In late May, spring hasn’t quite taken hold in the Canadian Rockies. The cold, windy weather that had disturbed our morning whitewater trip also threatened to cancel our evening plans for a tram ride up Whistler’s Mountain and an anniversary dinner at the summit. Although our trip was delayed for a few minutes, it was well worth the wait. The blowing snow had stopped for a while when we boarded the enclosed car for a trip nearly 8,000 feet up, past the timberline and into the tundra.

The scenery on Whistler’s is wild. During our seven-minute ride we watched the spruce and fir trees grow smaller, finally yielding in their struggle against altitude and climate to the moss, lichen, and bare rocks of the tundra above. In the middle distance, the town of Jasper appeared very small and very distant, sharing its valley with the Athabasca and Maligne Rivers. Opposite us were the tall, jagged peaks of the Victoria Cross Range.

Each tramway car carries a conductor. Ours was a naturalist in disguise, well-versed in the mountain’s plant and animal life, its geology and climate. We found his commentary added a great deal of enjoyment and interest to our short ride.

The summit was icy, and as we left the tramway the snow began again. Unfortunately for us, it snowed just enough to obscure our view of Mount Robson, far to the west. But we found a warm welcome and a good dinner in the Treeline Restaurant.

TO PLAN THIS TRIP: Try the early evening for fewer crowds and a beautiful sunset. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bring extra warm clothing and sturdy boots for a walk to the very summit of the mountain with spectacular views of Mount Robson to the west.

Jasper Tramway Box 418, Jasper, Alberta, Canada T0E 1E0 Phone 780-852-3093