MIETTE HOT SPRINGS EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Beneath the Rockies: Stargazing at the World’s Largest Astronomy Park
A 45-minute outdoor program at the Jasper Planetarium (Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge) featuring guided telescope viewing, aurora and Milky Way photography tips, and hands-on meteorite and aurora activities.
Beneath the Rockies: Stargazing at the World’s Largest Astronomy Park.
Set against the jagged silhouette of the Canadian Rockies, the Telescope Experience at Jasper Planetarium plunges you into an evening of live telescope views, 4K screen replays and tactile astronomy — from holding a meteorite to shaping a simulated aurora. It’s a short, intense encounter with the night sky designed to teach how the largest, most powerful telescopes in the Rockies work and how to capture the Northern Lights and Milky Way.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Live telescope feeds and 4K instant replays
See recent captures from Jasper’s telescopes in stunning 4K and, when skies permit, join live guided views through optical and video-based scopes next to the planetarium.
Tactile astronomy: meteorites and aurora demos
Beyond passive viewing, the program includes hands-on elements — make an aurora and hold an actual meteorite as part of an interactive guided tour of how telescopes and observation work.
Aurora and Milky Way imaging basics
On request, staff demonstrate how to photograph the Northern Lights and the Milky Way with a DSLR, pairing practical tips with live examples from the observatory’s recent captures.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
The Telescope Experience is a brisk, immersive 45-minute outdoor program that moves from an interpretive tour of the planetarium’s powerful telescopes to a staged 4K replay of recent observations, then into hands-on demonstrations and, if conditions allow, live guided viewing through the facility’s optical and video telescopes. Expect a mix of storytelling, technical demonstration, practical photography tips and tactile moments — all under Rocky Mountain night skies.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this short, outdoor astronomy experience suits — and what to watch for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs approximately 45 minutes.
Meet at the Jasper Planetarium at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
This is an outdoor evening event — dress warmly for Rocky Mountain weather.
Expect an interactive tour of telescopes, a 4K replay of recent captures, hands-on activities (make an aurora, hold a meteorite) and, if skies permit, live telescope viewing; DSLR photography tips are available upon request.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Telescope Experience?
The program lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Where do we meet?
You meet at the Jasper Planetarium at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
What if the skies are cloudy?
If skies are not clear enough, live guided views through telescopes may not be possible; the program includes 4K replays and hands-on activities regardless.
Do I need special equipment to photograph the aurora?
Photography instruction for the Northern Lights and Milky Way is available upon request, with guidance focused on DSLR techniques.
What should I wear?
Because this is an outdoor evening event in the Rockies, dress warmly for evening Rocky Mountain weather.
Are there age or health restrictions?
No specific age or health restrictions are listed in the provided information.