Chasing the Milky Way: Stargazing in Northern Ontario

By: Caroline El Khoury

The Canadian wilderness has a special allure, particularly for those who seek adventure in the vast, untamed beauty of the North. There’s something about the remoteness, the endless landscapes, and the dark night skies that calls to stargazers like me. Northern Ontario, with its dark sky preserves, offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the stars and the Milky Way like nowhere else. So, I packed up my gear, jumped into a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and set off from Toronto on a 1,047 km journey to the shores of Lake Superior, aiming to catch sight of the Milky Way with my own eyes.

Day 1:

Sault Ste. Marie – God’s Country

After a long drive that saw me use a combination of the Outlander’s fully-EV and gas driving modes, I arrived at my first destination. The first day of my adventure began in Sault Ste. Marie, often referred to as “God’s country” for its rugged natural beauty. The nickname is no exaggeration—the vast, serene landscapes and the endless expanse of Lake Superior create an almost otherworldly feel. This was the perfect start to a journey dedicated to exploring the night skies.

After settling in, I kicked off the day with a hike to the stunning Robertson Cliffs, a place known for its sweeping views over the Goulais region. The hike was worth every step as I gazed out over rolling hills, distant cliffs, and the soft, shimmering blue of Lake Superior on the horizon. The leaves were just beginning to turn, signaling the early arrival of fall, and the changing colours added an extra layer of beauty to the scene.

From there, I got back into the comfortable confines of the Outlander PHEV and headed to Hiawatha Highlands, where I visited Crystal Falls, a waterfall that seems to flow endlessly, surrounded by the forested wilderness. It was the perfect way to connect with nature and unwind before what I hoped would be a night under the stars.

As evening approached, the skies were partly cloudy, and I worried that the clouds might spoil my chances of stargazing. But I wasn’t about to waste time waiting around, so I decided to take advantage of the kayak stowed on the roof of my Outlander and head out onto Lake Superior. Paddling across the largest freshwater lake in the world, I felt completely at peace, surrounded by the deep, dark waters and towering cliffs of the shore. It’s easy to see why this lake, with all its history and mystery, has such a magnetic pull on those who visit.

Day 2:

Stargazing at Hiawatha Highlands

The next morning, I awoke to the soothing sound of water rushing from nearby falls. Armed with a hot cup of java brewed on a coffee machine plugged into the Outlander PHEV’s 110-volt outlet, I took a moment to soak in the peaceful atmosphere at Hiawatha Highlands before packing up and heading out. I put the Mitsubishi into EV mode to enjoy the silent drive as I cruised toward my next destination. The clouds had cleared, and it was time to focus on the real reason for my journey: stargazing.

That night, as I set up my telescope in one of Northern Ontario’s designated dark sky preserves, Lake Superior Provincial Park, the sky above me came alive with stars. In this remote part of the world, far from city lights, I could see the Milky Way streak across the sky with stunning clarity. It's moments like these—standing in awe of the universe, surrounded by nothing but nature—that remind you just how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

My Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV proved to be the perfect companion for this trip. Its spacious cargo area easily accommodated all my gear - especially my telescopes, and its comfortable interior made the long drives feel like a breeze. The advanced safety features and Mitsubishi’s renowned Super All-Wheel Control system also gave me peace of mind as I navigated the remote and sometimes challenging roads of Northern Ontario.

This journey into the dark sky preserves of Northern Ontario was more than just a road trip—it was a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the beauty of the night sky in a way that few people ever do. From the rolling hills of Sault Ste. Marie to the peaceful shores of Lake Superior, the Canadian wilderness never fails to amaze. And with the reliable and capable Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by my side, I was able to focus on the adventure at hand—chasing the Milky Way across one of the most stunning landscapes in the world.