NOCTOURISM

Noctourism, a term that combines "night" with "tourism," is an emerging trend that involves engaging in outdoor activities and events that take place after-dark. It's about exploring the world under the cloak of darkness and discovering a whole new dimension of experience that is starkly different from those offered by the sun-drenched daylight hours. This trend has been gaining in popularity as more and more people seek unique and unconventional ways to experience destinations and connect with nature.

The allure of noctourism lies in the transformation that darkness brings to familiar landscapes. Without the artificial glow of city lights and the usual hustle and bustle of daytime we can see and experience places in a completely new light—or rather, lack thereof—highlighting the natural nighttime beauty of the world. Noctourism can be as elaborate as a nocturnal safari in a national park or another continent, or a simple walk down a dark lane.

Stargazing comes to mind -- looking up at the Milky Way, seeking a glimpse of the Northern Lights, searching for a constellation or gazing through a telescope to see Jupiter.  Perhaps sleeping under the stars instead of in a tent or cabin.

But it is also experiencing what is in the air or on the ground closer to home: the fireflies, bats and moths flying in your backyard at night. The opossums, raccoons and coyotes scurrying across the lawn and in the woods. Animal life can also break the night’s silence:  the howl of a wolf, hoot of an owl, croak of a frog, hiss of an opossum and even the rustling and clanging of that pesky raccoon getting into your garbage can again. 

And don’t forget to check the plants that bloom under the moon, like evening primrose or moon flower. Besides the glow of their flowers, their scents are often more pronounced in the night.

Consider noctourism an opportunity to take up a new hobby, like night photography.  Or an incentive to visit some of the places on your bucket list – like our International Dark Sky Parks (in Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park, and Quetico Provincial Park in nearby Ontario) and caves (Forestville Mystery Cave State Park and Niagara Cave are Minnesota examples).

Sure, there are wonderful evening experiences found under artificial lighting which offer entertainment, conversation and food. But we think the best noctourism takes place in the darkest of environments, free from artificial lighting. These conditions offer the most authentic and immersive experience, encourage us to be more mindful of light pollution and its impact on wildlife and natural habitats, and promote sustainable tourism. So, the next time you are out after-dark, turn off the patio light. Then look up and down and all around to experience the true magic of our planet!

Forestville dark sky event: https://dash.pointapp.org/events/375448