Calgary's Mountain Getaway Under Siege? MP Demands End to US Firm's Banff-Jasper Monopoly

By The Numbers: Who Owns Our Iconic Peaks?

Ever wonder who really profits when you gaze at the majestic peaks from the Banff Gondola or cruise Lake Minnewanka? Yellowhead MP William Stevenson, a Conservative voice for our Alberta backyard, is putting a spotlight on a U.S.-based firm, Colorado-based Pursuit, alleging they’ve cornered the market on our beloved Banff and Jasper National Parks’ sightseeing attractions. According to Stevenson’s recent Instagram post, despite his strong belief in free enterprise, Pursuit's near-total control over these major tourism hotspots is simply "intolerable".

And when we say "near-total," we mean it. Pursuit's portfolio is a who's-who of must-do experiences: the Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain, the Lake Minnewanka Cruise, the Columbia Icefield Adventure, Jasper's Maligne Lake Cruise, and that vertigo-inducing Columbia Icefield Skywalk. The alarm bells really started ringing for critics, including rival operators, after Parks Canada greenlit Pursuit’s $25-million acquisition of the Jasper Sky Tram in the summer of 2024. This move, they argue, has pushed Pursuit’s market share to a staggering 90 percent or more within these national treasures. Even the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project has weighed in, urging the federal government to curb this significant market presence. For Calgarians heading up Deerfoot on a long weekend, this isn't just business news; it's about access to our own backyard.

Who Pays? Your Wallet, Potentially.

So, what does this mean for you, the average Calgarian planning a family trip to the mountains? Critics are not mincing words: a monopoly, they warn, often leads to monopoly pricing. Adam Waterous, who runs the competing Mt. Norquay attraction, has highlighted the critical concern: "When you have monopoly pricing power, you can dramatically increase prices, which is restricting access to iconic attractions in Banff and Jasper." This isn't just hypothetical; critics allege that Pursuit has already hiked prices on key attractions, like the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, at a rate four times higher than inflation. Imagine paying significantly more just to take in the views you've always enjoyed. This impacts whether a family from Ward 11 can afford that annual mountain getaway, turning cherished experiences into luxury indulgences.

The Opposition: A Call for Fair Play

MP Stevenson isn't alone in his concerns. He's openly advocating for the federal government to step in and direct Parks Canada to reverse decisions that have allowed such a concentrated ownership — specifically, he's pushing for a policy that limits any single entity to no more than 50 per cent ownership in our national parks. It’s a call for fair play, ensuring that these iconic destinations remain accessible and competitive, not just profitable for one dominant player.

On the flip side, Stuart Back, Pursuit’s Banff-Jasper CEO, defends the company’s presence. He points to their substantial economic contributions, noting they’ve added over 1,200 jobs in Alberta, reinvested all Canadian profits back into local operations, and contributed a hefty $3.8 million to community support between 2020 and 2025. While job creation and community investment are crucial, the core of the debate for many Calgarians remains: at what cost to accessible pricing and genuine competition?

The Verdict: Reclaiming Our Rockies?

As the conversation unfolds, reported by the Calgary Herald, the tension is clear: the economic benefits lauded by Pursuit versus the increasing alarm over potential price gouging and restricted access for everyday Calgarians. For those of us who consider the Rockies our extended backyard, the question isn't just about business strategy; it’s about preserving the spirit of our national parks – places meant for all to enjoy, not just those who can afford premium monopoly prices. It's time for Ottawa to weigh in and ensure our mountain escapes remain truly Canadian in access and spirit.