Place · 0.7 mi away
Overview
Perched on the second floor of the Jasper SkyTram upper station, Summit Cafe is all about the scenery. You ride seven minutes up Whistlers Mountain, step into a glassy dining room, and sit down to sweeping views over six mountain ranges, the Athabasca Valley, and the town far below. Come hungry if you want, but come for the view.
What Makes It Different
This is true mountaintop dining—not just a patio with a view. You’re eating above treeline with alpine tundra outside the door and short summit trails leaving from the station. On a clear day, cloud layers can sit below you. Even the most average coffee feels special up here.
Food & Drink
Expect casual, comfort-forward fare and hot drinks: burgers, wraps, paninis, poutine, desserts, and plenty of coffee and tea. Reviews call out the breakfast bowl, bison chili, hikers’ poutine, chicken wraps, and brisket sandwich; beer, wine, and cocktails are available. Quality gets mixed feedback, but the vibe and setting usually win the day.
Wildlife & Scenery
Right around the summit trails you might spot hoary marmots, pikas, ground squirrels, and high-country birds like ravens and Clark’s nutcrackers. Keep your eyes on the slopes and rocky outcrops, especially on quieter shoulder-season days.
Logistics
- Access is only via the Jasper SkyTram; there’s no road to the summit. Park at the lower station, ride up, and the cafe is upstairs in the upper terminal.
- Seating near the windows is the prize; expect a wait during peak hours.
- The dining room is on the second level via stairs.
Pair It With
Grab a window table for a warm-up, then walk the ridgeline toward the true summit of Whistlers Mountain for even bigger views. Or do the hike first and earn your poutine after.
Best Time to Visit
- Early morning: quieter, soft light on the ranges, easy to snag a window seat.
- Late afternoon: crowds thin and the light gets warmer for photos.
- Midday: busiest—expect a queue and a louder room.
Tip: hours and tram schedules vary seasonally; time your meal with your return trip down.
Pros
- Jaw-dropping panoramic views from your table
- Perfect refuel stop before or after summit hikes
Cons
- Prices feel high for food that can be hit-or-miss
- Gets packed at midday with limited menu and occasional slow service
Tips
- Book SkyTram tickets in advance—summit rides often sell out on clear days.
- Arrive before 11 am to nab a window seat and avoid the lunch rush.
- Bring an extra layer; wind and weather change fast at 2,200+ meters.
- Pair your visit with the short hike toward the true summit for bigger views.
- Traveling with a dog? Dogs can ride the tram, but they can’t enter the cafe.
