Three Stars Dark Sky Festival

Bamfield & Anacla, Vancouver Island

Join the Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses for three days of astronomy, ocean science, art, and cultural knowledge beneath some of the darkest skies on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Set along the shores of Barkley Sound, the Three Stars Dark Sky Festival brings together scientists, Indigenous knowledge keepers, artists, and visitors for a weekend of discovery, learning, and connection with the natural world.

From guided stargazing and night sky photography to marine science tours and community celebrations, the festival invites visitors to slow down, look up, and experience the deep connections between land, sea, and sky.

Why Bamfield’s Dark Skies Matter

Located on the outer coast of Vancouver Island, Bamfield offers remarkable conditions for observing the night sky. With minimal light pollution and wide ocean horizons, the stars appear with stunning clarity.

For generations, these skies have guided travellers and storytellers who have looked upward for navigation, inspiration, and knowledge.

The Three Stars Dark Sky Festival celebrates this extraordinary environment while encouraging visitors to appreciate and protect dark skies for future generations.

Festival Highlights

Visitors to the Three Stars Dark Sky Festival can experience:

• Stargazing along the beaches of Barkley Sound
• Guided night sky photography workshops
• Indigenous star knowledge and storytelling
• Marine science and coastal ecosystem research
• Artist market, music, and community gatherings

For three days each spring, Bamfield becomes a place where curiosity, culture, and community meet beneath the stars.