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Description
- When: Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Where: Aldergrove Regional Park, Abbotsford, BC
- Cost: $20 per vehicle (max 8 people) | Tent camping $40 per tent (max 4 people)
- Hosted by: Metro Vancouver Regional Parks
Every August, Earth passes through a trail of dust left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, and the result is the Perseids meteor shower — one of the most reliable stargazing shows of the year. Metro Vancouver Regional Parks brings the show to Aldergrove Regional Park for an evening under the stars, combining meteor watching with telescopes, lantern-lit trails, live performances, and food trucks for a night that works whether you're deep into astronomy or just looking for a reason to lie back on a blanket and watch the sky.
On a clear night, visitors may catch several meteors per hour as they burn up in the atmosphere, though cloud cover, light pollution, and moonlight can all affect visibility — part of the appeal is the unpredictability of it. Space enthusiasts on site will have telescopes trained on the sky and be on hand to help point out what's overhead.
What to Expect
Meteor & Constellation Watching
Bring a blanket and lie back to watch for "shooting stars," with help on hand to find constellations. Downloading the free SkyView app in advance is a handy way to identify what you're looking at.
Telescope Viewing
Local space enthusiasts and astronomy groups set up telescopes throughout the evening, open for public viewing and conversation.
Lantern-Lit Trail
A 1.5 km lantern-lit trail offers a self-guided way to continue the night's "space odyssey" through the park after dark.
Live Performances & Activities
The evening includes shadow puppet theatre, blacklight skits, glow-in-the-dark poetry, a Wishing Tree, a "create a constellation" activity, and live star talks throughout the night.
Food Trucks
A lineup of local food trucks covers everything from burgers and fries to poutine, corndogs, mini donuts, and chocolate-covered berries.
Vendors: Banana Barrel, Big Red's Poutine, Fishing Panda, Little Ooties, Sundae Social
Exhibitors
Educational exhibits and hands-on activities run throughout the evening from a group of local science and nature organizations, including the Fraser Valley Regional Library, Girl Guides of Canada – Ottergrove District, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Langley Environmental Partners Society, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Vancouver, the Simon Fraser University Astronomy Club, and Wildlife Preservation Canada.
What to Bring & Know Before You Go
- Dress for the weather: Evening temperatures drop, so layers are recommended.
- Optional gear: A blanket, chair, drinking water, flashlight, telescope, or binoculars.
- Stargazing tip: Download the free SkyView app ahead of time to help locate constellations.
- Supervision required: All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Rain or shine: The event goes ahead regardless of weather.
- Pets: Please leave pets at home for the comfort of all attendees.
Tent Camping
For those who want to make a full night of it, tent camping is available on a large, open grass field near the main event, creating a shared stargazing experience with fellow campers.
Getting There & Parking
Parking at the event site is limited, so vehicles cannot drive directly to the site. Campers park in a designated lot and use a free shuttle running roughly every 15 minutes from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM (about a 5-minute ride), first come, first served. Only tents are permitted — RV camping is not allowed.
Setup & Timing
Campsite setup begins at 5:00 PM, ahead of the 8:00 PM event start. No power is available at campsites, and vehicles are parked away from tents, so campers should pack accordingly. Gates close at 9:00 PM with no entry after that time.
Fire Safety & Rules
No alcohol, drugs, or smoking. Campfires, gas stoves, briquettes, and generators are prohibited due to high fire risk.
Security & Quiet Hours
Security is on duty overnight, and the gate opens only for emergencies. Quiet time begins at 12:30 AM — music should be kept low beforehand and off entirely after that. Don't leave valuables in tents or vehicles; while staff patrol the camping area, Metro Vancouver isn't responsible for lost or stolen items.
Facilities & Checkout
Toilets and potable water are available on site, though bringing your own water is encouraged. Gates open again at 7:00 AM Sunday, and vehicles can't leave before then. Campsites must be fully packed up by 10:00 AM Sunday — "pack it in, pack it out."
Plan Your Visit
- Event: Meteor Shower Watch 2026 at Aldergrove Regional Park
- Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM (camping check-in from 5:00 PM)
- Location: Aldergrove Regional Park, Abbotsford, BC
- Admission: $20 per vehicle (max 8 people); tent camping $40 per tent (max 4 people)
- Website: metrovancouver.org
Whether you drive up for the evening or pitch a tent and stay the night, the Meteor Shower Watch is one of the easiest ways to trade city lights for a sky full of stars — and with telescopes, live music, and food trucks on hand, there's plenty to do between meteors.
