Cliff Valley Astronomy

Award winning Astronomy events and astrotourism travel

We make memories out of this world!

DARK SKY DESTINATIONS 2025 thumbnail

CAMPING

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COUPLES STARY GETAWAY

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS & GROUPS

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La Belle Cabane

Welcome to La Belle Cabane, where Indigenous knowledge meets the healing power of nature. Experience the profound connection between nature and healing as you explore our forest sanctuary; find solace in our wilderness cabins, indulge in our forest spa, discover treasures in our gift shop, and join us for meaningful events. Let us guide you on a transformative journey of healing and freedom, rooted in the beauty of the natural world.

Tide Watcher's Cottage

St. Martins, NB (Rising Tides & Stars Region)

Wilson's Sporting Camps

Celebrating 150 years of world-class fishing, hunting, and other great outdoor adventures.

Seaside Beach Resort - Copy

Find your slice of paradise at Seaside Beach Resort, where every moment is filled with relaxation and natural beauty.

Fundy Woods Campground

An elevated campground overlooking the Bay of Fundy and the community of Fundy-St. Martins, New Brunswick. Nearby you'll find lighthouses, covered bridges and the region is home to two Unesco designations.

Roaring 20's Bed & Breakfast

The Roaring 20s was a time of luxury and adventure. You’ll find both at the Roaring 20s B&B. Located just 30 minutes outside Fredericton,,NB, Canada, the Roaring 20s B&B is on the beautiful Saint John river near Mactaquac Provincial Park

Off Grid Adventure

A full service adventure and accommodations provider in the Rising Tides & Stars Region

Glamping with the sea - Cocagne, NB

A Preferred Dark-sky Destination Partner (Rising Tides & Stars Region)

Grand Lake Park Campground

Near Minto, NB in the Riverlands & Milky Way Region

Storeytown Cottages - Doaktown, NB

Storeytown Cottages in Doaktown, NB is a Premiere Dark-sky Destination Partner. (Riverlands & Milky Way Region)

Mount Carleton Provincial Park

The Maritimes' highest peak and the darkest certified Dark Sky Preserve. (Riverlands & Milky Way Region)

Sugarloaf Parc Provincial Park - Campbellton, NB

An outdoor activities mecca in Northern New Brunswick, Sugarloaf Provincial Park enjoys great night skies even as an urban park. (Polaris & Auroras Region)

Saint John Region Private Star Party

Enjoy an astronomical journey with an expert astronomer without investing thousands of dollars in equipment or spending hundreds of hours learning the hobby, the science, the equipment and more. See the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. You'll have an edu-taining time learning about the night sky and our universe in an interactive experience that is both engaging and will stimulate your imagination. Perfect for kids and adults of all ages. We bring sophisticated equipment and technology and more. A typical star party lasts two hours and accommodates approximately 12 people. We can also customize it for your special event or occasion. You'll also get daily weather updates in the week leading up to your chosen date. The only thing we can't control is the weather, so should your party be clouded over or have poor weather, we ask you to please be flexible in moving it a day forward or simply rescheduling. Your experience is important to us, so we wish to ensure the conditions are ideal. You can book year-round, as the night sky changes with the seasons. You'll also receive a list of targets we will pursue on the evening of your star party. A deposit of $100 is required at booking (online, or by email or phone). The balance of $245 is due by the night of your star party. Total cost is $300 plus HST. E-transfers are accepted, as well as major credit cards by phone. Contact ceo@cliffvalleyastronomy.com for more details.

C$100 - C$400

Fredericton Region Private Star Parties

Enjoy an astronomical journey with an expert astronomer without investing thousands of dollars in equipment or spending hundreds of hours learning the hobby, the science, the equipment and more. See the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. You'll have an edu-taining time learning about the night sky and our universe in an interactive experience that is both engaging and will stimulate your imagination. Perfect for kids and adults of all ages. We bring sophisticated equipment and technology and more. A typical star party lasts two hours and accommodates approximately 12 people. We can also customize it for your special event or occasion. You'll also get daily weather updates in the week leading up to your chosen date. The only thing we can't control is the weather, so should your party be clouded over or have poor weather, we ask you to please be flexible in moving it a day forward or simply rescheduling. Your experience is important to us, so we wish to ensure the conditions are ideal. You can book year-round, as the night sky changes with the seasons. You'll also receive a list of targets we will pursue on the evening of your star party. A deposit of $100 is required at booking (online, or by email or phone). The balance of $245 is due by the night of your star party. Total cost is $300 plus HST. E-transfers are accepted, as well as major credit cards by phone. Contact ceo@cliffvalleyastronomy.com for more details.

C$100 - C$400

Moncton Region Private Star Parties

Enjoy an astronomical journey with an expert astronomer without investing thousands of dollars in equipment or spending hundreds of hours learning the hobby, the science, the equipment and more. See the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. You'll have an edu-taining time learning about the night sky and our universe in an interactive experience that is both engaging and will stimulate your imagination. Perfect for kids and adults of all ages. We bring sophisticated equipment and technology and more. A typical star party lasts two hours and accommodates approximately 12 people. We can also customize it for your special event or occasion. You'll also get daily weather updates in the week leading up to your chosen date. The only thing we can't control is the weather, so should your party be clouded over or have poor weather, we ask you to please be flexible in moving it a day forward or simply rescheduling. Your experience is important to us, so we wish to ensure the conditions are ideal. You can book year-round, as the night sky changes with the seasons. You'll also receive a list of targets we will pursue on the evening of your star party. A deposit of $100 is required at booking (online, or by email or phone). The balance of $245 is due by the night of your star party. Total cost is $300 plus HST. E-transfers are accepted, as well as major credit cards by phone. Contact ceo@cliffvalleyastronomy.com for more details.

C$100 - C$400

Miramichi Region Star Party

Enjoy an astronomical journey with an expert astronomer without investing thousands of dollars in equipment or spending hundreds of hours learning the hobby, the science, the equipment and more. See the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. You'll have an edu-taining time learning about the night sky and our universe in an interactive experience that is both engaging and will stimulate your imagination. Perfect for kids and adults of all ages. We bring sophisticated equipment and technology and more. A typical star party lasts two hours and accommodates approximately 12 people. We can also customize it for your special event or occasion. You'll also get daily weather updates in the week leading up to your chosen date. The only thing we can't control is the weather, so should your party be clouded over or have poor weather, we ask you to please be flexible in moving it a day forward or simply rescheduling. Your experience is important to us, so we wish to ensure the conditions are ideal. You can book year-round, as the night sky changes with the seasons. You'll also receive a list of targets we will pursue on the evening of your star party. A deposit of $100 is required at booking (online, or by email or phone). The balance of $245 is due by the night of your star party. Total cost is $300 plus HST. E-transfers are accepted, as well as major credit cards by phone. Contact ceo@cliffvalleyastronomy.com for more details.

C$100 - C$400

St. Stephen Region/Charlotte County Star Partiies

Enjoy an astronomical journey with an expert astronomer without investing thousands of dollars in equipment or spending hundreds of hours learning the hobby, the science, the equipment and more. See the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. You'll have an edu-taining time learning about the night sky and our universe in an interactive experience that is both engaging and will stimulate your imagination. Perfect for kids and adults of all ages. We bring sophisticated equipment and technology and more. A typical star party lasts two hours and accommodates approximately 12 people. We can also customize it for your special event or occasion. You'll also get daily weather updates in the week leading up to your chosen date. The only thing we can't control is the weather, so should your party be clouded over or have poor weather, we ask you to please be flexible in moving it a day forward or simply rescheduling. Your experience is important to us, so we wish to ensure the conditions are ideal. You can book year-round, as the night sky changes with the seasons. You'll also receive a list of targets we will pursue on the evening of your star party. A deposit of $100 is required at booking (online, or by email or phone). The balance of $245 is due by the night of your star party. Total cost is $300 plus HST. E-transfers are accepted, as well as major credit cards by phone. Contact ceo@cliffvalleyastronomy.com for more details.

C$100 - C$400

Péninsule Acadienne/Bathurst Star Parties

Enjoy an astronomical journey with an expert astronomer without investing thousands of dollars in equipment or spending hundreds of hours learning the hobby, the science, the equipment and more. See the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. You'll have an edu-taining time learning about the night sky and our universe in an interactive experience that is both engaging and will stimulate your imagination. Perfect for kids and adults of all ages. We bring sophisticated equipment and technology and more. A typical star party lasts two hours and accommodates approximately 12 people. We can also customize it for your special event or occasion. You'll also get daily weather updates in the week leading up to your chosen date. The only thing we can't control is the weather, so should your party be clouded over or have poor weather, we ask you to please be flexible in moving it a day forward or simply rescheduling. Your experience is important to us, so we wish to ensure the conditions are ideal. You can book year-round, as the night sky changes with the seasons. You'll also receive a list of targets we will pursue on the evening of your star party. A deposit of $100 is required at booking (online, or by email or phone). The balance of $245 is due by the night of your star party. Total cost is $300 plus HST. E-transfers are accepted, as well as major credit cards by phone. Contact ceo@cliffvalleyastronomy.com for more details.

C$100 - C$400

2027 Total Solar Eclipse in Luxor with Nile Cruise

One of the most significant total solar eclipse anywhere in the world of our generation. You'll take a 5-day/4-night cruise on the Nile and ultimately view the eclipse from the archeological sites in Luxor, where you'll get more than 6 minutes of totality. there are some stargazing and astrophotography opportunities during the entire tour in Egypt.

I c e l a n d Solar Eclipse 2026

Propably the most celestial event week tour in the world: -Total Solar Eclipse -Aurora Borealis -Perseids Meteor Shower -Stargazing & Astrophotography -Glaciers & Volcanoes -And more

El Castillo Equinox Experience All-Inclusive Mexico Vacation (New Tour Package Coming Soon)

Explore Mexico's remarkable history, culture, and natural beauty at the all-inclusive El Castillo Equinox Experience.

Egypt Sun Festival & Nile Cruise (New Tour Details coming soon)

Ultimate Egyptian Celestial Adventure. This trip will take you not only your body but also your spirit to Ancient Egypt, where you'll experience the mysterious beauty of antiquities in Egypt. Let your imagination run wild with some of the world's most sought-after archeological sites and landmarks and live in the moment as Egyptians did thousands of years ago as they revered the Sun and heavens above them!

PROUD CANADIAN AFFILIATE OF SKY VIEW TENTS!

PRIVATE STAR PARTIES

Private Star Parties are available for 2 or 3 hours for groups of up to 12 people. We come to you or a nearby dark sky location. We bring a high-powered telescope outfitted with the latest technology and accessories so your group can see the night sky like an expert astronomer. Email ceo@cliffvalleyastronomy.com for more details.

CORPORATE EVENTS

Looking for a unique event idea for your staff or clients? Try an awe-inspiring viewing of planets, galaxies and nebulae. We customize events to meet your goals and vision. Email ceo@cliffvalleyastronomy.com for more details.

ASTROTOURISM CONSULTING

Atlantic Canada enjoys some of the most beautiful natural settings in its rural and coastal regions that provide some of the darkest skies perfect for stargazing. We work with tourist operators, tourism boards and departments as well as municipal, provincial and federal partners from parks to agencies. Ask us how a strong astrotourism segment strategy can help achieve your goals for growth and sustainable development. Email ceo@cliffvalleyastronomy.com to begin the conversation of how to improve your bottom line by having your clients look up.

Welcome to our new e-newsletter which will launch September 1st, 2024. Once per week we will provide an update of new and exciting things happening in the sky, helpful hints and tricks and some ifnormation about our Cliff Valley Astronomy Adventures with exciting trips here in Canada and around the world! Provide you profiles and promotions from our ever growing network of tourism operators of our Dark Sky Destinations for the perfect planning for a family vacation or couple's getaways. You'll also get some information on our Private Star Parties as well as exciting partnerships with ZWO, the global leader in Astronphotography equipment and manufacturer of the revolutionary Seestar S50. The world's most popular smart telescope anyone can use it within minutes and capture the universe like you've never seen before.

ANNOUNCING OUR ZWO AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIP

AFFILIATE PROGRAM

Need help or have some questions? Please fill in our easy form below and we will contact you to assist and provide information about our astrotourism packages. In the comment field, please indicate an ideal time for us to contact you. Thank you for visiting and exploring our exciting astrotourism travel buck list trips.

New Brunswick, Canada
Serving New Brunswick and beyond.

In late 2021, about two full years into the Covid pandemic, Stéphane Picard, by now an avid and proficient astronomer and astrophotographer, saw an opportunity and potential niche market for providing stargazing events and Private Star Parties and giving people a chance to see the night sky as a well-seasoned astronomer can.

Now everyone can enjoy the beauty of the night sky without spending thousands of dollars and putting in hundreds if not thousands of hours needed to become a proficient astronomer. Out of that vision and fired by an entrepreneurial mind with almost 25 years in marketing and sales, he launched Cliff Valley Astronomy. His inspiration came from his backyard, which has a cliff overlooking a valley while providing a low Southeast horizon. The perfect setting for any astronomer and one of the main reasons he fell in love with astronomy.

Initially, Cliff Valley Astronomy began offering Private Star Parties for small groups and saw early success and higher-than-expected bookings. It surpassed all expectations, which led to exploring and taking a closer look at branding out additional services. He understood the need to provide special events and astrotourism destination packages. It has now expanded to consulting with tourism operators and other tourism-related organizations.

Cliff Valley Astronomy Cares. Stéphane has an extensive corporate background, and with that in mind, he wanted to share more than his passion for astronomy and wanted to make sure Cliff Valley Astronomy should and would be a good corporate citizen. He firmly believes in giving back to the communities that support Cliff Valley Astronomy. By creating Cliff Valley Astronomy Cares, he pledges 5% of annual gross revenues for initiatives to give back to our communities. Cliff Valley Astronomy has partnered with the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and the George Dumont Hospital Foundation to help them fundraise by doing special events where donations are collected or donating its services as prizes for auctions. All proceeds raised go directly to both organizations. In its first year, Cliff Valley Astronomy Cares has raised nearly $1,000.

Forbes.com article on best places for stargazing in Norhteast North America

Forbes.com article on best places for stargazing in Norhteast North America

14/05/2025

Astrotourism: 8 Unexpected Stargazing Spots In The Northeast U.S. by Jamie Carter. Mentions Cliff Valley Astronomy, our Dark Sky Destinations partner Deep Sky Eye and highlights strengths in New Brunswick particularly along the Fundy Coast where a Dark Sky Corridor is taking shape with partners like Parcs-Parks NB (Fundy Trail Provincial Park, Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park and New River Beach Provincial Park), the municipality of Fundy-St.Martins, Fundy National Park and Irving Nature Park.

Cliff Valley Astronomy and Northern New Brunswick partners featured in article of best places to experience Auroras in Canada

Cliff Valley Astronomy and Northern New Brunswick partners featured in article of best places to experience Auroras in Canada

14/03/2025

Canada.com story by Jody Robbins identifies the eight best places to view Auroras in Canada. Northern New Brunswick partners join Cliff Valley Astronomy in the article.

Radio-Canada: Deux éclipses en un mois dans le ciel du Nouveau-Brunswick

Radio-Canada: Deux éclipses en un mois dans le ciel du Nouveau-Brunswick

12/03/2025

Article par Pascale Savoie-Brideau sur Cliff Valley Astronomy, la conférence Sky Experience II, l'éclipse lunaire et l'écplise solaire partielle en mars. French language CBC/Radio-Canada article.

Forbes.com features four New Brunswick after-dark experiences.

Forbes.com features four New Brunswick after-dark experiences.

19/01/2025

Forbes.com travel article about four after-dark experiences (astrotourism and noctourism) including Cliff Valley Astronomy, Akadi Lumina, Baymount Outdoor Adventures and Wolastoq Adventures.

N.B. astronomy company says skies the limit with astrotourism, retreat planned for Saint Andrews

N.B. astronomy company says skies the limit with astrotourism, retreat planned for Saint Andrews

04/01/2025

St. Croix Courier article on Cliff Valley Astronomy, astrotourism in New Brunswick and the Sky Experience 2 Conference for the March 29th, 2025 partial rising eclipse.

Tales From The Dark by Northern Soul Magazine published by Landsby.ca

Tales From The Dark by Northern Soul Magazine published by Landsby.ca

04/01/2025

After a wonderful interview by Izabela Jaroszynski Managing Editor, Northern Soul Magazine, it led to a wonderfully written story on Dark Sky Destinations featuring Cliff Valley Astronomy predominantly while covering other experiences across Canada.

Marketing Collaboration with Arizona-based Astrotourism content leader

Marketing Collaboration with Arizona-based Astrotourism content leader

30/10/2024

Cliff Valley Astronomy has partnered with Night Sky Tourist for a marketing collaboration, opening up new horizons for astrotourism and dark sky advocacy across North America. This is a moment of great excitement and potential for all of us. Vicky Derksen, author, educator, astronomer, and advocate, is the passionate and creative force behind the Night Sky Tourist's multi-media platforms, which include a website, e-newsletter, blog, podcast, and many educational, outreach, and advocacy initiatives to promote astrotourism and light pollution awareness across North America. Over a year ago (time flies), I had the pleasure of being Vicky's first Canadian guest. Since then, she has been a champion for astrotourism businesses, non-profits, and dark sky initiatives all over North America. Her work has had a significant impact, and we are excited about the potential benefits of our partnership. Over the past few years, Vicky has built a strong community of followers and fans who relish her passionate shares of dark sky destinations and astrotourism experiences. Residing in Arizona, Vicky enjoys a thriving astrotourism cluster with over 300 clear nights per year in dry air conditions (I'm so jealous) with many equally passionate circles of astronomers, advocates and numerous organizations for dark skies and the growing segment of astrotourism. Her blog, newsletters and podcasts reach thousands of avid dark sky, astronomy and astrotourism enthusiasts yearly! The partnership is a reciprocal agreement to promote Cliff Valley Astronomy and Night Sky Tourist across North America. It opens the door for future collaboration on several fronts to be explored in the coming weeks and months. Vicky will introduce herself to our CVA universe in the coming weeks. You won't want to miss her welcome message. You'll quickly see her passion and drive for everything dark sky, astrotourism and the memorable experiences that can be enjoyed. I have been a huge fan of Vicky for a while now. Her enthusiasm, positive personality, and generous spirit are contagious, and it was obvious we should join forces as both our brands continue to grow across North America and beyond! We look forward to future success together as we continue to build awareness for astrotourism! For more information about Night Sky Tourist and Vicky, please visit https://nightskytourist.com/

Entrevue – La Grande Virée (Édition du Samedi) à Radio-Canada / Interview – La Grande Virée (Saturday edition) Radio-Canada/CBC

Entrevue – La Grande Virée (Édition du Samedi) à Radio-Canada / Interview – La Grande Virée (Saturday edition) Radio-Canada/CBC

25/05/2024

*French speaking interview Segment sur l’astronomie avec animatrice Isabelle Robichaud et invités Tim Doucette, moi-même et autres invités. Nous discutons comment débuter en astronomie et les objets à observer.

Cliff Valley Astronomy coverage in National Post and Post Media major market dailies across Canada

Cliff Valley Astronomy coverage in National Post and Post Media major market dailies across Canada

25/10/2023

The total eclipse will last for over two minutes in Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick. Florenceville-Bristol is hosting a viewing event with astronaut Chris Hadfield as a scheduled speaker. They will also be launching a balloon-borne solar telescope that should be able to capture images even if it gets cloudy. The solar eclipse will last more than three minutes in Miramichi, which is also planning to host Astronomy East 2024, Atlantic Canada’s first astronomy conference and trade show April 5-7, 2024. Doaktown is hosting Sky Experience 2024, an all-inclusive three-day retreat April 7-9 that includes accommodations, meals and drinks, activities, presentations, a star party, astrophotography, a viewing party and more. The solar eclipse will last more than three minutes in Doaktown. Nova Scotia The total solar eclipse will only be visible from the northeastern tip of Cape Breton Island. Cliff Valley Astronomy has chartered a deluxe motorcoach, they have dubbed the Solar Eclipse Express to take eclipse enthusiasts from Halifax and Truro to Miramichi on the day of the total solar eclipse.

Entrevue avec Isabelle Robichaud of Radio-Canada's La Grande Virée

Entrevue avec Isabelle Robichaud of Radio-Canada's La Grande Virée

25/04/2023

Excited to have joined Isabelle Robichaud on Radio-Canada's La Grande Virée to discuss everything Cliff Valley Astronomy and astrotourism and astronomy in New Brunswick. The interview is in French.

First Canadian Guest on The Night Sky Tourist Podcast with Vicky Derksen

First Canadian Guest on The Night Sky Tourist Podcast with Vicky Derksen

28/03/2023

I am thrilled to have been Vicky's first Canadian guest on her amazing podcast to discuss Cliff Valley Astronomy, Private Star Parties, Dark-sky Destination Network and partners and Sky Experience 2024. I encourage you to subscribe to her e-newsletter and podcast on Spotify. Vicky has a contagious passion for the night sky and dark-sky preservation in Arizona and across North America!

Astrotourism on Sunday Night Astronomy Show, November 13th, 2022

Astrotourism on Sunday Night Astronomy Show, November 13th, 2022

14/11/2022

Appeared as guest with fellow astro-preneur Tim Doucette of Deep Sky Observertory in Quinnan, NS to discuss with Chris, Mike and Paul the potential of astrotourism and what it means for Atlantic Canada.

Astrotourism Interview by EXA Group Canada

Astrotourism Interview by EXA Group Canada

04/03/2020

It was a pleasure to be invited EXA Group Canada to discuss astrotourism and it's potential for New Brunswick. Also available on Spotify.