Fodor's Expert Review Astrolab du Mont-Mégantic

Both amateur stargazers and serious astronomers head to this observatory, located in a beautifully wild and mountainous area that in 2007 became the first ever International Dark-Sky Reserve. The observatory is at the summit of the Townships' second-highest mountain (3,601 feet above sea level and 1,890 feet above the surrounding landscape), whose northern face records annual snowfalls rivaling any in North America. A joint venture of the University of Montréal and Laval University, the observatory has a powerful telescope, the largest on the East Coast. In the Astrolab at the welcome center at the mountain's base, you can view an exhibition and a multimedia show to learn about the night sky. Hours vary depending on the season, so check website for updated information.