Ontario Stargazing Calendar 2025: The Best Celestial Events & Where to Watch Them

If you love stargazing, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year. From dazzling meteor showers to a breathtaking total solar eclipse, Ontario’s night sky is putting on a show. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just looking for an unforgettable night under the stars, this guide covers the must-see celestial events of the year—plus the best dark sky locations in Calabogie and Collingwood to escape the light pollution and take in the view.

Stargazing Events in 2025

January 3-4 – Quadrantid Meteor Shower

Kicking off the year, the Quadrantid meteor shower is one of the strongest annual showers, producing up to 120 meteors per hour at peak. The short peak period means timing is everything, and with a waning crescent moon in 2025, visibility should be excellent.

Best Viewing Locations: Griffith Uplands Trail in Calabogie or the Bruce Trail near Collingwood.

February 20 – Conjunction of Venus and Mars

Venus and Mars will appear very close together in the early morning sky. This planetary conjunction is a great chance to observe two bright planets in a spectacular pairing.

Best Viewing Locations: Open viewpoints such as Eagle’s Nest in Calabogie or Sunset Point Park in Collingwood.

March 14-15 – Moon and Jupiter Conjunction

Jupiter will pass close to the Moon, creating a beautiful pairing visible with the naked eye or through binoculars. This is a great event for those new to stargazing.

Best Viewing Locations: Manitou Mountain Trail in Calabogie or Pretty River Valley Provincial Park in Collingwood.

April 8 – Total Solar Eclipse

This is the big one. On April 8, 2025, a total solar eclipse will sweep across North America, offering a rare opportunity to witness the moon completely block out the sun. While the path of totality won’t hit Ontario directly, you’ll still experience a dramatic partial eclipse—perfect for skywatchers with solar glasses or a pinhole projector.

Best Viewing Locations: High points with open horizons, like Eagle’s Nest in Calabogie or Sunset Point Park in Collingwood.

May 6-7 – Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower

One of the most stunning meteor showers of the year, the Eta Aquariids come from Halley’s Comet and are known for their fast-moving streaks across the sky. With a peak of about 30 meteors per hour and a crescent moon that won’t interfere much, this is a great time to head to a dark sky location.

Best Viewing Locations: The Madawaska Nordic Trails in Calabogie or Pretty River Valley Provincial Park in Collingwood.

August 12-13 – Perseid Meteor Shower

A favorite for summer stargazers, the Perseids can produce up to 100 meteors per hour at peak, and 2025’s show will be particularly bright since it coincides with a new moon.

Best Viewing Locations: Manitou Mountain Trail in Calabogie or the Georgian Trail near Collingwood.

October 21-22 – Orionid Meteor Shower

Another meteor shower tied to Halley’s Comet, the Orionids will light up the sky with about 20 meteors per hour. The moon will be minimal, making this a great event for those seeking a crisp fall night under the stars.

Best Viewing Locations: Griffith Uplands Trail in Calabogie or the Nottawasaga Lookout in Collingwood.

December 13-14 – Geminid Meteor Shower

Ending the year on a high note, the Geminids are one of the strongest and most colorful meteor showers, with bright, fast-moving meteors that often leave glowing trails.

Best Viewing Locations: Loon Lake Loop Trail in Calabogie or the Bruce Trail near Collingwood.

Best Stargazing Spots in Calabogie & Collingwood

Finding a dark sky is essential for the best stargazing experience. Fortunately, both Calabogie and Collingwood offer incredible locations far from city lights. Here are a few of the top spots:

Calabogie’s Dark Sky Locations

Eagle’s Nest Lookout – A stunning, elevated viewpoint with minimal light pollution.
Manitou Mountain Trail – A secluded hiking trail perfect for setting up a telescope.
Griffith Uplands Trail – A quiet, lesser-known spot that offers breathtaking views of the sky.

Collingwood’s Dark Sky Locations

Nottawasaga Lookout – A high elevation area with wide-open skies.
Pretty River Valley Provincial Park – Offers remote, tree-lined spots to escape light pollution.
The Bruce Trail (near Collingwood) – Various access points along the trail provide secluded areas for stargazing.

Make It a Getaway: Stay at Somewhere Inn

A night of stargazing is even better when you can return to a cozy, beautifully designed boutique hotel to unwind. Somewhere Inn Collingwood and Somewhere Inn Calabogie offer the perfect retreat after an evening under the stars. Enjoy luxurious king-sized beds, in-room soaker tubs, and unlimited access to the sauna and cold plunge to warm up after a night outside. Plus, both locations have their own wine bar, so you can toast to the universe after a night of celestial wonder.

Book your stay now and plan the ultimate 2025 stargazing adventure!