Ontario Tourism Vacation Getaway Outdoor Adventure Package

Weekend of Astronomy on
Manitoulin

Brief Description:

Self-guided weekend for dark sky astronomy on Manitoulin Island, Ontario Canada
 

Package Pricing:

Off-Season:      $ 265 CAD + 13% HST
                        ($60/person/weekend for extra people)

Ferry Season:   $ 345 CAD + 13% HST
                       ($75/person/weekend for extra people)

Prices are for 4 day, 3-night weekend, for up to 5 persons.  For more than 5 people, there is an extra charge for each additional person.

Children under 5 yrs. old are free.

Availability Dates:

This package is available every weekend in the Winter/Spring between:

January 15  till June 15 inclusive

and every weekend during the Fall/Winter between:

Sept. 15 till Dec. 15 inclusive

subject to prior booking of this and other packages.

This weekend package is not available during Prime Season (June 16 - Sept. 15, and Dec. 15 - Jan. 15).  For a week-long adventure during Prime Season, see  Week-long package

Package Duration:

3 nights, 4 days

Friday noon till Monday 11:00 AM

Details about the Package:

Manitoulin is famous for its dark skies.  I have very fond memories of staying up for hours past midnight watching the Northern Lights dance and entertain me.  Most city folk have forgotten how beautiful the night skies are.  Some children have never experienced this "wonder of the world".

Northern Lights 3-day forecasts:       http://www.sec.noaa.gov/forecast.html

Graph of Northern Lights Intensity   For Kp of 5 and greater, the Northern Lights are predicted to be visible on Manitoulin Island.

This package is ideal for amateur astronomers, and those who want to share the natural wonders of the Earth with their family & friends.  View fantastic skies full of stars, Northern Lights, planets, and satellites.  Everything you need is provided.

Package Participants:

Minimum 1 person

Maximum 12 persons (due to available sleeping accommodations in the cottage where you will be staying).

Participants should be capable of traveling over uneven ground in low light conditions.

Package Suitability:

This package is designed for small groups and families.  The package is ideal for parents with children who are 8 yrs. old and older

Children under 8 years old will have to be closely supervised in the dark.  Some children may not initially have the patience or interest to do extended star gazing.
 

What's Included?

• Lodging for up to 12 persons at BBL's waterfront cottage
• Self-guided methods and recommended activities for star, planet, & satellite viewing (communication satellites, Space Station, etc.)
• Reference books on astronomy, star charts, 3 sets of binoculars will be available for use during your stay.

Bring it with you

• Your personal telescope and/or binoculars
• Camera and tripod for time lapse photography at night

Available options & customization:

• Also available as a week-long package (7 nights, 8 days)
• Local Manitoulin experts in astronomy are available for personalized instruction, expert guiding, and assistance in your celestial weekend (subject to availability and prior booking).
• Add-ons for horseback riding, swimming, boating, hiking, nature trails, animal observing, canoeing, fishing, bird watching, and many others.  See BBL's website for further information on Manitoulin activities.

Term & Conditions:

Package requires at least one responsible adult, 25 years or older, in attendance. Children participants must have the prior written permission of their parent or legal guardian. Participation and cottage rental are subject to BBL's approval of your rental application, and your signing of liability waiver & indemnification agreement. Rental deposit of $500 CAD is due with submission of package application, and becomes your Damage Security Deposit. Payment of full package price is due 3 months prior to the start date of the package, or upon acceptance of application; whichever is last to occur. Damage Security Deposit for cottage rental is fully refunded within 2 weeks after end of package (assuming no damage or loss identified by post-package inspection). You are recommended to obtain cancelation insurance, as there is no cancelation nor refund for booked vacation periods.