Year after year, every summer, the famous shower of shooting stars, called Perseids, delights sky enthusiasts. In 2024, this will happen between August 11 and 14 with a peak of intensity on the night of the 12th to the 13th. Here are some places to admire them.
Read also : Here’s when the Perseids will take place this year in 2024
1. Astrolab, Mont-Mégantic national park – Eastern Townships
We no longer present this national park with its grandiose mountain, renowned (not only) for the observatory which sits at its summit and its International Dark Sky Reserve (the first to have seen the light of day in the world) which surrounds it. At the foot of this mountain, ASTROlab, the scientific museum and discovery center, offers a whole range of activities to discover the splendors of space and the Universe. On the occasion of the Perseids, from August 9 to 11, several activities (observation, multimedia presentation, night hiking if weather permits) are organized at the summit and at the base of the mountain.
2. Au Diable Vert – Glensutton, Eastern Townships
© Photo taken from the Diable Vert website
Famous for its many rustic and unique accommodations (tree shelters, pods, etc.), the Au Diable Vert mountain resort offers a host of activities – including one unique in Canada, VéloVolant. Recently certified as a dark sky reserve, it also has an outdoor planetarium, ObservÉtoiles, since 2018. It is a four-season amphitheater with 180 seats, on heated stands, set up on the mountainside, even with augmented reality! Guided by narration from talented astronomers, each nighttime performance is tailored to the changing reality of the beauty of space.
3. LBO Experiences at Mont-Ham Regional Park
With its 713 meters of altitude and its 360-degree panoramic view, the Mont-Ham regional park is a great place to enjoy the Perseids. On August 11 and 15, LBO Experience is organizing a special event combining starry skies and outdoor activities: guided or independent hiking, camping at the summit, a warm and gourmet evening with local products, meditation and yoga at altitude. There are only 25 places available per evening – at the time of writing, the event is sold out.
4. Domaine Saint-Bernard – Mont-Tremblant, Laurentides
© Photo taken from the Domaine Saint-Bernard Facebook page
Located less than 10 km south of the village of Mont-Tremblant, Domaine Saint-Bernard welcomes ornithologists, hikers and astronomers looking for a site removed from large urban centers, ideal for observing nature and the sky. Every Saturday evening in the summer, in the comfort of the astronomy pavilion, a team of volunteers introduces visitors to the contemplation of the stars through various telescopes. In collaboration with the Mont-Tremblant astronomy club, on August 9 or 10 (depending on the weather), the domain organizes the Perseid Festival. On the program: animated planet trail (several departures planned), rocket launch, solar telescope, scientific presentation on the origin of the Perseids on a giant screen, observation of shooting stars with the naked eye and observation of the sky through a telescope (more than 20 telescopes on site), kiosks and activities around the theme of astronomy.
5. Pourvoirie Saint-Zénon – Lanaudière
© Photo taken from the Facebook page of the Saint-Zénon observatory
Located far from light pollution, the Saint-Zénon outfitter is not only a fishing spot, it also has an observatory. It is therefore an ideal place for stargazing in the region.
6. Eco-Odyssey Nature Park – Wakefield, Outaouais
© Photo taken from the Eco-Odyssée Nature Park Facebook page
This ecotourism park, located in a large swamp, is known for offering different adventures in the middle of a “water maze” which has a total of 64 intersections spread over 6.4 kilometers. An experience to try in SUP, kayak, canoe or pedal boat also at night, and especially during the Perseids, for two hours.
7. Massif du Sud Park – Chaudière-Appalaches
The Massif du Sud park, located 1 hour 15 minutes from Quebec in St-Philémon, is well known to outdoor enthusiasts. It is also a very beautiful place to observe meteor showers. On August 10, he is organizing a special activity, The Echo of the Perseids with a performance of classical music from the Opus D2 collective and the rich and colorful universe of Homeostatis supplemented by a video projection and lights, as well as obviously observation Perseids using large telescopes.
8. Mont Cosmos – Saint-Elzéar, Chaudière-Appalaches
© Photo taken from the Mount Cosmos Observatory Facebook page
Located in the heart of the Appalachians, less than an hour’s drive from Quebec, Mount Cosmos is an ideal site for observing the starry sky. Far from any light pollution and offering a clear view of the sky above the St. Lawrence valley, the site has been home to the Mount Cosmos observatory for more than 40 years, a privileged meeting place for amateur astronomers. , from beginners to the most experienced. A special – and free – event is organized on the occasion of the Perseids, on August 10. During the day: observation of the Sun, visit to the observatory, sale of hot dogs, science workshop for children, etc. In the evening: sky observation with specialists and instruments.
9. Jacques-Cartier National Park – Quebec region
Jacques-Cartier National Park organizes astronomy evenings in its amphitheater all summer long. Far from light pollution, you will have the chance to admire the millions of stars that appear in the dark sky. It lasts 60 minutes and the activity is free (limited number of places, first come first served).
10. Domaine à Ciel Ouvert – Charlevoix-Est, Charlevoix
© Photo taken from the Open Air Domain Facebook page
Opened in 2023, Open Air Domain (DACO) is an unusual accommodation space, located in the Sainte-Agnès sector, 10 minutes from downtown La Malbaie. Open year-round, seven days a week, DACO offers several cabins, land for vanlife and trails for hiking. Telescopes are available in the ready-to-camp campsites. A large net stretched in the air is also present for observing the stars.
