Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve
Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Great place to see the stars or explore the grounds during daylight hours. Couple suggestions. When visiting during daylight hours, bring your own trash bag. There are no garbage cans, benches or anything. Bring your own supplies, and take any and all trash with you. When visiting at night, CHECK THE WEATHER before venturing up, you want totally clear skies. Try and visit during moonless nights or before the moon rises. Bring your own flashlight, ideally red light flashlights, keep them pointed at the ground, don't wave them in the air and use them only when necessary. When parking, pull in and shut your engine off and dim/kill your headlights ASAP, be respectful of people there observing the stars, nothing is more annoying than being blasted by vehicle headlamps or flashlights waving in the air. It's a dark sky preserve which means you need to keep all light pollution to minimum. In fact once your eyes adjust, even on a clear moonless night you should be able to see the ground perfectly without the need for flashlights. Also, avoid taking photos with your camera's flash turned on. People like to do this at night near the main entrance, it's incredibly bad for observers. If you want to observe the stars bring your own binoculars, telescopes and equipment, there's nothing there. During the summer, the sun sets much later so be prepared for a late night. The insects begin to appear in mid to late May and by June you'll be swarmed by insects after dark so bring lots of repellent. The insects begin to ease off in early October but you won't be insect free until late October or early November. In the winter months the days are short, nights long and cold. Be prepared for lake effect snow streamers in November, December and early January with treacherous driving conditions. The winter provides the best observing conditions with cold stable air and long nights. You'll need to layer up, if it's -5C in Toronto it can easily be 10 to 15 degrees cooler at the Barrens. In the winter you can usually find a parking spot on any given day or night. In the summer, especially on weekends it can get very busy, so you'll want to arrive early.
Tom Stefanac
00
I've been looking to visit this place since 2020 when I got to know about the place but due to its remote location I couldn't able to travel due to commute restrictions and been following the reviews and other social media pages every year to witness the night sky. And finally yesterday I went there to see the Aurora borelis and I took the chance to go because it was already showing cloudy. Drove 2 and a half hours and when reached there the main parking area was full but somehow managed a spot and reached just before it was getting dark. But the place started to getting crowded, it felt like I was in my neighborhood park. A particular group of people bickering over phones, people flashing lights in your eyes. I saw only 3 people with red lights rest all were there clicking pictures of themselves and posting right away. People littering the place and doesn't care that it's a dark sky PRESERVE for a reason. I don't have any bad thing about the place it's just the group that comes there. You're there to enjoy the nature not posting your pictures which will be dark and flashy. Some people kept their lights on idk what they were looking in the bushes. Locals work so hard to preserve the area and people thrash this place like it's a garbage tin. Managing committee should take strict actions to preserve this area otherwise it's going to be like any other park in downtown. Alot of people were putting fire where it was not supposed to be and by the night there were 300-400 people easily. Whoever is visiting the place should keep these things: red flashlight or you can use your flashlight but don't point it on other people's eyes, foldable chairs or sheets to sit down, layers because it gets cold after midnight, bug sprays. Hope I'll visit again and get to see very fewer people. Please respect others privacy and don't make this quiet place like a party hall. Everyone drinking, smoking laughing loudly and with their heads stuck in the phones. Sad to see this happen. P.S: Take the southwood road as it has very less bad patches with just potholes the other way is just too bumpy with bad curves and patches.
Man In Disguise
00
Wow.. One of the best place to star gaze near Toronto. Its just 2 hrs from Toronto so it is more accessible than other dark sky preserves. Parking is very small and it has 2 portable toilets. They are cleaning it on the daily basis but if people don't maintain their sanity then it is of no use. We reached the place little early as we went there with our kids. 1 minute walk from the parking lot you will enter the open space which is the spot for star gazing. Went there for watching Delta Aquarid meteor shower with my fingers crossed luckily we saw it. On that day we saw milky way, 11 meteors, lots of satellites(saw ISS), and some planets. With the help of stellarium app we could find lots of things. Check the clear sky report and if you want to see meteor shower then google it and plan accordingly before going there. After going there don't use your mobile phones as it will affect your watching experience. 2 hours is more than enough to see all of these once it gets pitch dark. Lots of bugs, mosquitoes and small small flying insects. Get yourself drenched in the insect repellent if you are more attractive to them. Trust me once in your lifetime you all should enjoy and experience this kind of feeling. Complete goosebumps moment that day. The pictures are nothing when compared to what we saw in real time. And in some pictures we could see light greenish colored haze which we didnt know what it is. Later we came to know its the leftover from the last Aurora activity. 5 years back they used to see Aurora activity in this location but recently it is not that much visible for the naked eye in this area.
Surya Arunkumar
00
The must-visit destination, well worth the 2.5-hour drive from Toronto, but be prepared as this place is highly weather-sensitive. Before setting out, triple-check the weather and cloud conditions to ensure optimal viewing of what could be some of the most stunning night skies you'll ever see. Unfortunately, during my visit, luck wasn't on my side with the weather, but I can only imagine the breathtaking views on a clear night. The area itself is extremely dark and can be tricky to navigate, especially with potential slippery surfaces from moisture or icy patches. It’s crucial to wear proper footwear and have adequate lighting. When using your lights, be mindful not to shine them directly at others, as it can be blinding in such a dark environment. Facilities are minimal here; there's only one portable washroom and very limited parking. If you're coming from Toronto like myself, consider stopping at the Barrie/Innisfil OnRoute for a restroom break or a quick rest. The final stretch of the journey on Southwood Road is challenging, featuring curves, numerous potholes, hidden intersections, and debris. You might find yourself driving below the speed limit for safety, which is not the shame. (I felt as if I was back in Addis Ababa for a few minutes) Despite the challenges, Torrance Barrens is definitely worth the trip. I'm hopeful for better luck with the weather on my next visit and encourage anyone looking for a unique stargazing opportunity to give it a try. Just come prepared!
Eugene Lee
00
From a hiking perspective from 2020 to 2022... The trails ARE pleasant due to the exposed Canadian shield and the views of the ponds / small lakes. The easternmost i.e. Pine Ridge Loop trail should be avoided as a boardwalk had rotted away on its western end. This trail was marked as closed only? at it's western access point, as I recall. The trail maps at trail junctions, etc, are in poor/faded condition and may not indicate trail closures. The central i.e. Main trail was impassable in the spring/early summer due to boardwalk flooding a few hundred meters north east of the parking lot. Further boardwalk deterioration may result in all such being unsafe to cross. Short flooded sections on assorted trails may require good balance on rocks/branches to cross without incident. BEWARE... and be prepared to retrace your path should obstacles/conditions suggest. At present, the westernmost Barrons Extension trail may be the most reliable... I momentarily spotted what I suspected was a 5 lined skink on a trail ... once... and have seen a heron on at least one occasion. Though generally quiet, a major train line to the south can be heard...in the afternoons at least. I defer to others regarding the night sky. ---- 2024 update: A new trail comes down from Clear Lake Road as shown on the map here. It was not well marked and without a good GPS/map, I aborted 2/3 of the way south.
Jeffrey Niergarth
00
Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve – A Stargazer’s Paradise Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve is not just another stargazing spot—it’s the world’s first dark-sky preserve, offering unparalleled views of the night sky. We spent almost the entire night there, soaking in the magic of the cosmos. One of the most incredible highlights was witnessing the Northern Lights on October 10—an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime moment! Watching the auroras ripple across the star-studded sky was absolutely surreal. Here are a few tips for making the most of your visit: • No Facilities: This is a remote, natural area with portable washrooms, so come prepared. • Camping & Stay: If you want a complete experience, consider staying the night. Stargazing is best when you take your time and let the night sky reveal itself. • Free Entry & Parking: There’s no ticket or advance booking required—it’s entirely free! Plenty of parking is available, making it convenient even if you’re arriving late at night. • Natural Setting: The preserve is surrounded by forest and untouched nature, offering peace and seclusion. Our midnight drive to Torrance Barrens with my husband and friends was nothing short of magical. It was totally worth sacrificing sleep for this breathtaking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just looking for a unique adventure, this place will leave you in awe. 🌠✨
Aravinda babu
00
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Address
Southwood Rd, Gravenhurst, ON P0C 1M0, Canada
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Website
torrancebarrens.com
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Overview
4.6
(1.3K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
Description
The Torrance Barrens is a conservation area and dark-sky preserve in the District Municipality of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada. The reserve consists of Crown Lands in the municipalities of Gravenhurst and Muskoka Lakes.
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