JASPER PLANETARIUM AND TELESCOPE EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS
Welcome to our virtual guided tour inside our domed theatre LIVE with our astronomy guides. Orbit the Earth, looking down on the night-time storms and auroras. Explore local constellations, the Northern Lights, the Milky Way, right to the edge of the universe from Jasper Dark Sky Preserve.
In 2011, Jasper was designated the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomy Society in Canada, (11,000-square-kilometre of stargazing), for its low light pollution that creates ideal conditions for astronomical viewing.
In addition to being the world’s largest most accessible dark sky preserve, Jasper is also one of the smallest towns in North America with it’s very own planetarium.
We invite you to choose from our selection of programs below to experience these extraordinary opportunities for yourself.
Jasper Planetarium Experience
In addition to being the world’s largest most accessible dark sky preserve, Jasper is also one of the smallest towns in North America with its very own planetarium. Join the virtual guided tour in our inflated domed theatre LIVE with our astronomy guides, exploring local constellations, auroras, the Milky Way, to the edge of the universe from Jasper Dark Sky Preserve (Includes Q&A with staff / This program does not include the Telescopes Experience)
Schedule:
(Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: Nov 9 – April 21)
Winter Start Times: 7:45 p.m. (Dec 1 - April 21) Most nights:
Cost:
Adults: $29.00
Youth (4-17): $15.00
(not including 5% GST tax)
Location: Main Lodge at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Purchase online, by phone at (780) 931-3275 to reserve seats in advance, or book after-office hours right at the planetarium (cash, debit and all major credit cards accepted)
Planetarium Experience ONLY
Jasper Planetarium AND Telescope Experience
“The Full Experience”… Guided Planetarium dome theatre tour PLUS educational Telescope Experience
Planetarium Experience (dress warm)
In addition to being the world’s largest most accessible dark sky preserve, Jasper is also one of the smallest towns in North America with its very own planetarium. Join the virtual guided tour in our inflated domed theatre LIVE with our astronomy guides, exploring local constellations, auroras, the Milky Way, to the edge of the universe from Jasper Dark Sky Preserve (Includes Q&A with staff)
Telescope Experience (outdoors, dress warm)
Telescopes 101: LIVE guided tour of the largest, most powerful telescope in the Rockies, how telescopes work (and how to pick the right one for you… to explore the sky), a look at the latest archived imagery from our telescopes in Jasper, workshop on how to photograph the sky with your DSLR camera, …and if Mother Nature is kind enough to grace us with clear skies, live views through our telescopes from outdoors, next to the planetarium. This is an outdoor event.
Daily Summer Start Times (Nov 9 - April 21):
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Winter Start Times: 8:45 pm most nights.
Adults: $65.00
Youth (4-17): $25.00
(not including 5% GST tax)
Location: Jasper Park Lodge
Purchase online, by phone at (780) 931-3275 to reserve seats in advance, or book after-office hours right at the planetarium (cash, debit and all major credit cards accepted)
Planetarium Experience ONLY
Telescope only Experience
(Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturdays: Nov 9 – April 21)
- an interactive, guided tour of the largest, most powerful telescope in the Rockies
- an ‘instant replay’ of the best views from our video scope, which can record the sky in Jasper on clear nights and play it back anytime
- upon request, a look at how to photograph the Milky Way and aurora with your DSLR camera
- hands-on experiences: make an aurora, hold a meteorite! (NEW come see our new Mars rock!)
- if the skies are clear enough, we will offer LIVE hands-on viewing through our telescopes** next to the planetarium.
*Please dress accordingly for outdoor weather conditions as winter temperatures can be frigid. Please see Important Tab for more information on sky clarity.
Adults: $40.00
Youth (4-17): $20.00
(not including 5% GST)
Location: Main Lodge at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Important terminology & things to know:
Planetarium vs Observatory
A Planetarium is a domed theatre that simulates the night sky by use of a projection system. In contrast, an Observatory is a building that houses one-or-more telescopes, for live viewing, under a retractable domed roof.
While we do have telescopes, and we do offer an educational Telescope Experience… we are not an observatory.)
We operate rain or shine / clear sky or cloud covered, even when snowing. We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. We will not refund “No Shows”.
Tickets: Book online / Sundog Tours office / Jasper Adventure Centre / Concierge Desk at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Front Desk at Marmot Lodge.
Marmot Lodge (Summer location): Pool courtyard, 86 Connaught Drive, Jasper.
NOTE: The Telescope Experience is a learning opportunity with weather permitting views of the sky. While we DO NOT need the sky to be completely clear to use our telescopes, we CAN NOT guarantee clear skies. We DO NOT provide refunds if skies are too cloudy, but will offer a “rain check” to re-book for another date.
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