The Milky Way and galactic core area over Mount Andromeda (centre), Mount Athabasca (left) and the Athabasca Glacier (right) at the Columbia Icefields

© Alan Dyer/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Image

A galaxy full of stars. Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Today we are taking in this spectacular view of the twinkling stars above us in Jasper National Park. Between today and October 24, visitors here can celebrate the Jasper Dark Sky Festival. The Royal Astronomical Society in Canada designated this national park as a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011. Given the lack of light pollution here and the abundant open space, Jasper is among the 17 selected Dark Sky Preserves across Canada and the second largest in the world. Medicine Lake, Pyramid Lake, and Maligne Canyon are a few of the best spots for stargazing out here. And if your timing is great, you may be able to witness the beauty of Aurora Borealis as well.