Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Celebrating Jasper's distinction as the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve in the world!


Festival Dates: -
Updated:
Location: Jasper, Alberta

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.

Jasper Dark Sky events

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.

2024 program 

Look back at the 2023 program, as preview to what you can expect.

Weekend 1, Oct 25-27

StarTales: A Drone Light Spectacle  enjoy a drone performance against Jasper's awe-inspiring backdrop

Jasper SkyTram Dark Sky Sessions  explore the wonders of the night sky from the mountain top

ᐸᐦᑭᓯᒧᐣ pahkisimon  an Indigenous sunset celebration with cultural and artistic sharing

Indigenous Fireside Chat  Indigenous song, storytelling and conversation, led by a Knowledge Keeper

Intro to Astro Photography - learn about night photography from the pros

and more...


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Weekend 2, Nov 1-3

Jasper Space Ball: the Fifth Element  details TBA

Jasper SkyTram Dark Sky Sessions  explore the wonders of the night sky from the mountain top

Plus many carryover events from weekend 1, and more...


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Weekly/daily experiences
  • planetarium & telescope tours with The Jasper Planetarium
  • "Animals of the Night" hikes
  • geocaching/treasure hunt

The most up-to-date festival information can be found on the Jasper Dark Sky website.

When you go

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!