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Jasper Dark Sky Festival

A Dark Sky Preserve is an area in which no artificial light is visible. Idyllic for astronomy enthusiasts. Jasper National Park is the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world (so large that there is a town within the limits of the preserve) and is the perfect setting for star gazers to wonder at the night sky in all its glory. Our Jasper Dark Sky Festival takes in the Dark Sky Preserve and is a must for all star gazer enthusiasts.

Your adventure starts in the forested seaside city of Vancouver and moves on through lush valleys and mountain passes to the historic village of Kamloops. Some 354 km from Vancouver, Kamloops is situated at the junction of the North and South Thompson rivers. With a rich history in mining, railroads and cattle, the town has no less than four wineries and 5 breweries. And there is no shortage of restaurants. Perfect for stopping off for a drink or something to eat after a walk along the South Thompson River.

A Stargazer’s Delight

Once you arrive at Jasper, you’ll have free time to explore the National Park or the Wildlife Museum, before attending the Jasper Planetarium & Telescope Experience, where you’ll get to see the spectacular Dark Sky through the lens of the most powerful telescope in the Rocky Mountains. And of course, there will also be the opportunity to see the famed magical light show, the Northern Lights.

We spend a day at Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival – enough time to revisit the planetarium, take in a lecture from one of the guest speakers or simply to spot the local wildlife around town.

Our next stop is the lovely shores of Lake Louise, where you will spend the night at the majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Take in the crisp mountain air, grab a gondola ride up the mountain or just relax at the lakeside resort. It really is up to you.

As we wave goodbye to Lake Louise, we head out to Banff National Park, home to the incredible Bow Falls.

Day 1: Vancouver

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A Bustling West Coast Seaport

Let the fun being. Your Tour Director will meet you in the evening to give you a run-down of the itinerary for the days ahead. It’s also a great opportunity to meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink.

Day 2: Vancouver - Kamloops

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Where North Meets West

In the morning we set out for a tour of Vancouver, taking in the peaceful waterfront, Chinatown and Stanley Park, famous for its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Leaving Vancouver, we travel east through lush green valleys and crossing over mountain passes to Kamloops.

Known as the Tournament Capital of Canada, Kamloops hosts over 100 tournaments each year. Its rich, lush landscape make it the perfect playground for adventure sports such as hiking, biking and skiing. With an abundance of restaurants, wineries, breweries and places to visit, you’ll not be short of something to do!

Breakfast included

Day 3: Kamloops - Jasper

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City to Alpine Town

After a leisurely breakfast, we make our way through the spectacular Canadian Rockies en route to Jasper, the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world and your home for the next two days. After a sight-seeing tour of this vast and beautiful Preserve you’ll have some free time to explore and acquaint yourself with the picturesque mountain village.

Take some time to relax in readiness for the evening’s Moon Viewing opportunity. Complete with an assortment of telescopes, set up for the viewing, it promises not to disappoint.

Breakfast and Dinner included

Day 4: Jasper

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Dark Skies

A free day, it’s your opportunity to discover all that the Jasper National Park has to offer. And there’s plenty to see and do. Why not take some time to explore the Jasper Wildlife Museum, join a hike and then stop off to sample some local craft beer.

You’re invited to join the Jasper Planetarium and Telescope Experience in the evening, where you’ll learn all about the Dark Sky Preserve. Your guide will also give you a tour of the largest and most powerful telescope in the Rockies. As well as learning how the telescope work, there will be an opportunity to see the latest imagery from the night skies. Conditions permitting, you may also get to witness the dazzling light show that is the Northern Lights.

Breakfast included

Day 5: Jasper

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Dark Sky Festival

Explore the wonders of the Dark Sky Festival on your second day. As well as interactive shows, the planetarium also offers solar viewing. And of course, there is also the chance to pick the brains of the local experts.

If you prefer to be out and about, you could take a stroll around the village – there’s an abundance of wildlife just waiting to be discovered.

You’re invited to join your Tour Director in the evening for a special Keynote Presentation, complete with notable guests, ready to share their astronomic experiences.

Breakfast included

Day 6: Jasper – Lake Louise

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Indulge Yourself

Enjoy a leisurely morning to yourself before we travel to the beautiful shores of Lake Louise and the regal Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Luxury personified, it features breath-taking views of Lake Louise and the surrounding Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Renowned for its sumptuous setting, the hotel combines timeless beauty with Old World charm.

Breakfast and Dinner included

Day 7: Lake Louise - Banff

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Time for Adventure

The morning is all about you. Take the time in the morning to recharge your batteries, or, if you prefer, explore the alpine paradise. Later in the day, we travel to Banff, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Included is an excursion to Banff National Park and the Bow Falls. Established in 1885, the park is 6,641 square kilometres of mountainous terrain, alpine landscapes, dense forest, glaciers and ice fields and is Canada’s oldest national park.

Breakfast included

Day 8: Banff

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Mountain Peaks that Dominate the Skyline

There’s so much to see and do in Banff, that we’ve allowed a full free day for you to explore this beautiful and intoxicating resort on your own. In the evening you are invited to join your Tour Director for a festive farewell dinner. The perfect ending to your adventure!

Breakfast and Dinner included

Day 9: Calgary

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Time to say Adieu

Your adventure finishes in Calgary as you arrive at the International airport for your return flight home. Please note flights should be scheduled after 2pm.

Breakfast included

Can’t see what you are looking for? Don’t worry, in all probability we can still do it.
Call us on 01582 349480.

About Suitcase Travel

A family run boutique travel agency, we specialise in creating memorable travel experiences. Offering unique adventures, tailored to your specific requirements, we focus solely on you, helping you to understand the experience that your holiday will give you and equipping you with those all-important tips that will help to make your holiday that extra bit special. Oh, and the best part? Our service is free – it literally costs you no more than if you were to book direct. Come and talk to us and we’ll help you to create memories that really will last a lifetime.

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