Ottawa, Canada Stargazing Forecast

Ottawa, Canada (45.42°, -75.7°) · Updated 03:53 UTC
59
Mixed
high confidence ⓘ
high · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast has held steady across recent updates. We compare how much tonight's score has moved across our recent forecast updates, a score that's held steady is more trustworthy.

Confidence reflects how trustworthy the forecast is, it doesn't change the score.

Worth a short session
BEST 02:00–08:00 (6h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks tonight (ZHR ~25).
Sunset
00:33
Sunrise
09:45
Usable Hours
6/6
Moon
99%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars13° E
♄ Saturn42° SE
Open Full Ottawa, Canada Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa's Bortle 7 skies clear quickly heading into the Gatineau Hills to the north or the rural Ottawa Valley, where Bortle 3–4 conditions are common within an hour. The North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve, about two hours south-west, offers Bortle 2 darkness and a dedicated observing pad. At 45.4°N, Ottawa has solid aurora prospects during Kp 5+ storms, with displays visible from dark sites north of the city. Canada's cold, dry winter air brings excellent transparency, though nights are frigid — the trade-off for some of the clearest skies of the year.

Ottawa, Canada Stargazing FAQ

Where can I stargaze near Ottawa?∨
The Gatineau Hills to the north and the rural Ottawa Valley reach Bortle 3-4 within an hour. The North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve, about two hours south-west, offers Bortle 2 skies with a dedicated observing pad.
Can you see the northern lights from Ottawa?∨
Yes — at 45.4°N, Ottawa catches the aurora during Kp 5+ storms, best viewed from dark sites north of the city with an open northern horizon. Stronger storms produce overhead displays.
When is the best time to stargaze in Ottawa?∨
Cold, dry winter high-pressure systems bring the clearest, most transparent skies, though nights are frigid. Autumn offers a good balance. The Milky Way core is best from late spring through summer.

Stargazing guides

Is Tonight Good for Stargazing?

The answer depends on five things you can check right now.

Light Pollution & the Bortle Scale

How dark is your sky — and what difference does it make?

What Planets Are Visible Tonight?

Real visibility data for all 7 naked-eye and telescope planets, calculated for your location.

Meteor Shower Calendar 2026

Every shower this year — peak dates, expected rates, moon interference, and the two you absolutely cannot miss.
Check light pollution for this area ↗

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