Ontario Stargazing Calendar 2026: The Best Celestial Events & Where to Watch Them

If you love stargazing, 2026 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 2026

February 28 – Planetary Parade (6 planets)

On February 28, six planets lined up in the evening sky: Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter. Four are visible to the naked eye in good conditions, while Uranus and Neptune need binoculars or a telescope.

Best viewing locations: anywhere with a wide-open horizon and low light pollution (Eagle’s Nest area in Calabogie; waterfront/open viewpoints around Collingwood).

March 3 – Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)

A total lunar eclipse happened in the early morning on March 3. In the Ottawa area, the eclipse peaked around 6:33 am, but the moon was very low and set shortly after, so an unobstructed western horizon was key.

April 21-22 – Lyrid Meteor Shower

The Lyrids are a classic spring meteor shower, and 2026 is a solid year for them with the moon only about 27% full at peak.

Best viewing locations: Griffith Uplands Trail (Calabogie) or the Bruce Trail area (near Collingwood).

May 5-6 – Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower (pretty, but moon will be bright)

The Eta Aquariids can be amazing (Halley’s Comet debris), but in 2026 the moon is about 84% full at peak, so you’ll want to get strategic (hide the moon behind trees/buildings, and focus on the darkest part of the sky).

Best viewing locations: Madawaska Nordic Trails area (Calabogie) or darker pockets around Pretty River Valley (Collingwood area).

May 31 – Full Blue Moon

A “Blue Moon” means a second full moon in a single month – and 2026 has one on May 31 (also giving 2026 a total of 13 full moons).

Best viewing locations: anywhere with an open view of the horizon – it’s a “big sky” moment.

June 8-9 – Venus and Jupiter Conjunction

On June 8-9, the two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, appear extremely close together (no telescope required).

Best viewing locations: Eagle’s Nest / high open lookouts (Calabogie) or Sunset Point Park-type viewpoints (Collingwood).

August 12 (midday) – Partial Solar Eclipse in Ontario

This is the big daytime one: Ontario gets a partial solar eclipse on August 12. Timing varies slightly by location, but for reference:

Ottawa area: begins about 12:49 pm, max about 1:42 pm, ends about 2:33 pm
Toronto area: begins about 12:55 pm, max about 1:40 pm, ends about 2:23 pm

Safety: only use proper eclipse glasses / solar viewers. No sunglasses. No “quick peek.”

Best viewing locations: any open space with clear skies and a safe viewer – parks, open fields, beaches.

August 12-13 (overnight) – Perseid Meteor Shower (excellent year)

Same date, totally different vibe: the Perseids peak August 12-13, and conditions are ideal because the moon is new (0% full). Expect a real show if the sky is clear.

Best viewing locations: Manitou Mountain / quieter rural pull-offs (Calabogie) or the Georgian Trail / darker countryside just outside Collingwood.

August 27-28 – Partial Lunar Eclipse (deep one)

Late summer brings a deep partial lunar eclipse overnight August 27-28. In the Toronto area it runs roughly 9:23 pm to 3:01 am, peaking around 12:12 am.

Best viewing locations: anywhere with a good view of the moon and low light pollution (and a blanket – it’s a late night).

November 16-17 – Leonid Meteor Shower

The Leonids are the famous “meteor storm” shower historically (though storms are rare). In 2026, the moon is around 45% full, so you’ll do best in the darkest possible spot after midnight.

Best viewing locations: darker trailheads / rural edges outside town in both Calabogie and Collingwood.

December 13-14 – Geminid Meteor Shower

The Geminids are the year’s closer – typically bright, colourful, and plentiful. In 2026 the moon is only 21% full, which is great.

Best viewing locations: Loon Lake Loop area (Calabogie) or Bruce Trail access points (near Collingwood).

Best Stargazing Spots in Calabogie & Collingwood

Finding a darker sky is half the battle. Here are easy go-to’s in each area:

Calabogie dark-sky go-to’s

Eagle’s Nest Lookout area (big open views)
Manitou Mountain Trail (quiet, low light)
Griffith Uplands Trail (great if you want fewer headlights)

Collingwood dark-sky go-to’s

Nottawasaga Lookout (wide-open sky)
Pretty River Valley area (darker, more tucked away)
Bruce Trail access points outside town (pick one away from main roads)

A few tips so you actually see meteors

Give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust (no phone screen if you can help it).
Dress warmer than you think. Always.
For meteor showers: face away from the moon and look up wide, not at one tiny spot.
If you’re only doing one night: go after midnight to pre-dawn for most showers.

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 2026 stargazing adventure!