Why the Jasper Dark Sky Festival should top your travel list

There's no better time to experience Jasper's dark sky preserve than during Oct. 14–23, when stargazers and science lovers alike are spoiled with beautiful events and fascinating speakers.

Jasper's night sky is always astounding but there's no better time to experience this wonder than during the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, when stargazers and science lovers alike are spoiled with beautiful events and fascinating speakers. Find the full line-up at jasperdarksky.travel.

This year's Jasper Dark Sky Festival is happening Oct. 14–23 and will tackle the hottest topics of the day, like space tourism and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence!

The celebrations will feature a hypnotizing light show of hundreds of choreographed drones moving in sync above the mountain town. For talks, don't miss audience favourites like Delalune Space founder Rob Meyerson, SETI Institute senior astronomer Seth Shostak, scientist-astronaut candidate Dr. Shawna Pandya, and science communicator Jay Ingram.

Indigenous events will include Fireside Chats with Warrior Women and sunset ceremony. Other fantastic events: a symphony under the stars with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, kid-friendly rocket launches, live and interactive science demonstrations, stargazing using the most powerful telescopes in the Rockies, trivia night, astrophotography workshops, guided night hikes, foodie experiences, and more.

The Jasper Dark Sky Preserve is the second largest dark sky preserve in the world. At 11,000 km², it has tons of unforgettable stargazing spots; the aurora borealis are a colourful and special nighttime phenomena that can be seen in northern regions like Jasper.