Celebrating Jasper's distinction as the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve in the world!
October is Dark Sky month in Jasper! Home to the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky preserve, Jasper by day offers a universe of outdoor fun in a wilderness playground.
At night, Jasper is a stunning wilderness of stars. Jasper is home to the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve. Take it all in during the Jasper Dark Sky Festival.
They're not just looking at stars, but teaching the science of astronomy, and having fun with daytime activities like the bottle rocket launch.
With everything from self-guided experiences to helicopter tours, formal dinners and cocktail soirees and of course, the signature Symphony Under the Stars, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival offers up daily—and NIGHTLY—star-themed entertainment of all kinds.
Look back at the 2023 program, as preview to what you can expect.
Symphony Under the Stars - listen to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, live, underneath the night sky
Jasper SkyTram Dark Sky Sessions - explore the wonders of the night sky from the mountain top
Science for Brunch with Marlos Machado - learn from astronomer
Indigenous Fireside Chat - Indigenous song, storytelling and conversation, led by a Knowledge Keeper
Intro to Astro Photography - learn about night photography from the pros
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Jay Ingram and the Dark Sky Band Show - details
Drone light spectacle - details
ᐸᐦᑭᓯᒧᐣ pahkisimon - the Cree word for sunset, ᐸᐦᑭᓯᒧᐣ pahkisimon is an Indigenous storytelling experience with Teneil Whiskeyjack
The most up-to-date festival information can be found on the Jasper Dark Sky website.
Jasper was designated a dark sky preserve in March 2011 thanks to the optimal conditions and minimal light pollution in the area.
To respect the dark sky experience, keep the lights low: if you're bringing a headlamp for night time activities, grab one with a red light setting (red light is not as strong or disruptive to the eyes.)
Nights can be cool in October, especially when you're exploring space; be sure to bring layers!
