Astronomy

Do you live in the city?
Do you have a telescope?
You have no clue where to go?

We have an exceptional site for Amateur Astronomers!

Are you looking for a peaceful place to look at the stars on a site with no visual pollution during organized events? We are located in a valley in the Township of Arundel in Quebec between a mountain, big Hydro-Quebec lines and a forest of majestic red pines located about 1h30 northwest of Montreal or about 22 minutes southwest of the Mont-Tremblant Resort.

Spend the night till dawn for as little as $15+tax per vehicle with less than 8 passengers. We are an affordable activity for families. On site we have tables, chairs, sofas, outdoor picnic tables, electrical outlets, bathrooms, cell phone charging station... During organized evenings, the restaurant can stay open until 1 a.m., or later if there are more than 20 people on site. Inside our main building, we dim our lights to cater to your needs, so they do not pollute your stargazing experience.

Our parking lot is the main place for sky observation, however we also have a few places throughout the site, as well as a mountainside with observation plateaus. Please bring what you need to carry your equipment and headlamps. You can rent a rechargeable headlamp for $5/evening.

Available on site during organized events:

  • Chocolate bars
  • Mr. Freeze
  • Gums
  • Chips
  • Pepperoni Sticks
  • Pogos (corn dogs)
  • Hot Dogs (beef or vegie)
  • French Fries
  • Poutine (French fries with cheese curds and gravy, sounds odd, but is quite delicious)
  • Burgers
  • Soft Drinks
  • Water
  • Juices
  • Hot Chocolats (about 4 flavours)
  • Coffee or Teas
  • St-Arnould Beers (Local Brewer)
  • Coors & Heineken
  • Wines (red or white)
  • Liquors & Spirits
  • ...

During winter, we have even more:

  • French Onion Soup
  • Homemade Wonton Soup
  • Vegetarian Samosas
  • Homemade Spring Rolls
  • Club Wraps
  • Chillicheesedogs
  • Vegetarian Chilli
  • ...

Also available:

  • Hand-warmers
  • Toe-warmers
  • Merino Socks
  • Cotton Socks
  • Cozy/Thermal Socks
  • Fort Ouest Trinkets (key chains, caps, hoodies,...)
  • ...

Possibility of preparing gourmet meals with our chef, by reservation only & by candlelight?


About us at Fort Ouest:

A few years ago, we bought a “LMDA 114 (4.5″) Econo” telescope from La Maison de l’Astronomie. During our last visit (Summer 2023) to the store, we upgraded our telescope and we spoke with the owner, Robert and one of his employees, Henri-Julien and we understood during the conversation that there were very few places for observing the stars. At Fort Ouest, during the day, we're quite busy, but in the evening it is usually quiet. We are only amateurs and simply want to share the magic of our site with other enthusiasts.


For observing the stars, organized events:

Simply visit our Facebook page, events will be announced in the event section. These evenings will cost $15+tax per vehicle with less than 8 passengers. During these evenings, we will possibly invite other amateurs and/or specialists and/or astronomy clubs with knowledge of the stars to share share and discuss. We hope to meet you someday!


For observing the stars, non-organized events:

It is possible by contacting us ahead of time to come any evening of the week. For payment, you can do an EMT (Email Money Transfer) for $25 taxes included per vehicle with less than 8 passengers to info@fortouest.com with the question: “I observe the” and the answer: “stars”. Maybe you will have the site for yourself? Depending on our availabilities we could be on site or not. The exterior electrical outlets remain at your disposal, as well as the benches and picnic tables. Please keep the premises clean.



Yearly or Lifetime Memberships:

With our annual or lifetime membership card, you receive up to $20 off for observing the stars at Fort Ouest. Visit our section on our membership cards to find out all the benefits you will be entitled to, because this card gives you much more than the stars!



Please note:

If you hear a pack of "wild dogs",, we want to let you know that on site we have Alaskan Adventure dogs (dog sleds) who have their own enclosed area. So don't be afraid, but do avoid excessive noise, don't bark like them to stimulate them. And take the time to listen to their night songs and feel the magic it vibes for you, especially, if they decide to give you a nighttime performance.

For your astronomy equipment needs, visit our partner:

La Maison de l'Astronomie has a beautiful store in Montreal and a website with a wide selection of equipment. The owner Robert and his team of enthusiasts are very friendly!

Our main activity being paintball, perhaps you would like to combine your adventure at Fort Ouest with more than one activity?