Ali Howat, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
The Jasper Dark Sky Festival will allow star-gazing guests to look up in the world鈥檚 largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve from Oct. 15-24.
Tourism Jasper says the annual event is open to all ages and allows everyone to participate in the extraordinary event and experience knowledgeable speakers.
The yearly event is about bringing awareness to light pollution and also allows visitors to build a deeper connection to the universe.
鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to be part of an event that continues to offer Festival-goers with a chance to find inspiration, share their passion for space and nature, and reflect on their place in the cosmos,鈥� said science journalist Niki Wilson, eight-time Jasper Dark Sky Festival host, in a news release.
鈥淲e look forward to sharing the magic the festival is known for, and giving people a chance to reconnect to a little wonder, joy, and peace here in the mountains.鈥�
Back in 2011, Jasper was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society in Canada.
Novice and expert astronomers come from around the world to view the wonders of the dark sky.
Some of the activities that will take place at the festival include a sunset photoshoot with photographer Dan Schyk.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear Indigenous stones of the land with fireside chats with Warrior Women.
They will also get the chance to have a hands-on experience with a local Indigenous knowledge keeper.
Have a love for food? Well, for all the foodies out there, the festival will offer Cocktails and Constellations, an authentic three course constellation inspired menu.
There will also be a light painting photography at Light the Night with professional photographer and light painter Mike Gere.
In addition, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Strings will play under the backdrop of thousands of twinkling stars, as well as a drone lightshow made possible by 150 drones.
The festival this year will be headed by Rob Meyerson, CEO, Delalune Space, alongside Adam Stelzner, spacecraft designer, author, innovator and chief engineer of NASA鈥檚 Mars 2020 Perseverance Mission.
They will help take visitors on an amazing journey from the moon to mars and maybe even the beyond.
They will show us how we got there and show us what life is like beyond Earth.
All travellers from across Canada who are attending the festival are encouraged to follow all public health orders that are in place in Alberta.
All updates will be available from Parks Canada, Tourism Jasper and the town of Jasper and should be checked prior to travel.
A full schedule of events can be found at
