Jasper National Park hosts Dark Sky Festival from 16 October
Published on 09/27/2026 at 09:36 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael MĂĽller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Jasper National Park and the Jasper Dark Sky Festival are set to bring astronomy, science and family activities to Jasper from 16 to 25 October 2026. The programme covers the townsite and several locations across the park during the autumn event.
Jasper Dark Sky Festival runs from 16 to 25 October
The festival organiser, Tourism Jasper, lists the 2026 event for 16 to 25 October. Its programme includes guest speakers, science demonstrations, children’s activities, live music and stargazing events. The official festival page confirms that the event is held in the townsite of Jasper, while activities also take place at various locations throughout the national park.
Scheduled programme items include Symphony Under the Stars at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge on 17 October. A free concert by Bahamas and a drone show are listed for Commemoration Park on 24 October. The same programme includes the Slooh Airstream Experience in Jasper from 14 to 24 October, with interactive astronomy activities and remote telescope demonstrations. Festival dates and locations are published by the organiser.
Jasper National Park links dark skies with conservation
The event takes place in a landscape recognised for its night sky. Parks Canada describes Jasper National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second largest Dark-Sky Preserve in the world, covering more than 11,000 square kilometres. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated the park a Dark-Sky Preserve on 26 March 2011.
That designation connects the festival programme with the park’s management of artificial light. Parks Canada says the preserve involves measures to reduce light pollution and protect nocturnal animal habitats. The October programme therefore uses the same night sky that forms part of the park’s conservation identity, while bringing talks, demonstrations and public observing into the townsite and surrounding areas. Parks Canada explains the designation.
Programme venues range from Commemoration Park to Whistlers Mountain
Tourism Jasper’s published programme extends beyond a single venue. The Bahamas concert and drone show are scheduled for Commemoration Park on 24 October, while Symphony Under the Stars is listed at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge on 17 October. The Slooh Airstream is planned for Pop Up Village at 635 Connaught Drive from 14 to 24 October.
Other listed activities include astronomy sessions at Lake Annette, a Jasper Planetarium package and Sun to Stars events at the Jasper SkyTram and Whistlers Mountain. The range of venues places the festival beside lakes, in the townsite and at elevated viewpoints, rather than limiting it to one visitor centre. The published 2026 programme gives the dates and venues for these events.
Visiting Jasper National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Jasper Dark Sky Festival runs from 16 to 25 October 2026, with events in the townsite of Jasper and at locations throughout the national park.
- The event has several venues, including Commemoration Park, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Pop Up Village, Lake Annette and Whistlers Mountain. Access arrangements vary by event and organiser.
- The park is in Alberta, Canada. Parks Canada states that regular fees apply from 8 September 2026, after the temporary free-admission period ended on 7 September.
- Outdoor events can involve difficult terrain, according to the festival organiser. The park includes lakes, mountain areas and elevated locations, so suitable clothing and footwear are relevant for October activities.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Jasper National Park on social platforms
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Frequently asked questions about Jasper National Park
When does the Jasper Dark Sky Festival take place?
The festival runs from 16 to 25 October 2026 in Jasper and at locations throughout the national park.
What is Jasper National Park?
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second largest Dark-Sky Preserve in the world, according to Parks Canada.
Where is Jasper National Park and how do you get there?
The park is in Alberta, Canada, with the festival centred on the townsite of Jasper and additional events at locations across the park.
