Revelstoke BC, Where Adventure Beckons
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Revelstoke is the powder capital of Canada and is known for snowmobiling, heli, cat, downhill skiing, Nordic skiing and ski touring, snowboarding, curling, skating, tobogganing and snowshoeing. With an average snowfall of 40-50 feet per year, you are assured to have an adventure like no other. Enthusiasts are coming for the snow and returning, or staying, to capitalize on Revelstoke's countless other seasonal activities.
Revelstoke has everything you would expect of a small city in the mountains with a rich history and culture. Situated in the south-eastern part of BC at the heart of the Monashee, Selkirk and North Columbia Mountains Revelstoke is located at the confluence of the Illecillewaet and Columbia Rivers at the north end of the Arrow Lakes. Surrounded by two National Parks, this mountain paradise has an elevation of 480 meters or 1,575 feet and is home to approximately 9,000 people.
Summer activities include: mountain biking, hiking, climbing, heli-hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, boating, kayaking, ATV-ing, 4x4 touring, golfing, dirt biking, horseback riding, bird and wildlife viewing, slow river floats, wetland scenic forest tours and much more.
Mountain Biking
When you go mountain biking in Revelstoke, you will experience what real "mountain" biking is with backcountry single-track trails and crazy freeride terrain located in inland rainforests - some with altitudes well over 7000 feet. There are so many trails, you could ride every day all summer, and never ride the same one twice! Detailed hiking trail maps are available at both the visitor info centers.
Some of our favorite spots include;...
...the Mount MacPherson area has a vast network of mountain bike trails, with a large chalet located centrally in the park. Trails range from tame to very challenging.
...the Beaver Lake trail just outside of town offers an interpretive rainforest trail, highlighting many different ecological zones.
...Begbie Falls are close via the Begbie Creek Trail and offer a short bike in for something more relaxing.
Several operators in the area offer equipment rentals and guided tour packages. Guided mountain bike tours provide access to great terrain, while helping improve individual mountain biking skills.
Hiking, Climbing & Heli Hiking
The Selkirk & Monashee Mountains that surround Revelstoke offer endless hiking & climbing opportunities. With many area mountains topping 10,000 ft. you have the opportunity to climb on glaciers and high alpine meadows, either by hiking up marked trails, or taking a ride in a helicopter to some very remote & untouched wilderness areas. Detailed hiking trail maps are available at both the visitor info centers in town.
Both Mount Revelstoke & Glacier National Parks offer a huge variety of hiking and climbing options, including the "Meadows in the Sky Parkway" in Mount Revelstoke National Park.
Special family guided hikes allow your family to experience all the mountain environment has to offer. You might be astonished at what your kids can accomplish. They will learn about local plants, animals, human history, geology and safety considerations. For guided services contact Revelstoke Outdoors Center at 250-814-5060.
The heli hiking season runs form May to mid-October, from spring's wildflowers to fall's changing leaves. There are a range of heli-hiking adventures. For more information contact the Revelstoke Outdoors Center at 250-814-5060.
Hikers have a choice of where to stay depending on what trail they choose to hike; at a private cabin in the mountains, secluded lakefront campsite or one of our many pristine Provincial campgrounds. Hikers can call ahead to book one of the many alpine cabins.
Whitewater Rafting
Revelstoke's Illecillewaet River provides an exciting location for whitewater rafting. This cool, glacier-fed river is very refreshing on a warm summer day. Named by the Shuswap Indians for its rushing waters, the Illecillewaet River provides great whitewater, but nothing too extreme.
Other rafting trips travel alongside Revelstoke National Park where you are traveling amongst huge cedar and hemlock that tower above the river.
The whitewater rafting season runs from mid-May to mid-September. More relaxed, scenic floats down the Columbia River are also available.
Kayaking, Canoeing & Boating
Paddle in pristine mountain lakes or splash through the rapids of one of the many glacier-fed rivers! Sightings can include osprey, eagles, deer, moose, bears and other wildlife that may appear along the water's edge. Several mountain lakes are easily accessed and provide a secluded place for fishing, picnicking and exploring.
Renting gear, for all ages and levels, is made easy as visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to explore Lake Revelstoke and the Columbia River's surrounding nature. Certified guides are available, all you need is your sunscreen!
Locals suggest...
...The Illecillewaet River is the Revelstoke area's best kayaking river.
...If you are looking for some gentle paddling, try the Columbia River, Upper Arrow Lake areas.
...The Goldstream River has a (18 km, 2-4 hr.) pleasant paddle in meandering, marshy section of the river. Grade 1. Detailed handout available from the Columbia Forest District.
Great Fishing
Revelstoke is truly an angler's dream, offering a wide range of species and locations. Trout, Dolly Varden and many other species lurk beneath the paddles of canoes, kayakers and rafters on Lake Revelstoke and the Illecillewaet River. Lake Revelstoke area has held a world record for Dolly Varden (24+lbs.). While Rainbow, Brook, Cutthroat and Bull Trout are plentiful. Kokanee and large Burbot can be found at many other fishing areas.
Revelstoke's many lakes and streams offer fly, spin and drift fishing in secluded mountain settings that are unreachable via the Trans Canada Highway. Helicopter, float plane, 4x4, or jet boat are the preferred modes of transportation.
Many of the mountain lakes have BC Forest Service recreation/camping sites, making for convenient access and camping/picnicking areas. Lake Revelstoke & Arrow Lake sport many shoreline wilderness camping areas, 2 provincial parks, as well as fully serviced campgrounds and resorts.
If you want some fishing assistance, any local fishing guides will provide you with an experience to remember! Guided heli-fishing is available for fishing the most remote alpine lakes. A fishing license is required to fish in any water in British Columbia. Licenses are available from your fishing guide or several sporting goods outlets and convenience stores in Revelstoke.
ATV & 4x4 Touring
The Revelstoke area has hundreds of kilometers of trails for you to explore. Ride along creeks in the valleys or explore the alpine meadows and lakes of the surrounding mountains.
Snow can be found at the tops of some trails well into July, and the scenery can be spectacular. Bring your own ATV, or rent one from one of our guided tour companies and expect an adventure to remember!
Aeriel Touring
Explore the incredible Selkirk & Monashee Mountain Ranges in an airplane or helicopter. Fly over huge glaciers and high mountain ranges but don't forget your camera. Aerial Touring can be booked in all seasons by calling the Revelstoke Outdoors Centre at 250-814-5060.
Horseback Riding
Revelstoke is your horseback riding paradise. Ride along the valley or wind your way up to the breathtaking alpine meadows. Several local companies offer a wide variety of touring options - from short half-day rides to weeklong camp-out adventures.
Golf
The Revelstoke golf course is an historic course that was created in 1924 from an existing equestrian track. A balance of risk and reward, this course weaves its way through some of the finest scenery in the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains. Carved through towering fir and cedars and situated along the banks of the mighty Columbia River this classic golf course is one of the finest mature layouts in British Columbia.
Coming soon to Revelstoke a Nick Faldo designed 18-hole resort golf course to open at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. This course will offer breathtaking views and engaging tactical golf. Set amidst towering trees and meandering creeks, the course will incorporate strategic features that take full advantage of the varied terrain and natural characteristics of the site.
Have time for more, or want a slower pace? if so, we have included some favorite sight seeing "to do's":
Sightseeing
The Skunk Cabbage Trail is an easy 20-30 minute walk located 4 km southwest of Mount Revelstoke National Park's eastern boundary. The trail is well marked and starts by the picnic tables and picnic shelter at the rest area off Highway 1. April to mid-May the trailside is lined by the plant's full-blooming bright yellow flowers. These valley-bottom wetlands along the Illecillewaet River are rich in animal and plant life; May and June are ideal for bird-watching.
Nels Nelson Historic Ski Jump Interpretive Site
Just a few yards south of the Revelstoke Railway Museum on Track Street the trail begins for a 1 hour hike up Mt. Revelstoke to this historic ski jump. From 1915 to the late 1960's annual ski jumping competitions were held on Mount Revelstoke, the longest period of any Canadian ski jumping venues. One of the first in North America it operated from 1915 to 1974 and many World Records were set there. It was the biggest natural ski jump hill in Canada and internationally recognized as one of the best in North America. The judges' tower is a prominent local landmark.
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre
The centre has several spaces devoted to the exhibition of multi-media work by local and regional artists and also provides working space for painters, potters, woodworkers and photographers. The Centre hosts a variety of workshops in various mediums and children's summer art camps. During the fall and winter season they present intimate concerts in their exhibition area.
Museums and Gallerys
Revelstoke's rich heritage and culture can be viewed at the Revelstoke Railway Museum, the Revelstoke City Museum & Archives, BC Interior Forestry Museum, the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, the Nickelodeon Museum and the Rogers Pass National Historic Site.
Revelstoke Hydro Dam
BC Hydro's Revelstoke Dam, one of North Americas largest and most modern hydroelectric developments, is located only a few minutes drive North of Revelstoke. The dam offers self-guided tours with a multi-level visitor centre that includes a large exhibit area and a theater. The tour includes an elevator trip to the dam crest lookout located at the top of the 175-meter high concrete dam.
Revelstoke Railway Museum
Discover Canada's history and railway heritage by learning about the building of the railway, the workers involved, the final days of construction and present day operations. The Museum's unique design complements the multitude of beautiful artifacts and the large photo collection displayed.
Hot Springs
After a long day of adventure take advantage of the many hot springs that are located within 30 minutes from Revelstoke. Canyon hot springs exist thanks to a discovery by Canadian Pacific Railway workers in the 19th century. Located 35 km east of Revelstoke in Albert Canyon, its natural hot spring water is piped 2-miles below into mineral pools that are a perfect, natural, relaxing retreat.
For more of an adventure take the 20-minute free ferry ride south of Revelstoke to Galena Bay and explore a vast array of natural hot springs. Halcyon hot springs is located high-up in the Kootenay mountain range, and is both a year-round vacation destination and a place of health and wellness. First Nations once fought over the spring's hot mineral waters that today are believed to provide relief from arthritis and osteoporosis.
Skytrek Adventure Park
Skytrek Adventure Park offers 4 high-rope challenge courses with ziplines. Participants climb from tree to tree on ladders, scramble up nets over suspended bridges and swinging logs, fly down ziplines or even slide from tree to tree on skateboards. Courses vary in height and difficulty.
Winter
The list of winter activities in Revelstoke is endless, with an average annual snowfall of 12-18 meters, Revelstoke is a must for winter vacations.
Snowmobiling
The season runs from November to June and has a wide range of terrain to suite every sledder. Revelstoke is a snowmobilers dream as trails are kept in good condition all season long with one of our two trail groomers.
There are way too many trails to mention but the locals favor Boulder Mountain because it has some groomed trails and a club chalet. Other popular areas include Frisby Ridge, Hall Mountain, Sale Mountain, Keystone, Akolkolex, and Mt. McCrae.
Visit the snowmobile Revelstoke Society Website for further information, as well as trail maps and passes, grooming schedules, safety and wildlife issues.
Ski Touring
Ski touring is incredible in Revelstoke due to the combination of climate and topography producing light, powder snow with moderate temperatures. Many of the local ski tourers refer to Revelstoke as the ‘most amazing backcountry ski touring in North America'. The Revelstoke Outdoors Centre located at the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers a variety of guiding and rental packages so you can access this spectacular mountain terrain. This year they are also offering avalanche training and safety courses and package deals and specials for beginners. Contact them at 250-814-5060.
Snowshoeing
The vast trail network in Revelstoke can be used in the winter for snowshoeing. In the winter months visitors have the chance to spy some Caribou that use the park as a wintering ground. For something a little different try heli-snowshoeing. Day adventures can be booked at the Revelstoke Outdoors Centre 250-814-5060.
Dog Sledding
Revelstoke Doglsedding Adventures operates tours in the Columbia Valley and is a original and exciting way to see the impressive scenery Revelstoke has to offer. Book through the Revelstoke Outdoors Center at 250-814-5060.