Stunning aurora borealis and starry night videos from all of Alberta’s dark sky preserves
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Northern Lights & Dark Skies Nature & Wildlife
Technically, the northern lights are what happens when electrical particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. But you don't need to know the why to appreciate the beauty. The astronomical greens, reds, purples and yellows of the aurora borealis are hypnotizing.
• Only here: Alberta is home to some of the world’s largest dark sky preserves, including Wood Buffalo and Jasper national parks. That means there’s no artificial light around to obscure the extraterrestrial view.
• Good to know: Your best shot to see the aurora borealis is September through mid-May. Visit for the Jasper Dark Sky festival in mid-October and, in addition to the view of the stars, you’ll get hands-on science and astronomy events.
Jasper National Park | Ryan Bray
Dinosaur Provincial Park | Andy Best
Scientists work with Albertans to confirm ‘Steve’ as a unique, and beautiful, part of night sky
Read MoreNorthern Light & Dark Sky Preserve Options
Cypress Hills Provincial Park Dark-Sky Preserve
Elkwater, Alberta
Due to its high elevation and lack of urban light pollution, Cypress Hills was the first designated Dark-Sky Preserve in Alberta. Every August the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada holds a Summer Star Party that's considered one of the largest stargazing events in the country. The park also offers a variety of camping options, so cosy up by the campfire and gaze in wonder at the starlit sky. If the conditions are right, you may even see the Northern Lights.
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Jasper Dark-Sky Preserve
Jasper, Alberta
Due to its vast size and location, the 11,000-sq km Jasper National Park is considered the world's largest accessible Dark-Sky Preserve. It's also one of best places to stargaze in the Canadian Rockies. Every October the park holds a Dark-Sky Festival that includes both free and ticketed events and workshops. You can learn about the constellations, listen to indigenous songs and stories and even pick up some tips for photographing the spectacular starlit sky.
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Beaver Hills Dark-Sky Preserve
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
This 300-sq km dark-sky preserve, just east of Edmonton, encompasses Elk Island National Park and neighbouring Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. By reducing artificial light, the preserve increases the visibility of the night sky. Whether you stargaze around the campfire or attend the preserve's annual Star Party in September, you'll find that the night sky shines brighter in Beaver Hills.
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Tours
Northern Lights Outdoor Excursions Alberta Ltd
Fort McMurray, Alberta
Our 2 nights/ 3 days package includes two viewings of the aurora borealis. A host of optional outdoor tours and activities are also available. Tour dates are offered throughout the winter and spring. We are a locally owned Fort McMurray company, with many years of hospitality experience, as well as a deep involvement in the Fort McMurray market and throughout the Wood Buffalo region. Together with our multi-lingual guides, we offer a team of experienced professionals, all dedicated to the comfort of each and every guest.
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Rocky Mountain Photo Adventures
Banff, Alberta
Rocky Mountain Photo Adventures is a Banff based, locally operated business offering custom designed tours, workshops and seminars in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. They are knowledgeable and super enthusiastic about developing your photography skills and enjoyment of our amazing scenery in this world-class travel photography destination. They are passionate about the wider photography community and actively engage in educational, environmental and wildlife events and projects, both independently and through partnerships. Rocky Mountain Photo Adventures is a proud sponsor of the iconic Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival.
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SunDog Tour Co.
Jasper, Alberta
Providing memorable sightseeing, activity and transportation services. From daily sightseeing excursions, to group tours, to airport shuttles, to coach touring and conference services, our staff of holiday planners specialise in making your time in the mountains unforgettable.
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Events
Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Jasper, Alberta
2018-10-12 To 2018-10-21 MST
The Jasper Dark Sky Festival began with the goal of celebrating and preserving this status. At 11,000 square kilometers, Jasper National Park is considered to be the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky Preserves. From Oct. 12-21, Jasper's Dark Sky Festival invites astronomers at every level to gaze upon the wonder of one of the world's largest dark sky preserves. As daylight hours begin to recede, October is the ideal time to celebrate the skies with the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival. Power Down. Look up.
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Snowshoe & Stargaze
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Trek over snow and gaze into a star-filled sky. Following a short guided hike on snowshoes you'll enjoy snacks around a fire and learn about the night sky above. Register in advance and meet at the Astotin Lake Beach Parking Lot. Cost per person: $29.80.
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