At the western end of what is known as the National Parks Corridor, Revelstoke is blessed with one national treasure at the edge of town and another within an hour's drive. In addition, there are three smaller, family-friendly provincial parks nearby.
Mount Revelstoke National Park is exceptional in that it protects a rare tract of interior rainforest. Relying on a warm, moist air flow off the Pacific, stands of cedar and hemlock flourish on the steep mountainsides in the park. The park provides essential habitat for a herd of mountain caribou, along with mountain goats and a grizzly bear population.
The TransCanada Highway passes through the southeastern corner of the park, making motorized access extremely easy. Follow the Meadows in the Sky Parkway from the valley bottom almost to the summit, and then either walk or take a shuttle bus to the top.
In August, wildflowers in the alpine meadows are at their peak. Note that this road is not suitable for large recreational vehicles or vehicles towing trailers.
Other park attractions include the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail, which is a great spot for bird watching, and the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail.
Glacier National Park
Just 72km/45mi east of Revelstoke, Glacier National Park straddles the Selkirk Mountain Range. Although a full 50% of the park is above the tree line, lower elevations also support an interior rainforest of hemlock and cedar, and an abundance of wildlife.
It was the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th century that brought national recognition to this remote wilderness area. The company hired Major A.B. Rogers to find a route through the seemingly impenetrable Selkirk Mountains. Rogers found this pass in 1881, and four years later the Last Spike was driven at Craigellachie.
The railway brought the first tourists into the mountains of the Kootenay Rockies, and the CPR built Glacier House to accommodate them. They brought experienced mountain guides from Switzerland to lead these Victorian adventurers up onto the mountains and glaciers surrounding the pass.
Rogers Pass has been designated a National Historic Site, and its dramatic history is chronicled in the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.
Blanket Creek Provincial Park
This family-friendly park sits at the western edge of the Columbia River valley, off Hwy 23 South, 25km/60mi south of the TransCanada Highway. Complete with a campground, adventure playground, historic homestead and swimming lagoon, Blanket Creek Provincial Park is popular with locals as well.
Martha Creek Provincial Park
Also a popular spot for locals, Martha Creek is the only provincial park on Lake Revelstoke. Features include a sandy beach, a campground with waterfront sites, an indoor cooking facility and a large grassy field.
Arrow Lakes (Shelter Bay) Provincial Park
Close to the Shelter Bay ferry landing, Arrow Lakes offers 17 camping spots. It is ideal for fishing, canoeing and other water activities, and is a great place to spend the night if you miss the last ferry.
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