Perseid Meteor Shower 2025: When and Where to Watch in Canada

Get ready, Canada — the Perseid meteor shower is set to light up the skies this summer. Known for its high rate of bright, colorful meteors and warm August viewing conditions, it remains one of the most anticipated celestial events for stargazers across the country. But in 2025, there’s a catch.

When Is the Perseid Meteor Shower in Canada?

Active Period: July 14 to September 1, 2025
Peak Dates: Night of August 12–13 (early morning of the 13th is best)
Best Viewing Hours: Midnight to pre-dawn, after the radiant rises
Moon Interference: 84% waning gibbous, which will reduce visibility

The predicted peak is August 12 at 4 p.m. EDT (20:00 UTC), meaning the best viewing for Canadians will be during the pre-dawn hours of August 12 and 13.

What to Expect in the Sky

Expected rate under dark skies: ~90 meteors/hour (ideal conditions)
Realistic rate in 2025 with moonlight: 20–25 meteors/hour
Meteor speed: Fast — about 59 km per second
Meteor color: Often bright with persistent green or golden trails

The moon’s brightness will dim the show, but many bright Perseids still shine through. Try to block the moon from your line of sight — a tree, building, or hill can help.

Where to Watch in Canada

To enjoy the Perseids at their best, find a dark, rural location away from city lights. Here are some top stargazing spots across the country:

Ontario:

Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Point Pelee National Park

British Columbia:

McDonald Park Dark-Sky Preserve (Victoria)
Cypress Mountain Lookout
Big White near Kelowna

Alberta:

Jasper National Park (Dark Sky Preserve)
Banff National Park
Elk Island National Park

Quebec:

Mont-Mégantic National Park
La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve

Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada:

Kejimkujik National Park
Fundy National Park (NB)
Terra Nova National Park (NL)

Manitoba/Saskatchewan:

Riding Mountain National Park
Grasslands National Park

Territories:

Yellowknife (NWT) — one of the darkest skies in the country
Ivvavik National Park (YT) for adventurous skywatchers

Tips for Watching the 2025 Perseids in Canada

Arrive early to let your eyes adjust to the dark (takes 20–30 minutes).
Face northeast, where the radiant point near Perseus rises.
Don’t stare directly at the radiant; meteors appear all across the sky.
Use a blanket or chair to recline comfortably — neck strain is real.
Check the forecast for clear skies, and bring warm layers if you’re in a northern region.
Block the moon with a tree line or building if it’s above the horizon.

A Quick Look at the Science

The Perseids come from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which leaves a trail of debris every time it orbits the Sun. Each summer, Earth passes through that stream, and those small particles burn up in our atmosphere—giving us this annual show.

Most Perseid meteors don’t survive the trip to the ground, but they often leave long, colorful trails, sometimes even fireballs.

Bottom Line for Canada

Despite the moonlight reducing peak visibility, the Perseids remain Canada’s favorite meteor shower. With a clear sky, a dark location, and some patience, you’re still in for a magical night of stargazing.

Are you planning to stay up for the Perseids this year—or have a favorite Canadian stargazing spot to recommend? Share it in the comments!

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