Adventures Await in Revelstoke, B.C.: Your Complete Guide
Revelstoke, B.C., is a gem of a town nestled in the mountains. On a recent road trip, I had a chance to spend some time in this area of natural beauty and rich history. While much of Revelstoke will appeal to outdoor lovers, even if you are not an adventure seeker Revelstoke has something for you.
Revelstoke is nestled in the mountains–the Selkirks, Monashee, and Purcell ranges to be specific. Wooded trails, sparkling rivers, and clear mountain views surround the town, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
The downtown area is full of quaint shops and cozy cafes. I was surprised to learn that the population was only 8,500 people. The town seemed more like one of 20-30,000.
What to Do in Revelstoke
If you love outdoor activities, Revelstoke is a dream come true. In the winter, there’s incredible skiing and snowboarding at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. In the summer, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the nearby national parks are a must.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers hiking and mountain biking trails in the summer and the Pipe Mountain Coaster is one of the more popular family attractions. The coaster zooms through forests and open spaces, providing thrilling twists and turns. I really wanted to give it a try, but my family wasn’t interested.
The resort also has an aerial adventure park, hiking trails, a gondola, axe-throwing and a 9-hole disc golf course. You can see the full menu of summertime activities at the resort here.
In the winter, the resort receives an average snowfall of 34 feet. This ensures excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Location: 2950 Camozzi Rd, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S1, Canada
Revelstoke Railway Museum
The Revelstoke Railway Museum is a wonderful place for anyone interested in the history of railways. The museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits and does a fantastic job of showcasing the role of the Canadian Pacific Railway in shaping Canada.
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to drive a train, try out the Diesel Simulator. I got to drive a locomotive through the Rockies using a real control stand.
Inside there is a Business coach with dining, berths, and a small kitchen. There is also a massive steam locomotive, one of the last built in Canada. You can’t really appreciate how big this is until you are standing right next to it.
The museum also has an outdoor Heritage Railcar collection. This seemed to be more of a work in progress but we enjoyed walking around and exploring the historic railcars.
The interpretive displays offer detailed insights into the construction and operation of the railway. I grew up in B.C. and never realized that the promise of a trans-continental rail line was instrumental in getting B.C. to join the rest of Canada.
Location: 719 Track St W, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0, Canada
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Revelstoke is a gateway to a cluster of parks: Mount Revelstoke of course, but also Glacier, Yoho, Kootenay and even Banff and Jasper are in easy driving distance.
At Mount Revelstoke National Park you can hike rainforest trails and find the spot where ski champions once jumped, and imagine what it must have felt like to fly down the slopes.
One unique feature of this park is the Meadows in the Sky parkway, a 26 km paved road that allows even beginner hikers to access the summit. After only a short walk (about 1 km) from your car, you are treated to breathtaking views. The trails were well-maintained, and it was easy to find up-to-date information on conditions and openings.
Because the road is windy and includes switchbacks, there are some vehicle restrictions (especially RV’s and buses) so if you are oversized in any way you may want to check at the linked site above.
Location: Meadows in the Sky Pkwy, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0, Canada
Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre
This spot offers a mix of history, fun exhibits, and a First Nations Gallery. The view of the Columbia River Valley from up here is breathtaking.
It’s open daily from May 18 through September 2 in 2024, so there’s plenty of time to plan your trip. Be sure to get there early, as you need to pass a security checkpoint.
Guided tours are available and run several times throughout the day. You can also rent audio tours in different languages if you prefer going at your own pace.
The gift shop offers souvenirs, refreshments, and snacks. The centre is very accommodating with free lockers and parking options for cars, RVs, and buses.
Location: Revelstoke Dm Acc Rd, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0, Canada (follow Hwy 23 N)
The Enchanted Forest
Got kids? Or an inner child? This magical place is perfect for families or anyone looking to reignite their imagination. Walk through the old growth forest and find over 350 handcrafted fairy tale figurines and structures. It’s like stepping into a storybook.
There are plenty of places for kids to get their ya-ya’s out, climbing on things as well as climbing BC’s tallest treehouse. Explore the giant cedar stump house and the dragon’s nest. There are plenty of little details that make this place special.
The Wildland Interpretive Nature Walk was a peaceful experience. It’s a 2-kilometer self-guided walk through lush forests, offering a chance to connect with nature.
Right next door, there’s the SkyTrek Adventure Park–a playground in the sky with rope courses and climbing walls. Both can be visited in one day. The parks are located about 30 km (25 min) west of Revelstoke.
Location: 7060 Trans-Canada Hwy, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0, Canada
Revelstoke Museum & Archives
The museum is a surprising space that brings the town’s history to life. Learn about the flooding of the Columbia River and see how the community dealt with such a significant event.
They also offer some walking tours through downtown Revelstoke. They also have programs for families and kids, making it a great spot for all ages. Teachers can find curriculum-related programs, which is amazing for home-schoolers.
For anyone doing research, the archives and reference library offer a treasure trove of information. I’m always impressed when a small town has a nice museum like this.
Location: 315 1 St W, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0, Canada
3 Valley Gap
A short drive west of Revelstoke lies an anomaly of a hotel. You’d think maybe you accidentally clicked your heels and landed in the Catskills in 1960. 3 Valley Gap also has a heritage ghost town. Buildings have been preserved, relocated, or reconstructed to create a representative town of the area during the gold rush.
The interiors of the buildings are furnished with many antiques collected by the original owners. This site is obviously a labor of love of the owners–not a company, just a couple with a vision.
The site also has a large train roundhouse with a functioning turntable, old railway cars, and also some antique automobiles.
Located at: 8903 Trans-Canada Hwy, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0, Canada
Getting to Revelstoke
Revelstoke sits right along the Trans-Canada Highway in south eastern British Columbia. In fact, the highway slows down through town complete with stoplights at intersections.
Whether you prefer flying, driving, or taking a scenic train ride, there are various ways to get to this beautiful destination. Planning your trip to coincide with the best weather (June through September) is a good idea if driving. The Trans-Canada has several gated areas where it may close in bad weather.
Travel Options
By Car: Driving to Revelstoke provides flexibility and the chance to enjoy stunning scenery along the way. From Vancouver, it’s an approximately 6-7 hour drive via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Calgary to Revelstoke is around a 4.5-hour drive, also along Highway 1.
By Air: The closest major airport is Kelowna International Airport (YLW), about a 2.5-hour drive away. Car rentals and shuttle services are available for the drive to Revelstoke. Alternatively, you can fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) and drive from there.
By Train: For a unique experience, consider taking the train. VIA Rail offers services between nearby Kamloops and Vancouver. From Kamloops, you can rent a car for the remainder of the journey or take a connecting bus service.
By Bus: Various bus companies operate routes from major cities like Vancouver and Calgary to Revelstoke. This can be a cost-effective and relaxing way to reach the town without the need to drive.
Best Time to Visit
Revelstoke is a year-round destination with something for everyone.
Summer: From June to September, the weather is warm and perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring Mt. Revelstoke National Park. Summer visitors (late July) can also enjoy the Revelstoke Wildflower Festival, which features guided walks and programs.
Winter: Between November and March, Revelstoke transforms into a winter wonderland. It’s a popular time for skiing and snowboarding at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, known for its deep powder and long ski runs. Additionally, you can explore other snow activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Spring and Fall: These shoulder seasons offer a quieter experience with milder weather. Spring is beautiful with blooming wildflowers, while fall showcases stunning autumn colors. Some activities may be limited, but the peaceful atmosphere can be very appealing.
By planning your travel options and timing your visit right, you can make the most of your trip to Revelstoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Wildlife?
Revelstoke is home to a variety of animals, like black bears, deer, and moose. You can often spot them while hiking or even driving through the parks.
Bird watchers will be thrilled with the diversity of species here. Keep an eye out for eagles and woodpeckers along the trails.
Safety tip: Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed the animals. It’s important for both your safety and theirs. Bear spray is highly recommended and can be purchased locally at Canadian Tire and outdoor supply stores.
What are the top attractions to visit in Revelstoke during the summer?
In the summer, Mount Revelstoke National Park is a must-see for its breathtaking hikes and scenic drives. You can hike the trails to Eva Lake or Balsam Lake, and don’t miss the Meadows in the Sky Parkway for incredible views and stargazing. Also, check out the beautiful Lake Revelstoke for its beaches and waterfalls.
Can you recommend outdoor winter adventures in Revelstoke?
Revelstoke is famous for its winter sports. Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America. You can also try heli-skiing, snowshoeing or a snowmobile tour for an exciting winter experience.
What family-friendly activities are available in Revelstoke?
- Revelstoke Railway Museum
- 3 Valley Gap Ghost Town
- Enchanted Forest and Skytrek Adventure Park
- Pipe Mountain Coaster
- Axes throwing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
What are the best things to do for people who are not adventurous?
Even if you’re not into extreme activities, there are still plenty of things to enjoy in Revelstoke. Visit the Revelstoke Railway Museum to learn about local history or take a scenic drive through Mount Revelstoke National Park for stunning views without much physical effort. Relaxing by Lake Revelstoke or wandering through the quaint town center can also make for a perfect day. You can also relax in one of the nearby hot springs, such as Halcyon Hot Springs–a short drive and a short ferry ride away.
