Small StepsAbout Revelstoke
Revelstoke is both remote and accessible. It sits between two incredible national parks: Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks. An excellent option to escape the crowds of Banff but still enjoy nature to its fullest. In this Revelstoke Travel Guide I’ll take you through all the best things to do and places to go. If this guide is helpful please leave a comment below!
Getting to Revelstoke
- By Air: Land in Calgary or Kelowna International Airports.
- By Bus: Revelstoke Transfers provides an airport shuttle from Kewona International Airport to Revelstoke: Book here. Rider Express transport services Vancouver to Calgary daily as well. Check here for their schedule.
- By Car: Revelstoke is located 6-8 hours from Vancouver (8 hours is slightly more scenic). Calgary is 4.5 hours away. If driving a rental be sure to book it ahead of time. During winter you’ll need to include winter tires which are mandatory on BC highways from October to April. Check here for road conditions.
Getting Around Revelstoke
Revelstoke offers four routes across town via Revelstoke Public Transit Service. You can pick up a Revelstoke Travel Guide and purchase a bus pass from City Hall. In the winter, the Resort Shuttle will pick you up throughout town and take you to and from Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Many accommodations will also include free shuttle passes with your stay. There are also local taxis. Unfortunately, ride share apps may have limited to no availability.
About the Area
Most of Revelstoke’s outdoor activities are located less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Revelstoke. In the summer you can rent a bike and ride around town. In the winter you can take the Revelstoke Resort Shuttle or Public Transit Service.
Revelstoke can be split into 4 regions bisected by HWY 1 and HWY 23 S. Boulder Mountain and Mount Macpherson are to the west. Mount Revelstoke National Park and Revelstoke Mountain Resort to the east.
Mount Macpherson: 11km (~7 miles) south – Great for mountain biking and running trails in the summer. Snowshoeing and back-country skiing in the winter.
Boulder Mountain: 8km (~5 miles) west – Summer mountain biking and winter snowmobiling.
Frisby Ridge: 11km (~7 miles) west – Mountain biking and dirt biking in the summer. Snowmobiling in the winter.
Lake Revelstoke: 10km (~6 miles) north – Enjoy swimming, fishing, and paddle boarding in the summer.
Arts & Culture
Revelstoke has a growing art scene that is a source of community pride. Keep an eye out for “Art Alleries” downtown or the Visual Art Centre gallery which features local artists. Many shops also sell and display locally crafted products.
- Enjoy a film at historic Roxy Theatre
- Grab some local flavors from Revelstoke Farmers’ Market a year round event with farm and craft vendors.
- Listen to live music through July and August or watch a show at the performing arts centre.
- During fall you can enjoy the illuminations downtown during the Luna Nocturnal Festival.
Visitor Information
Revelstoke makes it easy to fill your days with endless fun and nature. Check out the Visitor’s Center for curated recommendations and resources. Pick up your own Revelstoke Travel Guide there. Located in the heart of downtown it’s a convenient place to start your day and grab a bite to eat before you head out. At the center you’ll find free parking and RV parking. Along with an electric car charger, free WiFi, and public restrooms.
Have questions before you arrive? Give them at call (250-837-5345 ext 101) or send their team an email.
Relax & Unwind
Take time to unwind after a long day of hiking or a break from the busy city life.
Hot Springs: Soak in the healing water of the Halcyon Hot Springs Resort. Take highway 23 South and catch the ferry towards Nakusp (leaves once per hour). The resort is 10 minutes down the road.
Yoga Classes: Join a class at one of Revelstoke’s yoga studios, many offer daily drop-in classes.
Take in the Wildflowers: Drive up to the Meadows in the Sky Parkway and enjoy the wildflowers while you breath in the fresh mountain air.
National Parks & Hiking
Revelstoke is uniquely situated between two national parks: Mount Revelstoke and Glacier are right at their doorstep. Did you know? Revelstoke is one of the world’s only inland temperate rain-forests?
Head to Mount Revelstoke National Park on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. This paved road features beautiful look-outs and stunning wildflower studded trails. I have a full guide on the hikes you can do in this area here.
Finally, after you’ve conquered Mount Revelstoke, head over to Glacier National Park. For a difficult climb you can try your hand at the Abbott Ridge Trail. A trail map can be found here.
Downtown you can enjoy the Greenbelt River Trails. Walk as long as you’d like and keep an eye out for beautiful birds along the way. Altogether home to over 250 species you’re sure to enjoy some excellent bird-watching.
Mountain Biking
Revelstoke offers seven unique riding zones and is home to one of British Columbia’s first adaptive mountain bike trails.
For Kids (up to 7 years old): Head to Beaver Lodge Kid’s Bike Park on lower Mount Revelstoke. This park includes cute animal-themed features and helps them get the hang of the trails.
For Beginners: Head over to Mount Macpherson’s Griffith Creek beginner loops. The path here is smooth and easy to ride while you learn the ins-and-outs of mountain biking.
Adaptive Riders: Try out Miller Time – a 1km multi-directional loop built to accommodate adaptive bikes and beginners.
Moderate & Expert Riders
For Moderate Trails: Macpherson’s flowdown offers one of the best trails around. It includes all types of linkups and add-ons that will keep you going all morning. For a longer version with the same beautiful views carry on to Frisby Ridge. A 12km out-and-back cross-country trail. This traces a near perfect ridge to a pristine alpine lake. If you’d like, carry on 5.7km on the extension, up and down the berms and rolling landscape to pick up some speed. For more speed head down the Ultimate Frisby Connector at the parking lot.
Another moderate option is Revelsoke Mountain Resort’s most famous trail, Fifty Six Twenty. This takes you on a roller coaster ride with seemingly endless jumps and berms. You’ll need to take the gondola up and then you can access it from the landing. Otherwise, you can climb 7km on the Stroke Climp to take on all 15km of the trail. A total of 5,260 ft vertical. The resort continues to add more trails so be sure to ask around for their best recommendations.
Looking for a challenge? Difficult Trails: Boulder Mountain is Revelstoke’s downhill speedway. It has classic flow and table tops along with wooden stunts and loamy steeps. Altogether there are over a dozen trails so you can choose what you’d like to tackle. To access you can take a shuttle or ride up the climb trail.
Another option, that will get your legs burning, is Keystone Standard Basin. You’ll need to drive Highway 23 North to the basin. This 11km (22km return) is a technical out-and-back trail. Filled with challenging climbs and tight switchbacks you’ll be rewarded with beautiful alpine views. Then link up with Monashee Mountains for what may be the best alpine singletrack in BC.
NOTE: When biking through these trails cell service may be limited, especially at Keystone Standard Basin. Please be prepared and take proper protocols to stay safe.
Biking Resources
For more information about biking in Revelstoke, check out Revelstoke Cycling Association.
Bike Rentals are available at Skookum Bike & Ski.
Get private transfer services for groups up to 7 riders + bikes.
Join a tour with Wandering Wheels.
Dirt Biking
Revelstoke is home not only to mountain biking, but incredible dirt biking as well. There are two main riding areas, a full-sized motocross track, endurocross track, and a kids/beginners track. Take Westside Road 10km (~6 miles) north of downtown to find the trail system. Thereupon you’ll find each has a kiosk with a map outlining the riding zones.
Beginner: Kids and beginners can use the beginner track. Adult novices can try out Kick Start and Easy Street to get their bearings. There is also a viewing platform where you can evaluate other tracks to see if you’re up for the challenge.
Moderate: Try out Ego Trip and the Lower Frisby zone. After you can head over to Deadman’s Creek for a total of 75km (almost 50 miles) of purpose-built trails. Then follow the Yellow Brick Road towards more technical rides. On the way you’ll get beautiful views of Lake Revelstoke.
Difficult: Enjoy a ride at the full-sized motocross track with floating doubles, long tables, and punchy step-ups. Then ride over to Rowland’s Revenge for high climbs above the lake with views to match the challenge. Just be sure to hold on tight!
Get a dirt biking map from the Visitor Center or here. Need a bike? Rent one from Full Speed Rentals or Great Canadian Tours.
Take to the Skies
Join a tandem paraglide over the Columbia River or land on a remote mountain peak via helicopter tour. There is something for everyone looking to soar amongst the clouds and mountain tops.
Rock Climbing
If you’re interested in climbing during your stay in Revelstoke then the Revelstoke Climbers Access Society will be an excellent resource. For beginner climbers you can take lessons. Moderate level climbers can take on routes like Quicksilver Daydreams (5.10b), Two Hands (5.11a), and Flying Shoes (5.11b). Experts can show what they’ve got at Pirates of Waterworld (5.10b) and No Panic in the Titanic (5.11b).
Safety Note: Remember to watch out for rock fall and wear a helmet even when belaying.
Missing gear? Grab what you need at Revy Outdoors. Also be sure to get some bear spray while you’re at it.
Golfing
Soak in incredible views at the fairways. Rolling green hills and stunning mountain vistas. There is something for every skill level at Revelstoke Golf Course. This 18-hole, historic course, provides an excellent golfing challenge and is located just minutes off the Trans-Canada highway.
Water Sports, Rafting, & Fishing
Revelstoke is filled with magnificent rivers and lakes just waiting to be enjoyed. Rent a kayak, paddle board, or go fishing. Certainly, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Water Sports: Lake Revelstoke is a flat and glassy lake perfect for a relaxing kayak, paddle board, or canoe ride. If you’re looking for more of a challenge join a tour to meander through coves and adjoining river systems. Rentals and tours available with Natural Escapes Kayaking and Canoeing.
Rafting: If you’re interested in more adventure on the water, try your hand at a rafting trip. Firstly, choose your difficulty level. Then take a trip down the Illecillewaet River. The biggest rapids are from mid-June to mid-July. For extreme riders check out your options at Paddle Revelstoke. Popular rafting companies are Wild Blue Yonder and Apex Rafting Company.
Fishing: Get ready to reel it in. Revelstoke allows fishing in over 80 lakes and waterways. There are over 200 rivers, creeks, and streams within 30 miles of town. For rentals check out Johnny’s Wild Outdoors shop. Interested in a guided trip? Contact Grit N Glory.
NOTE: To fish in Revelstoke you will need a BC fishing license. You can get this at Service BC in the Revelstoke Couthouse, online, or at Johnny’s Wild Outdoors shop.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Finally! Get ready for absolutely legendary powder. Enjoy the big mountain terrain while relaxing in a small town. As always, there is something for every level. If you’re looking for a thrill, Revelstoke features the longest vertical drop (5,620 feet/1713m) in North America. Check out available runs at the official website.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort Lift Tickets – Buy online to save more.
Winter Sports
More than just a simple resort town. Enjoy the snow every way you can.
Heli & Cat Skiing
Two major mountain ranges give you a variety of climates and terrains to ride. Revelstoke has four heli ski companies and three cat ski operations at the time of writing. Be sure to book early as this is a popular past-time in the area.
Pick your flight: Selkirk Tangiers, CMH, Eagle Pass, and Mica.
Backcountry Touring
Beginners can hire a local guide. Moderate or Expert ski tourers can enjoy the terrain around Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Additionally, beware that explosives are set for avalanche control. In some areas Winter Permits are required.
Snowmobiling
Enjoy the epicenter of Canadian Mountain Sledding in Revelstoke. From November to May, the area sees between 50-60 feet of snow (15-18m) making it some of the most accessible big-mountain terrain. Learn the basics with a tour or try your hand and moderate and difficult trails at Boulder and Frisbee Mountain. For a greater challenge head to Sale Mountain or Keystone-Standard Basin. Rentals are available with the Great Canadian Tours and Full Speed Rentals.
Snowmobile Map and Guide: Grab one from the Visitor’s Center or at the Welcome Center. Don’t forget to grab a Revelstoke Travel Guide as well.
Nordic skiing and Snowshoeing
19 miles (30km) of beautifully groomed trails at Mount Macpherson. The Nordic Center also includes about 4 miles (6km) of lit trails for nighttime adventures.
Safety Notice: Always be alert for avalanches in the area with avalanche.ca
Fun for the Whole Family
Revelstoke has something for everyone in your family to enjoy. From the beach to the park, the mountain coaster and trails everyone is in for a great time.
Summer: Take a ride down the Pipe Mountain Coaster. Visit the Splash Park at Williamson Lake. Enjoy the Enchanted Forest and Skytrek Adventure Park just west of town. If you like a good ghost story, then check out the 3 Valley Gap Ghost Town.
Winter: Enjoy the magic carpet for new skiers at Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s Turtle Creek. Rent snowshoes and enjoy a night walk along the Greenbelt River. Head to a hockey game in town if you’re looking to stay warm indoors.
Indulge in Local Flavors
Food and drink are plentiful in Revelstoke. Head downtown for some delicious food and local flavors. A wide variety of cuisine from around the world is available in town. Including: Japanese, German, Thai, Chinese, Latin American, Indian, French, and more!
Nightlife
On the surface Revelstoke may seem like a small mountain town…and it is (sort of). If you’re looking for crazy clubs and wild night outs, you probably won’t find it here. But after dark there is still plenty to do. Watch a movie or catch a comedy show at Roxy Theatre. During winter head for the rink to watch the Revelstoke Grizzlies Junior A Hockey Team play. Test your knowledge at trivia night or try out the local craft brewing and distilleries.
Overall no matter what you’re looking to do, I hope this Revelstoke Travel Guide has been helpful for you. Enjoy your trip safely and to the fullest.
