Jasper , Canada

Planetarium and Telescope Combo Tour

Active

(141 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the wonders of the night sky with our award-winning star-gazing tour package! Start your tour in the Planetarium Dome Theatre and explore local First Nations constellations, the Milky Way, and even the edge of the universe!

After leaving the planetarium, head outside for a guided tour of the Rockies' largest, most powerful telescopes. If the sky is clear, you can look through the telescopes and learn about the science behind the Northern Lights, how to photograph Auroras, and even get your hands on meteorites, a Moon rock, and a Mars rock! Enjoy a live, interactive experience with 4K “instant replays” of past live views if it's too cloudy.

This 1.5-hour experience is open to ages 4 and up, and children under 4 who are not permitted in the Planetarium Dome Theatre. If you don't see the stars due to cloudy skies, you can always return with our two-year "Rain Check" at no additional charge! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the night sky!

Available options

Planetarium and Telescope Combo Tour

What's included

Q&A with our local Astronomy Guides

2 Year Rain Check

Admission to our Planetarium Dome Theatre and Telescopes Tour

Free Parking

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Come experience the world's largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve and North America's smallest town with us.

Your tour starts at the Main Lodge of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, steps away from our 38-seat dome theatre. This unique experience is only available in Jasper, and it's more than a planetarium show—it's an interactive journey with a knowledgeable local guide. You'll get to explore the wonders of the night sky, from Indigenous constellations to the Aurora Borealis over mountain peaks, from views of Rocky Mountain glaciers from space to the edge of the universe and back. And don't forget to ask your guide questions after our descent back to Earth! Experience all of this and more from the comfort of a climate-controlled dome theatre.

Stop 2

Come and explore the night sky with us! Put on your warmest clothes and join us outside the Planetarium to get an up-close and personal look at some of the most powerful telescopes in the Rocky Mountains. When the skies are clear, we'll provide guided viewing through our telescopes. Even if it's cloudy, you'll still get to see 4K replays of the views we capture during clear nights. Plus, you'll learn all about the science behind the Northern Lights, get tips on photographing Auroras, and have the chance to get your hands on a Moon rock, and even a Mars rock! Don't miss out - join us to explore the night sky!

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and Drink

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

25 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

116 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for travelers that cannot stand for long periods of time

Meeting point

Driving guests can park in P1-P4; P1 is closest to the Planetarium. Check-in 15 mins early at the Retail Desk inside the Main Lodge. Walk straight past the front desk; our Retail Desk is in the SW corner of the lobby, across from the Emerald Lounge. Enjoy your tour!

Important notes

Guests who drive to the Jasper Park Lodge can park in any available parking lot (P2, P3, or P4. P2 is closest to the Jasper Planetarium). You MUST check in 15 MINUTES BEFORE tour departure at our Planetarium Retail Desk inside the Main Lodge at Jasper Park Lodge. Once you enter the lodge, walk straight past the front desk, and our Retail desk will be in the SW of the main lobby, directly across from the Emerald Lounge.

Latecomers will not be admitted as it disrupts the tour for other guests. In the event of late arrival, you will be rebooked to the next available tour - please note, this may be on a different day.

About Jasper

Jasper is a charming mountain town nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and dark-sky preserve, Jasper offers a serene and adventurous escape with a small-town charm.

Top Attractions

Jasper SkyTram

The Jasper SkyTram is a scenic aerial tram that takes visitors to the top of Whistlers Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.

Adventure 2-3 hours Moderate

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in Jasper National Park, known for its deep blue waters and stunning mountain backdrop.

Nature Half day to full day Free (boat tours and rentals cost extra)

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest icefields in North America, offering visitors the chance to explore ancient glaciers and experience the thrill of walking on ice.

Nature Full day Moderate to expensive (depending on activities chosen)

Jasper National Park Information Centre

The Jasper National Park Information Centre is a great starting point for visitors, offering exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history, as well as information on activities and trails.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin is a popular ski resort located within Jasper National Park, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Adventure Half day to full day Moderate to expensive (depending on activities chosen)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bison Burger

A delicious burger made with locally sourced bison meat, often served with toppings like caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon.

Main Course Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian options are available at some restaurants.

Elk Steak

Tender elk steak, often served with seasonal vegetables and a rich sauce, showcasing the flavors of the Canadian Rockies.

Main Course Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available at some restaurants.

Wild Blueberry Pie

A sweet and tangy pie made with wild blueberries, a local delicacy in the Jasper area.

Dessert Vegetarian and gluten-free options may be available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Snowboarding Snowshoeing Ice climbing Helicopter tours Scenic drives Wildlife viewing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and all trails and facilities fully open. It's ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT) (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Jasper is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. However, visitors should be aware of the potential for wildlife encounters and the challenges of outdoor activities in a mountainous environment.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and activities.
• Carry a map and compass, and inform someone of your plans when hiking or engaging in other outdoor activities.

Getting there

By air

Edmonton International Airport • 365 km (227 miles)
Jasper Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles)

By train

Jasper Train Station

By bus

Jasper Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Jasper Transit offers a local bus service with routes covering the town and some nearby attractions. The service is limited and primarily designed for residents.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi services

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Jasper Town Site Whistlers Old Fort Point

Day trips

Maligne Canyon

29 km (18 miles) • Half day to full day

Maligne Canyon is a stunning gorge with a series of waterfalls and turquoise pools, offering a variety of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Athabasca Falls

33 km (20.5 miles) • Half day to full day

Athabasca Falls is a powerful and beautiful waterfall located along the Icefields Parkway, offering stunning views and a variety of hiking trails.

Sunwapta Falls

45 km (28 miles) • Full day

Sunwapta Falls is a series of waterfalls and rapids located along the Sunwapta River, offering a variety of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Festivals

Jasper Dark Sky Festival • October Jasper Pride Festival • September Jasper Wildlife Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit the Jasper Information Centre for maps, brochures, and advice on the best trails and attractions.
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and year.
Bring bear spray and know how to use it, as bear encounters are possible in the park.
Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance, especially during peak season.
Take advantage of the park's dark-sky preserve by stargazing on a clear night.