Best Spots to Catch the Perseid Meteor Shower Across Canada This August

Kicking up stargazing to the next level: The Perseids are the most popular annual meteor shower in North America that illuminates the night skies with a brilliant spectacle of meteors zipping by. In 2021, the shower is expected to run from July 17 to August 26. At its peak, on the night of August 12, after midnight and before dawn, stargazers and amateur astronomers can expect to see up to 100 meteors per hour. While you may spot one or two of the meteors at home in the city, light pollution tends to significantly affect visibility. To make the most of the Perseid Meteor Shower, head out to a designated Dark-Sky Preserve or rural area with minimal light pollution. Need some help deciding where to watch? From British Columbia to Newfoundland, here are the 10 best spots to catch the Perseids from coast to coast across Canada this August.

An evergreen forest by a lake in British Columbia's Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Milky Way visible in the starry sky overhead.

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Garibaldi Provincial Park – Squamish/Whistler, British Columbia

Located close to the popular resort towns of Squamish and Whistler, Garibaldi Provincial Park's high altitude and minimal light pollution make it a dream destination for amateur astronomers. Spend your day hiking the trails before setting up camp and watching the celestial show.

Mountains and the night sky reflecting in a lake in Alberta's Jasper National Park.

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Jasper National Park – Jasper, Alberta

As one of the world's largest Dark-Sky Preserves, Jasper National Park is home to the Jasper Planetarium and the annual Dark Sky Festival in October. In addition to seeing the Perseids blaze a trail overhead, you might even catch the Northern Lights.

The Milky Way and thousands of stars above the prairie landscape in Saskatchewan's Grasslands National Park.

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Grasslands National Park – Val Marie, Saskatchewan

The darkest of Canada's Dark-Sky Preserves is Grasslands National Park, located southwest of Regina near the Saskatchewan/Montana border. The prairie landscape provides an uninterrupted view of the Perseids, constellations, and the Milky Way.

A lake with forest on either side and the night sky in Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba.

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Whiteshell Provincial Park – Whiteshell, Manitoba

Eastern Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park is located less than two hours outside of Winnipeg, not far from the province's border with Ontario. While the area isn't an official Dark-Sky Preserve, it offers optimal conditions for stargazing. For an extra cosmic twist, catch the meteor shower from the shores of West Hawk Lake, which formed in a crater caused by a meteor striking the ancient rock bed.

The night sky over Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario.

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Bruce Peninsula National Park – Tobermory, Ontario

While many people flock to the Bruce Peninsula for the Flowerpot Island sea stacks, picturesque lighthouses and shipwreck dives, it is also one of the top spots in Canada for stargazing. Head to the Dark-Sky Preserve, located on Lion's Head, to watch the space spectacle.

The Milky Way and a meteor over a forested area in Quebec's Mont-Megantic National Park.

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Mont-Megantic National Park – Notre-Dame-des-Bois, Quebec

Mont-Mégantic National Park in Quebec is home to the first International Dark Sky Reserve. For the ultimate Perseids experience, visit the Mont-Mégantic Observatory or the ASTROLab astronomy activity centre where you can learn more about the universe.

Flowerpot rock formations under a starry sky in Fundy National Park, New Brunswick.

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Fundy National Park – Alma, New Brunswick

Fundy is famous for its dramatic tides, especially walking on the ocean floor at low tide. It's also designated as one of Canada's Dark-Sky Preserves, making it the perfect backdrop for meteors dancing across the night skies.

The Milky Way and starry night sky above Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia.

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Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site – Maitland Bridge, Nova Scotia

Mi’kmaw culture and history is one of the reasons that people visit Kejimkujik, which can be seen in petroglyphs, traditional encampments and canoe routes. Another reason to add the national park to your list is because it's Nova Scotia’s only Dark-Sky Preserve. Experience the Perseids with a nighttime canoe ride where you'll feel as if you're completely surrounded by stars.

Aurora borealis and starry sky above people on a boardwalk in Prince Edward Island National Park.

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Prince Edward Island National Park – Dalvay by the Sea, Prince Edward Island

Catch the meteor shower in this small seaside park on Prince Edward Island, where the stars dazzlingly reflect in the water. During the Perseids in August of 2020, stargazers were amazed by one meteor that zipped by like a vibrant fireball.

A sandy beach under the night sky in Arches Provincial Park, Newfoundland.

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Arches Provincial Park – Portland Creek, Newfoundland and Labrador

Located on Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula, Arches Provincial Park offers a stunning light show when the sun goes down. While you're watching for the Perseid meteors, try to spot other celestial wonders like the constellations or even the International Space Station.