Whistlers Summit Hike Jasper National Park

The Whistlers summit hike in Jasper National Park, AB is one of the best hikes in Jasper National Park.

You can make the Whistlers mountain trail as easy or as difficult as you like by deciding whether or not to take the Jasper tramway most of the way up.

I chose to take the tramway up Whistlers Mountain Jasper as my husband isn’t a big hiker and so if I can find ways like this to ‘cheat’ and skip some of the hiking, it’s easier to get him to go with me.

Once you’re at the top of the Whistler Mountain summit, you’re in for a treat!

The views on a clear day stretch far away and the usually snowy mountain peaks are sure to take your breath away.

If you’re planning a trip to Jasper then make sure you add the Whistlers summit via Jasper tramway to your list of things to do in Jasper National Park!

Whistlers Summit hike

This trail guide to the Whistlers Mountain, Jasper hike suggests taking the Jasper tram up and down the mountain.

In doing this you’ll have plenty of energy to make your way over to the true summit and can enjoy the view as you head up in the tram.

This is easily one of the best trails up the top of the gondola if you’re looking for an awesome Jasper Skytram hike to tackle.

Additionally, taking the tram ride means this hike is accessible for kids too!

Once at the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of 6 mountain ranges! And, in case you’re wondering, the mountain gets its name due to the sound the hoary marmots who live on the mountain make.

Keep your ears and eyes open to hear and see them! 

Whistlers Summit Hike basics

Know the essential hike details for hiking the Whistlers mountain trail in Jasper National Park.

• Difficulty: Easy 
• Distance: 3.7 km 
• Elevation: 237 m
• Duration: 1 -1.5 hours
• Whistlers Peak trailhead: From the SkyTram
• Whistlers Peak AllTrails

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

The Whistlers mountain hike

Starting from the lower tram station, ride your way up the tram (bonus tip: get a seat by the window to enjoy all the views!).

The tramway takes you up nearly 2,300m in elevation in just a couple of minutes and it’s the longest guided aerial tramway in Canada! 

During the ride, a guide will give you a talk about the surrounding area and natural sights including the Athabasca River, glacial lakes, Jasper Village, and numerous mountain ranges. If it’s a clear day you may even be able to spot Mount Robson; the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies! 

Once you reach the top, there’s a boardwalk that allows you to wander around and take in different points of view. 

Now, it’s time for what you came for tackling the Whistlers Summit trail! 

The hike to the summit of Whistlers Mountain takes about 30 minutes extra but it is a bit steep with uneven terrain in some sections.

Once you reach the top there’s an even more impressive panorama than the one you enjoyed at the top of the Jasper tram!

If you sit here for a while, you’re likely to see some marmots pop their heads out of their rocky burrows and maybe even give their signature whistle. When you hear if you’ll understand the name of the Whistlers Peak trail!

How to get to Whistlers Summit

The Whistler Summit can be seen from Jasper village. To do this hike by taking the tram you simply head to the Jasper gondola station.

To do this, drive south on the Icefields Parkway for 1.8k m then turn right onto Whistlers Road for just over 3 km. Follow the signs until you reach the Jasper sky tram which is where the Whistlers trail Jasper begins.

If you want to hike to Whistlers Summit, then turn left just after the Whistlers Hostel sign and carry on driving to the parking lot and Whistlers trailhead. 

Know before you go

• Always practice leave no trace ethics. Not sure what those are? Get a refresher here.
• Carry bear spray with you on all BC hiking trails. Get more bear safety tips here!
• Refresh your memory about hiking safety with BC Adventure Smart.

Jasper tramway tips

Before you head off on this Whistler Mountain Jasper adventure, be sure to read through these top tips.

• Even on the sunniest days, it can be a lot colder at the top of the tramway than you’d think. Make sure you’ve packed extra layers, especially if you’re hiking the Whistler Summit trail. 
• Book your tramway ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. 
• If you’re hiking outside of the summer months (late July-early September), be prepared for some snow and/or ice.
• The tram runs from April to October (weather permitting).

What to pack for the Whistler Summit Jasper

What to pack for this hike depends on what season you’re hiking in.

• Check out my day hike packing list here.
• If you’re hiking in summer you should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, water and bug spray as well as everything in the 10 essentials for hiking list.
• Here is what to wear hiking in hot weather
• Check out this post on the best leggings for hiking or what to wear hiking in summer for more details and my gear recommendations.
• If you’re hiking in winter after the snow has started falling you’ll need microspikes at the very least. If there is a lot of snow you will probably need snowshoes.
• You should also take plenty of layers including a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are also necessary as well as a good backpack to keep everything in.
• You should also pack water and some snacks too to keep you going as they’re part of the 10 essentials for hiking!
• Planning a hiking date? Check out what to wear on a hiking date but still look cool.

Last Updated on October 30, 2023 by Hannah