Jasper SkyTram

The Jasper SkyTram is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada, offering stunning panoramic views of Jasper National Park. Jasper's SkyTram takes visitors from the lower station (1,258 m / 4,127 ft) up to the upper station near the summit of Whistlers Mountain (2,263 m / 7,425 ft) in about 7 minutes.

Jasper SkyTram Operating Hours

The Jasper SkyTram is scheduled to open for the 2025 season on March 21, 2025.
Please note that the last tramcar down departs one hour after the final ascent. For example, if the last ride up is at 6:00 PM, the last ride down will be at 7:00 PM.Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

Dining Options at the Jasper SkyTram

Summit Cafe: Located at the upper station, offering full-service dining with panoramic mountain views.
Operating hours are subject to change.
Basecamp Cafe: Situated at the lower SkyTram station, serving light snacks, drinks, and ice cream.
Operating hours are subject to change. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

Jasper SkyTram Up Whistlers Mountain

About Whistlers Mountain

Elevation: At 2,463 meters (8,080 feet), Whistlers Mountain is one of the higher peaks in the Jasper area, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Name Origin: The mountain's name comes from the whistling sounds made by the hoary marmots that live there, especially noticeable in the early summer when the marmots are active.
Geography: Whistlers Mountain offers impressive views of the Athabasca Valley, the Jasper townsite, and distant peaks like Mount Edith Cavell and Mount Columbia.

Jasper SkyTram's Ascent

The Jasper SkyTram ascends from the lower station (1,258 meters / 4,127 feet) up to the upper station (2,263 meters / 7,425 feet), which is just below the summit of Whistlers Mountain. The tram takes about 7 minutes for the ascent and offers breathtaking views as you travel.

Whistlers Mountain Summit via Jasper SkyTram

Once you reach the Jasper SkyTram upper station, visitors can either enjoy the views from the viewing platform or hike to the true summit of Whistlers Mountain.
Whistlers Mountain summit hike is a 1.4 km (0.9 mi) trail with a 200-meter (656-foot) elevation gain and takes around 30-45 minutes to complete. The hiking trail is relatively easy, offering visitors the opportunity to experience alpine terrain and wildlife along the way.

Jasper SkyTram and Whistler Mountain Views

The panoramic vistas from the upper station and summit are ideal for photography, with dramatic mountain ranges, valleys, and glacial-fed lakes. Sunrise and sunset hours provide excellent light conditions for capturing the mountain landscape.

Visiting the Jasper SkyTram

Summer (June–September): Ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying clear skies. The tram operates daily during these months.
Fall (September–October): The fall season brings stunning autumn colors, particularly around larch trees.
Winter (November–March): Snow transforms Whistlers Mountain into a winter wonderland, though the SkyTram typically operates only from March to October. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

The Whistlers Mountain Hike

Whistlers Mountain Hike is a great physical test with interesting habitats, great panoramas, and you just might meet a Marmot! We would suggest going one way, and riding the SkyTram the other way.

Whistlers Mountain Elevation Gain: 1200m
Hiking Distance: 6.8km to Whistlers Mountain summit.
Hiking Time: Anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to climb Whistlers mountain.

Getting to Whistlers Mountain

You can see Whistlers mountain from Jasper, but to get to the hiking trailhead, go south from the west traffic lights at the Highway 16 junction, on the Icefields Parkway 1.8km. Turn west (right) onto Whistlers Road, following it for 2.7km. You will have to turn left just after the Whistlers Hostel sign before the hostel. The second road up, the main one, takes you .3km to the hiking trailhead.

The Whistlers Mountain Hike

Whistlers mountain hiking trail sign is at the west end of the parking lot. You will start hiking by entering a narrow path surrounded by dense bush.

Start climbing steeply towards whistlers boulder slide, where the hiking path descends a bit. You will hike, climbing, and at level grades at times passing beneath and then west of Jasper skytram initially. The hiking trail switches back and forth as the grade gets steeper.

Near Whistlers summit, the hiking trail gets very steep. Above the skytram terminal leads to an outstanding panorama. You can even see Mount Robson on a clear day from here, which is over 100km away. Book Whistlers Mountain Skytram Hike Jasper's Whistlers Mountain

Jasper SkyTram Star Sessions

Jasper SkyTram's Star Sessions offer the unique opportunity to experience dining and stargazing atop Whistlers Mountain, guided by experts from the Jasper Planetarium. Star Sessions are held on select nights during the fall months, providing an immersive experience under some of the darkest skies in Canada.

Jasper SkyTram Star Sessions Highlights

Planetarium Dome Experience: Begin with a virtual orientation of the night sky in an inflatable planetarium, learning about constellations, planets, and galaxies.
SkyTram Flight: Embark on a return flight to the upper station, elevating you nearly 1 km closer to the stars.
Stargazing with Telescopes: Utilize powerful telescopes to observe celestial wonders, with guidance from astronomy experts.
Jasper SkyTram Star Sessions Dining Options: Choose between an early or late dinner, featuring a three-course meal with options like grilled chicken wraps, paninis, burgers, and poutine. Desserts include New York cheesecake and triple chunk brownies. Please note that the cafe is situated on the second floor, accessible only by stairs, and is not wheelchair accessible. Additionally, while the Jasper SkyTram is dog-friendly, pets are not permitted inside the cafe area.

Jasper SkyTram Star Sessions Event Dates

September: Saturdays
October: Fridays and Saturdays

Jasper SkyTram Star Session Booking Information

Adult (16+): Includes return SkyTram flight, dinner, and stargazing experience.
Youth (6-15): Includes return SkyTram flight, dinner, and stargazing experience.
Child (5 and under): Includes return SkyTram flight and stargazing experience; dinner is paid separately.

Operating hours and event dates are subject to change.
For a memorable evening under the stars, the Star Sessions at the Jasper SkyTram provide a perfect blend of astronomy, dining, and breathtaking mountain views. Book the Jasper Skytram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.

The Jasper SkyTram Summit Cafe

The Summit Cafe is a full-service dining experience located on the second floor of the Jasper SkyTram's upper station, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The menu features classic dishes and desserts, with options such as grilled chicken wraps, paninis, burgers, and poutine. For dessert, selections include New York cheesecake and triple chunk brownies.

The Jasper SkyTram Summit Cafe is situated on the second floor, accessible only by stairs, and is not wheelchair accessible. While the Jasper SkyTram is dog-friendly, pets are not permitted inside the cafe area. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

History of the Jasper SkyTram

The Jasper SkyTram was constructed in the early 1960s to provide visitors with a scenic and accessible way to experience the heights of Whistlers Mountain. Inspired by European mountain tramways, the project aimed to boost tourism in Jasper National Park by offering breathtaking aerial views without requiring an intense hike.

Jasper SkyTram Historical Milestones

1960–1964: SkyTram Planning & Construction

The idea for Jasper's SkyTram was developed in the late 1950s as Jasper sought to enhance visitor experiences. Construction took two years (1963–1964) and was carried out by a Swiss company specializing in alpine tramways. Engineers built the system with only one support tower, reducing the environmental footprint.

1964: Jasper SkyTram Grand Opening

The Jasper SkyTram officially opened in July 1964, becoming Canada's highest and longest aerial tramway.
The Jasper SkyTram's bi-cable system (one cable for support, another for movement) was a rare and advanced design at the time.

Upgrades & Modernization to the Jasper SkyTram

Over the decades, the SkyTram has been refurbished and upgraded for safety and efficiency while maintaining its original charm.
The tramcars have been replaced with larger, modernized cabins featuring bigger windows for better views.
Enhanced safety systems and maintenance protocols ensure smooth operation.

The Jasper SkyTram Today

The Jasper SkyTram remains one of Jasper National Park's most popular attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Jasper's SkyTram continues to operate seasonally, offering a mix of guided experiences, hiking opportunities, and photography spots. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

About Jasper Sky Trams

The Jasper SkyTram operates two aerial tramcars that transport passengers from the lower station to the upper station on Whistlers Mountain.

Tramcar Design & Features

Capacity: Each tramcar can hold up to 26 passengers, including a tram operator.
Windows: Large panoramic windows provide unobstructed views of Jasper National Park.
Ride Duration: The ascent takes about 7 minutes, covering nearly 1 km (3,200 ft) of elevation gain.
Speed: The trams travel at approximately 6 meters per second (20 ft/s).
Guided Experience: A trained operator provides live commentary on the way up, pointing out landmarks, wildlife, and geological features.

Jasper SkyTram Operating System & Engineering

Type: Bi-cable aerial tramway, meaning two cables support the tram's movement-one for support and another for propulsion.
Stations: The tram runs between the lower station (1,258 m / 4,127 ft) and the upper station (2,263 m / 7,425 ft).
Support Towers: Only one support tower is used between the two stations, keeping the landscape as natural as possible.

Fun Facts About the Jasper SkyTram

Longest & Highest in Canada: The Jasper SkyTram is Canada's highest and longest guided aerial tramway.
Minimal Environmental Impact: Designed to preserve Jasper's ecosystem, with minimal infrastructure beyond the tramway. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

Riding Up the Jasper SkyTram

Riding up the Jasper SkyTram is a breathtaking experience that lifts you high above the forested slopes of Whistlers Mountain, offering expansive views of Jasper National Park's rugged wilderness. As the tram ascends to an elevation of 2,263 meters (7,425 feet), passengers are enclosed in a gently swaying gondola with large windows, providing panoramic views in every direction. Below, the vast Athabasca River snakes through the wide valley, while snow-capped peaks like Mount Edith Cavell and Pyramid Mountain come into view. The ride itself takes about seven minutes, during which a knowledgeable guide often shares insights about the region's geology, wildlife, and glacial history. The higher you go, the cooler the air becomes, and the forest gives way to alpine tundra. Once at the upper station, visitors step out into a world above the tree line, where observation decks, interpretive signs, and hiking trails open up a whole new perspective of the Canadian Rockies. The ride up is not just transportation-it's a scenic journey that builds anticipation for the adventure awaiting at the summit.

As the tram ascends Whistlers Mountain, the scenery changes dramatically. The lower slopes are thick with lodgepole pine and spruce forests, often dotted with grazing elk or mule deer far below. Soon, the trees thin out, replaced by lichen-covered rocks and patches of lingering snow, even in summer. With increasing elevation, the Jasper townsite shrinks into the distance and the full breadth of the Athabasca Valley becomes visible. To the north, the rugged peaks of the Victoria Cross Range stretch toward the horizon, while to the south, the Columbia Icefield region and the distant folds of the Continental Divide emerge. Glacial lakes sparkle in the distance, and if conditions are clear, you may spot Mount Robson-the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies-on the far western skyline.

Inside the tram, the operator may point out key landmarks and explain the alpine ecology, the formation of the mountains, and how the glacial history carved the valley. As the upper terminal comes into view, perched on the mountain's shoulder, excitement builds. Once the cabin gently docks, the doors open to a cool alpine environment where the air is crisp and often several degrees colder than at the base. Stepping out, you're greeted by a viewing platform with 360-degree vistas, interpretive signs, and access to the Summit Trail, which leads hikers another 200 vertical meters to the true summit of Whistlers Mountain. The ride up the Jasper SkyTram is not only visually stunning but also a transition between ecosystems, climates, and perspectives-a high alpine journey that immerses you in the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

Views From Whistlers Mountain Top

From the top of Whistlers Mountain, the views are nothing short of spectacularan expansive, open-air panorama that stretches across six mountain ranges and deep into the heart of Jasper National Park. To the east, the entire Athabasca Valley lies at your feet, with the town of Jasper nestled in a green patchwork of forest and rivers far below. The winding path of the Athabasca River glimmers in the sunlight, tracing a serpentine route through the valley floor. To the north, Pyramid Mountain stands prominently, its sharp, symmetrical peak mirrored in Pyramid Lake. Looking south and west, layers of jagged, glacier-capped peaks rise in succession, including the Trident Range, the Victoria Cross Ranges, and the far-off, often snow-draped silhouettes of the Columbia Icefield region. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Robson in the distance, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Closer to the summit, the terrain is a rugged blend of alpine rock, wind-blown scree, and delicate wildflowers clinging to life in the short summer season. Golden-mantled ground squirrels and hoary marmots are often seen darting between boulders, while the air carries the cool scent of alpine wind. The upper SkyTram station and the summit trail offers the sense of vastness, elevation, and pure mountain wilderness is unforgettable. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

Jasper SkyTram Parking and How to get There

If you are driving to the Jasper SkyTram, it's an easy 10‑minute (about 7 km) scenic drive southwest of Jasper. From town, take Connaught Drive onto Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway), cross the Miette River bridge, and look for the turnoff onto Whistlers Road - just 4 km in you'll reach a spacious, dedicated parking lot at the tram's lower terminal. There are plenty of regular vehicle stalls plus spots for buses and RVs. (Note: on peak summer days it can fill up, so arriving early-roughly 20 minutes before your booked tram time-is smart.)

If you would rather not drive, Jasper Transit buses and operator‑run shuttles depart from town hotels and central stops, bringing you right to the tram lower station. They typically run according to the tram's schedule, and shuttles are timed to meet "flight" times so you don't miss your ascent. Whether you drive or take a shuttle, you'll step off just steps from ticketing and the Basecamp Café before boarding your 7‑minute ride up. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

Jasper SkyTram Upper and Lower Terminals

The Jasper SkyTram features two distinct stations-each with its own character and amenities-linked by a soaring 7‑minute ride that climbs over 1,000 meters.

Lower (Base) SkyTram Terminal

At the bottom, the lower station is a bustling gateway to adventure. The architecture blends rustic mountain lodge aesthetics with glass walls, giving a preview of the view to come. Inside, you'll find the ticketing area and a small café offering hot beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and picnic supplies. Benches outside and covered staging areas are perfect for waiting before your scheduled "flight." There's also an information desk and interpretive panels showcasing the region's geology and wildlife. The parking lot, shuttle stop, and bike racks are just steps away, making it easy to arrive by car, public shuttle, or bike.

Upper (Summit) SkyTram Terminal

At the top, perched on a rocky shoulder of Whistlers Mountain, the upper station feels like a mountain refuge with an alpine twist. The building is compact and modular, with large windows and observation decks that stretch outward, creating open-air viewing platforms hovering above the valley below. On clear days, the air is crisp and refreshing, and the temperature noticeably cooler than at the base. The station includes a gift shop with souvenirs, warm drinks, and snacks. Outside, interpretive signage helps you identify surrounding peaks and ecological zones. From this station, hikers can follow the Summit Trail-a rugged yet well-marked path leading another 200 vertical meters to the true summit-and explore short loop trails close to the deck. Benches and scenic overlooks are strategically placed for photo opportunities or simply pausing to absorb the 360° panorama.

Together, the SkyTram terminals create a seamless mountain experience: the lower station sets the stage and builds anticipation, while the upper station rewards you with breathtaking views and access to high-alpine trails. The Jasper SkyTram truly complements bookends to an unforgettable Canadian Rockies experience. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

Jasper SkyTram Gift Shop

At the top of Whistlers Mountain, the Jasper SkyTram gift shop welcomes visitors with a charming alpine ambiance. Tucked adjacent to the upper station's observation decks, this cozy shop is stocked with a curated selection of locally-inspired keepsakes-think artisanal postcards, nature-themed apparel (hoodies, T-shirts, cozy beanies), and beautiful cast‑metal ornaments featuring iconic Rockies wildlife. You'll also find sturdy travel mugs, water bottles, and backpacks-buy-on-the-spot gear that's handy for continuing your hike. For a memorable token, opt for hand‑crafted stone pendants or keychains etched with mountain silhouettes. Many items are branded with “Jasper SkyTram” or feature vintage‑style mountain art, making them perfect souvenirs. Seasonal additions often include specialty local snacks and miniature toques with a paw-print motif, supporting regional artisans.

Wrap up your Whistlers summit adventure with a meaningful memento from the gift shop's thoughtful mix of functional gear and nostalgic treasures. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

Dogs are Allowed on the SkyTram!

Yes, dogs are welcome on the Jasper SkyTram! The tram is pet‑friendly, allowing well‑behaved dogs aboard the gondola-just make sure theyre on leash, and youll need to purchase a small dog ticket at the station (typically around CAD 8–10).

There are a couple of important things to keep in mind:
1. Once you reach the upper terminal, pets are not allowed inside the Summit Café (the restaurant area upstairs).
2. While up top, your dog can roam the outdoor boardwalks and trails on a leash but must stay out of indoor dining spaces.

Many guests love bringing their pups. You will frequently spot them enjoying the views and trails at the summit. It is a fantastic way to share the high‑alpine adventure with your furry friend, just remember to keep them leashed, ticketed, and café‑free inside. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.