You can’t help but look up when you’re visiting the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Dark Sky Festival which will take place August 23-26 in Fort Smith and Wood Buffalo National Park.
The multi-day family event lets you explore the universe without leaving Earth; and you won’t even need to stay up all night to participate! There is day programing available so you can learn about space and science while experiencing true Northern hospitality.
Presenters this year include Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada’s first female astronaut and Nicole Mortillaro, senior science writer for the CBC; while Roland Dechesne will be offering workshops on the effects of light pollution on wildlife and the environment.
Last year’s sold-out event allowed tourists the chance to visit the new Fort Smith Star Park and Observatory. ITI provided funding towards this project through the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program. This year the final touches are being added and tourists can make use of high quality telescopes and reclined viewing benches along with a telescope/photography pad!
Festivals and events, such as the Dark Sky Festival, play an important part in drawing visitors to the Northwest Territories, growing our tourism sector and creating economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artists and businesses.
