If you’re planning a trip to Jasper National Park, chances are the Jasper SkyTram is already on your radar. And if it’s not yet? It should be. This Aerial Tramway ride is the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada, whisking you from the valley floor to the alpine zone in just a few minutes. At the top, you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views, access to the Whistlers Summit Trail, and a whole new perspective on the Canadian Rockies.
As a Banff local who has visited Jasper many times, I can honestly say the Jasper SkyTram is one of those must-do activities; whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or even solo. In this guide, I’ll share exactly what to expect, how to make the most of your visit, and insider tips to help you plan the perfect day at the Jasper SkyTram.
On my most recent trip to Jasper, I visited the Jasper SkyTram with my wife and our two kids (ages 10 and 12) on a weekday afternoon in August. We decided to hike all the way to the top of Whistlers Mountain and then take the scenic side trails back down. Even though we’re strong hikers, it took us nearly two hours because we stopped for so many pictures; the views just kept getting better and better.
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Jasper SkyTram Lower Terminal
Your Jasper SkyTram adventure begins at the Lower Terminal, located just a short drive from the Jasper townsite. This is where you’ll check in with your tickets (highly recommended to book in advance during the summer months). The lower terminal has a ticket desk, small gift shop, restrooms, and a waiting area.
Once you are in the pre-boarding area of the lower terminal, you’ll be able to enjoy watching the mechanics of the Jasper SkyTram. Our kids loved looking through the large glass window and watching the giant gears and cables which make the Jasper aerial tramway work.
Riding the Jasper SkyTram
Although many people call this attraction the Jasper Gondola, the Jasper SkyTram is actually an aerial tramway. A gondola has many small cabins that continuously circulate on a cable loop (for example, the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain). By comparison, an aerial tramway has just two large cabins that shuttle back and forth between terminals.
The ride up Whistlers Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram takes about 7 minutes, but don’t let that fool you; this is one of the most scenic 7 minutes you’ll ever experience. The tram glides smoothly over the forested lower slopes, then climbs steeply as the rugged mountains of Jasper National Park unfold in every direction.
Each tram car holds 20-24 passengers and comes with a trained flight attendant who shares fun facts and points out landmarks as you rise above the valley floor. The anticipation builds as you step inside, knowing you’re about to soar almost 1,000 meters (3,200 feet) in elevation.
On our ride, the kids pressed their noses to the windows trying to spot wildlife below. We were told it’s possible to see elk, deer, and even black bears wandering through the valley below. Although we didn’t see any wildlife on the way up, it was sure fun trying!
More By Pursuit
In addition to the Jasper SkyTram, Pursuit also operates many of the other top Banff & Jasper attractions. Don’t miss our informative posts on the Maligne Lake Cruise, the Columbia Icefield Adventure, the Banff Gondola and the Lake Minnewanka Cruise.
Jasper SkyTram Upper Terminal
When you step off the tram at the Upper Terminal, you’re already at an elevation of 2,263 meters (7,425 feet). The air is cooler, the vegetation has shifted to alpine meadows, and the mountain views are instantly breathtaking.
Inside the Upper Terminal, you’ll find washrooms, a cozy café, and interpretive displays about Jasper’s geology, wildlife, and ecosystem. The staff are friendly and always happy to answer questions; from the names of surrounding peaks to the best trails to explore.
This is also where you can pause to layer up. Even on a hot summer day in Jasper, it’s noticeably cooler at the top, with temperatures sometimes 10 – 15°C (18 – 27°F) lower than in town.
Jasper SkyTram Summit Area
Step outside the terminal and you’ll find yourself in a whole new world. A network of wooden boardwalks and gravel trails leads you to different viewpoints, each offering its own unique angle on Jasper National Park.
Located at the confluence of three mountain valleys, they picked the ideal spot to build the Jasper SkyTram. To the north, you’ll see the Town of Jasper nestled along the icy blue waters of the Athabasca River. To the east, the endless peaks of the Front Ranges. And to the south and west, the rugged backbone of the Rockies stretching into British Columbia.
There are plenty of benches and resting spots, making it easy for families and older visitors to soak in the scenery without venturing far. For hikers, the summit area is also the gateway to the Whistlers Summit Trail.
The Views from the Jasper SkyTram
The main reason people ride the Jasper SkyTram is, of course, the incredible views of the Canadian Rockies. And they truly deliver. From the top, you can see six different mountain ranges, the turquoise lakes around Jasper, and the milky Athabasca River snaking its way through the valley.
On clear days, you can even see Mount Robson (the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies) far to the west. Photographers love the SkyTram because the light shifts throughout the day, creating endless opportunities for incredible shots.
If you’re looking for the best time to ride for photography, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The softer light adds depth to the mountains and enhances the color of the lakes below. We went in the late afternoon, and the shadows on the peaks made everything feel dramatic and larger than life.
The Whistlers Summit Trail
For many, the Whistlers Summit Trail is the real highlight of a SkyTram visit. This 1.8 km km (1.1 mile) hike leads from the Upper Terminal to the true summit of Whistlers Mountain at 2,463 m (8,081 feet).
The Whistlers Summit Trail is steep in places, but is well maintained and accessible to most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Allow 45 – 60 minutes to reach the top, and a bit less to come back down.
At the summit, there’s an excellent tool which helps you name the surrounding mountains. It looks like a sundial, but it has lines pointing towards the nearby mountains. Using this tool helped us find the name of the mountain we thought was most beautiful – Terminal Mountain, which can be spotted by the colorful pink on her lower slopes. We also used it to pinpoint Mount Edith Cavell, which is one of the most prominent mountains in the Jasper area.
There are two routes to hike to the summit of Whistlers Mountain. You can follow the easier trails, which are longer, but less steep, or you can take the most direct, but steepest, route directly to the summit.
We had a two hour window between our flights on the Jasper SkyTram. To ensure we got to enjoy the views from the summit of Whistlers Mountain, we decided to hike straight up to the summit. We are strong hikers, so it only took us 32 minutes to reach the top. It was a workout, but we stopped often for water breaks and photos.
Once at the summit, the reward was beyond worth it. Standing at the top, with 360-degree views of the incomparable Canadian Rocky Mountains, was a true highlight of our family trip to Jasper National Park.
Having bagged the summit, we took our time explored the easier side trails on the way down. These easier trails lead to a variety of different viewpoints, so I’d highly recommend visiting them, either on the way up or down from the summit.
View the Whistlers Summit Trail Map
Jasper SkyTram Restaurants
Back at the Upper Terminal, you’ll find the Summit Café. It’s a casual spot with large windows so you don’t miss out on the views while you eat. The menu includes soups, sandwiches, burgers, and baked goods, along with coffee and cold drinks.
The Summit Café is not fine dining, but it’s convenient, family-friendly, and perfectly located. For a more substantial meal, you’ll want to head back down into Jasper town, but the café is great for a quick bite while you wait for your return flight down.
Back at the Lower Terminal, you can also enjoy a light meal or a snack at the Basecamp Café, which offers hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and ice cream.
Jasper SkyTram Tickets
Price
Tickets for the Jasper SkyTram vary by season and age. Adults can expect to pay around $80, while children’s tickets are discounted. Alberta Residents Discounts and family packages are often available.
How Much Time Do You Need at the Jasper SkyTram
When you buy tickets to the Jasper SkyTram, you need to reserve a time for your flight up and your flight down. This forces visitors to ask the question, “How much time do I need at the Jasper SkyTram?“.
Everyone’s time needs will vary, but here area few rough guidelines: If you are just going to the top for the views, an hour should be enough. If you want to hike to the top of Whistlers Mountain, then you should plan on 2-3 hours in-between flights.
We had a two hour window in-between our Jasper SkyTram flight times. We are very strong hikers, and we made it to the summit and back to the Upper Terminal with 15 minutes to spare. If you are not a strong hiker, you may consider a longer window.
Note: The Jasper SkyTram staff are very helpful and will try to accommodate getting you on an earlier, or later trip down. But, missed flights are non-refundable, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and give yourself a little extra time.
Getting to the Jasper SkyTram
Driving
The SkyTram is about 7 km (10 minutes) from downtown Jasper. Follow Whistlers Road from Highway 16; the signage is clear, and there’s a large parking lot at the base station.
Public Transit
There isn’t a public bus service directly to the SkyTram. If you’re staying in town without a car, you’ll need to book a taxi, or consider a guided tour.
Shuttle Bus
Although there is no free shuttle to the Jasper SkyTram, Sundog tours offers a paid shuttle service.
Jasper SkyTram Information
The SkyTram typically operates from late March or early April through late October, weather permitting. Hours change seasonally, with the first tram usually departing around 9 a.m. and the last returning between 8 – 9 p.m. in peak summer. Always double-check the schedule before your visit, as hours can change due to weather or maintenance.
Was the Jasper SkyTram Affected by the 2024 Fire?
In 2024, a devastating wildfire swept through Jasper National Park, causing significant damage to parts of town. While the fire did burn on Whistlers Mountain, the Jasper SkyTram was not significantly damaged, and it operates safely today.
The surrounding forest on the lower slopes of the mountain was impacted by the forest fire, but I love how you can see the resilience of nature, as the forest is already starting to regrow. Today, visitors can still enjoy the full SkyTram experience with no impact to the ride or summit trails.
Final Thoughts – Is the Jasper SkyTram Worth It?
So, is the Jasper SkyTram worth it? In my opinion; absolutely. This is one of the easiest ways to experience Jasper’s alpine environment without a strenuous full-day hike. You get stunning views, access to the Whistlers Summit Trail, and a true sense of being on top of the world.
For families, it’s a fun adventure that combines a gondola ride with the option of hiking. For photographers, it’s a chance to capture Jasper from every angle. And for anyone short on time, it delivers once-in-a-lifetime views of the Canadian Rockies in less than half a day.
If you’re planning your trip, I’d encourage you to book your Jasper SkyTram tickets in advance, especially in the peak summer months, and make this experience a cornerstone of your Jasper itinerary.
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Dan Brewer, a life-long Alberta resident, calls Canmore home along with his wife and two kids. He is the co-owner of Travel Banff Canada, where he gets to share his passion for the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Dan, along with his family, love being outdoors doing one of the many activities they enjoy in the mountains: hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
When he's not in Canmore enjoying one of his favourite local hikes, you can find him hoping on a plane to explore a new country with his family or working on one of their other two travel sites: Family Can Travel and Baby Can Travel.