Fall is the perfect time for astronomy lovers to explore the night skies no matter where you are, but especially in Ontario’s Highlands, known for some of the darkest skies in the province. In fall, the cold air holds less moisture than warm air so the night sky is amazingly clear; plus, this is the time of year when some amazing astronomical events take place each year.

This year we have some epic stargazing conditions to take in. Bundle up with a thermos and settle back to drink in the millions of stars overhead. Read on to discover when and where to stargaze in Ontario’s Highlands this October.

A dark sky preserve
Telescopes set up and tracking the stars at North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve

Where to Stargaze

The best part about stargazing (besides that it's completely FREE!) is that it can be done almost anywhere, in a farmer's field, at your local park or even in your own backyard. That said, there are some locations that are obviously better than others, and usually the more remote the better, as there will be less light pollution obscuring the night sky.

In Ontario's Highlands, our night skies are clear and bright! In fact, our region is home to two spots with some of the darkest skies in Ontario, North Frontenac and Lennox & Addington. Here, you can observe the night skies at the North Frontenac Astronomy Park or the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area.

Other parts of Ontario's Highlands are also dedicated to preserving the night sky, and many have by-laws in place to keep light pollution to a minimum. The point is, you can go almost anywhere in our region and be assured of a phenomenally starry night (weather permitting).

Here's a list of celestial events taking place this fall:

Dark sky viewing is best when you can take your time. Book an overnight at Pine Grove Motel in Northbrook or camp out at Bon Echo Provincial Park so you can take your time at the dark sky preserve and only be minutes from your accommodation when it's time to call it a night. 

Saturn at Opposition

When: Oct. 4, 2026

Saturn is always a showstopper, but this is one of the best nights of the year to look for the ringed planet. On Oct. 4, Saturn reaches opposition, which happens when Earth passes between Saturn and the sun. That means Saturn will rise around sunset, remain visible throughout the night and appear at its brightest for the year.

You’ll be able to spot Saturn with the naked eye, but bring along a telescope if you can — even a small one can reveal its famous rings. Find yourself a dark corner of Ontario’s Highlands, bundle up and settle in for a look at one of the most spectacular sights in our solar system.

Draconid Meteor Shower 

When: Peaks Oct. 7 to 9, 2026, peaking Oct. 8 to 9

Have you ever heard of Draco the Dragon? Neither had we, but the name alone will inspire you to try and catch this meteor shower this fall. The Draconid Meteor Shower passes through the skies in Ontario each October and at its peak you will have a chance to spot meteors streaking through the night sky (keep in mind the Draconids are known for being unpredictable from year to year). 

Hunter’s Moon 

When: Oct. 26, 2026

The full moon in fall seems more brilliant, larger, and rounder, and closer to the earth.  The Hunter's Moon takes place in October and its name comes from the Anglo Saxons, referring to the time of the year when hunters are out hunting or preserving game. 

Orionids Meteor Shower 

When: Active from Oct. 2 to Nov. 7, peak activity Oct. 21 to 22, 2026

Watch the night skies for up to 20 meteors that will streak across the sky every hour during this meteor shower. Fun fact: the Orionids are named after Orion because the meteors appear to originate from the same area of the sky as that constellation. This shower is active between Oct. 2 and Nov. 7 but peaks Oct. 21 to 22 where a moonless sky will also make for the best viewing conditions.

Taurid Meteor Shower

When: Peaks Nov. 4 to 5 and 11 to 12, 2026

The Taurids may not produce the highest number of meteors, but what they lack in quantity they make up for in drama. These showers are renowned for producing slow-moving, exceptionally bright meteors known as fireballs.

There are actually two Taurid meteor showers. The Southern Taurids peak Nov. 4 to 5, followed by the Northern Taurids Nov. 11 to 12. Viewing conditions look promising in 2026, with relatively little moonlight around both peaks. Head somewhere dark, give your eyes time to adjust and keep watching — a Taurid fireball can appear almost anywhere in the sky.

Super Full Moon 

When: Nov. 24, 2026

No, a super moon does not refer to a moon with a red cape fluttering behind it, it’s a celestial phenomena that takes place when the full moon or new moon occurs during the moon’s closest approach to Earth. Because the orbit of the moon is an elliptical there are times when the moon is closer to the earth, which, when combined with the full moon or new moon gives astronomers some spectacular views of the moon surface. 

Leonids Meteor Shower

When: Peaks Nov. 16 to 17, 2026

This annual meteor shower is actually active for most of November, with the peak spanning two days. This is the fastest of all known annual meteor showers, and makes for stellar stargazing opportunities. This year moonlight won't interfere with the views because the waning crescent only rises close to dawn during the peak period. 

Uranus at Opposition 

When: Nov. 25, 2026

Ready to add another planet to your stargazing bucket list? Uranus reaches opposition on Nov. 25, when Earth passes between the distant ice giant and the sun. Around opposition, Uranus is at its brightest for the year and visible for much of the night.

Unlike Saturn, Uranus can be tricky to spot with the naked eye, even beneath wonderfully dark skies. Bring binoculars or a telescope and look for a tiny blue-green point of light. With the low light pollution found in some parts of Ontario’s Highlands, this is a great excuse to see if you can track down the seventh planet from the sun.

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