Jasper Planetarium
INSIDE the Fairmont hotel lobby, 1 Old Lodge Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 0A8, Canada
The Jasper Planetarium, located at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Alberta, offers visitors an immersive journey into the cosmos within Jasper National Park, the world's largest accessible dark sky preserve. The facility offers free parking and is designed to accommodate guests of varying mobility levels.
Visitors can explore the wonders of the night sky, learn about planets, stars, and galaxies, and discover why Jasper is one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves. The experience includes indoor telescope viewing (weather permitting) and engaging presentations by expert astronomers.
The Jasper Planetarium offers a variety of programs tailored to different interests and age groups:
- Planetarium Experience: This 40-minute guided tour within the 38-seat domed theatre features live presentations by knowledgeable staff. Attendees can learn about local constellations, recent sightings of the Northern Lights, and view the Rockies from space. This experience is suitable for individuals aged four and above.
- Telescope Experience: An interactive, guided session that showcases the largest and most powerful telescopes in the North American Rockies. Participants can view celestial phenomena, learn about local auroras, and even handle meteorites, including samples from the Moon and Mars. This outdoor event lasts approximately 45-60 minutes and is open to all ages.
- Telescope and Planetarium Combo Tour: A comprehensive 1.5 to 2-hour program that combines the Planetarium Experience with the Telescope Experience. This tour offers a full evening of cosmic discovery, starting with a live interactive presentation in the dome theatre, followed by stargazing sessions using the facility's advanced telescopes.
- Jasper Dark Sky Package: The most extensive offering, this package includes everything in the Combo Tour plus the Constellation Binocular Tour experience, providing an in-depth exploration of Jasper's night sky.
One of the standout aspects of the Jasper Planetarium is its commitment to providing enriching experiences regardless of weather conditions. In the event of cloudy skies, the planetarium offers a two-year rain check, allowing guests to return for another session at no additional cost. Additionally, the facility utilizes video-based telescopes with live views displayed on 4K screens, ensuring bright and colorful observations without the need to peer directly through the telescope.
The Jasper Planetarium operates year-round, with peak attendance during the summer months and notable increases during events like the Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October. Given the popularity of the tours, especially during peak seasons, it's advisable to book in advance. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly for evening events, as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
