Look up – waay up! Did you know that Jasper National Park is the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world? It’s the largest accessible one, thanks to the townsite in its midst. It was designated in 2011 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and it encompasses over 11,000 square kilometres. The preserve focuses on maintaining the night sky and reducing light pollution. This makes it the perfect place to take in the stars, catch the Northern Lights, or just enjoy the peace that a dark sky can bring.

Winter in Jasper is the perfect time to enjoy the night sky. With short daylight hours and nights that stretch on forever, there are plenty of opportunities gaze up at the stars. Here are some best practices for viewing the dark sky in Jasper this winter.

Dress for Success

The darkness on a winter night in Jasper is beautiful, but it’s cold! You’ll want layers – and layers and layers. Start with warm base layers made from fabrics that are breathable and sweat wicking. Merino wool is an excellent choice, but there are other options on the market as well. Mid layers should be bulky – and you’ll want more than one of them. These layers trap heat against your body and do the majority of the work to keep you warm. Outer layers should be weatherproof and protect you from the wind and blowing snow. You’ll want to accessorize with warm mittens, liners, socks, a good toque, and neck protection such as a sleeve or scarf (or both!) Hand warmers also go a long way to help keep you warm on a night of stargazing. Proper winter boots are key to keep your toes from tingling.

Find great layers for winter adventures from Base Camp Outfitters, Everest Outdoor Store, or Totem Ski Shop.

Find the Best Spot

The best part about Jasper’s Dark Sky Preserve is how easy it is to access. Just look up! But if you want some stellar spots for stargazing, you’ve gotta get just out of town. Pyramid Island is a classic location for stargazing, and if you get cold, stop by Pyramid Lake Lodge to warm up with some excellent food at Aalto. Make sure you check that the restaurant is open, since times may vary throughout the winter.

Medicine Lake and farther Maligne Lake are also great locations for stargazing. You’re far from amenities out here in the winter, and you’re out of cell service, so make sure you’re prepared for this adventure with enough snacks, warm layers, and fuel to get you back to town safely.

Lake Annette is just a short stroll form the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and it also offers excellent views for a little effort. It’s close enough to the lodge that you won’t get too cold, but it’s far enough from town that you can forget about street lights and just enjoy the starry skies.

Take a Tour

Not sure what to look for? Take a tour! The Jasper Planetarium offers a guided experience through the stars. Learn about local constellations, stories about Indigenous constellations, recent views of the Northern Lights from Jasper, and a trip around the universe (and back!). Combine this with the Planetarium’s Telescope Experience and look through the largest, most powerful telescope in
the Rockies.

After you learn about the stars, learn how to capture them with Jasper Photo Tours. Try their nighttime tours for the best way to photograph the dark sky. Don’t have a good camera? No problem! Book a cellphone tour and learn how to capture the stars, Northern Lights, and more with just your phone.

Kate Barker