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Mount Revelstoke National Park rises directly above the town of Revelstoke in the Selkirk Mountains of eastern British Columbia. Established in the early twentieth century, it protects a mountain that climbs from humid inland rainforest at its base to subalpine meadows on its summit. That vertical range, from old-growth cedar to wildflowers, is the park's defining feature.
In summer, the Meadows in the Sky Parkway switchbacks up the mountain's flank, with viewpoints over the Columbia River valley and surrounding peaks. Near the top, visitors continue on foot or by shuttle to the summit meadows, where trails lead past small lakes and fire lookout sites, and wildflowers bloom in midsummer. The park is home to bears and other wildlife, and it lies within the range of mountain caribou, though sightings are rare. Along the Trans-Canada Highway, two short boardwalks show a different world: the Giant Cedars Boardwalk loops through towering trees, and the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk crosses a wetland valley. Both are especially atmospheric in light rain. Snowforest Campground offers camping close to town.
The park pairs well with Revelstoke itself, a lively mountain town with cafes and a historic center. In winter, attention shifts to Revelstoke Mountain Resort and backcountry skiing nearby, while the parkway is closed to cars.
WiserMap travel guideMount Revelstoke British Columbia Summit WildflowersPlan Mount Revelstoke National Park: the summit parkway, wildflower meadows, ancient cedar boardwalks, where to eat and stay, and an easy two day itinerary.Read the guide
Winding 26 km road that climbs from the edge of Revelstoke to Balsam Lake near the summit of Mount Revelstoke, with viewpoints over the Columbia River valley along the way. It is usually open from summer to early fall. Trailers are not allowed beyond the base, and parking is limited.
Subalpine meadows on the summit of Mount Revelstoke that burst into colour with lupine, paintbrush and arnica, usually from late July to mid August. Short loop trails lead between the flowers and viewpoints. Stay on the trails, as the meadows are slow to recover from trampling.
Historic stone fire lookout at the very top of Mount Revelstoke, once used to spot forest fires across the valleys. It is reached by a short walk or the summit shuttle from Balsam Lake. The view takes in the Monashee and Selkirk mountains and the city far below.
Small subalpine lake near the end of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, where the main parking area and picnic spot are located. From here you can walk or take the seasonal shuttle to the summit. It is a calm place for a picnic among the trees and wildflowers.
Popular day hike of about 6 km one way from the summit area across meadows and forest to a clear alpine lake below rocky cliffs. The trail is mostly gentle with some ups and downs. Start early on clear days and carry bear spray, rain gear and plenty of water.
Longer and harder hike from the summit area past Eva Lake and over a pass to two striking green lakes. Expect a full day of around 18 to 20 km return with steep sections. It suits fit hikers, and snow can linger on the upper trail into midsummer.
Interpretive trail between Balsam Lake and the summit, named after the Indigenous name given to explorer David Thompson. Signs along the way describe the mountain's plants, history and early mapping. It is an easy, scenic alternative to taking the shuttle.
Short boardwalk loop through an inland rainforest of western red cedars, some more than 500 years old, in the eastern part of the park off the Trans-Canada Highway. It takes about 20 minutes and has many stairs. It is a lovely, shady stop on a hot day.
Flat 1.2 km boardwalk through a wetland of skunk cabbage, ferns and tall trees along the Illecillewaet River, just off the Trans-Canada Highway. It is great for birding, and bears are sometimes seen nearby. Spring brings the bright yellow skunk cabbage blooms.
The park's only front-country campground, set in the forest beside the Trans-Canada Highway east of Revelstoke. It has basic sites, washrooms and easy access to the boardwalks nearby. Reserve with Parks Canada in summer, and expect some highway and train noise.
Site at the base of the parkway that preserves the remains of the famous Nels Nelsen ski jump, where world ski jumping records were set in the early 1900s. Signs tell the story of ski jumping in Revelstoke. It is reached by a short trail from the parkway area.
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