The crisp transition to fall brings more than sweater weather and pumpkin-spiced everything. As nights begin to lengthen, chances are good – well, great, actually – for spectacular night sky viewing. That’s all thanks to Alberta’s clearer and darker skies.
Reaching for the Stars in Jasper National Park
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One of the world's most dazzling and largest Dark Sky Preserves, Jasper National Park hosts an otherworldly Dark Sky Festival every autumn.
- The festival attracts astronauts and astronomers across the globe.
- Listen to a symphony under the stars or enjoy family programming.
- Wildlife viewing is at its peak during this autumn festival.
Explore a Dark Sky Preserve
One of the best spots to peer into the evening sky is in Jasper National Park. This is one of the world’s largest and best Dark Sky Preserves. And if you can visit during the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival presented by Rocky Mountaineer, even better.
You likely know Jasper as a gem of a mountain resort town. Yet, unbeknownst to many, Jasper draws international astronomers, astronauts, astrophysicists and aurora chasers to its Dark Sky Festival. Visitors can expect to be star struck in more ways than one.
Experience the wonders of the universe
Taking place over 10 days, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival is a celebration of the wonders of the universe. But you don’t need to know what a quasar is to appreciate the bold cosmic displays. At this dazzling festival, curious seekers are offered many memorable ways to experience the vastness of the universe.
Everyone knows peering up at the celestial skies under a cozy blanket is super romantic. During the festival, you can amp up the experience by listening to the stirring melodies from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Tickets for Symphony Under the Stars is one of the festival’s hottest events, so be sure to snag yours quickly.
Families will want to hit up Sciencefest, presented by TELUS World of Science Edmonton. At this complimentary event, Commemoration Park morphs into a giant science lab, brimming with demonstrations sure to spark an interest.
For those who want to delve deeper into a wide range of topics, there’s no shortage of world renown speakers to learn from. Curious about the search for extraterrestrial life? Or perhaps you’re keen to improve your nighttime photography game? Whatever your jam, an impressive roster of speakers are ready to share their findings with you.
Options for extending your trip
What naturally follows after gazing up at a sky full of stars? Expect expansive thoughts and an urge to explore further.
Autumn is prime wildlife viewing season. Taking a guided tour increases your chances of spotting some magnificent beasts and keeps you safe. Or, peer deeper into Indigenous culture with an immersive fireside storytelling experience or introduction into the plant medicines world. Want to feel an immediate, immense sense of freedom? Simply hop on a motorcycle sidecar tour, one of the more adventurous ways to explore this national park.
How to get here
Jasper can be driven to from Calgary and Edmonton. Both cities sport an international airport. From Calgary, the drive takes approximately five hours and winds its way through the Icefields Parkway – one of the world’s most picturesque drives. From Edmonton, the drive takes about 4 hours.
Prefer someone else take the wheel? Sundog Tours offers bus service from both Calgary and Edmonton International Airports.
For those who find the nostalgic pull of a rail journey hard to resist, look to VIA Rail Canada and Rocky Mountaineer’s service to Jasper.
