7 places to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower near Toronto this weekend
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In case you didn’t hear, the annual Perseid Meteor Shower is heading this way over the weekend.
This is one of the most active meteor showers all year, and Torontonians will hopefully get a display of the show despite some rain in the forecast. The early morning hours of August 12 will to display some of the peak meteor activity – weather pending. The Weather Network is showing a risk of thundershowers again, but here’s hoping that clears up during the night.
To help you plan your ultimate viewing, here are some spots around and outside Toronto to catch this year’s Perseid Meteor Shower.
High Park
Probably your best bet for some dark skies in the city. And very accessible.
Where: 1873 Bloor Street West
Scarborough Bluffs
For east-enders, this gem is no secret. Tucked away in the eastern waterfront, the Bluffs are a hop, skip, and jump from Toronto’s downtown core, and can be quite dark at night. This park is along a beach with parts on a cliff – be safe!
Where: 61 Under Cliff Drive.
Binbrook Conservation Area
Watch the Perseids meteor shower with the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers at the Binbrook Conservation Area from 8 to 11pm on Saturday August 12. Admission is free so bring the whole family for a fun evening under the stars! There will also be a meteorite display, night sky tour and members will set-up their telescopes for observing celestial objects.
Where: 5050 Harrison Rd, Hamilton
Millennium Square
Another road trip worthy event is taking place at Pickering’s Millennium Park. All are welcome to head down. Last year, they brought out a telescope.
Where: Millennium Square beside Frenchman’s Bay at the foot of Liverpool Road, Pickering
Point Pelee
Ok, this one is a little drive away – but so worth it. Hosting the Perseid Meteor Celebration on August 12 and 13, Point Pelee National Park will be open all night.
Where: Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington
Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve
What if the sky and the stars are for show? And the aliens are watching live…
A photo posted by Sohil Naik (@swahilli21) on
The only dark-sky experience near Toronto, the Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve is a drive away, but the experience will be worth it. This is one of the only places to guarantee a sighting… weather permitting of course.
Where: Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve, Southwood Road, Gravenhurst
Glen Major Forest
Active Days is teaming up with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. This year, the Perseids are shaping up to be special, as it is predicted to be a particularly bright year for the meteor shower. You’ll be leaving the city limits and driving to a dark, flat space an hour from the city to watch this majestic event. Be sure to sign up!
Where: Meet at 30 Carlton Street, Toronto, and will be transported by bus.
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