Find dark skies
TonightPlacesEventsPlan a TripNightly NewsMoonLawsLearnKids & Research
No statewide law

British Columbia

Last checked October 29, 2026

By Peter Benes and Adrienne Kmetz, editors. Updated October 29, 2026.

British Columbia has no provincial outdoor lighting or dark-sky law that we could find; rules are local policy. Saanich's 1992 council policy calls for fully shielded lights and an 11 p.m. curfew on municipal recreation lighting. The Comox Valley Regional District's 2007 DarkSky Policy covers shielding on commercial, industrial, and multi-unit projects. Vancouver's 2015 motion for a by-law only directed staff to consult.

Municipal codes

  • Saanich: Council policy of January 13, 1992: municipal outdoor recreation facilities may not be lit after 11 p.m. (except to finish an event), and outdoor lights should be fully shielded so nothing is emitted above horizontal.
  • Comox Valley Regional District: DarkSky Policy 3010-00 (adopted December 13, 2007): fixtures on commercial, industrial, and multi-unit developments must be shielded, no light may cross property lines, and searchlights and lasers are prohibited. Single-family projects of three or fewer units are exempt.
  • Vancouver: A 2015 Motion on Notice by Councillor Ball directed staff to consult stakeholders and develop recommendations for an outdoor lighting by-law covering light trespass, glare, and sky glow. No by-law resulted that we could find.

Certified dark sky places in British Columbia

Bringing your own outdoor lighting up to the same standard? See Dark-Sky Friendly Outdoor Lighting.

Sources