Celebrate space, astronomy and starry nights in one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves.
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AU
Northern Lights & Dark Skies Nature & Wildlife
Imagine looking up and seeing a wisp of neon green uncurl slowly across the Canadian night sky. The apparition is soon joined by others and together they grow into a bright, pulsating chorus of multi-coloured light, waving, melting away and then forming anew. The aurora borealis is one of the most surreal natural phenomena on earth. Optimal viewing is September through mid-May in northern Alberta and in dark skies around the province. Lucky us – we have the world’s two largest dark sky preserves: Wood Buffalo and Jasper national parks.
Northern Lights over Athabasca River
Northern Lights viewing on Cold Lake
Alberta’s dark sky preserves offer some of the best aurora borealis viewing on the planet.
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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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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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Tours
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. We are knowledgeable and super enthusiastic about developing your photography skills and enjoyment of our amazing scenery in this world-class travel photography destination. We 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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Alta-CAN Aurora Tours
Fort McMurray, Alberta
Join Alta-CAN Aurora Tours in Fort McMurray for our signature Aurora Borealis tour to see the spectacular northern lights. The three-night all-inclusive tours, available in Fall, Winter and Spring, include accommodation, transfers to our private viewing site, two meals and professional photography tips.
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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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