Discover the majesty nature in Revelstoke, a gem nestled between the renowned Monashee & Selkirk Mountain Ranges and next to the flowing Columbia River. With acclaimed sites such as Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks, visitors are encouraged to explore the rich history within these two parks.
Revelstoke stands proudly as a vital checkpoint for legendary Canadian road journeys, seamlessly connecting Calgary and Vancouver along the renowned Rainforest to Rockies Highway 1 route. It’s not just a stop, but a destination that demands your exploration.
THE ‘STOKE’ IN REVELSTOKE
The stunning landscapes are waiting to be discovered by you. Whether by foot or on a bicycle, you can also chill out fishing or get your heart-racing with whitewater rafting. For the thrill seekers, they’ve got an adrenaline-pumping mountain coaster ride.
Revelstoke is unequivocal a visitor favourite, largely due to its magnificent location in the Selkirk and Monashee mountains. This mountain haven is a paradise for summer getaways (in addition to their epic winter experiences). Revy, as it is known by the locals, is magical, the summer is packed with a diverse range of activities, including superior hiking, biking, paddling, paragliding, camping, fishing, golfing, rock climbing and much more.
Discover the exhilarating experience of mountain biking at its finest in Revelstoke. The trails are sure to pump your adrenaline, pushing the limits of your comfort zone. But their offerings aren’t reserved for the adrenaline-driven alone, they also provide serene trails for lovers of nature who want to combine their fascination for the great outdoors with the thrill of a fast-paced ride.
With trails suitable for every skill level and time limit, Revelstoke is a hiking destination like no other. In late spring, the lush valleys beckon the keen hikers. As summer approaches in late June and mid-July, the breathtaking alpine trails unveil their majesty.
Embrace the exceptional vantage point of the accessible alpine, where the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains look back at you. Don’t fancy the uphill challenge? No problem! The Revelstoke Mountain Resort Gondola and Meadows in the Sky Parkway in Mt. Revelstoke National Park serve scenic highs with an effortless ride.
Be sure to include the trails of the Inland Temperate Rainforest, which is made up of a whopping 16-million hectares (40-million acres). This incredible ecosystem offers an unparalleled diversity of intriguing landscapes. Revelstoke’s inland rainforest boasts the highest moisture content unique to the Interior Cedar-Hemlock forest. Dominated by the majestic Western Redcedar and Western Hemlock, this old-growth forest has flourishing carpets of moss, ferns, lichen, and fungi.
REVELSTOKE’S ORIGINS
INDIGENOUS NATIONS
Revelstoke stands on the ancestral grounds of the Sinixt First Nation. This region also upholds the traditional land use of the Secwepemc, Ktunaxa and Syilx First Nations. The Sinixt Nation has successfully repatriated 64 ancestral remains, underscoring their commitment to preserve their cultural heritage. By upholding their cultural laws and responsibilities, they continue to provide necessary safeguarding for both ancestral remains and significant cultural heritage sites.
RAIL HISTORY
Revelstoke proudly stands on its legacy as a historic railway town. For over a century, the town of Revelstoke has thrived in industries like rail, forestry, and natural resources. It is known as one of the most influential and booming communities within the province’s interior – Revelstoke’s prominence stems from its integral role as a “railway hub”.
Craigellachie, one of the pivotal historic hubs in Canada, is remembered as landmark where the “Last Spike” of Canada’s first trans-continental railway was driven, bonding the Western segment of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) with the Eastern section. This grand moment was marked by Donald Smith, Lord Strathcona, one of the influential directors of the CPR, on November 7, 1885. This historic site is a short 59-km drive west of Revelstoke along the TransCanada, Highway 1 – stop by and visit this rest area (with train station & gift shop).
100+ YEARS OF SKIING
Embodying the spirit of adventure since its inception, Revelstoke owes its rich winter sports legacy to the pioneering Norwegian immigrants. These daring adventurers brought with them skiing and ski jumping, leading to the creation of various ski jumping hills around this vibrant town by the 1910s, a testament to their fearless spirit. From the 1960s, Mount Mackenzie was graced with its first ski hill, paving the path for what is now known as the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Today, Revelstoke continues to stand tall as a dynamic hub for winter sports, ever-evoking adventure.
CAPITAL OF THE CANADIAN ALPS
Experience the unparalleled beauty and adventure that Revelstoke has to offer, long hailed as “the capital of the Canadian Alps“. Home to mountaineers, hikers, and explorers, its reputation precedes it. Prepare for an invigorating experience at the renowned Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park, along with countless other sensational recreation sites and parks in this area.
GLACIER HOUSE HOTEL | ROGERS PASS
Step back in time to the lively 1880s! Can you imagine, the tourism industry was already dazzling travellers with breathtaking views and jaw-dropping landscapes? The trendsetter in Western Canada travel was none other than the legendary Glacier House Hotel in Rogers Pass (in Glacier National Park).
Fast forward to present, and we can still find traces of the grandeur that was Glacier House along the ‘1885 Trail’ in Glacier National Park. Visit the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, where homage to those trendsetting visitors is proudly on display, cherish the elegance that the early explorers had the joy of experiencing.
