There’s something magical about watching a summer night sky come alive with shooting stars. Each August, the Perseid Meteor Shower puts on one of the most anticipated celestial shows of the year… and the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area is one of the best places in Ontario to experience it.
The 2026 Perseid Meteor Shower peaks August 12–13, with the New Moon providing exceptionally dark skies this year, making this shower one you won’t want to miss.
Expect a Busy Night at the Dark Sky Viewing Area
A meteor shower this spectacular brings plenty of attention, so expect the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area to be especially busy around the Perseid peak.
If you’re planning to visit, arrive early, be patient and give yourself plenty of time to find a place to settle in. Most importantly, remember that everyone is there for the same reason: to experience the night sky.
Once you arrive, turn off your vehicle lights as soon as practical and avoid unnecessary white light. Protecting everyone’s night vision makes a big difference under dark skies.
Parking will be tight, and visitors will be coming and going throughout the night. Some stay from dusk until dawn, others are in and out relatively quickly. That’s why we don’t book reservations. It’s not a typical night at Dark Sky, but it’s still a fun experience. Overflow parking is available at Sheffield Conservation, located just north of the viewing platform.
The Dark Sky Viewing Area is a free, public stargazing destination located at 7980 County Road 41 in Erinsville. Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area,
When Should You Watch the Perseids?
Although Perseids can be seen throughout the night, your best opportunity is generally after midnight and into the pre-dawn hours.
You don’t need a telescope or special equipment. Find a comfortable spot, look up and give your eyes time to adjust. Meteors can appear anywhere across the sky, so a wide view is better than focusing on one particular spot.
Give Your Eyes Time to Adjust
One of the most important meteor shower viewing tips is to protect your night vision.
Give your eyes approximately 20–30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Avoid checking your phone whenever possible. If you need to use it, turn the brightness down as low as possible and use a red-light setting.
At a dark-sky destination, every bit of unnecessary light can affect the experience for the people around you.
Bring What You Need
Plan to spend several hours outside. Bring a comfortable lawn chair or blanket, warm layers, water, snacks and bug spray. Telescopes are not needed to view a meteor shower. In fact, naked eye viewing is the best way to see meteors shooting across the sky.
Be sure to check the weather before you leave. Even the darkest skies are spoiled by cloud cover.
Be a Good Dark Sky Visitor
With more people expected at the Dark Sky Viewing Area during the Perseid peak, good visitor etiquette is especially important.
Keep noise to a minimum (except ooh and ahhs), and remember that no white light is permitted on the platform. If you’re photographing the sky, remember that your screen and equipment lights can affect other observers. We suggest you set up around the perimeter of the property so there is less of a chance of your tripod tripping other guests.
Lastly, please take everything you bring with you when you leave. There are no garbage or recycling receptacles at Dark Sky.
Look Up!
The Perseid Meteor Shower is a perfect excuse to slow down, get outside and experience one of nature’s greatest light shows.
The Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area offers an incredible setting for stargazing in Ontario. Just remember: during the Perseids, you won’t be the only one looking up.
Arrive early, be prepared for crowds, respect the dark skies and settle in for a spectacular night. You never know when the next bright Perseid will streak overhead.
