Revelstoke British Columbia Big Mountain Skiing and Trails

Why visit Revelstoke

The city was founded in the 1880s as the railway was built through the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, and its name honors Lord Revelstoke, whose bank helped save the railway. That history is visible in the museums, the downtown streets and the tracks that still run through town.

Revelstoke is also snow country. It holds the Canadian record for the snowiest single winter, and the nearby resort and national parks make the setting as rewarding in summer as in winter. Black bear and grizzly habitat surrounds the city, which adds to the sense of wild country.

Revelstoke is small enough to feel friendly and big enough to keep you busy. The city center is easy to walk, the surrounding parks offer a full range of trails and viewpoints, and the highway puts several more attractions within a short drive.

In and around the city

The city's main sights are close together, which makes the first day easy to plan. Start with the museums to understand how the railway shaped the town, then head out to the mountain and the dam.

Mount Revelstoke National Park

Established in 1914, this relatively small national park lies just northwest of town in the Selkirk Mountains.

Revelstoke Railway Museum

This museum on Track Street covers the building of the railway, the workers and the line's modern operations. Rail fans can spend an hour or two here.

Revelstoke Museum and Archives

Located on First Street West, this local museum covers the city and surrounding area and pairs well with a stroll through downtown. Allow about an hour and combine it with a walk past the heritage buildings.

Revelstoke Dam

Just north of the city, Revelstoke Dam spans the Columbia River and is among the most powerful hydroelectric dams in British Columbia. The visitor centre has operated from mid-May to September, so confirm opening hours first.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

South of downtown, the resort claims the longest lift-served vertical in North America, and it is a major winter destination. In summer it runs a mountain coaster, lift-assisted biking and hiking.

Along the Trans-Canada Highway

The highway east and west of the city links several stops that suit a flexible day of driving. Distances are modest, but mountain roads call for patience in winter and in busy summer periods.

Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass

East of town, the Trans-Canada Highway climbs through Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park, a landscape of steep peaks, glaciers and heavy snow.

Last Spike at Craigellachie

About 45 kilometres west of Revelstoke, a plaque and display mark where the final spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven on November 7, 1885. The gift shop and info center open in the warmer months.

Three Valley Gap

This old gold-rush site west of town preserves buildings that recall the pioneer days of the late 1800s. It is an easy stop for photos and a short wander.

The Enchanted Forest

About 34 kilometres west of Revelstoke, this family attraction has folk art figures and a tall treehouse among the trees. It suits children.

Albert Canyon and Canyon Hot Springs

East of town between the two national parks, Albert Canyon has a hot springs campground and cabins. It is a relaxed overnight stop or soak.

Food and local flavors

Revelstoke's restaurants cater to skiers and road-trippers, so menus lean hearty. Pub kitchens serve burgers and homemade pizza, and poutine, fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, is a familiar sight.

Downtown on First Street and Mackenzie Avenue is the easiest place to browse menus on foot, and apres-ski pubs stay busy in winter. Book ahead for dinner in peak seasons.

Where to stay

Downtown Revelstoke is the best base for most travelers, with restaurants, museums and heritage buildings within walking distance.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort has ski-in lodging and suits winter visitors who want to be at the lifts early and summer visitors headed for biking.

Three Valley Gap, west of the city, offers lakeside lodging and old-west scenery for a quiet night on the highway.

Best time to visit

Summer offers the easiest access to the national parks, with hiking, biking and long daylight.

Spring and autumn are quieter but some seasonal attractions close. Check local event listings for any festival dates before you plan.

Getting there and getting around

Revelstoke sits on Highway 1, midway between Calgary and Vancouver, and driving is the most straightforward way to reach it.

Ebus and Rider Express run along the Trans-Canada Highway, with stops that include Golden, Salmon Arm, Kamloops and Calgary. Travel time from Calgary is about five and a half hours.

Once in town, downtown is small enough to walk or cycle. BC Transit runs local buses from Monday to Saturday, taxis are available, and a rideshare-style service called Revy Rides operates in town.

A suggested itinerary

First day

Walk downtown, visit the Railway Museum and Revelstoke Museum, then dine on First Street.

Second day

Drive up Mount Revelstoke National Park for meadows and viewpoints, if the road is open.

Third day

Ride the gondola at the resort in winter or bike and hike in summer, then soak in the evening.

Fourth day

Head west to the Last Spike, Three Valley Gap and the Enchanted Forest, or east to Glacier National Park.

Practical tips

• Check road and park conditions before driving mountain routes, since snow can close them.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it on trails.
• Confirm seasonal hours for the dam, museums and roadside attractions.
• Fuel up before long stretches of highway.
• Book winter and summer accommodation early.