This Hopkins skyride, one of just two in Canada, operates 10 days a year during the Calgary Stampede.In recent times the ride has been sponsored by Canadian airline WestJet.Chairs over the midway.Although WestJet sponsors the ride, it is operated by Quadra Industrial Group.View south.Towers and chairs in WestJet colours.The southern end of the lift line.View toward downtown Calgary.The southern return station.Loading area.Side view of the return station.View north.A chair for two adults.Each chair features a different message on the back.Drive bullwheel.View south from the north station.For the 2026 Stampede, the lift was shortened by one tower and modified to make room for a new hotel where the drive station once stood.Drive station in its new location 161 feet further south.Softac provided a new control system at the same time the lift was shortened.Operator control box.A total of four towers were either removed or modified as part of the project and all remaining towers received lifting frames.Modified tower 3 with lifting frame and catwalks.Tower 7 didn’t move but received new components.Arriving at tower 11, formerly tower 12.Upgraded lift in action.The part of the lift that was re-engineered.Side view of the new drive station location and tower 1.Relocated tower 2.
7 thoughts on “WestJet Skyride – Calgary Stampede, AB”
bluebottlenoseMarch 20, 2023 / 7:56 am
In 150 years when instead of riding ski lifts people just teleport up the mountain, these will be the onlylifts left because instead of riding them to go somewhere, people just ride them to see the park from an elevated position. Plus it only operates 10 days a year so it will be able to last pretty much forever.
This is an OD Hopkins Skylark, now called the Westjet Skyride. It was installed in 1976 and my company has been maintaining and operating it each Stampede since 1978. I’ve been operating and maintaining it since 2017 when I took over ownership of Quadra Industrial. This is not operated by North American Midway but they do operate (and own?) the one in Toronto, not the one in Calgary.
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In 150 years when instead of riding ski lifts people just teleport up the mountain, these will be the onlylifts left because instead of riding them to go somewhere, people just ride them to see the park from an elevated position. Plus it only operates 10 days a year so it will be able to last pretty much forever.
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It in the middle of calgary aswell so its not lucky to change and they would rather spend money on their big grand stand show
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I don’t understand why they don’t make it for three people so you can take your child with you
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Most of these 1960/70s vintage skyrides were doubles. Cost and other reasons. Some newer ones are triples.
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And Quads.. Such as in Alameda, CA.
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That one’s a Skytrac, not a Hopkins Skylark.
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This is an OD Hopkins Skylark, now called the Westjet Skyride. It was installed in 1976 and my company has been maintaining and operating it each Stampede since 1978. I’ve been operating and maintaining it since 2017 when I took over ownership of Quadra Industrial. This is not operated by North American Midway but they do operate (and own?) the one in Toronto, not the one in Calgary.
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