An adventure above the treeline is about more than just scenic views. Aboard the Jasper SkyTram, you might just spot a few furry and feathered friends that call Whistlers Mountain home, too.
While we can't guarantee wildlife spottings — these animals are on their own schedule — it's always possible in this high-alpine region. Whether you’re soaring on the Jasper SkyTram or walking and hiking around the Lower and Upper Stations, always keep an eye out for wildlife and respect their home. Stay on trails, refrain from removing rocks or vegetation and keep your distance if you do spot a critter.
Here are a few of the iconic animals that you might encounter on your next sky-high adventure.
Like everywhere in Jasper National Park, bear sightings near the Jasper SkyTram are always a possibility. Often spotted on the ground during the ride up or near the Lower Station, both grizzly bears and black bears are known to roam around the mountain base.
There are a few easy ways to tell these two species apart. The most obvious sign is colour; grizzlies are usually a light brown while black bears are — you guessed it — black. Male grizzly bears tend to be bigger than black bears and have a shoulder hump with rounded ears. Black bears don’t have a shoulder hump and have tall, pointy ears.
Best time to spot: Summer and fall, around dawn and dusk
Wildlife viewing can start before you even arrive at the Jasper SkyTram, with many guests reporting moose sightings along Whistlers Road en route to the Lower Station.
Visitors might be surprised during their first moose encounter — these massive members of the deer family can easily grow to six feet tall (from hoof to shoulders) and weigh over 1,000 pounds! Just like bears, make sure to keep a safe distance and remain in the car if you see them on the road.
Best time to spot: Summer and fall, around dawn and dusk
If you’ve never heard of the marmot, you might recognize its distant relatives like the woodchuck or the groundhog. The hoary marmot is the largest ground squirrel in North America and has gained a reputation for the distinctive whistling sound it makes when alarmed, earning it the nickname of “Whistle Pig” among some locals. This unique vocal talent is also where Whistlers Mountain got its name!
You can spot hoary marmots at nearly any point of your Jasper SkyTram adventure once they've emerged from hibernation (usually around late April or early May). Their name, "hoary marmots," comes from their grey-white fur — watch for that pattern and big teeth poking out of rock piles across the mountain.
Best time to spot: Late spring to early fall
This chicken-like bird is the smallest member of the grouse family, and can be found all around the Jasper SkyTram, especially at high altitudes.
While the white-tailed ptarmigan can fly, they prefer to walk around on the ground and rely on camouflage to keep them safe. In the winter, their feathers change colour to blend in with the snow (hence their name), but in other seasons, they are often a greyish-brown or golden tone.
Best time to spot: Year-round
There’s lots of tiny friends you’re likely to see near the Upper Station — none of whom, evidently, are afraid of heights. This includes Columbian ground squirrels and pikas.
Columbian ground squirrels are often mistaken for gophers, but you can be sure of what you're seeing on Whistlers Mountain — there are no gophers in Jasper National Park. In fact, the only Canadian Rockies national park where you will find true "gophers" is Waterton Lakes National Park, located along the Canada-U.S. border.
Pikas can also be found in the high alpine, but don’t confuse their loud whistling with the hoary marmot. These little creatures look a lot like mice but are actually in the same species group as rabbits! Keep an eye on rocky areas for the pika.
Best time to spot: Spring or summer
Bighorn sheep are frequently seen throughout Alberta’s mountainous national parks, but mountain goats are often a little rarer to spot. These white-coated, bearded climbers can sometimes be found in the spring or winter around the Upper Station.
While goats survive on a variety of high-altitude vegetation, you may also catch them trekking into Jasper's three converging valleys (Maligne Valley, Miette Valley and Athabasca Valley) to find a salt lick.
Best time to spot: Late winter and early spring
Book your Jasper SkyTram experience today and secure a chance to spot some iconic wildlife during your Canadian Rockies adventure.
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