. Payment of full package price is due 3 months prior to the start date of the package, or upon acceptance of application; whichever is last to occur. Damage Security Deposit for cottage rental is fully refunded within 2 weeks after end of package (assuming no damage or loss identified by post-package inspection). You are recommended to obtain cancelation insurance, as there is no cancelation nor refund for booked vacation periods.