A competition watchdog in Canada is urging measures to prevent a monopoly among companies offering paid experiences in Alberta’s mountain parks following the acquisition of the Jasper SkyTram by a U.S.-based firm. Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality finalized the purchase of the tram on Whistlers Mountain for $23.7 million, previously owned by the same company operating the Marmot Basin ski resort.
The Competition Bureau commenced an investigation in late 2024 based on concerns raised by private business operators regarding the acquisition by the company, formerly known as Viad Corp. In April, the bureau concluded that no further actions were necessary.
Keldon Bester, the executive director of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project, expressed apprehensions about Pursuit’s ownership of private attractions in national parks, citing potential competition issues in the Rocky Mountain region. The organization issued a report in December urging the federal government to reverse Pursuit’s previous acquisitions to alleviate its monopolistic hold over Banff and Jasper.
Pursuit operates various establishments globally, including hotels, attractions, and restaurants. Within Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes national parks, it possesses 11 hotels and manages multiple private attractions such as the Banff Gondola, the Columbia Icefield Adventure, and lake cruises.
Stuart Back, the chief operating officer of Pursuit’s Banff Jasper Collection, highlighted the company’s active involvement in local communities and strong partnerships with nearby businesses. Pursuit claimed to have generated 1,200 jobs in Alberta over the past decade, reinvested Canadian profits into local ventures, and raised $3 million for Jasper wildfire relief.
Bester acknowledged that Pursuit’s attractions could enhance the experiences of individuals with accessibility requirements who may not partake in free park activities, albeit at a higher cost. Emphasizing concerns about the company’s business practices, Bester stressed the importance of promoting competition within national parks whenever private entities operate.
While the Competition Bureau found no competition-related issues during its assessment, Bester cautioned consumers about the potential drawbacks of monopolies, including increased costs despite diminished quality and innovation. He also called on Parks Canada to bolster competition promotion in instances where private operators engage in park activities.
Bester concluded by remarking that non-intervention by the Competition Bureau does not necessarily negate the existence of valid concerns.
