Jasper Dark Skies

Jasper Dark Sky Festival -- October 21-25, 2026 Calgary to Jasper - Five days | Small group | Dark skies, aurora, wildlife, and the Icefields Parkway

There is a moment, standing under a truly dark sky, when your eyes finally adjust and the universe just... shows up. The Milky Way glows. Stars crowd the sky from horizon to horizon. And if we are lucky, the northern lights decide to dance.

That moment is why we go to Jasper in October.

This year, we are finally staying at Pyramid Lake Lodge, right in the heart of the dark sky zone, steps from the water and surrounded by the kind of darkness that makes night sky photography genuinely exceptional. No driving to find the dark. It's right outside the door.

Join Neil Zeller and five fellow night sky enthusiasts for five days of aurora chasing, wildlife photography, Icefields Parkway scenery, festival events, and one very memorable dinner at the top of a mountain.

Pyramid Lake Lodge

This is the upgrade we have been waiting for. Pyramid Lake Lodge sits about six kilometres from the Jasper townsite, tucked into the trees right on the water. It is a chalet-style alpine lodge with rooms that have gas fireplaces, and private balconies. It feels like a mountain cabin and a proper lodge at the same time.

What makes it perfect for a dark sky trip is its location. Out here, away from the townsite lights, the sky opens up in a way that changes things. Step off your balcony, and you are already in the dark. Walk down to the lakeshore, and Pyramid Island is just down the road, quiet and photogenic, and surrounded by black water reflecting whatever the sky is doing above it. It is a genuinely special place to wake up in the morning, and even better to be standing in at midnight.

The Drive Up (and Back)

We leave Calgary early on the morning of October 21st and take our time heading north through Banff and up the Icefields Parkway. This drive is a highlight in its own right. Big mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and the kind of light that makes you want to stop every ten minutes. So we do. There is no rush. We arrive at Pyramid Lake Lodge in the afternoon, settle in, and let Jasper do its thing.

The return trip on October 25th follows the same route south. Same road. Completely different light.

Dark Skies and Aurora

Pyramid Lake Lodge puts us exactly where we want to be. The lake, the trees, and the open sky above make for outstanding conditions when the lights come out. Each night, we head out to find the best sky available, whether that means staying close to the lodge or driving to find clear skies. Aurora forecasting is part of the routine. Neil watches the science so you don't have to.

Festival Events

We are attending the rocket launch and science day as part of the trip, free events during the weekend. These are fun, accessible, and the kind of programming that makes this more than just a photography outing. The festival draws scientists, astronomers, photographers, and curious people from all over Alberta. It is a genuinely special atmosphere.

The Jasper SkyTram Dinner

Every year, this is a highlight, and every year it earns it. We take the SkyTram to the top of Whistler's Mountain for a fancy dinner and night sky photography with the Jasper Planetarium team. Telescopes, astronomy guides, and views that go forever. All included in your trip price. It never gets old.

Wildlife

Jasper in October is outstanding for wildlife. Elk, bears preparing for winter, foxes, birds of prey -- the area around Pyramid Lake and the parkway corridors deliver consistently. We photograph wildlife during our drives and stops throughout the trip, making the most of the fall light.

What's Included

• Private return transportation from Calgary in the tour van, stocked with water, hot drinks, and snacks at the Bumper Cafe (tm)
• Four nights at Pyramid Lake Lodge in a Queen Hotel Room
• Jasper SkyTram dinner and stargazing experience
• Festival events, including the rocket launch and science day
• Tour-wide photography instruction and night sky coaching
• Neil's patented humour throughout

What's Not Included

• Meals not listed above
• Items of a personal nature
• Camera gear
• Hotel and Hospitality Gratuities
• Travel cancellation and interruption insurance
• Guide Gratuity

Pricing

Private accommodation: $3,359 per person plus GST. Shared accommodation: $2,859 per person plus GST (both guests must book together at the same time)

A deposit option of $500.00 per person is available until the Aug 15th deadline for the full payment. 

What to Bring

• Mirrorless or DSLR camera capable of full manual control
• Wide-angle, fast-aperture lens (f/2.8 or wider) for night sky work
• Sturdy tripod and cabled or wireless shutter release
• Extra batteries and memory cards
• Telephoto lens for wildlife
• Warm October layers, potentially winter gear. 

Policies

This tour is for adults 18 years of age or older. All fees are non-refundable but fully transferable and giftable. A liability release form is required at the start of the tour. Poor weather won't stop us—we will chase clear skies and have alternate photography activities ready if needed.