Canada's insider blog

Disappearing into the pristine Jasper backcountry with no mobile device whatsoever makes for a magical day. But at night, when the stars come out? Truly transcendent.
 
Now, confirming what every Jasper visitor already knows, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada has just declared Jasper National Park the world’s largest dark sky preserve. DSP’s (as all the cool kids and tweeters call them) are designated to protect nocturnal wildlife habitat and quality night sky viewing.  
 
As stewards of Mother Nature’s dark twinkling gift, the folks at Jasper National Park will identify public observation sites free of light pollution and work with town and tourism partners to develop new night sky interpretation programming.
 
And lucky Jasperites – already blessed with Rocky Mountain bragging rights – now commit to using shielded lights that point downward and adding timers or motion sensors whenever possible.
 
There are currently 11 sites in Canada that have received DSP designation.
For the full list, consult the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.