Explore the Night Sky from Jasper — Planetarium Shows & Telescope Tours

Jasper Planetarium — Stargazing, Planetarium Shows & Telescope Experiences in Jasper, Alberta

Jasper Planetarium operates inside Jasper National Park within the world's largest accessible dark sky preserve. The venue offers a range of astronomy experiences tailored to visitors, families, and photographers: indoor planetarium shows, outdoor telescope sessions, combined planetarium-and-telescope evenings, and special lakeside dinner events hosted with local partners.

Core offerings and highlights

• Planetarium Experience (40–45 minutes): A live guided presentation showcasing Indigenous constellations, Northern Lights visualizations, and a narrated journey through the cosmos.
• Telescope Experiences: Outdoor, guided telescope sessions using powerful optics and touchless viewing protocols. Live views include planets, star clusters, nebulae, and the Milky Way.
• Planetarium + Telescope COMBO: A single booking that pairs an indoor educational show with a hands-on outdoor telescope evening — ideal for photographers and families.
• Stargazer's Lakeside Dinner (Pyramid Lake Lodge): A 2.5-hour curated evening that begins with a three-course dinner followed by guided stargazing, meteorite handling, and photo opportunities.
• Hotel Add-ons (Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge): Convenient on-site telescope and planetarium add-on experiences for lodge guests.

What visitors learn and experience

Guests can expect practical astrophotography tips for Northern Lights and Milky Way imaging, aurora-making demonstrations, and opportunities to hold meteorites. Planetarium shows emphasize cultural context with Indigenous constellation storytelling alongside scientific explanations. Live Q&A with trained guides reinforces learning and engagement for all ages.

Astrophotography & stargazing tips

• Bring a tripod and a wide-aperture lens for Milky Way shots.
• Use touchless telescope protocols and follow guide instructions for shared equipment.
• Dress warmly and layer clothing; Jasper’s mountain evenings can be cold.

Sample evening itinerary

1. Arrive at partner lodge or planetarium venue.
2. Attend the 40–45 minute planetarium show (optional add-on).
3. Move to the outdoor viewing area for a 60–90 minute telescope session or, for lakeside dinner guests, enjoy a full 2.5-hour combined dining and stargazing experience.

Why Jasper Planetarium stands out

• Prime dark-sky location: Operates inside one of the best protected night sky areas in North America, improving visibility for telescopes and aurora watchers.
• Hotel partnerships: Collaboration with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Pyramid Lake Lodge enables easy access for overnight guests.
• Educational focus: Programming blends cultural storytelling, astronomy basics, and hands-on activities to suit beginners and enthusiasts.

Practical booking information

Options include planetarium-only, telescope-only, combo packages, and hotel add-ons. Duration ranges from a 40–45 minute planetarium session to a 2.5-hour lakeside dinner event. Visitors are advised to book in advance, especially during aurora-active seasons and summer peak periods. Check partner lodge listings and Jasper Planetarium schedules for exact availability, pricing, and reservation links.

For visitors seeking guided astronomy experiences, night sky photography instruction, or culturally-informed planetarium shows in Jasper, Jasper Planetarium offers structured, partner-supported programs that make the most of protected dark skies and mountain scenery.