Revelstoke Activities
What To Do in Revelstoke
Hiking
Canada 150 marks a great time to explore our beautiful parks. With free access into the national parks across the country there are kilometres to venture and sights to see. With Revelstoke in our hearts we couldn’t think of a better place to start. Revelstoke has endless adventures from bottom to top of the glorious Mount Revelstoke. With free entry the mountain offers boardwalk trails, alpine trails and a summit trail for the hike of a lifetime.
Lower Mount Revelstoke
Inspiration Woods is a great short hike at the base of Mount Revelstoke. For an easier stroll, the Giant Cedars boardwalk provides a great boardwalk that showcases, you guessed it, giant cedars. The name doesn’t deceive as the cedars are certainly giant. There are also some great running 2 and 5km loop trails and an interpretive trail at Nels’ Knickers.
Hiking The Summit of Mount Revelstoke
Drive to the top and hike the final kilometer to the summit or take the shuttle. The summit of Mount Revelstoke has many short hikes with unbelievable views of all sides of the mountain. The First Footsteps trail is a great loop and the Fire Lookout, Koo Koo Sit trail and Heather Lake trail all have great viewing spots of the mountain ranges that surround Revelstoke.
Miller, Eva and Jade lakes
For a more challenging hike these lakes are a great hiking destination and offer camping as well. Stop over at Eva lake on your way back from Miller lake. A hike to the Jade lakes requires an early start but the views and the jade-coloured lakes are well worth the extra effort.
For more information on the hiking trails on Mount Revelstoke: visit Mount Revelstoke National Park
Biking
Biking in Revelstoke can lead to all kinds of adventures, from cross country to down hill to road biking we really do have it all! With endless trails and spectacular views there is a biking for everyone all year round. Yes, you’ll even see some diehard bike fans, biking through the snow in the winter months around town.
Road Biking
A favourite road biking spot is along the Columbia River with it’s rolling back roads and views of the scenic flats. If you’re looking to up the road bike ante, Mount Revelstoke National Park has just repaved their parkway making for a smooth 1700m/5500ft decent.
Cross Country Biking
Revelstoke’s cross country trails offer 40 km of riding. Mount McPherson is the cross country mecca in Revelstoke. If you are looking to gain a bit more elevation, head over to Frisby Ridge and try out the high alpine trails there. The views are worth the extra effort for sure.
Photo courtesy of: Tourism Revelstoke
Downhill Mountain Biking
If peddling up and down hill isn’t your thing and you’re looking for the ultimate thrill, head over to either Boulder Mountain and check out the variety downhill trails. A 4×4 is recommended to handle the logging roads. If you don’t have a truck for shuttling, Wandering Wheels, the local bike tour company offers shuttle services.
Photo courtesy of: Tourism Revelstoke
Bike Trails
Download Tourism Revelstoke’s trail map to see all trails and their level of difficulty.
Bike Rentals
Wish you could pack your bike with you on your vacation but can’t seem to fit it in your suitcase? Do not worry, Tantrum Ride Co has a variety of bike’s for rent to suit your needs.
Bike Tours
Unsure of where to go on your biking adventure? Check out Wandering Wheels. They have a variety of tours and classes for all skill levels.
Cycling Association
For more information on biking in Revelstoke, check out the Revelstoke Cycling Association’swebsite for more details.
Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail
Where Is The Giant Cedars Boardwalk?
When traveling in Canada, the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail is a great stopping point for relaxing for a short period of time and enjoying a gentle walk through the amazing wooded area. You can find the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail about 30 kilometers from Revelstoke, B.C. The walk is about half a kilometer and takes you right into the heart of the forest in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Some of the trees found in the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail are at least 500 years old. The trail is in the area of the Giant Cedars Picnic area. There are plenty of signs along the highway to help you find it, and once you are in the parking lot, all it takes is a few steps and you are deep inside the forest.
There is a wooden boardwalk that guides the trail. There are some areas with steps, but most everyone can take this short walk. Along the way there are plenty of benches so that you can sit and enjoy the towering trees and beautiful, serene surroundings. For those walking on the trail, beware that there could be mosquitoes, and a mosquito repellent or long sleeves and pants should be worn.
In most cases, the trail is open the months of June through September unless there is bad weather. You will need to purchase a park pass to enjoy a stop inside the park just as you would with other national parks inside of Canada.
Park Pass
There are several options for purchasing a park pass.
- There is a manned kiosk during the busy summer months in the parking area for the trail.
- There is a Parks Canada office in the town of Revelstoke. With Revelstoke being such a quaint and charming town, it is a nice spot to have a cup of coffee or grab a quick lunch.
- At the Rogers Pass summit, there is a visitor’s center where you can get information on the park and pick up a park pass.
If you have plans to travel through Revelstoke, Canada, you should stop and visit the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail.
Revelstoke Aquatic Centre
What is The Revelstoke Aquatic Centre?
Even when the snow covers the ground and the ponds are coated with ice, visitors to British Columbia can enjoy a refreshing dip or a full day of exciting fun at the Revelstoke Aquatic Centre. With clean lines and contemporary architecture, this beautiful aquatic environment provides a welcome opportunity for the entire family to unwind and participate in a variety of aquatic and fitness adventures. Individuals and families can enjoy the wonderful activities at Revelstoke Aquatic Centre all year round.
Aquatic Centre Fun For The Family
Youngsters will enjoy splashing with one another in the wading pool while older children can take advantage of the always-popular water slide. Those that desire a restful experience will delight as they languorously float down the Revelstoke Aquatic Centre’s lazy river. Recreational swimmers will appreciate the capacious Olympic sized swimming pool, and individuals who enjoy swimming laps can take advantage of adult lane swimming, which is open during specified times. Those who participate in regular exercise routines will be pleased to take the adult water aerobics classes that provide a fun and healthy workout. In addition, daredevils relish in defying the thrilling climbing wall. Visitors will appreciate the fact that all the pools at Revelstoke Aquatic Centre are filled with salt water.
After a day spent swimming and splashing in the pools, individuals can take advantage of the many options that soothe sore muscles. The sauna and steam rooms at Revelstoke Aquatic Centre provide an even heat that aids in relaxation and recuperation. The luxurious whirlpool also offers an ideal opportunity to unwind. Visitors will leave feeling revived after spending time in the steam rooms and hot tubs.
Staffed by a bevy of pleasant and professional employees, the Revelstoke Aquatic Centre acts as a must see attraction in Revelstoke, British Columbia. The cozy Swiss Chalet Motel, located close to the Revelstoke Aquatic Center, offers its guests free aquatic and fitness center passes.
Revelstoke Bird and Wildlife Watching
Lots To See
The peace of bird and wildlife watching is an experience that must be enjoyed personally to fully understand. The Revelstoke bird and wildlife watching opportunities provide individuals with the ability to see a wide range of wild animals in their natural environment. By visiting Revelstoke National Park and enjoying the bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities, the peace of the activity will display the wonder of the environment.
Bird Watching
Revelstoke National Park is known for the birds that breed and live throughout the area. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of birds throughout the park as they travel and enjoy the fresh sights of the natural environment.
Bird watching starts with identifying the species that are most common to the area. In Revelstoke, visitors can expect to see several species, though the particular birds gather in different areas throughout the park.
Visitors who come in late spring can expect to see birds like the Magnolia Warbler, the Rufous hummingbird and the pine grosbeak. While the late spring and early summer months of May and June are the ideal time to visit the part for a wide variety of bird watching opportunities, later visitors can enjoy the sight of species that are sometimes missed during other seasons.
Visitors who enjoy the park during the summer months of July and August can expect to see beautiful golden eagles, water pipits and the rosy finch enjoying the summer sun and the ability to raise young in a peaceful environment.
Wildlife Watching
While the national park is well-known for the wide variety of bird species, it also has a wide array of wildlife. The mammals within the park offer several species, though visitors will need to take care to avoid scaring the animals during the trip.
Spring visitors are likely to have the opportunity to see mice, ground-squirrels, black bears and even mountain caribou. The particular animals viewed at the park depend on the time of year and the status of the animal. While some visitors will see mountain caribou, many will not due to the relative rarity of the mammal.
Wildlife watching is available at Revelstoke National Park throughout the year. While spring and summer offer the largest variety, even winter visitors are likely to see deer and snowshoe hare. It is one of the best locations for bird or wildlife watching due to the many species that live in the national park.
Fishing In Revelstoke
Anglers will enjoy fishing in Revelstoke as the area features a beautiful and abundant fishing environment. The destination offers several lakes including Col Lake, Tilley Lake and Victor Lake where anglers have the chance to catch whitefish, carp and sockeye.
Revelstoke Fishing
Revelstoke fishing includes fly-fishing in the area’s lakes or trolling for trout. Anglers will reel in numerous trout species such as rainbow, cutthroat and brook. Fishermen must remember to purchase a license to enjoy their hobby, which they can buy from most sporting goods stores in the area.
Best Fishing Practices
Anglers can rent a boat or fish from a lakeshore. When bringing bait, fishermen should be aware that the area bans the use of scented or chemically enhanced lures. However, feathers, metal and plastic are welcome.
With fly-fishing, anglers can only use artificial flies, which include a single or double hook. Anglers may augment their flies with fur or feathers, but cannot add a spinner.
When anglers arrive from other parts of the country to fish, they may consider catch and release as transporting fish home may be challenging. During catch and release, fishermen should not allow fish to remain on the line for very long, which can cause them to die after an angler releases them back into the water.
Anglers must remember to bring a fish out of the water slowly as taking a fish out of the water too rapidly may cause the air bladder to explode and kill the fish. Once a fisherman has reeled in his or her catch, the fish should be handled gently with the angler keeping the fish in the water constantly. Anglers should not touch the creature’s gills and, even though they’re slippery, avoid squeezing.
Anglers who intend to catch and release should keep needle nose pliers on hand to remove the fishing hook. When the fish has swallowed a hook too deep, anglers should allow the hook to remain inside the creature as it will gradually decompose. In fact, fish typically survive after swallowing a hook.
Lodging
When fishing in Revelstoke, anglers have a variety of lodging options that include campgrounds and cozy indoor accommodations such as the Swiss Chalet Motel.
Rock Climbing
Climbing Areas
Revelstoke offers some of the best rock climbing in Canada. Since the first climbers started plotting routes back in the early ‘90s, the number of routes at Revelstoke has continued to increase. The sheer numbers of routes in this area will amaze those unfamiliar with Revelstoke.
Climbing For Everyone
Today there are 14 different climbing areas from which to choose at Revelstoke. These 14 areas offer climbers 46 cliffs to tackle. An amazing 304 routes are available on these 46 cliffs. This large number of routes ensures that every skill level of climber will find a route to their liking here.
The shortest route at Revelstoke is only 15 meters in height, while there are two intimidating routes on the 450-meter high Columbia Buttress. Many of these routes are sport routes that do not require any specialized climbing gear, but there are definitely some technically challenging routes that will require climbers to gear up.
Though the sheer numbers of different climbs available at Revelstoke is one reason for its rapidly growing popularity in the climbing community, that is not all it has to offer. Many climbers are drawn to Revelstoke for the tremendous beauty of the scenery that surrounds it.
Views
Most of the routes at Revelstoke will start out in evergreen forest full of the lovely scent of fresh pine. As climbers slowly ascend above the treetops, more and more of the vast vistas come into view. Those that climb to the summit of the cliffs will be rewarded with fantastic views of miles of pine forests that disappear into gorgeous glaciers, snow-capped mountains and icy blue lakes.
Find The Best Routes
Another great reason to climb at Revelstoke is that the area offers many more services than many other climbing destinations. These services start with a number of excellent climbing guides that can teach beginners the ropes as well as show experienced climbers the best routes to take on some of the more challenging climbs.
There are also many fine lodging options around Revelstoke, ranging from plush hotels to basic camping. Climbers that work up a hunger out on the cliffs will enjoy the many fine restaurants in the area.
Gear Shop
Climbers will also enjoy the fact that there is a climbing gear shop here that will provide every kind of climbing gear imaginable as well as a wide range of camping equipment. Revelstoke really has everything possible to make it a perfect destination.
ATV Touring
The Revelstoke area contains hundreds of kilometres of trails open for exploration. Journey along rambling valley creeks to lakes found on mountain paths. Mountain trails often have snow until the middle of summer, which provides amazing contrast against the clear blue skies and lush vegetation of the slopes. Companies not only supply rental ATVs but also offer tours throughout the area. Experienced guides know the trails and prime locations for optimal landscape and wildlife viewing.
ATV Areas
Mount Revelstoke National Park offers spectacular scenery at any elevation. Enjoy a scenic meadow blanketed in colourful wildflowers. Explore the local wetlands that provide a home for a large variety of birds and mammals that include beaver and muskrat. See skunk cabbage plants and other native vegetation.
Stop at alpine lakes and dine on fresh fish while surrounded by thick green forests.
Journey into the center of old rainforests having trees over 600 years old. While in the park, visit the hydro dam that generates enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes throughout British Columbia. Interactive displays at the visitor’s center explain the dam’s construction and the process of converting waterpower into electricity.
Glacier National Park features over 400 glaciers that continue shaping the landscape of the Columbia Mountains while feeding the sparkling rivers. Along the journey, guests have the opportunity of seeing a vast array of native wildlife. Stop at the Rogers Pass Centre and hear the stories of railroad development through the pass.
Explore the ruins of the Glacier House hotel and venture through the hall of railway models. Make a side trip into Hemlock Grove and see hemlock trees over 300 years old. Take the Loop Brook Trail and enjoy the scenery while seeing the stone pillars that once carried railway tracks across the region and represent some of the oldest surviving man-made structures in the country.
Ride to the Heritage Ghost Town located near the Three Valley Lake Chateau. The recreated village features over 25 historic buildings. Though rescued from other locations and renovated, these structures provide an accurate account of life centuries ago. Tour the Antique Auto Museum housing vehicles that date back to 1902. Explore the Railway Roundhouse that harbours locomotive engines and rail cars along with a functional turntable.
Base a Revelstoke ATV adventure from the Swiss Chalet Hotel. In the evening, relax surrounded by the comfort of modern conveniences after a long day on the trails. Guests also find a variety of information at the hotel concerning touring options.
Enchanted Forest
One of the best Revelstoke activities
When visiting British Columbia, Canada, one of the most entertaining things to see in BC is the Revelstoke Enchanted Forest. It’s the perfect place to visit whether you’re young, old or in-between. Everyone will find some aspect of the Enchanted Forest that’s compelling and fascinating.
What is the Enchanted Forest?
The Enchanted Forest sits amidst the old-growth forest of the Monashee Mountains on the Trans-Canada Highway between the towns of Sicamous and Revelstoke. Open to the public since the 1960s, the Enchanted Forest is a place of magic and wonder. There’s the tree-house that sits fifty feet up the canopy of huge beautiful trees. There’s the choice of a nature walk through a lush forestland or the self-powered boat tour through the beaver pond. There’s the tour of all the settings inhabited by well over three hundred folk art figures portraying mythical creatures, fairyland heroes and villainous villains. See Captain Hook, Snow White, The Thee Little Pigs and Goldilocks, to name just a few.
The experience
Walk the two kilometers of the Wildland Interpretive Nature Walk at your own pace. Examine the cedar grove estimated to be over 800 years old. Walk among the hemlock, cottonwood, cedar, fir and white spruce trees. Read the informational panels about the medicinal and nutritional roots, herbs and other the indigenous plants first discovered by the First Nations People of BC. You may see moose and deer as they wander along their natural trails in the forest. In the fall,you may even see caribou on their yearly trek away from the Selkirk mountain pass toward their winter feeding grounds. From the bridge that spans the Eagle River, you’ll see rainbow trout and all types of salmon, from cohoe to spring to kokanee sockeye.
The Enchanted Forest, Revelstoke, BC, is open from May 1st through October 8th. For the last week of June and all of July and August, closing time is extended from 5:30 PM to 8 PM. Rates in Canadian dollars range from $8 for children under 16 to $10 for adults with a 20% discount for groups of 18 or more. Entry for children under two years of age is free.
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Revelstoke National Park Views
The park itself offers both groomed trails and backcountry campgrounds. If you visit in the summer months, you may have a wider range of places to explore in the park. The area includes some of the most concentrated areas of old-growth cedar and hemlock. Assorted wildlife roam in this protected environment, including mountain caribou and mountain goats. Yes, there are grizzly bears here, but your chances are much better at seeing them as small, stuffed toys in a local gift shop than in the wild.
Winter Visit
For those planning a winter visit to the park and wish to experience even more adventure, there is Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which you can reach from the Swiss Chalet Motel in seven minutes by vehicle for a fun-filled day of skiing. The resort offers all types of skiing, and you can imagine yourself as an Olympic champion as you soar down one of the dramatic slopes. If you prefer a more leisurely day, the Swiss Chalet is within walking distance of downtown Revelstoke, where you can find plenty of shopping and dining opportunities to keep you busy.
Accommodation
The next time you search Parks Canada Revelstoke online, include the Swiss Chalet Motel as part of your vacation plan. You will find affordable rates, great accommodations and convenient location to help you make the most of your Mt Revelstoke National Park trip. Your next great escape is waiting for you here.
Revelstoke Golf Club
The beautiful Swiss Chalet Motel is the perfect place to stay for a night or a weekend. It is even so much better when you consider that the Revelstoke Golf Course is located nearby. The Revelstoke Golf Club is well-regarded as being one of the most challenging and fun places to play golf. The par 72, 6,537 yard course offers a wide variety of great golf holes for all levels of golfers. The course is maintained better than any in the area, and it truly is like a nature’s getaway. The course scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and the course has several sets of tees to make it possible for every golfer in your foursome to enjoy the world class course.
When you golf Revelstoke, you will immediately discover what great golf courses should look like. The Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges are a splendid backdrop to the tree lined golf course. The courses water hazards are truly beautiful to look at as well. Never has trouble looked as great as it does at the Revelstoke golf club.
Revelstoke Golf Club Dress Requirements
Another benefit of this public golf course is the fact that there are still dress requirements. T-shirts and tank tops are unacceptable, and appropriate golf attire is required at all times. This is one of the reasons that so many people keep coming back to Revelstoke. The course itself, along with the expectations of appropriate play, allows the serious golfers to enjoy their game every day. Alcohol is not permitted to be brought onto the premises either, so this also helps to enhance every golfer’s experience. Memberships are also available, but tee times can be granted to non-members as well. You can even reserve your tee times online.
The Pro Shop
Besides just being a fantastic golf course, Revelstoke also has a well-stocked pro shop. You will be able to purchase the clothing that you need for the course, or you can simply get some clothing as a reminder of the great time you had at the Swiss Chalet Motel and Revelstoke golf course. Unlike some other public golf course, Revelstoke also offers a wide variety of golf clubs for sale. This municipal course understands that its golfers are serious about their play, and that is why the offer custom fitting for golf clubs as well. If your game is not up to your standards, you can also sign up to have individual or group lessons.
Golf Club Amenities
Revelstoke golf truly offers all of the amenities that make it a great golf course. The onsite restaurant is another benefit, and the people of Revelstoke, British Columbia truly have one of the greatest public golf courses to claim as their own. Make your tee time today or get together with your company and schedule a tournament. You will need to book your tournament and tee times as early as possible. This beautiful course and its great prices are extremely popular, and open spots always fill up quickly.
There are so many fun, unique activities here in Revelstoke. Keep these in mind when planning your next trip!