Metenepagiag Heritage Park
Metenepagiag First Nation, Red Bank, NB - Riverlands & Milky Way Astro-region
Pisgwa’ – Welcome to Metepenagiag Heritage Park
Reconnect with the stars at Metepenagiag Heritage Park—an Indigenous-led Dark Sky Destination where culture, nature, and the cosmos meet.
Nestled on the banks of the Miramichi River, just 20 minutes from the City of Miramichi, the Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Mi’kmaq history, night sky wonders, and hospitality that spans over 3,000 years.
A Dark Sky Experience Rooted in Mi’kmaq Tradition In Mi’kmaq teachings, we are “people from the stars.” When you gaze up at the
Bortle 3–4 skies above Metepenagiag, you walk in the footsteps of a culture deeply connected to the cosmos. Join us for stargazing nights and Dark Sky events, hosted right at Metepenagiag Heritage Park.
With clear night skies and minimal light pollution, this is the perfect place to observe meteor showers, the Milky Way, constellations, and deep-sky wonders.
Stargazing experience includes:
✨ Designated Dark Sky viewing areas at Metepenagiag Heritage Park (short walk from accommodations)
✨ Hosted programs and interpretive storytelling under the stars
✨ Binocular-friendly skies; telescopes welcome
✨ Great for astro-tourists, families, couples, nightscape photographers, and cultural travellers
Stay Overnight Under the Stars. Make your visit truly memorable by staying overnight. Either in the comfort of Red Bank Lodge or in our glamping tipis, both just steps away from the stargazing location.
MHP Glamping Tipis
Ultimate comfort steps from the stars.
Here are some of the tipi features:
- Two beds
- Mini fridge
- Picnic table and chairs
- Fire pit
- All the modern comforts of glamping—perfect for a cozy night beneath the sky
Explore Culture & Nature During the day, explore the interpretive exhibits at Metepenagiag Heritage Park and learn about two National Historic Sites—the Mi’kmaq Oxbow National Historic Site and Augustine Mound. (Please note these protected sites are not open for on-foot exploration, but their stories are beautifully shared through the Park’s exhibits and programs.)
Guests may also enjoy fishing in the open river pools, which are accessible to overnight guests (please inquire when booking).
Perfect for Leisure Stays, Retreats & Astro Events Metepenagiag Heritage Park and Red Bank Lodge welcome:
- Leisure travellers and couples
- Corporate retreats and team-building events
- Photography groups
- Dark Sky enthusiasts and astronomy clubs
Bortle Zone: 3–4
Visual Equipment: Binoculars (rentals are available; please inquire). Book with Cliff Valley Astronomy or contact us:
📞 1-800-226-5405
Booking & PoliciesCheck-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
- Full fee charged at check-in unless prior arrangements made
- No refunds for early departures
- Tipis: pets permitted
Cancellation Policy: Full details are provided at the time of booking.
Key Celestial Events - 2025 Season Look for seasonal highlights and special Dark Sky programming hosted at Metepenagiag Heritage Park and Red Bank Lodge!
- March 29 – Rising Partial Solar Eclipse
- June 21 & 22 – Summer Solstice and Venus & Moon conjunction
- June 28 & 29 – Lunar occultation of Mars and Mars & Moon conjunction
- July 16 – Moon, Saturn & Pluto conjunction
- July 20 – Moon & M45 Pleiades conjunction
- July 28 – Moon & Mars conjunction and Delta Aquarids meteor shower (20/hr and Moon at 10%)
- August 11 & 12 – Venus & Jupiter conjunction and Perseids meteor shower (100+/hr and Moon at 83%) and Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- August 31 – Moon and M44 Beehive Cluster conjunction
- September 7 – Total Lunar Eclipse*
- September 8 – Moon, Saturn & Neptune conjunction
- September 12 – Moon and M45 Pleiades conjunction
- September 16 – Moon & Jupiter conjunction
- September 20 – Saturn at opposition
- September 21 – Partial Solar Eclipse (not visible from North America)
- September 23 – Neptune at opposition
- Octoboer 13 – Moon & Jupiter conjunction*
- October 21 – Orionids meteor shower during New Moon*
- November 2 – Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- November 9 – Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- December 7 – Moon & Jupiter conjunction*
- December 26 – Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- December 31 – Moon & M45 Pleiades conjunction*