Perseid Meteor Shower: Skywatching in Victoria
Peaks at 11PM Aug 12 through dawn on August 13, 2025
Best week is Aug 9-13, 2025
Occurs between July 17 and August 24, 2025
There’s something undeniably spellbinding about Victoria, BC after dark. Maybe it’s the rhythm of waves breaking on the shoreline, or the hush that settles over the city’s storied gardens and forests as dusk gives way to true night. But on August 12th, the night sky truly steals the show, as the Perseid Meteor Shower ignites above Vancouver Island, scattering cosmic sparks and calling all earthbound explorers outdoors. Victoria isn’t just another dot on the globe; it’s a launchpad to the stars, where kayakers swap paddles for telescopes and hikers transform into stargazers, drawn together by a shared sense of wonder. If you crave experiences that are a little offbeat, a little awe-inducing, and always under a sky full of possibility, Victoria is ready to show you celestial magic, no spaceship required.
Things to do during the Perseid Meteor Shower
Centre of the Universe
Remember the days when you dreamed of soaring past distant planets or peering into the heart of a black hole? At the Centre of the Universe, the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory invites you to relive that sense of discovery. Whether you’re visiting “From Baby Planets to Black Holes” on August 9th or the Star Party on August 16th, both running from 7:30 to 11:00PM, the Centre of the Universe is sure to satiate your needs for cosmic adventure. Explore the dome, take in planetarium shows, and watch the stars come to life through the mighty Plaskett Telescope. With hands-on crafts for kids, sidewalk astronomy, and exhibits that spark imagination, this is where your inner astronaut gets to take to the stars!
Photo credit: Centre of the Universe
UVic Astronomy Open House
The Perseids aren’t just a one-night wonder. Between August 9th and 13th, Victoria’s night skies are alive with streaks of cosmic brilliance. On August 13th, UVic opens its observatory doors from 8:30 to 10:30PM for a free Astronomy Open House, where you can tour the dome, chat about the latest astronomy news, ask your burning space questions, and gaze through telescopes both big and small, right from the rooftop. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or simply sky-curious, it’s the perfect chance to swap stories, catch up on the latest astronomy buzz, and marvel together at the endless, sparkling sky.
Photo credit: UVic Astronomy
The Boathouse Spa: Stargazing Sauna
Sink into the warmth of The Boathouse Spa’s new Stargazing Sauna, where the coastline of Oak Bay melts into the Salish Sea and the night sky stretches into infinity. Here, waves of relaxation meet the wonder of stargazing, a wellness ritual that lets you unwind and marvel, all at once. As steam rises and constellations appear, the ordinary slips away, replaced by the soothing rhythm of the ocean and the quiet magic of distant galaxies. It’s a moment for both body and spirit to drift, revelling in the magic of the universe, right from the peaceful shorelines of Victoria.
Photo credit: Lia Crowe
South Island SUP
As above, so below: on South Island Sup’s evening Bioluminescence Tour through Tod Inlet, you’ll paddle through water that bursts into a sparkling lightshow while the night sky dazzles overhead with celestial wonders. Each gentle stroke sets off a private light show beneath your board, echoing the meteors and constellations shining above. Here, you find yourself surrounded by magic both earthly and cosmic, a rare chance to glide between two worlds of wonder.
Photo credit: South Island SUP
Pacifica Paddle Sports
Glide into the magic of night on a Pacifica Paddle Sports Glow Tour, where bioluminescence twinkles beneath your kayak while the Perseids put on a cosmic show overhead. With tours scheduled on select dates throughout the meteor shower’s run, you’ll find the perfect balance of adventure and awe just minutes from the heart of Greater Victoria. Launching from the Saanich Peninsula, you’re far from city lights but never far from homebase, free to discover double the wonder as water and sky come alive together.
Dark Sky viewing
You can see more stars in a dark sky. Get away from the city lights and see the universe like never before. Beyond the Perseids, these locations are great spots for viewing stars, planets, and the milky way. Be mindful, these spaces are, well, dark! It’s always a good idea to scout the location during the day and be aware of any tripping hazards that might be on the ground. Where possible, red LED lighting will have the least impact on your night vision, helping you find your way and letting you enjoy the wonder of the cosmos. We’ve broken out these locations by the Bortle scale (which measures how bright the night’s sky is), ranging through Class 1-9, with Class 1 being the darkest (offering the best viewing), and Class 9 being the brightest (where only the brightest stars and planets shine in the sky above).
Local tip: Bring a pair of binoculars. While the Perseids might be moving too fast to catch a glimpse with your binoculars, they allow you to get a great view of nearby celestial objects such as the moon.
Cattle Point Urban DARK SKY Urban Star Park – Class 5
Cattle Point Urban DARK SKY Star Park turns the night into a true spectacle, offering front-row seats for the Perseid Meteor Shower in one of Canada’s only designated urban dark sky parks. Here, the stars take center stage thanks to carefully controlled lighting and a commitment to educating visitors about the beauty of darkness and the benefits of reducing light pollution. Spread a blanket, share stories, and watch the meteors streak overhead, this is nature’s own evening show, and everyone’s invited.
Sheringham Point Lighthouse – Class 3 & French Beach – Class 2
The picture perfect Sheringham Point Lighthouse has breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and as all lighthouses were intended, it might just be best viewed at night as the expanse of the universe stretches overhead, and the sky fills with a shimmer meteor shower. Sheringham Point Lighthouse experience offers a blend of storied history and the rugged natural beauty of Vancouver Island. French Beach Provincial Park, just minutes away from Sheringham Point Lighthouse, is an easily accessible stargazing haven. A short pathway leads you through pristine coastal rainforest to a wide, pebbled beach, where driftwood logs make the perfect front row seats for the Perseid spectacle above. Here, the night feels peaceful and wild in equal measure, with the gentle hush of the forest behind you and a sky bursting with stars overhead.
Photo credit: @murraysharrattphotography (Instagram)
Jordan River: Sandcut Beach – Class 2
For a truly untamed night under the Perseids, venture out to Jordan River Regional Park. After a walk through lush coastal rainforest, you’ll find yourself on a rugged, rocky beach where crashing waves and a hidden waterfall set the scene for unforgettable sunset photos, and, after susnet, some of the island’s most pristine stargazing. This remote, wild spot invites you to trade city lights for meteor trails, but be sure to travel in groups, bring flashlights or headlamps, and carry all the essentials for backcountry adventure. We recommend leaving for Sandcut Beach well before sunset and finding your spot on the beach ahead of the show. Find nearby accommodations at Wild Renfrew, Sooke Harbour House, and Prestige Oceanfront Resort.
Worlds away but close to home
Many of Greater Victoria’s regional parks are open until 30 minutes past sunset (or later), making some of our favourite local spots excellent locations to catch the start of the show. These nearby beaches are close to the city and still boast a score on the Bortle scale that offers great views of the sky above.
PKOLS (formerly Mount Douglas) Regional Park – Class 5
Take in the stars from the top of Victoria. PKOLS offers sweeping views of the region and the skies above. Find a spot at the summit and watch the night’s sky settle in, catching a spectacular sunset over the region below. With the park open until midnight, you can choose to hike up your favourite trail or drive up to the top and take in the show from the comfort of your car.
Photo credit: @sn_raj (Instagram)
Gonzales Observatory – Class 5
Perhaps not the observatory you were expecting, the Gonzales Observatory was originally built as a weather station, which it recorded weather, seismic and astronomical readings for over 75 years. Now, it’s a popular public park with breathtaking views of the Salish Sea. After sunset, it becomes a fantastic spot for stargazers with the cosmos sparkling overhead.
Photo credit: @neil896 (Instagram)
Ogden Point Breakwater – Class 6
The Ogden Point Breakwater stretches out nearly 1km into the Salish Sea. Take an evening stroll down to the lighthouse at the end and settle in for the show. As one of the closest sites to downtown Victoria, this very well may be the most accessible viewing location in the city. Look out at the silhouetted Olympic Mountains in awe and look up in wonder as the Perseids soar through our galaxy overhead.
Island View Beach – Class 4
Island View Beach stretches along the eastern edge of the Saanich Peninsula, offering long, sandy shores framed by salt marshes and rare sand dune ecosystems, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. As the sun dips low, the beach transforms with spectacular views of the Gulf Islands and the distant snowy summit of Mount Baker, making golden hour truly unforgettable. Come twilight, this peaceful spot becomes a natural amphitheater for the Perseids, where expansive skies and ocean breezes set the stage for stargazing at its finest.
Local tip: Load up your stargazing picnic basket at nearby Red Barn Market, who offer a wide range of locally sourced goods, and arguably Victoria's favourite on-the-go sandwiches.
Saxe Point Park – Class 6
While a little brighter than most of the stops on our interstellar journey, Saxe Point Park is still a wonderful spot to settle in for the stars. Offering a drive-in experience, the park is perfect whether you’re out for an evening stroll or looking to stay comfy from seats in your car. With views across the water toward the Olympic Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars above the mountains.
Local tip: Celebrate your starwatching adventure with a pint at Saxe Point Pub just a short stroll from the park.
Photo credit: sn_raj (Instagram)
Harling Point – Class 5
This sunset favourite offers Southwest facing views of the Salish Sea, which are perfect for watching the night’s sky reach beyond the Olympic mountains. We recommend arriving early and taking in the pastel hues as day turns to night, you’ll want to bring your camera as this is the perfect place to practice your astral imagery skills.
Photo credit: sn_raj (Instagram)
East Sooke Regional Park: Aylard Farm - Class 4
This sprawling park makes for an adventurous day hiking through lush coastal rainforests and rocky coastlines, as the day comes to a close, you can settle in at the sandy pocket beach at Aylard Farm to watch the start of the show overhead. With the waves calmly breaking on the shore and meteors dancing through the sky above, this is the perfect place to let go of your stresses and find balance in the universe.
Photo credit: murraysharrattphotography (Instagram)
Taylor Beach – Class 4
Tucked along the Metchosin coastline, Taylor Beach offers a peaceful retreat for skywatchers seeking a simple spot to settle in for the Perseid Meteor Shower. Here, you can perch comfortably on driftwood, let the sound of gentle waves set the mood, and gaze up as stars and meteors cut across the sky. As one of the area’s quieter, rockier beaches, Taylor Beach is beloved by locals for its easygoing charm and wide, open views, making it a hidden gem for a night spent under starlight.
Photo credit : sn_raj (Instagram)
Witty’s Lagoon – Class 4
Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park, is all about big skies and soft sand, perfect for stretching out and watching the Perseids make their entrance. The walk in takes you through lush coastal forest, so it’s always a good idea to bring friends and flashlights for the journey back after dark. Once you arrive, the beach opens wide to the sky, backed by the calls of herons and the rhythm of the tide. With its tidal flats, salt marshes, and even a seasonal waterfall, Witty’s Lagoon is a haven for both nature lovers and stargazers alike.
Local Tip: Bring a late-night picnic to enjoy on the beach or one of the picnic tables.
Whiffin Spit – Class 4
Whiffin Spit in Sooke is a narrow, wild stretch of land reaching out into the Salish Sea, famed for its sweeping views all the way to the Olympic Peninsula. Formed by ocean currents over centuries, the spit shelters Sooke Harbour on one side while the other meets the restless Pacific, making it a favorite haunt for seabirds, seals, and skywatchers like us. Take a stroll along the gentle gravel path, find your sunset perch at the very tip, and watch the evening skies transform as the day’s last light gives way to a canopy of stars. Few places mingle sea spray, wildlife, and cosmic wonder this perfectly.
Local tip: Dinner and a show anyone? Take your starwatching party to West Coast Grill in Sooke, where you can grab a seat at one of their outdoor fire pits until 10PM and enjoy takeout items from their menu beneath the stars.
Photo credit: murraysharrattphotography (Instagram)
Gordon’s Beach – Class 3
This is a great option for those staying in Sooke or the Westshore communities. There’s parking available along the road and then you’re just steps from the beach. West facing, this is another great spot for sunset chasers while you wait for the night’s sky to appear and the stellar show of shooting stars to begin overhead.
Photo credit: @neil896 (Instagram)
Meet our Dark Sky photographers
In Greater Victoria, we’re surrounded by beauty everywhere we look, whether that’s out over the ocean, through the trees, or to the skies up above. Meet the folks who captured much of the beautiful imagery we were able to share in the blog above, and see what they have to say about capturing the night’s sky throughout our region.
@sn_raj
I started my night photography journey on the island from cattle point, slowly moving west towards Sooke and beyond, constantly searching for dark sky regions. Night photography is a different ball game that requires knowledge about technical details, the location, and weather. I would rarely head out if there's a full moon, or if there are clouds or thick smoke layering the sky, with the only exception being aurora alerts with fast moving clouds with breaks in between the clouds. I enjoy forecasting the weather, and going out on night drives for photo shoots, as it gives me a type of calm that I don't get while taking any other type of photography. (Always remember to go with a buddy if you are going out on long drives, especially to locations that might require some amount of hiking, e.g., Sand cut beach, Tower point, East Sooke, and always carry a bear spray, as many of these locations are bear country.)
@neil896
There's a major reason why I love to photograph the night sky on southern Vancouver Island - the skies here are wonderfully dark. Starting about 10 km west of Sooke, BC, the skies are rated as suitably dark for astrophotography by various light pollution measuring organizations, and they get darker and darker as you progress west towards Port Renfrew. That's because you're getting farther and farther from human habitation on both the Vancouver Island side, and from the Olympic Peninsula side. The skies close to Port Renfrew are just delightful.
Photo credit: @neil896 (Instagram)
@murraysharrattphotography
Murray Sharratt is a Victoria landscape photographer with a bit of an obsession for the night sky.
Victoria invites you to step beyond the everyday and experience nights filled with awe, connection, and adventure, all beneath some of Canada’s most enchanting skies. Whether you’re craving wild coastal escapes or quiet moments of wonder, you’ll find a perfect place here to stake out your spot in the universe. The Perseids are your cosmic invitation, so pack your curiosity, grab someone you love, and let Victoria guide you to where the sky truly comes alive. The stars are waiting; make this the summer you answer their call.
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