Quebec after dark: city lights, starry nights, and where to find both

When you travel, getting outside after nightfall lets you discover another side of a place, whether a city, a tiny village, or a park. The energy changes, lights dance in the water, or maybe it just gets very, very quiet, leaving you to your thoughts and a million zillion stars overhead.

In Canada’s province of Quebec, you can find glittering city lights reflecting in the St. Lawrence River, or you can head out into the pure darkness at the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, Mont Mégantic, in the Eastern Townships.

Certified dark sky places are always a delight at night, but sometimes, after the sun goes down, you can explore what may seem like common sights and find how different they can look.

When you arrive to tour some of Quebec Province, you may arrive in Montreal. Don’t miss heading down to the waterfront to enjoy the Ferris wheel, paddle boats, and classic architecture that have made the Old Port such a draw.

The Eastern Townships region, just south and east of Montreal, immerses you in countryside charm and is home to Mont Mégantic, the first International Dark Sky Reserve. This reserve includes several communities plus the Mont Mégantic National Park. Go for a hike during the day, enjoy the views from the 3,642-foot peak, and visit the impressive Mont Mégantic Observatory. And don’t forget about those night skies and twinkling stars—you might be amazed at how many stars are visible overhead without light pollution.

Also inside the first zone of the dark sky reserve is the body of water called Lac Mégantic. If the season is right, you can find the Milky Way overhead there.

In Quebec Maritime, you can wander among four regions in a territory united by maritime traditions across the 1,900-mile coastline.

Just east of the town of Kamouraska in the Parc de l’Ancien-Quai (Old Wharf Park) is a small replica of a lighthouse called “Petit Phare” (small lighthouse). It sits at the water’s edge and can be used to observe the marsh area around it. Or, if it’s a cool day, you can find respite inside with tables, chairs, and books.

Also, east of Kamouraska is a divine, rather uncommon lodging called “Les Perchoirs du Cirque,” or basically small “perches” nestled in the forest—glamping at its finest with an unrivaled view of the St. Lawrence River from mine. Luckily, the weather cooperated, too.

On the northern side of the St Lawrence is a region called Charlevoix, also an easy day trip or weekend from the city of Quebec

I was lucky enough to have a surprise visit from the Northern Lights during my short stay there. I ended up racing around the hills, looking for a last-minute spot to capture the dancing aurora.

Whether the city of Quebec is your entry or exit point from the province--or just where you want to hang out on a visit to the province--you can find some great night lights there too, from city streets to the renowned Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a national historic site since 1981.