It’s every stargazer’s favourite time of year again!
The annual Perseids meteor shower has been ramping up since mid July, and will continue to light up the sky until close to the end of August, with the shower’s peak happening in the coming days.
Specifically, the shower is expected to see its climax on the night of Wednesday, August 12th and the morning of Thursday, August 13th.
These meteors are called “earth-grazers,” meaning they enter the earth’s atmosphere before heading back into space, offering a truly incredible show.
Amazingly, the peak of this year’s shower will also coincide with a partial solar eclipse.
This yearly astrological phenomenon is a source of wonder for many across the globe, and Vancouver Island is no exception.
While most anybody will be able to look up and catch a meteor or two from almost anywhere in the city if they look long enough, the remote nature of Vancouver Island offers some of the best views of this shower anywhere in the world and should be taken advantage of.
The best place to view any celestial event is away from the lights of the city. A dark sky offers the clearest view of space, and those hoping for a show will be able to take it in best from a location away from light pollution.
In and around Victoria, there are some places that are better than others for this type of viewing. Skygazers will find these areas better for night sky viewing than others.
Without further ado, here are 7 places in and around Victoria to catch the Perseids meteor shower:
Cattle Point
Cattle Point is unique in its ability to offer a dark sky so close to the city lights of Victoria.
The park has a reputation now for being one of the best in the area for stargazing, and is popular when celestial events like meteor showers or Aurora Borealis are expected to be seen.
If you head down to Cattle Point, make sure to be mindful of others when finding a spot to sit and watch.
Saxe Point
Another opportunity for dark sky viewing right on the beach comes from Saxe Point.
This may be the best option for those in Esquimalt or Vic West, as the beach is easily accessible from both locations.
The beach looks directly out onto the Salish Sea, and delivers an open sky that is perfect for stargazing.
PKOLS
While PKOLS does see a fair amount of light pollution, its advantage is its height and expansive views of the region.
With the open night sky above and views in any direction, PKOLS is also bound to be fairly busy.
There is plenty of room to set up a chair or blanket and watch the shower unfold, just be mindful of your neighbours as you move through the area in the dark and try not to disturb anyone’s viewing experience.
Mount Tolmie
Similar to PKOLS, Mount Tolmie has the advantage of being the highest point for kilometres in any direction.
Offering a bit more parking and sitting space than PKOLS, this may also be a popular spot for stargazers close to UVic.
Mount Tolmie may also be a bit of an easier climb for some, so if you can, it’s better to make your way there without a vehicle or to park outside the park.
Jordan River Sandcut Beach
For those who are willing to go outside the city limits, Jordan River is west of Sooke and about an hour-and-a-half drive from Victoria’s city centre. The area offers some of Vancouver Island’s best stargazing.
The area is sure to be lit up with dozens of meteors every hour, away from both the city lights and sound.
If you’re looking for the best time of the year to spend a night on the beach, this may just be it.
Island View Beach
For stargazers who don’t want to travel quite so far, Island View Beach in Saanichton may be the perfect middle ground.
The beach looks out east onto the Haro Strait, towards San Juan and Sidney Islands.
It sees a little less light pollution than some spots more directly in the city, while having the advantage of being closer to Victoria than Jordan River for those who don’t wish to drive so far, but still want to be on a beach.
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church
If you’d like to experience the incredible celestial event with a community component, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is offering camping on their property on Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th.
They will be hosting several amateur astronomers throughout the weekend to give talks on various subjects for those interested in doing some learning as well.
Drop-in viewers are welcomed at the site for free, and campers are encouraged to donate $20 to offset the costs of the event.
For more information on the event at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, click here.
This time of year truly is a time to revel in the beauty of Mother Nature, and Vancouver Islanders are blessed with a proximity to natural spaces that allow us to appreciate stunning events like these.
Make sure to make some time in the coming nights to get out and appreciate this dazzling show on the horizon.
Have a recommendation for a great place to watch? Let us know in the comment section below.
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