TOP SPOTS FOR STARGAZING
Jasper National Park
Home to the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, Jasper celebrates all things dark sky, especially during the annual Dark Sky Festival in October. The Jasper Planetarium is a fantastic starting point for budding astronomers. The Planetarium Experience transports visitors to the edge of the universe (and back) inside the dome theatre. For first-hand viewing, add on a Telescope Experience or enjoy a Stargazer’s Lakeside Dinner at Pyramid Lake Resort.
Some of the best places to stargaze in the park include Medicine Lake, Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake and Lake Annette.
Waterton Lakes National Park
The smallest of Alberta’s mountain parks, Waterton Lakes National Park is nestled in the southwest corner of the province. It’s also the only place you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Peace Park, Dark Sky Park and Biosphere Reserve rolled into one destination. Some of the best places to spot constellations include the Red Rock Parkway and Cameron Bay.
Learn from an expert with a Dark Sky Guides tour and try out telescopes, binoculars and stargazing equipment for the best view.
Elk Island National Park
Take a day trip from Edmonton and visit Elk Island National Park, a beautiful wilderness setting that plays an important role in the conservation of Plains bison. The national park is also a Dark Sky Preserve and an ideal place to enjoy night sky experiences.
Take in the sights at your own pace or join a Snowshoe and Stargaze tour during the winter. The short, guided snowshoe walk winds around the picturesque Astotin Lake before gathering around the campfire to learn all about the night sky.
Métis Crossing
An hour’s drive from Edmonton, Métis Crossing is a unique cultural destination that offers visitors the chance to learn about the rich history and traditions of the Indigenous Métis people. The sky, stars and constellations served as guiding lights for the Métis ancestors and at Métis Crossing you can explore how the Métis people used the stars and sky to navigate, how the sky was used as a clock and a calendar and how it provided critical instructions for understanding when to plant, hunt and work the land.
To truly elevate your experience, a Legendary Night Sky Package is available to book, while onsite accommodation options include sleeping under the stars at a luxury Sky Watching Dome.
TOP TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR STARGAZING
- The long, dark nights from October to March offer the best chance to see the Northern Lights. Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. Monitoring weather and geomagnetic conditions through an app, such as My Aurora Forecast, SpaceWeatherLive and hello aurora, will always boost your chances.
- Look out for Alberta’s surprising stargazing spots. Some of the most magical nights can be found in places you might not immediately think of. For example, the Stars and Stories tours at Dinosaur Provincial Park pair ancient landscapes with the wonder of the night sky, while the Star Sessions at Jasper SkyTram combine stargazing and dining under a canopy of glittering stars.
- Head away from the city as much as you can and choose clear nights. While there can be times when you can see the Aurora Borealis from Alberta’s big cities such as Calgary and Edmonton, if you want to optimise your stargazing experience, head to places with little light pollution.
- Pack warm clothing for colder temperatures as you could find yourself outside at night for a while. Plus, snacks and water, a basic first aid kit and insect repellent if it is summer. A warm beverage like hot chocolate goes a long way in winter.
- Although newer smartphones can capture decent photos of the Northern Lights, your best bet is a DSLR camera. Starting with a 15-second exposure and a wide-open aperture will help your camera’s sensor capture as much light as possible. You can also adjust your ISO settings upwards; after a few times, you should be good to go!
