Meet your festival host

Niki Wilson

Niki Wilson

Jasper Dark Sky Festival Host

Niki Wilson is thrilled to host the Jasper Dark Sky Festival for the eighth time. When not introducing you to the talented guests on the main stage she works as a science writer, covering nature and the environment for publications like BBCEarth, Motherboard, Canadian Wildlife Magazine, Natural History Magazine and Canadian Geographic.

Jaspers Dark Sky Preserve

In 2011, Jasper was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society in Canada, due to its limited light pollution that creates ideal conditions for dark sky viewing.

What is a Dark Sky Preserve?

According to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, a Dark Sky Preserve as an area in which no artificial lighting is visible, and active measures are in place to educate and promote the reduction of light pollution to the public and nearby municipalities. Sky glow from beyond the borders of the preserve will be of comparable intensity, or less, to that of natural sky glow.

As a Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper National Park has made a special commitment to protect and preserve the night sky and to reduce or eliminate light pollution in all its forms.

What makes Jasper Dark Sky Preserve Different?

Jasper National Park is one of 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada. We are the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, and we are the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve – meaning there’s a town within the limits of the preserve.

Dark Sky 2022 in review

fREQUENTLY aSKED qUESTIONS

ARE CHILDREN REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A TICKET TO The EVENTs?

Children 2 and under do not require a ticket for the event. Families with children under the age of 2 are asked to keep their child on their lap. There is no special pricing for groups.

IS THERE ASSIGNED SEATING WITH MY TICKET?

General admission seating will be provided for all indoor events. Consider bringing a chair for outdoor events.

HOW CAN I PRESENT MY TICKET TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE EVENT?

Download your ticket on your smartphone.

ARE TICKETS REFUNDABLE?

Tickets are non-refundable.

HOW DO I GET TO THE EVENTS?

Many of the events will take place outdoors, and while these spaces are considered accessible, attendees should be aware that the terrain may be difficult to maneuver. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have questions about specific events or need to make special accommodation requests.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN OCTOBER IN JASPER?

The average temperature tends to drop and fluctuate during the month of October. The highs can be around 15°C and the lows around -5°C.


WHEN DOES THE FESTIVAL TAKE PLACE?

Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival runs from October 13-22, 2023. Check our events page for a full listing of events that are taking place. October is also Dark Sky month in Jasper National Park and there are many great events happening throughout the month.


Where is the festival and where are the events held?

The festival is held in the town-site of Jasper, Canada. Events are held at various locations throughout Jasper National Park.


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