Jasper’s ‘Star’ Attractions in the Spotlight

You may not expect to discover some of the Worlds most sought-after nightlife in an untamed mountain town with a population of only 5000, but Jasper nightlife is nothing less than unique – we're talking about the nightlife of the stars!

Jasper National Park located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada hosts an annual Dark Sky Festival offering even more opportunity to gaze up into the night skies and take in the spectacular show taking place right in front of your very eyes. 

The very best part? All you need to do is look up!

Officially recognized by The Royal Astronomical Society as a Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper National Park is proud to offer some of the World's very best starlight viewing; a true stargazer's playground.

During Dark Sky Festival, amateur and pro astronomers of all ages come together to meet under Jasper's dark, dark skies and marvel at nature's star attractions – sometimes even lucky enough to witness a visit by the famed Northern Lights!

Professional star-seekers and experienced astronomers are on hand throughout the Festival to give their expert 'how-to' advice on the prime viewing spots and exactly what to keep a watch out for. 

Picture an expansive outdoor cinema screen of bright lights and billions of stars and you're half way there.

Firm favorites of the Festival include the much-loved night sky tour around Pyramid Island, 'Starlight Adventure', 'Dinner with the Stars', 'Star Grazing' for all the family at Jasper Park Riding Stables, a series of 'Astronomy Talks', lessons on capturing the night sky on camera with acclaimed photographer, Yuichi Takasaka and the TELUS World of Science Planetarium.

Plus, if you are interested in venturing a little further, the area around the Columbia Icefields, just outside of Jasper, is also the place to find some of the very darkest skies in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Whilst the Festival is held in late October, Jasper is a must do anytime of the year.

Alison Carmichael-Rulten

Hi, I'm Alison Carmichael-Rulten the Publisher of Vacation Goddess, and I want to thank you for visiting Vacation Goddess – the one-stop shop for insider travel news, deals, 'Guest Goddes's stories, and of course our personal travel experiences. Plus, as we love to cruise we also try to find some amazing cruise deals for you too. From luxury, longer escapes right down to weekend breaks we know you love everything travel related. Here at Vacation Goddess, we hope you will find loads of inspiration and of course some amazing travel deals. We love a holiday at a great price and that's why we seek out what we call 'Champagne Experiences, on a Sparkling Wine Budget.' We constantly showcase a variety of special deals and offers and from time to time some very special competitions. Our recent 'Win a Trip to London' competition received over 24,00 entries. We invite you to visit us often, join our mailing list and please tell your friends