Ever tried counting stars and lost track halfway through? That's the kind of magic we chase in Jasper National Park, Alberta. When city lights fade, the night sky unfolds: constellations, distant galaxies and occasionally the dance of the northern lights above Patricia Lake, which draws gasps from even seasoned stargazers. Jasper Dark Sky Festival kicks off today and runs through 26 October, marking its 15th anniversary. Imagine being guided by astronomers using telescopes, watching a space-themed movie under the stars wrapped in a cosy blanket, hearing stories about nebulae and meteor showers, night hiking on Pyramid Beach or learning how to photograph the Milky Way.

Jasper Dark Sky Festival began modestly under Parks Canada and was later handed over to Tourism Jasper in 2013, when its reach expanded and big names like astronaut Chris Hadfield started participating. In doing so, it has become a highlight of autumn for all who want to gaze upward and tell stories in the dark. Jasper National Park, home to flora, fauna and countless peaks, isn't just the backdrop—it's a dark sky preserve that makes the stars feel close enough to touch.