(Photo submitted by Chinara Adhofer/Parks Canada)

By David Opinko

Waterton certified as the first transboundary Dark Sky Park

Aug 12, 2021 | 1:49 PM

WATERTON, AB – Stargazers can put Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park on their to-do list.

The parks have received full certification from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) as the first-ever International Dark Sky Park.

“The dark skies in the Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park truly are spectacular,” says Parks Canada President and CEO Ron Hallman. “Designation of the Peace Park as the world’s first international transboundary Dark Sky Park shows the world our commitment to protecting the environment, while offering opportunities for visitors to connect with nature, even at night.”

The designation follows the installation of dark sky-friendly LED lights in the Waterton townsite and West Glacier headquarters that meets outdoor lighting guidelines and IDA standards.

They feature a custom LED colour temperature that is more efficient than incandescent bulbs but does not obstruct the view of the night sky.

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Acting Superintendent of Glacier National Park says dark night skies are an important wilderness characteristic of the two border-sharing parks.

“Clearly seeing the expanse of the universe increases a person’s sense of solitude well beyond that of the terrestrial landscape. A Dark Skies designation aids International Peace Park visitors in finding their own wilderness solitude.”

A statement from Parks Canada says that Dark Sky Park certification helps to raise awareness about light pollution and highlights how the parks are reducing the impacts of outdoor lighting.

Over time, more of these lights will be installed in Waterton.

Waterton now joins 12 other Parks Canada-administered places with dark sky designations. It already has certification as being an International Peace Park, Biosphere Reserve, and World Heritage Site.