Summary
Jasper National Park stretches over 4,000 square miles across the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. It’s home to pastoral landscapes speckled with wildflowers, glittering lakes inviting visitors in for a dip, and wild animals like caribou, elk, and moose. At night, the park is at its most spectacular because of its stargazing opportunities, and one of the best ways to get a taste of the magic is at the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival.
In 2011, the park was officially designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada due to its limited light pollution, creating pristine conditions for dark sky viewing. Each year, it celebrates the stars above with the Jasper Dark Sky Festival and invites visitors, experts, and locals alike to bask in the nighttime glow and maybe even catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
“As people start looking for more unique travel experiences that are further afield, there’s no adventure more otherworldly than the night sky,” Myriam Bolduc, director of marketing and tourism for Jasper, Alberta, noted. “This year’s festival will be incredible: The drone light show is back, as well as tons of speakers who will tackle the hottest topics in space and science.”
Here’s what you need to know about the festival, and how to plan a perfect trip to Jasper, Alberta, for the spectacle.
What is the Jasper Dark Sky Festival?
The annual festival is held in Jasper, Alberta, with events at various locations throughout Jasper National Park. It’s a 10-day stargazing celebration for all ages, taking place from Oct. 14 to Oct. 23 this year. The festival features activities such as hiking tours, guided talks, food-and-beverage activations, and yoga under the stars. Moreover, there are even a few luxe events, like a 30-minute Big Dipper helicopter tour for two for $349 per seat (held from Oct. 15-23).
What events can I expect?
Nighttime events at this year’s festival include the free Fireside Chat series with Warrior Women from the Cree Nation (held on Oct. 14, 15, 21), an engaging conversation about Indigenous culture filled with stories, drumming, and songs.
The Jasper Skytram Star Sessions is an exclusive dining and stargazing event featuring astronomy experts from the Jasper Planetarium, costing $154.36 for adults and $103.78 for kids, held on Oct. 14, 15, 21, and 22. Guests will have access to the most powerful telescopes in the Canadian Rockies. Additionally, the Symphony Under the Stars is an outdoor performance by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Strings, with tickets starting at $119 per person (held on the evening of Oct. 15).
Another popular event is the ceremonial Tipi Raising known as Pahkisimon (held on Oct. 22), which features teachings, hand-drumming, and songs by Warrior Women.
Visitors can check out all the event listings here.
What is the weather like during the festival?
The average temperature within Jasper National Park fluctuates in October, with highs around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) and lows around -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the festival’s FAQ section.
Where can I stay near the festival?
There are a handful of hotels in town, with a few favorites including Pyramid Lake Resort, known for its chalet-style rooms with cozy fireplaces. Also, the suite-style Whistler’s Inn features the family-friendly Whistle Stop Pub, which serves food and drinks until 9 p.m. For guests seeking more than just a hotel room, Pine Bungalows offers private cabins with full bathrooms, heated floors, gas fireplaces, and kitchens, as well as traditional hotel rooms on-site.
