Strap on skis, get on a snowmobile, go for a hike, take in a museum, relax in a hot spring or breathe in the beauty of some remarkable national and provincial parks – Revelstoke appeals to the active and adventurous, and its "open" sign hangs year-round.
Pick up a copy of the Heritage Walking Tour brochure from the Visitor Information Centre on Campbell Avenue. Learn about the city's history and heritage by visiting the Revelstoke Museum and Archives at 315 First Street West, and the Revelstoke Railway Museum located on the other side of the tracks.
Celebrate a big moment in Canadian history by visiting Craigellachie, where in 1885 the driving of the Last Spike marked the completion of the transcontinental railway. Visit the Revelstoke Nickelodeon Museum at 115 First Street West to see fantastic mechanical musical instruments.
Parks and Dam Tours
Explore Mount Revelstoke National Park. Drive the 26km/16mi Meadows in the Sky Parkway. Park at Balsam Lake and take a hike, or drive to the top of the mountain with bikes and then cruise all the way down. Note that the Parkway has many switchbacks and is not recommended for recreational vehicles or vehicles towing trailers.
Drive up to the summit of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. Visit the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre and learn about the Swiss Mountain Guides that pioneered adventure tourism in the Kootenay Rockies – taking women in full Victorian skirts up onto the glaciers.
Take a self-guided tour of BC Hydro's Revelstoke Dam, located about 5km/3mi north of the city on Highway 23. The dam's Visitor Centre features exhibits that illustrate the process of hydroelectric power production. An elevator will take you to the top of the 160m/574ft high concrete dam. Admission is free.
Water Activities
Go whitewater kayaking on the Illecillewaet River, or ride the river with the Apex Raft Company (based out of the Regent Inn in downtown Revelstoke).
Work out, swim in the saltwater pool, or soothe your weary bones in the hot tub, steam room and sauna at the Revelstoke Aquatic Centre.
Summer Activities
Take a scenic flight with Glacier Helicopter, Heli Canada Adventures or V&H Bear Air, or see the same wilderness terrain on an all-terrain vehicle rented from Glacier House on Westside Road. Of course, it's just fine to bring personal ATVs.
Bike along the riverside Greenbelt Trail by Centennial Park or explore one of the many mountain bike trails in the area. Bicycle rentals and trail information are available at the bike shops in town.
If traveling the TransCanada Highway, take a break at a family roadside attraction such as the Enchanted Forest, Beardale Miniatureland, Crazy Creek Falls or Skytrek Adventure Park.
Winter Activities
Ski or snowboard at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, named one of the best resorts in the world by the UK's Telegraph newspaper. It has North America's longest lift-serviced vertical from the top of Mount MacKenzie, and is one of a number of operators offering cat skiing and heli skiing in the Revelstoke area. Ski rentals are available from the resort and in town.
Other winter activities including backcountry ski touring in Glacier National Park.
Take a guided snowmobile tour on a rented sled from Glacier House, or bring equipment. Pick up a map from the Visitor Centre and venture out into the wilderness. Take all relevant precautions and get updated safety information from the local shops or Visitor Centre.
For a more tranquil experience, go snowshoeing just about anywhere, or cross-country ski at Mount MacPherson, 7km/4.5mi south of Revelstoke on Highway 23. Snowshoe and Nordic ski equipment can both be rented in town.
Festivals
In June, catch the Revelstoke Music Festival (formerly known as the Mountain Beats Festival). Experience the excitement of loggers' sports at Timber Days in July, and join in the fun at the Kokanee Glacier Softball Challenge and Railway Days (both in August). Winterlude, which runs for the entire month of February, is a celebration of everything to do with snow.
Driving Routes
Access Revelstoke's national and provincial parks, downhill skiing, snowboarding at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, cat skiing, heli skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowmobiling along three unique driving routes. Find out more about driving routes through Revelstoke here: Driving Routes.
For more information about the sights, events, activities and things to do in Revelstoke, contact the Visitor Centre or chat with a local.
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