Now at Stargaze Nova Scotia

Abbey Ridge Observatory

Abbey Ridge Observatory

Originally built in 2003 in Stillwater Lake Nova Scotia by Dr. Dave Lane, Abbey Ridge Observatory has moved to Stargaze Nova Scotia. This observatory features a 10ft dome and a 14 inch C14 Telescope. The plan is for the telescope to be used visually (with an eyepiece atop a ladder), or with an astronomy camera either live (Electronically Assisted Astronomy) or remotely over the internet.

Abbey Ridge Observatory with a domed roof, surrounded by trees at sunset.

Northern Lights October 10th, 2024

Night sky illuminated with pink, purple, and green aurora borealis above a white observatory dome and trees, with a red-lit window on the observatory. The bottom left corner contains the Abbey Ridge Observatory logo, and the bottom right corner has the date October 10th, 2024, and credit to John A. Read.
Northern lights display vibrant green, red, and pink colors in the night sky over silhouetted trees and two people taking photos. Text at the bottom right notes October 10th, 2024, Abbey Ridge Observatory, and credits John A Read.

October 2024 Update: The observatory is still under developement!

As of October 24, 2024, the observatory is still under development (we are currently replacing parts to get the telescope working again). Although we are entertaining requests for pre-opening tours (see below) these will be at a higher cost as we currently do not have the staff or resources to support larger groups.

Dalhousie University Astronomy Society Helpers

Pre-Opening Tours

Currently, the Abbey Ridge Observatory and Stargaze Nova Scotia are both under development. However, due to the high demand for tours of the property and observatory, we will consider requests on a case-by-case basis. Please do not visit the property without first contacting the observatory. Private tours will include a sunset walking tour of the 26-acre property, a tour of the observatory, and, weather permitting, a guided sky tour, and a chance to observe the night sky through the telescopes on the stargazing plateau and the large telescope inside the observatory. The tour will last approximately 2 hours.

Private Pre-Opening Tour Price (subject to change): $700* (up to 10 guests)

Daytime tours for educational purposes will also be considered. These may include use of solar telescopes (hydrogen-alpha telescopes and filtered telescopes), lunar observation (if the Moon is above the horizon). A tour of the Abbey Ridge Observatory, a lesson on “how to use a telescope” (during the day we can point at distant objects like radio towers), and a general astronomy lesson.

Pre-Opening Educational Daytime Tours (subject to change): $600 or $20/student (whichever is higher)

Note: Our current parking area can accommodate 10 cars or one bus and a few cars.

Contact the Abbey Ridge Observatory
Contact the Abbey Ridge Observatory