Experience Jasper’s Dark Sky Preserve from a climate-controlled dome and powerful outdoor telescopes. This 90-minute combo pairs First Nations sky stories with hands-on meteorites, aurora photography tips and guided telescope viewing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Step out of the lodge lobby and the night breathes cold and bright; the Rockies frame the horizon and the sky takes center stage. Inside a 38-seat dome, a guide traces First Nations constellations and the sweep of the Milky Way, then you step outside where the Rockies’ largest accessible telescopes point skyward, ready to deliver rock-steady views of moons, planets and distant nebulae.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; participants should be able to stand for short periods and walk short distances from parking.
Wildlife
History
Jasper’s designation as a Dark Sky Preserve followed local and national conservation efforts to protect night skies; Indigenous communities in the region have shared celestial knowledge for generations.
Conservation
The park promotes low light use and Leave No Trace principles; visitors are encouraged to minimize artificial light and follow guided instructions to protect wildlife and night-sky visibility.
Reserve your spot on the Planetarium and Telescope Combo Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer up for outdoor viewing
Temperatures drop quickly after dark in the Rockies — pack an insulated jacket and warm hat for the telescope portion.
Use a red-light headlamp
A red filter preserves night vision between telescope views and helps you read camera controls without washing out the sky.
Arrive early for parking and check-in
Check in 15 minutes before departure at the Retail Desk in the Main Lodge to avoid being denied entry due to late arrival.
Bring a camera + tripod if photographing auroras
Guides give exposure tips, but a stable tripod and manual controls are necessary for long-exposure aurora shots.
Insulated jacket
Keeps you warm during the outdoor telescope session when winds and temperatures fall.
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Red-light headlamp
Preserves night vision and makes equipment handling easier without bright white light.
Tripod and camera with manual mode
Essential for capturing auroras or long-exposure Milky Way shots when skies are clear.
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Warm gloves and hat
Small items that make standing outdoors for 20–40 minutes much more comfortable.
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