Our heritage

We’re Revelstoke locals and that’s the way we like it. Our little motel isn’t a chain or a franchise, in fact, it’s our pride and joy.

Swiss Chalet Motel Heritage, Revelstoke, BC

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THE SWISS

It’s a little known fact that with the arrival of the railway in Canada, came the arrival of the Swiss guides. These were expert mountain guides, bought over from the Swiss Alps to work for Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) hotels between 1899 and 1954.

Between them, they led hundreds of first ascents and taught safe climbing techniques to thousands of climbers. The Swiss guides helped cultivate an appreciation of Canada’s Rocky Mountains with the new settlers and appreciation of an environment to be both preserved and revered.

After a visit to the Canadian Rockies, Englishman Edward Whymper, renowned for his first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, began to promote the Canadian Rockies as “50 Switzerland’s in One.”

In the spirit of these guides, we welcome explorers from all over the world to enjoy and revere these magical mountains and the experiences they offer.

The railway

Those of you with a keen eye will spot our proximity to the Canadian Pacific Railway. It’s this railway that has allowed our small town to thrive. We’re all very much used to the comings and goings of the cargo trains, it’s just part of the Revelstoke ambience! Bring your earplugs or make use of some of ours if you’re a light sleeper, then go and check out the Revelstoke Railway Museum in the day, it’s a local gem.

Revelstoke is pretty famous by railway standards. It’s here that the last spike was driven into the ground by company director Donald Smith on the morning of 7 November 1885. It marks the end of the line as well as the completion of the transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway network.

Locals

Revelstoke born and bred, these mountains are in our blood. More than that, we take pride in being a locally owned and run business, representing this wonderful town and it’s colourful community.