Stargazing – “the act of observing or studying stars, planets, and celestial objects in the night sky with the naked eye, binoculars or telescope.”
Star Bathing – akin to forest bathing, “star bathing” centers on stargazing in its simplest form. Looking up at the stars triggers the feeling of awe (astonishment & fascination when you see something vast & beautiful such as mountains or a sunset) which has been widely connected to improved mental & physical health.
Far removed from urban light pollution, Loon Straits Wilderness Retreat sits beneath exceptionally dark skies that reveal the universe in stunning clarity. As twilight fades, the Milky Way stretches overhead, constellations shine with remarkable brilliance, and meteor showers and northern lights frequently grace the horizon.
Our location is classified as a Bortle 1 – which signifies an area that has some of the darkest skies on the planet – absolute perfection for stargazing!
Choose from any of our amazing themed Stargazing Experiences.
Romance Under The Stars: an intimate dark sky experience just for 2.
Galaxy of Family Fun: Let the kids stay up late so they can share in the wonders of the Universe with you! Maximum 4 guests. At least 1 adult must be present at all times.
The Cosmic Mindfulness Meditation Star Bathing Experience: Find calm, perspective and gentle self-care under the night sky through our pre-recorded guided meditation experience. Maximum 4 guests.
The Indigenous Night Sky: Relax in our Sky Bubble, identify constellations & listen to our unique recording of Indigenous Night Sky Stories. Maximum 4 guests.
Girls Night Out: Just for us girlfriends! An awesome night with your besties & a billion stars. Cozy up in the Sky Bubble, play a fun friendship game, sip, nosh, chat, and wonder at the Universe above you! Maximum 4 guests.
Click on any Experience for more Details and Pricing!
OUR SKY BUBBLE!
Each Experience includes:
- 2 hours of exclusive access to our private Sky Bubble – set along the shores of Lake Winnipeg, with 360 degree views of the sky
- personalized instruction & use of our beginners telescope to view the moon, stars and constellations
- Incredible photo opportunities! Attach your cell phone to the telescope to capture amazing photos and videos of the cosmos!
- access to the Sky Portal app which, using your cell phone, assists in locating objects in the night sky
- listen to a specialized themed recording specific to your chosen Experience with stories, legends & amazing facts about the night sky
- access to our exclusive Dark Skies Knowledge Book produced by our partner, Dark Sky Destinations, which highlights current events happening in the skies above you.
- Please note: our Star Gazing Experiences are currently only open to guests who book accommodations at Loon Straits Wilderness Retreat.
- Please note: all Experiences are subject to weather conditions and cloud cover. Confirmation and payment for your Experience will occur upon your arrival at Loon Straits Wilderness Retreat.
Romance Under The Stars: Cost $50 for 2 guests. Includes 2 hours exclusive access to our Sky Bubble. For an even more romantic experience, add a Star-themed charcuterie meat & cheese board, or a chocolate/sweets board to the evening! Comes with your choice of 2 glasses of non-alcoholic red or white wine, or our special Galaxy Glitters mocktail. (Adds an additional $55 – $70 to the cost of your Experience). Please let your host know your menu preferences upon booking this Experience.
Galaxy of Family Fun: Cost $50.00 per group. Maximum 4 guests. Enjoy a unique family Experience and learn about the stars, moon and constellations together! And the kids might want popcorn during the Night Sky show, so consider adding something fun for them to nibble on while they learn about the cosmos! Our Galaxy of Family Fun late night snacks include 4 flavors or Manitoba-made gourmet popcorn, Star-themed cake pops, hot chocolate for the kids, and Galaxy Glitters mocktails for the adults. (Adds an additional $68 – $83 to the cost of your Experience). Please let your host know the number of guests who will be attending, as well as your menu preferences upon booking this Experience.
The Cosmic Mindfulness Meditation Star Bathing Experience: $50.00 per group. Maximum 4 guests. Experience a mini Wellness Retreat with 2 hours of relaxation with the Cosmos. Add a little extra self-care to the evening with one or two of our special star-themed meat & cheese charcuterie mini cups or our extra decadent chocolate/sweets charcuterie mini cups. Pair it with a glass of red or white non-alcoholic wine, our Galaxy Glitters mocktail, or a cup of our in house Peace Tea. (Adds an additional $34 – $82 to the cost of your Experience). Please let your host know the number of guests who will be attending, as well as your menu preferences upon booking this Experience.
The Indigenous Night Sky: $50.00 per group. Maximum 4 guests. Indigenous Peoples have a unique way of conceiving the constellations. Elders who know about the night sky will say there is a story for every star & constellation and the every star has a name and a teaching attached. You will hear some of these stories during your Experience through a beautiful sound recording of Night Sky Star Stories. Add a taste of Indigenous cuisine to the evening and ask your host to include a slab of Bannock and homemade fruit jam to enhance the Experience! Comes with your choice from our collection of Loon Straits Wilderness Supply artisanal teas, hot chocolate, a glass of non alcoholic red or white wine, or a Galaxy Glitters mocktail. (Adds an additional $30 – $55 to the cost of your Experience). Please let your host know the number of guests who will be attending, as well as your menu preferences upon booking this Experience.
Girls Night Out: $50.00 per group. Maximum 4 guests. The perfect way to catch up, and enhance your friendship bonds through a shared and intimate evening under the Night Sky. Make the evening even more memorable by requesting one of our yummy late night charcuterie boards – your choice of either a meat & cheese board or a decadent chocolate/sweets board! Also comes with your choice of a glass of non alcoholic red or white wine, or a Galaxy Glitters mocktail. (Adds an additional $55 – $70 to the cost of your Experience). Please let your host know the number of guests who will be attending, as well as your menu preferences upon booking this Experience.
Consider booking an Experience during any of these more “special” astrological events as listed below: (although any night at Loon Straits Wilderness Retreat is pretty special!)
June 15, 2026: New Moon (the darkest skies occur during the New Moon, which makes for optimal stargazing conditions)
June 16, 2026: The Moon & Jupiter can be seen close together,
June 21, 2026: Summer Solstice
June 29, 2026: Full moon, called the Budding Moon, by the Indigenous people.
July 14, 2026: New Moon (the darkest skies occur during the New Moon, which makes for optimal stargazing conditions).
July 17, 2026: The Moon & Venus can be seen close together.
July 29, 2026: Full Moon, called the Hatching Moon, by the Indigenous people.
July 30 – 31, 2026: Delta Aquarids Meteor showers! Up to 25 shooting stars per hour!
August 8, 2026: The Moon & Mars can be seen close together.
August 12, 13 & 14, 2026: New Moon, Perseids Meteor Shower & partial solar eclipse! Up to 100 shooting stars per hour! You don’t want to miss this one!
August 26 & 27, 2026: Full Moon, called the Blueberry Moon, by the Indigenous people. Partial lunar eclipse.
September 6, 2026: The Moon & Mars can be seen close together.
September 11, 2026: New Moon
September 14, 2026: The Moon & Venus can be seen close together.
September 22, 2026: Fall Equinox
Please note: all Experiences are subject to weather conditions and cloud cover. Confirmation and payment for your Experience will occur upon your arrival at Loon Straits Wilderness Retreat. Cash or Etransfer only.
Loon Straits Wilderness Retreat 