![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972157.1721587842!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park named the best place for stargazing
![Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton, Tab, Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton, Tab,](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2021/8/26/waterton-lakes-national-park--waterton--tab--1-5562034-1712840782583.jpg)
A Canadian national park is the best place in the world for stargazing, says a new report.
Travel agency Inghams released the report on Tuesday, finding that Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, situated on the Canada-U.S. border in Waterton Lakes National Park and Montana's Glacier National Park, was the top spot among 122 locations around the world.
Using global search data, Google reviews and AllTrails scores, the park was the only Canadian location in the top 15 sites of the list.
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"With its snow-capped mountains, glaciers and stunning rugged rock formations, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is a beautiful place to explore during daylight hours, as well as when the sun goes down," Inghams wrote in a news release.
Waterton was granted dark sky status in 2017 due to its efforts to protect and conserve its dark skies.
That was due to Parks Canada's promotion of responsible night-time lighting, which also improves the environment for nocturnal wildlife.
"Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park tops the index of Best Starry Night Experiences with an impressive 4.9 stars on Google Business, and an AllTrails score of 4.8," officials said.
"Coupled with the fact that it remains fairly unknown in terms of Google search volumes, this dark sky park offers a peaceful and unforgettable stargazing adventure."
Parks Canada says it's "thrilled" that Waterton received the recognition.
"This accolade is a testament to the pristine skies and unspoiled natural beauty of the area, which Parks Canada is committed to protecting," officials said in statement.
"The park's unique geographical features create an unparalleled backdrop for astronomical observation, allowing both amateur stargazers and seasoned astronomers to explore the wonders of the universe."
There are 13 other dark sky preserves in the Parks Canada system and officials say each one offers "unique celestial spectacles and pristine night skies."
Further details on Parks Canada's other dark sky preserves can be found online.
Inghams' Top 20 World Parks for the Best Starry Night Experience
- Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Canada;
- Yeongyang Firefly Eco Park, South Korea;
- Ainos National Park, Greece;
- Mayland Earth to Sky Park & Bare Dark Sky Observatory, USA;
- UbarU Camp and Retreat Center, USA;
- Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area, USA;
- Hehuan Mountain, Taiwan;
- De Borschplaat, Netherlands;
- Elan Valley Estate, Wales;
- Naturpark Attersee-Traunsee, Austria;
- OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory, Northern Ireland;
- North Fork Park, USA;
- Flagstaff Area National Monuments, USA;
- Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, USA; and
- Oxford Forest Conservation Area, New Zealand.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972157.1721587842!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING NEWS Biden drops out of 2024 race, endorses Harris to be Democratic nominee
U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about the incumbent's fitness for office with the election just four months away. It was a late-season campaign thunderstrike unlike any in American history.
What happens next: Joe Biden wants to pass the baton to Kamala Harris. Here's how that might work
With U.S. President Joe Biden ending his reelection bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats now must navigate a shift that is unprecedented this late in an election year.
Read Biden's full text announcing the end to his re-election campaign
U.S. President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign on Sunday after fellow Democrats lost faith in his mental acuity and ability to beat Donald Trump. He announced his decision in a letter posted on social media. Read the full text.
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
Here are the signs you're ready to downsize your home
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are looking to find ways to save money, such as downsizing their home. But one Ottawa broker says there are several signs to consider before making the big decision.
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
Trudeau and family head to British Columbia for vacation in unnamed location
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will head to British Columbia on Sunday, where he will be on vacation with his family until Aug. 1.
Even if your kids roll their eyes, keep making jokes, research says
Researchers surveyed about 300 people about their experiences being raised with or without humour and their views on their childhood, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.
Hazmat response to north London, Ont. apartment complex
Circumstances around a deceased individual in an apartment raise concerns for first responders.