You have to get way out of the city, and away from a town. Even a bit of light pollution from a small town or highway can diminish the experience. I was up in Bala (Muskoka) last summer and it was brilliant. Take plenty of "Off" spray anywhere north of Barrie until about September, the black flies and mosquitoes will carry you away! Search out a website for when shooting stars are expected and hope for clear skies.
Also, Algonquin Park is a terrific location to see the Northern Lights in mid to late September or mid-late March. Everyone should experience the "Aurora Borealis" once before they die.
Good suggestions guys but there is still an enormous amount of light pollution in the city, more than you think. Even on a clear night views of the night sky are greatly diminished.
When I went to Trent you could get some amazing night skies walking even just a kilometre or two north of the campus. Plenty of meteor sightings as well.