Waterton to host stargazers this weekend

By Lethbridge Herald on September 25, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald

Waterton Welcomes the first-ever Dark Sky Discovery Days Festival Three-Day Celebration of the Night Sky at Waterton Lakes National Park, set for Sept. 26–28, celebrating the beauty, mystery, and wonder of the night sky. 

“We are proud to launch the first-ever Dark Sky Discovery Days in Waterton,” said Keith Robinson, President and Co-Founder of Dark Sky Guides, the festival organizers. “As a designated Dark Sky Park, Waterton is the perfect setting to bring people together to learn, share, and experience the night sky in new and inspiring ways.”

A designated dark sky park is a natural area recognized for its exceptional night sky quality and commitment to reducing light pollution, benefiting both ecosystems and stargazers. 

These parks, certified by organizations like DarkSky International or Parks Canada, implement strict lighting guidelines to preserve the natural darkness essential for wildlife and to provide outstanding opportunities for stargazing, education, and cultural heritage. 

The inaugural community-based event blends science, storytelling, and stargazing under the breathtaking Rocky Mountain skies — all inspired by the natural magic of the Aurora Borealis. 

Festival Highlights Include Star Party Welcome Event hosted by the Lethbridge Astronomy Society; Solar Gazing Sun Party with live telescope viewing; Into the Night Bat Exhibit & Family Zone, presented by the Alberta Community Bat Program 

Nightly keynote speakers each evening, include Monika Deviat, Susan Holroyd, and Keith Robinson;  interactive sessions and workshops on dark sky photography, astronomy, and sky stories; guided night sky tours, planetarium shows, and community activities throughout the weekend.

General admission tickets include access to the Star Party, Solar Gazing Event, Bat Exhibit & Family Zone, nightly keynote presentations, a Discovery Days tote bag and festival guide, discounts from Waterton businesses, and more. 

Waterton Lakes National Park is a designated Dark Sky Park—one of the rare places in the world where stars shine brilliantly overhead. Dark Sky Discovery Days invites you to slow down, look up, and rediscover the magic of the night, surrounded by natural beauty and community spirit.

For more information, visit darkskydiscoverydays.ca.