The days are shorter but the nights are getting darker! Unfortunately, in the big city, it can still be tough to get a good view but Alberta has a few incredible Dark Sky Preserves worth visiting – especially during the peak of this year’s Geminids meteor shower.

Scattered throughout the province, Alberta has several regions specifically designated for stargazing, each just as incredible as the last.

Not sure where to go? Here are 5 of Wild Rose Country’s most spectacular destinations:

Beaver Hills


A 300 square km space, Beaver Hill is east of Edmonton and encompasses Elk Island National Park and Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. Here, the stars shine brighter, the air is fresher and the view is 10/10.

Where: See directions here

Jasper Dark Sky Preserve

One of our personal favourites on the list, Jasper Dark Sky Preserve is actually the second largest preserve in the world and one of the most beautiful places in Canada – but don’t just take our word for it. See it for yourself!

Where: 1 Old Lodge Rd, Jasper, AB

Wood Buffalo Park

Think Jasper is impressive? Head to Wood Buffalo Park. While Jasper is the second largest, this stunning destination is actually the world’s largest and is totally worth visiting if you’re looking for something spectacular.

Where: See directions here

Waterton International Dark Sky Park

A cross-border experience, Waterton is half of the world’s first cross-border dark sky preserve. Here you can see the sights crystal clear on a nice night and take in the surrounding sights in one of Canada’s most beautiful parks.

Where: See directions here

Cypress Hills Provincial Park

Where it all began! Cypress Hills was actually Alberta’s very first preserve and still holds up as one of the best. Due to its high elevation and lack of urban light pollution, this place is a must for jr. astronomers.

Where: See directions here

Ready to hit the hills, valleys and mountains? Pack a snack and some blankets and enjoy! The Geminids meteor shower really is something!

You’re in for a treat.

Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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