Alberta’s Jasper National Park has been designated the world’s largest dark sky preserve, said Environment Minister Peter Kent.

A dark sky preserve is an area where no artificial lighting is visible

and the natural glow of the stars dominates the landscape.

Jasper, at 11,228 square-kilometres, is the only preserve in the country which has a town wholly within its boundaries.

The park is reputed for having beautiful star-gazing areas, particularly in the south.

It’s one of the least polluted areas by light in Canada’s southwest.

Parks Canada says it will enforce strict lighting guidelines to maintain its special designation.

Kent said Friday the title “will offer this and future generations of Canadians and visitors incredible opportunities to discover and learn about the stars.”