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.
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 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 Hotel 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 Helicopters, Heli Canada Adventures or V&H Bear Air, or see the same wilderness terrain on an all-terrain vehicle rented from Glacier House Hotel & Resort. 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 Car Club Show and Shine. Experience the excitement of loggers' sports at the Timber Days and get stoked at the Stoked to get Spanked XC Mountain Bike Race (both in July). In August, join in the fun at the Glacier Softball Challenge and Railway Days.
Each winter, Revelstoke hosts the Swatch Freeride World Tour at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and the Revelstoke Winter Spirit Festival celebrates all things 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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