One-Night Stargazing Trip to Four Corners Algonquin
August 12-13
Escape the city for a magical night under one of Ontario’s darkest skies. This one-night trip is timed perfectly for the peak of the Perseids Meteor Shower—an annual celestial event where up to 100 meteors per hour streak across the sky like cosmic fireworks.
Wake up at 2 a.m. to see the universe fall into the sky.
In mid-August, Earth passes through the debris trail of Comet Swift–Tuttle. For a few nights, up to 100 meteors per hour streak across the sky. This is the Perseid meteor shower, and you’ll be watching it from one of the darkest places in Ontario.
Four Corners Algonquin sits on 90 acres of the Canadian Shield, just outside Algonquin Park’s east gate. It’s a certified dark-sky site with Bortle 2 conditions. The Milky Way isn’t a haze here. It’s a bright river of light from horizon to horizon. When the Perseids peak, the meteors don’t require patience. They demand attention.
Where You’re Staying
This is camping without discomfort. You’ll sleep in a fully equipped safari tent with a real bed, solar-powered electricity, and proper weather protection. Each site includes a fire pit, Muskoka chairs, BBQ, picnic table, and delivered firewood. Bring your sleeping bag and warm layers. Everything else is set up for you.
The entire property is designed to minimize light pollution. That’s the point. It means darker paths at night, but skies that actually deserve the word dark.
The Experience
The trip runs August 12-13 for one night, timed for the Perseid peak.
Friday night introduces the sky. You’ll learn the constellations, where Perseus sits, and how to watch meteor showers properly. You'll have time to explore Whitney before dark with the shuttle service.
Saturday you can spend the day exploring Algonquin Park along Highway 60 before night hits for the main event. After midnight, the radiant climbs higher and the sky comes alive. You lie back, stay warm, and watch light appear out of nowhere.
Sunday morning is slow and optional.The shuttle service will provide service into Whitney if you want to get out and about. You can sleep in. Drink coffee. Wander the property. If you want movement, Algonquin’s Old Railway Trail and nearby day hikes are easy to access. Or don’t do anything at all.
Guided by an Astrophysicist
Your stargazing sessions are led by astrophysicist Caroline El Khoury from Night Sky Adventures. They don’t just point at the sky. They explain what you’re seeing, why it’s happening, and how to make sense of it in real time. You’ll learn where to look, when the activity peaks, and why some meteors leave glowing trails that hang in the air.
Why This Works
- No car required. Round-trip bus from Toronto included.
- No camping experience needed. Everything is set up.
- Dark skies actually matter. You can’t fake this near the city.
- Comfort counts. You’ll be outside for hours. Being warm matters.
If you’ve never camped, this is the best possible introduction. If you have, it’s Algonquin without the work.
The People
Meteor showers aren’t solitary experiences, even if you arrive solo.
You’ll end up sharing blankets, pointing out bright streaks, and talking quietly between bursts of light. Groups mix with solo travelers. Strangers become familiar by 2 a.m. This is an ActiveDays trip, which means the vibe is relaxed, inclusive, and pressure-free. The agenda is simple: lie down and look up.
Join the ActiveDays Facebook group before departure to meet people, ask questions, and connect ahead of time.
The Essentials
Included
- Round-trip bus from Toronto
- Two nights in a safari tent
- Guided stargazing with an astrophysicist
- Meals included- see FAQ
- Firewood, Muskoka chairs, BBQ, picnic table
- Solar-powered lighting and phone charging
Not included
- Lunches, bedding/linens, cookware - See FAQ
- Rentals with other outfitters
Claim Your Safari Tent
Be sure to read through the FAQ tab first, and when you're ready click the links to start your reservation.
Individuals $300- https://parkbus.com/reserve?parkline=9311
4-Person Safari Tent Package $1060 - (Each "Person" Is a TENT, you only need one passenger selected to book a tent)
https://parkbus.com/reserve?parkline=9312
Pickup Locations
34 Asquith Avenue
Pick up at 34 Asquith Ave, just north of the Yonge and Bloor Subway stop. We recommend getting there 15 minutes early to make sure you have enough time for the bus.
Departure Time
3:00 PM
Return Time
3:00 PM NEXT DAY
Four Corners Algonquin Winter
The bus will drop you off at Four Corners Algonquin.
Estimated arrival
1:00 PM
Departure
9:30 AM
Claim Your Safari Tent
Be sure to read through the FAQ below and when you're ready click the links to start your reservation.
Individuals - https://parkbus.com/reserve?parkline=9311
4-Person Safari Tent Package (Each "Person" Is a TENT, you only need one passenger selected to book a tent)
https://parkbus.com/reserve?parkline=9312
Your Weekend Includes
- Round trip coach bus transportation
- Your accommodations in a Safari Tent at Four Corners Algonquin, a certified dark sky friendly site, and registered observatory
- One night of Stargazing Programming
- Meals catered by MadMusher Restaurant: Friday - Dinner, Saturday- Breakfast and Dinner, Sunday - Breakfast
- Shuttling: Shuttle service available for day time trips into Algonquin Park (Saturday) or Whitney (Friday and Sunday)
- Saturday day trip options:
- 1) Spending the day at Lake of Two Rivers Store, Campground or on the Old Rail Trail with discounted rentals from Algonquin Outfitters
- 2) Spend half the day at Lake of Two Rivers, grab lunch and then head to the visitor centre, Big Pines, Spruce Board Boardwalk, or Beaver Pond trails
What you need to know about Safari Tents
How does tent assignment at Four Corners work?
There are 24 individual booking spots available.
If you have a group of 4, or you want a tent to yourselves we encourage you to book one of the five available, 4-person tent packages.
Each tent has 3 mattresses and holds up to 4 people.
The beds include 1 king and two twin matresses.
For individuals bookings, we will only be placing 3 people in each tent.
If you are coming with a friend, it’s in your best interest to pay on the SAME ORDER. Instead of separately.
If you do not do this, we cannot guarantee the numbers will work out to place you all in the same tents.We assign tents at a later date, and send out a tent booking survey. We assign tents to the best of our abilities by gender rooming preferences: all Male, all Female or Mixed gender/has no preference. For those with multiple people (max 3) on the same order, we automatically place you in the same tent.
What Tents include:
- Every safari tent comes with solar powered lighting and charging station for your phone
- Outside, you'll find your own personal Muskoka chairs, bbq, a picnic table and fire pit
- Free firewood is delivered straight to your site
Capacity:
- 4 person Safari Tents have 3 beds, one king and two twin pull out floor mattresses
What's Not Included
- You must bring your own lunch food and bedding/sleeping bags and pillows
- Lunches: We encourage you package light snacks and lunch that do not require refrigeration, as this is not available on site. Food storage will be provided as storing food in your tent is not allowed. You may bring a bag or small cooler with your lunch items. Alternatively, plan to eat out at Lake of Two Rivers or in Whitney.
- Bedding/pillows: Bring your own sheets/blankets/sleeping bags and pillows.
- Rentals are available from four corners at an additional cost for bedding/linens and cooking
- Any additional rentals you purchase with other vendors in Whitney or with Algonquin Outfitters are not included. You may wish to coordinate a rental drop off with Algonquin Outfitters, we have a 15% discount for Parkbus riders arranged, when you call to book mention this to save on your activities.
Activities Around Four Corners
- Explore the trails: Connect to Algonquin's Old Rail Trail from the Four Corners Loop
- Head into the Village of Whitney: Grab meals and enjoy local entertainment
- Bring a bike: Limited bike spots available on the bus on first come first serve basis
- Watersports and rentals: Connect with Algonquin Outfitters, Opeongo Outfitters or the East Gate Motel for Madawaska River activities
