What is the Perseids Meteor Shower?

The Perseids happen each summer when the Earth passes through the trail of dust left behind by the comet, Swift-Tuttle. They get their name because the point from which they appear (called the radiant) is in the constellation Perseus. During peak times, 50-80 quick small streaks of flying light pass through the sky every hour.

Top Viewing Tips: 

• No special tools required!: To get a glimpse of the Perseids meteor shower, simply look up! Don’t get too hung up on where in the sky the meteors are coming from. As long as you are in a dark, open space (note: avoid large trees), you’ll get a great view of the show!
• Do not disturb: It can take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the night’s darkness, so avoid looking at your phone and keep flashlights off. Bright, harsh light can degrade your night vision.
• Good things come to those who wait: Meteors are a natural phenomena, and there is no way to predict how many you’ll see or when they’ll appear.   When it comes to meteor showers, there are busy spurts and lulls, so we recommend spending at least an hour taking in the night sky.

When is Peak Performance?

While the Perseids happen throughout August, they will be most visible and vivid on August 11-13, from midnight to dawn. Plus, this year the stars have aligned because the Perseids peak during a crescent moon. That means the moonlight won’t ruin the show.

Where to Watch?

To take in the full magnificence of the meteors be sure to avoid light pollution by heading out of the city and camping in a space with a wide-open sky.

Check out these 5 gorgeous Hipcamp sites in Ontario that are ideal spots for a cosmic camping experience!

LINK: Og Coe Island Camp Ground

Twenty minutes away from Ontario’s Algonquin Park, this campsite provides a cozy stay surrounded by amenities any camper would dream of including hiking trails, lake access, and horseback riding tours.

LINK: Lakefront beauty on Lake Of Bays

Enjoy 200 feet of shoreline and your own metal fire pit at this beautiful campsite on the second largest lake in Muskoka.

LINK: Pine Solitude

This slice of heaven is perfectly tucked into a stand of white pines on a peninsula, overlooking a shallow lake, surrounded by small islands. Be sure to keep your eyes on more than just the stars, this 55 acre property is the home to deers, beavers, owls and more!

LINK: Big Sky Solitude

Just 3 hours outside of Toronto and located in a dark zone, this campsite offers a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience on an open peninsula.

LINK: Under the Stars Camping

This site comes with an RV for those who prefer to camp with some amenities but don’t be fooled, it still offers the perfect city escape with two spring-fed lakes onsite and a beautiful view of the open sky.