Spanning 11,000 sq km of protected wilderness, Jasper National Park offers an unparalleled experience for stargazers. Designated as a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC), this pristine landscape is almost entirely free of light pollution—making it one of the world’s best locations to observe the night sky.
On a crisp October evening, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Strings plays to a hushed crowd as the Milky Way stretches across the sky. Nestled under a blanket, visitors gaze at a celestial display framed by snow-capped peaks and the glacial waters of Lac Beauvert, blending into the darkness.
A Commitment to Dark-Sky Conservation
The RASC’s dark-sky designation encourages low-impact lighting to protect wildlife, astronomy sites, and public access to naturally dark skies. According to Phillipa Gunn, Parks Canada’s public relations officer, Jasper was already meeting some requirements before its official designation, offering accessible observation sites for visitors.
“97% of Jasper National Park is designated wilderness, free of light pollution,” Gunn explains. Parks Canada continues to expand dark-sky interpretation programs and works with local partners to ensure that streetlights are dark-sky compliant. At night, Jasper blends seamlessly into the vast blackness of the Rockies, making it almost imperceptible from a distance.
Recovery & the 2025 Dark Sky Festival
In July 2024, wildfires temporarily closed Jasper, but the park reopened in time for the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in the fall—albeit on a smaller scale. Now, with 2025 marking the festival’s 15th anniversary, the event is set to be bigger than ever, says Naji Khouri, director of destination development for Tourism Jasper.
Scheduled from October 17 to November 2, 2025, highlights will include:
A drone show featuring 200 synchronized drones
Notable guest speakers (past attendees include Bill Nye)
Planetarium stargazing sessions
A portable telescope and tent at the base of the Jasper SkyTram
"Symphony Under the Stars", a breathtaking orchestral performance under the night sky
A Prime Spot for Stargazing & Aurora Watching
Unlike other remote Dark Sky Preserves like Wood Buffalo or Grasslands National Park, Jasper is both protected and accessible. The town of Jasper (population: 4,700), located within the preserve, offers hotels and guided stargazing tours, eliminating the need for visitors to “rough it.”
“You get to see thousands of stars—even from the middle of town,” says Tyler Burgardt, astrophysicist and general manager of the Jasper Planetarium. His favorite tour combines a visit to the planetarium with a twilight stroll to a peninsula on Lac Beauvert, where the only sounds are the gentle ripples of wind on the water.
With 2025 predicted to bring one of the greatest Northern Lights displays in 20 years, Jasper offers prime aurora viewing every 10 to 14 days, making it the perfect time to experience the magic of the Canadian Rockies at night.
From its commitment to dark-sky conservation to its unparalleled accessibility, Jasper remains a one-of-a-kind destination for astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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