Go with a guide, go with a helicopter or go it alone – well, with at least one other person, please. There is some outstanding hiking in the mountains around Revelstoke, with trails for every skill level, starting with very easy.
The Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail
Pull off the TransCanada Highway into the parking lot, and stroll through a stand of trees that have been growing there for a very long time –some were seedlings when Christopher Columbus arrived on the continent. The always shady, 1/2km/1/3 mile trail is well marked and mostly level. The trees are kind of humbling. Look for highway signage 30km/19mi east of Revelstoke.
Jade Pass
This moderately difficult hike begins near the summit of Mount Revelstoke. Park at the Balsam Lake parking area and either walk or take a short ride on the shuttle bus to the Jade Lakes Trailhead. From there, it’s 8km/5mi and a 360m/1180ft elevation gain to the top of Jade Pass. Most of the perspiration is in the latter half of the hike. Plan to spend some time at the top of the pass, which promises fantastic views of Jade Lakes and the surrounding peaks. Then, it’s 8km/5mi back to the trailhead.
Keystone Standard Basin Trail
Getting to the trailhead starts with driving north on Highway 23 N. After 50km/31mi, turn right onto a logging road marked by a large sign. Exercise extreme caution and watch for logging trucks. The trailhead is well marked and 15km/9mi up the logging road. Most of this moderate hike, (which is long if there are no plans to overnight along the way), is through alpine meadows, which are at their peak of colour in August. The Keystone Standard Cabin, available for public use, is situated approximately 11km/7mi from the trailhead. Note that this trail is shared by hikers and mountain bikers.
Professional Guides
Revelstoke Alpine Adventures offers one-day interpretive hikes and customized multi-day backpacking adventures.
Heli Hiking
For novices, heli-hiking makes it possible to access remote wilderness areas, while for seasoned hikers, it is an alternative to bumpy rides on logging roads and the often long walk in. Revelstoke-based Heli Canada offers single day and multi-day packages, and even a little helicopter accessed fishing. It adds a new dimension to "fly" fishing. For more information, local tips and practical safety info on the area, stop in at the Revelstoke year-round Visitor Centre on Campbell Ave, or check in at the seasonal Visitor Centre at Grizzly Plaza.