Over 35 Years of Passion, Family, and Innovation.
At Astronomy Plus (formerly Lire la Nature),
we don’t just sell telescopes; we share a passion that spans generations. Since 1988, our mission has been to guide every observer—from the curious beginner to the professional astrophotographer—through unrivaled expertise and personalized support.
Our Story: From a Dream to the Stars
1988: The "Space Odyssey" Spark
It all began with a cinematic revelation. Inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stefan Broquet decided to bring the wonders of the universe to earth. Starting in a small room adjacent to his father’s publishing house in La Prairie, he began selling Meade and Celestron telescopes to fellow enthusiasts.
The 90s: Pioneering the Digital Frontier
As the community grew, so did we. Moving to a larger location in Longueuil, we became a true cornerstone of the hobby in Canada. We were proud to be the first Canadian reseller of Santa Barbara Instrument Group (SBIG) CCD cameras, marking the true beginning of our leadership in astronomical imaging.
Click Here to see Lire La Nature Website in 2001
The 2000s: Digital Pioneers
At the dawn of the millennium, we were among the first in the industry to launch an e-commerce platform. This allowed us to reach customers from coast to coast. In 2013, to better reflect our core mission, we transitioned from Lire la Nature to our current identity: Astronomy Plus.
Click Here to See Astronomy Plus website in 2010, still far from where we are right now!
2016- Remembering a Friend
In 2016, our team and community lost a dear colleague and friend, Erik. His dedication and passion remain a core part of our story, and we continue to honor his memory in everything we do.
Click Here to See Astronomy plus website in 2017 / First ZWO Canadian Dealers (since 2015)
2020–Today: A New Generation
The year 2020 brought a breath of fresh air. Stefan’s daughter, Marika, joined the team with a vision for the future, followed shortly by her spouse, Yanic Trudeau, whose background in IT propelled our digital presence forward. By overhauling our inventory, digital platforms, and software, we’ve built a more efficient organization dedicated to delivering better results and lightning-fast service for our customers."
Today, we are a true family business. We continue to lead the market, being the first in Canada (2020) to offer revolutionary "smart telescopes" like Vaonis and Unistellar.
Despite our growth and a total store makeover in 2020, our heart remains in the community—whether we are meeting you in store, in events, or helping you over the phone.
Astronomy Plus tent at Starfest 2022, in Ayton.
Why Astronomy Plus?
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Canada’s Largest Selection: The widest choice of telescopes, cameras, and accessories in the country.
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Expert Advice: We don’t just sell gear; we use it. We share tips and knowledge to help you master your equipment.
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Unrivaled Support: Our relationship doesn't end at the checkout. We offer outstanding post-sale support to ensure you never stop looking up.
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Legacy of Trust: We still serve customers who bought their very first telescope from us back in 1988.
"To our loyal customers who have been with us since the beginning, and to the new explorers joining us today: Thank you. We are in business because of your trust and shared passion for the cosmos." — The Astronomy Plus Family
Meet the Team
The faces behind the expertise at Astronomy Plus.
Stefan Broquet - Owner
Founder & Visionary Stefan’s journey began in 1988, fueled by a lifelong fascination with the cosmos. With over 38 years of experience in the industry, he is one of Canada’s leading experts in astronomical equipment. Whether you are looking for your first telescope or a high-end observatory setup, Stefan’s deep knowledge and historical perspective ensure you get the perfect tool for your journey into the stars.
Marika Broquet
Director of Operations & Strategy Recently a new mom, Marika is representing the second generation, she joined the family business in 2019. With a fresh perspective and a drive for innovation, she has been the catalyst for the modern "Astronomy Plus" experience. Marika oversees the growth of the company, ensuring that the legacy of quality service established by her father continues to meet the needs of today’s modern amateur astronomers.
Yanic Trudeau
IT Director & Smart Tech Specialist Yanic joined the team in 2020, bringing an invaluable background in Information Technology. In an era where astronomy is becoming increasingly digital, Yanic bridges the gap between traditional and modern tech. From managing our high-performance website to providing technical support for the latest "smart telescopes" and CMOS cameras, he ensures our customers stay at the cutting edge.
Simon Gravel
Visual Astronomy Specialist & Web Support (The Mak Lover) A true enthusiast for deep-sky observing, Simon is our go-to expert for visual astronomy. As a specialist in eyepieces, he knows exactly how to recommend the perfect combination to maximize your experience at the telescope. Always seeking to learn more, Simon is an invaluable asset to the Astronomy Plus team. In addition to his sales and post-sale support, he meticulously manages our online catalog, ensuring our product listings are always accurate.
Alain Lavigne
Consultant & Astrophotography Support Alain is our dedicated "handyman" with a heart of gold. A passionate photographer who owns several setups at home, he brings vast personal experience to our community. Working with us on a part-time basis, Alain is always there to help troubleshoot and share tips to assist customers with the technical challenges of astrophotography. He is the pillar we can always count on.
Boris Irissou
Weekend Consultant & Astrophoto Specialist A student and seasoned astrophotographer, Boris represents the next generation of experts on our weekend team. He possesses impressive technical knowledge in astrophotography, making him an invaluable guide for our weekend customers. Between technical consultations, Boris also assists with uploading new products, ensuring our online store stays at the cutting edge.
