Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Canada

When night falls in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, the mountains get a whole new backdrop. Designated a Dark-Sky Preserve in 2011, the park spans more than 11,000 square kilometres, with measures in place to reduce light pollution. Here, the stars, planets and the Milky Way put up a celestial show, giving visitors a reason to look up. Then morning arrives and the focus shifts from the sky above to the landscape below.

Jasper's forests include groves of aspen and Douglas fir, while alpine meadows and grasslands add variety to its mountain habitats. These landscapes support 53 species of mammals, such as grizzly and black bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wolves and coyotes. Maligne Lake is another standout. Fed by glaciers, the 22-kilometre-long lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. There are trails around the lake and paddlers can explore its long shoreline, though the water stays very cold even in summer. From star-filled nights to wildlife-filled days, Jasper certainly keeps things interesting.