Is Night Tourism a Thing?

Maine and neighboring New Brunswick are only two destinations where family travel experiences don’t end at sunset. Night kayaking and paddleboarding, night woodland walks, and stargazing are some of the noctourism adventures your family can enjoy.

In the far north of Maine, AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park is the first and only International Dark Sky Park in New England, located in uninhabited forest land stretching to the Canadian border. This is one of the darkest places remaining on the East Coast, where no light from cities interferes with watching stars, meteor showers and other celestial wonders.

Three Appalachian Mountain Club lodges are nearby for family lodging, including Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins by the shore of Long Pond. Kids will love living in one of the cozy log cabins with log beds and, before stargazing, you can watch the sunset from the main lodge.

Not quite so far north in Maine, another night sky experience is offered in Orono, home of University of Maine. The celestial-inspired Hotel Ursa (named for the constellations) is on campus, close to the university’s Versant Power Astronomy Center, which runs regular programming for those interested in the wonders of space. From September through early May, the public can observe the skies through the Clark telescope free of charge on Friday evenings. A full schedule of planetarium programs cost $7 for adults, $6 for veterans and seniors, and $5 for children under 12.

Across the international border (remember, kids need passports, too), New Brunswick has also embraced noctourism, with four dark sky preserves recognized by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Cliff Valley Astronomy organizes dark sky events across the province, including Star Parties that provide access to advanced telescopes, and special events such as watching the partial sunrise eclipse on March 29.

Kayak enthusiasts can paddle among the dramatic “flowerpot rocks” at Hopewell Rocks while watching the stars and planets emerge above the towering rock formations. Hopewell Rocks After Dark is a two-hour guided tour beginning at dusk. Every kayak is equipped with a headlamp, and glow sticks to help the guides keep track of the kayaks and guests.

In Fredericton, take a look at the underwater world at night, joining Wolastoq Adventures for illuminated paddleboarding and kayaking. LED-equipped, transparent watercraft allow paddlers rare glimpses of the underwater world.

Back on dry land, an immersive night walk in Bouctouche celebrates the Acadian culture that runs strongly through life in New Brunswick. Akadi Lumina uses light, music, poetry and storytelling throughout a mile-long walk on a forest path to bring Acadian heritage to life.