If you want one of the best bird's-eye views of the national park without a full-day hike, the Jasper SkyTram is your shortcut to the alpine. But there's more to do here than simply stand in awe — this is your guide on how to get the most bang for your buck from one of Jasper's top spring/summer/fall experiences.
What is the Jasper SkyTram?
The Jasper SkyTram is an accessible, jaw-droppingly beautiful way to reach the top of Whistler's Mountain. It is Canada's longest and highest guided aerial tramway, featuring a seven-minute flight up Whistlers Mountain. It climbs to an elevation of 2,263m (7,425 ft), where panoramic views of six mountain ranges, the Athabasca River, and the town of Jasper await.
Travel tips: Plan to spend two to three hours at the top for a complete flight+hike+cafe experience. Lower Station is located a ten-minute drive from downtown Jasper; Sundog Tours operates a daily shuttle service with stops at multiple hotels.
Top activities to do at the Jasper SkyTram:
- Photography and sightseeing: The Upper Station has seven photo viewpoints. See current conditions via the live webcam from the summit.
- Learn: Local flight guides and informational plaques explain history, geography, ecology and more.
- Hike: Walk the boardwalk surrounding the Upper Station or follow the 1.4 kilometre path to the summit.
- Snowshoe: When the tram first opens in early spring, snow usually still covers the mountaintop. Explore the alpine easily by renting snowshoes from the Upper Station.
- Eat: The Summit Café at the Upper Station serves handhelds, poutines, soups and other comfort food favourites. Plus, the mountaintop bar means you can enjoy brews with unbeatable views.
But you can also:
- Stargaze: On select dates in September and October, the SkyTram hosts special stargazing evenings with powerful telescopes and experts from the Jasper Planetarium.
- Spot wildlife: Whistlers Mountain was named for the whistling call of hoary marmots. Watch for these stocky, alpine-loving rodents, as well as pikas, white-tailed ptarmigans, birds flying by or even the occasional mountain goat.
- Shop: Unique souvenirs await at the retail store.
- Family activities: Complete activities, earn badges and explore the mountains with the Rockies Rangers!
- Dog walk: With a reduced-price ticket, your dog can join you in the tram to the top! Dogs must be leashed at all times and well-behaved in crowded settings (the tram cars hold 20-25 people). Find more Fido-approved travel tips here.
1 Learn
During the seven-minute flight up the mountain, the SkyTram flight attendant explains various aspects of the tramway and the multiple surrounding mountain ranges. After reaching the Upper Station, step off the tram and wander the boardwalks to take in the sights and read the informational signage.
- Further reading: Copy the perfect two-day spring itinerary from Jasper SkyTram's longtime general manager, Todd Noble.
2 Hike
From the Upper Station, hiking trails lead all the way to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, located approximately 1.4 kilometres from the tram. Pick up a map and stay on the designated paths to find countless stunning photo ops.
Note that weather can change quickly in the mountains and the alpine is often much chillier than the temperature in town; dress appropriately and bring layers.
3 Snowshoe
Since the alpine snowpack melts slower than in the valleys, springtime visitors can explore the summit using one of Canada’s classic winter transportation methods: snowshoes! Come prepared with winter wear like hats, mittens, and warm coat. Snowshoe rentals available until mid-May. Available as an add-on when booking online or on-site at the Upper Station.
4 Eat
Relax in the window-lined Summit Cafe, where meals and drinks are served with a side of panoramic views. Enjoy favourites, craft beer, coffees, teas and desserts. The Cafe opens a half hour after the SkyTram opens and closes a hour before the SkyTram closes. Breakfast is served until noon; lunch is served from 11 a.m. Dinner is available from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. from May 16 – September 6 only. Hours subject to change.
*Summit Cafe is on the second floor of the Upper Station and not wheelchair accessible. Dogs are also not permitted in the Cafe.
5 Stargaze
Get a little closer to the stars with the annual Star Sessions, available on select evenings through September and October. Join astronomy experts at the SkyTram’s Upper Station for an exclusive dining and stargazing experience with the most powerful telescopes in the Canadian Rockies, with the lights of the town far below.
Want more celestial celebration? Visit during the Jasper Dark Sky Festival from October 16–25.
6 Spot wildlife
Whistlers Mountain was named for the hoary marmot’s whistling alert call. Watch for these furry tubsters, as well as the white-tailed ptarmigan, ground squirrels, pikas and perhaps a mountain goat. For brief periods in the summer, enjoy thousands of alpine flowers. See wildlife rules here.
- Further reading: Complete spring guide to wildlife viewing in Jasper
7 Family-friendly adventures
Complete activities, earn badges and explore the mountains with the Rockies Rangers! Connect to a world of alpine adventure with Molly, the Jasper SkyTram's curious marmot. Take on challenges and fill out your field guide. Then join a special Rockies Rangers ceremony to earn your very own Molly badge.
Made for guests 16 and under, with field guides available for three age groups.
2026 promotion: kids fly free!
For the first two hours of each day, kids can get free admission to the Jasper SkyTram (each "free" child must be accompanied by an adult with regular priced ticket). Cannot be combined with any other offer. The SkyTram opens at 10 a.m. during shoulder season (Apr. 15–May 15; Sept. 7–Oct. 26) and at 8 a.m. during high season (May 16–Sept. 6).
Find more deals for veterans, Marmot Basin season passholders, AMA members and more.
Continue reading
Spring Wildlife Viewing in Jasper National Park: How to See Bears, Elk, Moose, and more
Spring is one of the best times of year to see wildlife. Animals like black bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats become more active and easier to spot. This guide covers the best places, times, and tips for spring wildlife viewing in Jasper, along with important safety practices to help protect both visitors and animals.
