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Every year, two meteor showers—the Perseids and the Geminids—transform Québec’s sky into a spectacular celestial display with dazzling streaks of light racing across the sky.
What’s a shooting star? What’s so special about these two meteor events? When and how can you get the best view of these showers? Prepare your wish list, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know for a successful celestial hunt.
Some astronomical theory
Shooting stars aren’t stars in search of freedom. They’re actually the light produced when small meteoroids heat up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere.
The solar system is filled with “space dust” that sometimes reaches Earth. With a little... or a lot of luck, you can catch a glimpse of these streaks of light at any time of year, but meteor showers (or “meteor swarms,” if you want to sound like an expert) give you a much better chance of seeing this remarkable phenomenon.
Perseids and Geminids take the stage!
Formed from the disintegration of Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids are undoubtedly one of the most famous and eagerly awaited meteor showers of the year.
Every year, they appear near the constellation Perseus from July 17 to August 24, with peak activity between August 11 and 15, when you can see up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
Good to know: the most actives nights of the 2026 Perseids will be from August 11 to 14.
The Geminids appear in December, near the constellation Gemini, with peak activity expected between December 11 and 14.
Courtesy of Asteroid 3200 Phaeton, this second shower is known for its regularity and intensity, producing around 120 to 150 bright, colourful meteors per hour on the most active nights. While this phenomenon is as impressive as the Perseids, it requires a bit more preparation since it’s colder outside.
Good to know: The most active night of the 2026 Geminids will be from December 13 to 14.
Tips and advice for a dazzling light show
For an unforgettable stargazing experience, it’s important to plan ahead. Weather, location and equipment all need to be carefully considered before embarking on your quest.
Choosing the right location
For best results, make sure you pick a spot far from light pollution, like city lights. The good news is that most of our vast territory is far from large urban centres and is perfect for exploring the night sky.
Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, with its ASTROLab, is one of the most famous places in Québec for stargazing. This site—in the heart of the International Dark Sky Reserve —is ideal for viewing the stars thanks to its dark skies and astronomy facilities. However, it’s not the only good location, far from it! Our article 8 great spots to admire the starry sky, provides several options in different regions.
Check the weather forecast (as much as possible)
Much like light pollution, clouds can also limit what we can see at night. Although the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, it’s still a good idea to check the weather forecast and pick nights when you’re likely to have a clear sky. Temperature forecasts can also help you prepare and dress appropriately.
Keep warm
Whether it’s summer or winter, the savvy amateur astronomer always brings everything they need to stay warm. When you’re stargazing, you tend to stay still. As such, it can feel pretty cold after dark, even after a hot summer day.
A few essentials
- Something to prevent you from coming into direct contact with the ground: exercise mat, tarp, waterproof sheet or camping chair.
- Blankets, warm sweaters and long pants. Add to that all standard winter clothing for this December outing.
- Hot drinks and snacks to stay alert!
- Mosquito repellent to keep those pesky bugs at bay in the summer.
- A red or low-intensity light to illuminate when necessary, while limiting light pollution.
Use the right tools
To watch the Perseids or Geminids, the best tool is still your eyes! A telescope or binoculars will only be useful if you want to view the other “fixed” stars as well.
Since these meteor showers are clustered near constellations, beginners can use the online “star finder” tool to identify visible constellations and planets in the sky. Several apps such as Sky Map and Stellarium Mobile (to name just a few) are also fantastic for learning about the night sky.
Now that you know all there is to know about shooting stars, all that’s left to do is get ready and cross your fingers for clear skies!
Titre
In search of space and tranquility
So many destinations and experiences to choose from, where you can let your mind wander, drift off to another world or immerse yourself in the vastness of nature!
