Sports in the great outdoors are just some of the many attractions of Mount Revelstoke National Park. Hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing and rafting are all summertime alternatives for the adventurous. The locals claim that you can ride a different bike trail everyday all summer long and never repeat. With 40 miles of hiking trails available, you can walk through Old Growth Forest, Alpine Meadows and Tundra and never leave the park. Glacial lakes, the Illecillewaet River with its white water, and Revelstoke Lake provide a wide variety of water sports, all within a day of Mount Revelstoke.
If you want to enjoy a less strenuous afternoon, there is a 18-hole golf course with beautiful mountains as a backdrop. Or take a helicopter tour of the surrounding peaks and valley. Driving the roads of the park during the summertime provides great views and photo opportunities. The 16 mile (26 km) drive from the front gate of Mount Revelstoke National Park to the summit of Mount Revelstoke (open mid-July to mid-October) provides many scenic opportunities.
During the winter the mountain bike trails are perfect for cross country skiing. Helio-skiing, and Cat-skiing are available for the adventurous in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Alpine skiing with a good snow cover from November to May on an average base of 40 to 60 feet is available at nearby Powder Springs Ski Resort. Snowmobile trails are available at nearby Boulder Peak and Frisby Ridge.
Want to see some history? There is plenty in the area around Mount Revelstoke. The Revelstoke Railway Museum has displays featuring the people and machines that worked the nearby segment of the Canadian transcontinental railway. The nearby town of Craigellachie is the place where the final spike was driven joining the eastern and western sections of that railroad. The Three Valley Gap Heritage Ghost town has more than 25 restored historical buildings representing the pioneers of the area.
Tired of sports and sight seeing? How about taking the cure? There are three hot springs in the general area. Canyon Hot Springs is in the Selkirk Mountains between Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park. Halcyon Hot Springs is a day drive away and the Nakusp Hot Springs is a little further to the west in the Kootenay Rockies.
Before heading back to the hotel for a good nights sleep, don’t forget to take in the city’s night life. While Revelstoke will never give Las Vegas any competition for party capital of the west, there is enough going on in town to take the edge off after a hard day of mountain biking or skiing. There is free, live music in Grizzly Plaza every night through July and August. During the fall and winter the Arts Council presents concerts including everything from classical to folk music. And don’t forget the coffee shops, pubs and restaurants in a walkable downtown area.
In short, Revelstoke is a travel destination with something for just about everyone. Young and old, adventurous or relaxing, everyone can find something to do in the area around Mount Revelstoke National Park.